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New York University said that it withheld a student&rsquo;s diploma after he condemned &ldquo;genocide&rdquo; in Gaza in his graduation speech on Wednesday (May 15), calling it a violation of the student&rsquo;s commitment to comply with school rules.
Logan Rozos told the crowd during his speech, &ldquo;As I search my heart today in addressing you all &hellip; the only thing that is appropriate to say in this time and to a group this large is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyu-forces-palestine-protesters-to-watch-the-simpsons-as-punishment-724561">NYU forces pro-Palestinian protesters to watch 'The Simpsons' as punishment</a>
Following this, the NYU spokesperson John Beckman accused Rozos of lying about what he planned to say in his address to &ldquo;express his personal and one-sided political views&rdquo;. He added that the student&rsquo;s diploma would be withheld as NYU seeks disciplinary action against him.
Amid the Trump administration's crackdown against what it calls antisemitism at elite institutions, pro-Palestinian advocacy on US college campuses has become heavily politicised, triggering a debate about free speech.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-offers-refugee-to-white-south-africans-south-africa-president-ramaphosa-slams-them-as-cowards-9075856">Trump offers refugee to white South Africans &mdash; President Ramaphosa slams them as &lsquo;cowards&rsquo;</a>
NYU said it &ldquo;strongly denounces&rdquo; and was &ldquo;deeply sorry&rdquo; for comments made by Rozos. &ldquo;This moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him,&rdquo; the university added.
<h2>What did Logan Rozos say in his speech?</h2>
After being introduced on stage, Logan Rozos said he had been &ldquo;freaking out about this speech&rdquo; but felt compelled to speak out.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-new-york-university-fires-chemistry-teacher-after-students-file-petition-saying-his-class-was-too-hard-523268">New York University fires chemistry teacher after students petition saying his class was too hard</a>
&ldquo;The genocide currently occurring is supported politically and military by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars and has been live-streamed to our phones,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide,&rdquo; he added, without specifically mentioning Israel.
Rozos&rsquo;s profile on the university&rsquo;s website showed he studied cultural criticism and political economy at a small liberal arts school within the campus, according to BBC.&nbsp;
Watch | Trump Pushes For Direct Talks With Putin Amid Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts
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Associated Press reported that the Rozos was selected by fellow students to give the program&rsquo;s commencement address.
NYU is among the 10 universities that are being investigated by US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s antisemitism task force.

Amid the Trump administration's crackdown against what it calls antisemitism at elite institutions, pro-Palestinian advocacy on US college campuses has become heavily politicised, triggering a debate about free speech. World

New York University said that it withheld a student’s diploma after he condemned “genocide” in Gaza in his graduation speech on Wednesday (May 15), calling it a violation of the student’s commitment to comply with school rules. Logan Rozos told the crowd during his speech, “As I search my heart today in addressing you all … the only thing that is appropriate to say in this time and to a group this large is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine.” Also read | NYU forces pro-Palestinian protesters to watch 'The Simpsons' as punishment Following this, the NYU spokesperson John Beckman accused Rozos of lying about what he planned to say in his address to “express his personal and one-sided political views”. He added that the student’s diploma would be withheld as NYU seeks disciplinary action against him. Amid the Trump administration's crackdown against what it calls antisemitism at elite institutions, pro-Palestinian advocacy on US college campuses has become heavily politicised, triggering a debate about free speech. Also read | Trump offers refugee to white South Africans — President Ramaphosa slams them as ‘cowards’ NYU said it “strongly denounces” and was “deeply sorry” for comments made by Rozos. “This moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him,” the university added. What did Logan Rozos say in his speech? After being introduced on stage, Logan Rozos said he had been “freaking out about this speech” but felt compelled to speak out. Also read | New York University fires chemistry teacher after students petition saying his class was too hard “The genocide currently occurring is supported politically and military by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars and has been live-streamed to our phones,” he said. “I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide,” he added, without specifically mentioning Israel. Rozos’s profile on the university’s website showed he studied cultural criticism and political economy at a small liberal arts school within the campus, according to BBC. Watch | Trump Pushes For Direct Talks With Putin Amid Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts Associated Press reported that the Rozos was selected by fellow students to give the program’s commencement address. NYU is among the 10 universities that are being investigated by US President Donald Trump’s antisemitism task force.

THIS university took away a student’s diploma over pro-Palestine grad speech. Here’s what he said

During a refugee program initiated by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0">Donald Trump</a>, 59 white South Africans landed in the US on May 12, as Trump stressed that there has been racial discrimination against Afrikaners.&nbsp;
As they arrived at the Dulles International Airport, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed them, saying, "We respect what you have had to deal with these last few years."
&ldquo;We respect the long tradition of your people and what you have accomplished over the years,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-halts-all-federal-funding-to-terrible-south-africa-invites-farmers-to-us-assures-rapid-citizenship-8831883" rel="dofollow">Trump halts all federal funding to 'terrible' South Africa; invites farmers to US, assures 'rapid citizenship'</a>
Earlier on Monday, Trump during a news conference, reiterated that white people have been facing systematic violence since the end of apartheid, or white minority rule, in South Africa.
However, some critics argued that Trump's decision is racially selective and politically driven.&nbsp;
The US president also claimed that the Afrikaner farmers were being targeted through violent attacks and dispossession of land. In March, Trump took to Truth Social, stressing that South Africa is being "terrible" to farmers in their country, adding that South African farmers are invited into the US.&nbsp;
He also stopped all federal funding to South Africa in a big move.&nbsp;
Trump in a bold statement on Truth Social, said that they are "confiscating their land and farms and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT".&nbsp;
"South Africa is being terrible, plus, to long-time Farmers in the country. A bad place to be right now, and we are stopping all Federal Funding," Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-strengthens-us-uae-ties-with-ai-partnership-and-200-billion-in-deals-9074664">Trump strengthens US-UAE ties with AI partnership and $200 billion in deals</a>
<h2>South Africa prez calls them 'cowards'</h2>
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa called the group of 59 people "cowards", saying "they'll be back soon".
Ramaphosa further said those who wanted to leave were not happy with efforts to address the inequities of the apartheid past, terming their relocation a "sad moment for them".
"As South Africans, we are resilient. We don't run away from our problems. We must stay here and solve our problems. When you run away you are a coward, and that's a real cowardly act," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-insists-ukraine-russia-peace-wont-happen-until-he-and-vladimir-putin-get-together-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-in-turkey-9073995">Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'</a>

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed them, saying, "We respect what you have had to deal with these last few years." WORLD

During a refugee program initiated by US President Donald Trump, 59 white South Africans landed in the US on May 12, as Trump stressed that there has been racial discrimination against Afrikaners. As they arrived at the Dulles International Airport, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed them, saying, "We respect what you have had to deal with these last few years." “We respect the long tradition of your people and what you have accomplished over the years,” he said. Also read: Trump halts all federal funding to 'terrible' South Africa; invites farmers to US, assures 'rapid citizenship' Earlier on Monday, Trump during a news conference, reiterated that white people have been facing systematic violence since the end of apartheid, or white minority rule, in South Africa. However, some critics argued that Trump's decision is racially selective and politically driven. The US president also claimed that the Afrikaner farmers were being targeted through violent attacks and dispossession of land. In March, Trump took to Truth Social, stressing that South Africa is being "terrible" to farmers in their country, adding that South African farmers are invited into the US. He also stopped all federal funding to South Africa in a big move. Trump in a bold statement on Truth Social, said that they are "confiscating their land and farms and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT". "South Africa is being terrible, plus, to long-time Farmers in the country. A bad place to be right now, and we are stopping all Federal Funding," Trump said. Also read: Trump strengthens US-UAE ties with AI partnership and $200 billion in deals South Africa prez calls them 'cowards' South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa called the group of 59 people "cowards", saying "they'll be back soon". Ramaphosa further said those who wanted to leave were not happy with efforts to address the inequities of the apartheid past, terming their relocation a "sad moment for them". "As South Africans, we are resilient. We don't run away from our problems. We must stay here and solve our problems. When you run away you are a coward, and that's a real cowardly act," he added. Also read: Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'

Trump offers refuge to white South Africans — President Ramaphosa slams them as ‘cowards’

World, Photos | From claiming that he wants Canada as '51sthe t state' to his new claim on Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: Here's a list of places that Trump wants US to take over

Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over

A serial killer identified as Glen Rogers chose his last words before execution as praise for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whos-the-democrat-trump-wants-to-face-in-third-term-showdown-spoiler-its-not-biden-8914183">US President Donald Trump</a>.
&ldquo;President Trump, keep making America great. I&rsquo;m ready to go,&rdquo; Glen Rogers, 62, said moments before receiving a lethal injection, as per a report by AP.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/deal-signed-in-pakistan-before-pahalgam-attack-under-scrutiny-heres-why-hint-it-has-trump-asim-munir-link-9074077">Deal signed in Pakistan before Pahalgam attack under scrutiny, here's why. Hint: It has Trump,&nbsp;Asim&nbsp;Munir&nbsp;link</a>
In his final statement, he also thanked his wife, who visited him earlier in the day at the prison, according to visitor logs. He also cryptically said that &ldquo;in the near future, your questions will be answered&rdquo; without going into detail.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-under-assassination-threat-again-ex-fbi-director-under-investigation-after-posting-8647-heres-why-9073730">What does '8647' mean? Ex-FBI Director under fire after post calling for 'assassination' of Trump</a>
Roger was executed for the murder of a woman he met in a bar in 1995. Rogers, a suspected serial killer known as 'Casanova killer' or 'Cross Country Killer', was once investigated for a possible link to the OJ Simpson case in the 1990s. The execution took place at Florida State Prison near Starke. Rogers was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m., authorities said.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-insists-ukraine-russia-peace-wont-happen-until-he-and-vladimir-putin-get-together-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-in-turkey-9073995">Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'</a>
Rogers is originally from Hamilton, Ohio. Some of his alleged and proven female victims had similar characteristics: ages in their 30s, a petite frame and red hair.
Florida uses a three-drug cocktail for its lethal injection: a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Corrections Department.&nbsp;Rogers became the&nbsp;fifth inmate put to death in Florida this year.

World | A serial killer identified as Glen Rogers chose his last words before execution as praise for US President Donald Trump.

A serial killer identified as Glen Rogers chose his last words before execution as praise for US President Donald Trump. “President Trump, keep making America great. I’m ready to go,” Glen Rogers, 62, said moments before receiving a lethal injection, as per a report by AP. Read More | Deal signed in Pakistan before Pahalgam attack under scrutiny, here's why. Hint: It has Trump, Asim Munir link In his final statement, he also thanked his wife, who visited him earlier in the day at the prison, according to visitor logs. He also cryptically said that “in the near future, your questions will be answered” without going into detail. Read More | What does '8647' mean? Ex-FBI Director under fire after post calling for 'assassination' of Trump Roger was executed for the murder of a woman he met in a bar in 1995. Rogers, a suspected serial killer known as 'Casanova killer' or 'Cross Country Killer', was once investigated for a possible link to the OJ Simpson case in the 1990s. The execution took place at Florida State Prison near Starke. Rogers was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m., authorities said. Read More | Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together' Rogers is originally from Hamilton, Ohio. Some of his alleged and proven female victims had similar characteristics: ages in their 30s, a petite frame and red hair. Florida uses a three-drug cocktail for its lethal injection: a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Corrections Department. Rogers became the fifth inmate put to death in Florida this year.

'Keep making America great': Serial killer's last words before execution in Florida

US Senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders has called the USA complicit in the slaughter of Palestinian people.
While speaking with Chris Hayes on MSNBC, he pointed out that Palestinians are on the verge of famine. People are starving, and more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed. This is all done with the help of the US military aid. In 2024 United States provided $18 billion in military aid and more than 50000 tons in military equipment to Israel.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-found-living-with-272kg-mummified-dead-body-for-9-months-9074996" aria-label="Woman found living with 272kg mummified dead body for 9 months">Woman found living with 272kg mummified dead body for 9 months</a>
He called it a mass atrocity, "It is American bombs and American military equipment, which is being used to destroy Gaza"
Earlier on April 3, 2025, Sanders' attempt to bring a resolution to stop arming Israel was overwhelmingly rejected by the US Senate. Only 15 democrats voted in favour of blocking the sale of $8.8 billion worth of bombs to Israel. The resolution was bound to fail, considering the Republican majority.
"What is going on now is unspeakable, and the United States is complicit in this," said the Senator.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
America is complicit in the slaughter of the Palestinian people. 2.2 million people are trapped. Disease is spreading. Children are starving to death. And we continue to provide U.S. military aid to Netanyahu. <a href="https://t.co/mL09zcBjdA">pic.twitter.com/mL09zcBjdA</a>
&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/1923049443911139668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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<h2>77th year of Palestinian Nakba</h2>
Every year on May 15, Palestinians around the world remember Naqba, when more than 13000 Palestinians were killed and 530 villages were destroyed, and more than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their home.
Israel killed over 143 people in a day to mark the 77th year of the Palestinian Nakba. Nearly 70 per cent of Gaza is uninhabitable. It had been 73 days since Israel had blocked all food, water and medicine from entering Gaza
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-israel-want-arab-normalisation-and-an-end-of-war-9074234" aria-label="Majority of Israel want Arab normalisation and an end of war">Majority of Israel want Arab normalisation and an end of war</a>
Half a million people in Gaza, one in five, are facing starvation, according to the report by the UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).&nbsp;
One Nakba survivor who had been displaced at the age of 85 recalled the previous horrors and said it is worse than the last time.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-rescuers-report-80-deaths-after-israeli-strikes-amid-hostage-release-talks-9069519" aria-label="Gaza rescuers report 80 deaths after Israeli strikes amid hostage release talks">Gaza rescuers report 80 deaths after Israeli strikes amid hostage release talks</a>
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Despite Sanders' efforts to halt arms sales to Israel, his resolution was rejected, reflecting a significant divide in the US Senate over support to Israel. World

US Senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders has called the USA complicit in the slaughter of Palestinian people. While speaking with Chris Hayes on MSNBC, he pointed out that Palestinians are on the verge of famine. People are starving, and more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed. This is all done with the help of the US military aid. In 2024 United States provided $18 billion in military aid and more than 50000 tons in military equipment to Israel. Also read: Woman found living with 272kg mummified dead body for 9 months He called it a mass atrocity, "It is American bombs and American military equipment, which is being used to destroy Gaza" Earlier on April 3, 2025, Sanders' attempt to bring a resolution to stop arming Israel was overwhelmingly rejected by the US Senate. Only 15 democrats voted in favour of blocking the sale of $8.8 billion worth of bombs to Israel. The resolution was bound to fail, considering the Republican majority. "What is going on now is unspeakable, and the United States is complicit in this," said the Senator. America is complicit in the slaughter of the Palestinian people. 2.2 million people are trapped. Disease is spreading. Children are starving to death. And we continue to provide U.S. military aid to Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/mL09zcBjdA — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 15, 2025 Also read: Operation Sindoor: How Pakistan uses ISIS-inspired drone tactics against India 77th year of Palestinian Nakba Every year on May 15, Palestinians around the world remember Naqba, when more than 13000 Palestinians were killed and 530 villages were destroyed, and more than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their home. Israel killed over 143 people in a day to mark the 77th year of the Palestinian Nakba. Nearly 70 per cent of Gaza is uninhabitable. It had been 73 days since Israel had blocked all food, water and medicine from entering Gaza Also read: Majority of Israel want Arab normalisation and an end of war Half a million people in Gaza, one in five, are facing starvation, according to the report by the UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). One Nakba survivor who had been displaced at the age of 85 recalled the previous horrors and said it is worse than the last time. Also read: Gaza rescuers report 80 deaths after Israeli strikes amid hostage release talks

'America is complicit in the slaughter of Palestinian people,' US Senator Bernie Sanders

A woman in New Orleans has been found to be living with the dead body of her son for nine months. She is now under investigation after the police found the mummified remains that weigh 272 kg. The woman has been identified as Barbara Hainsworth, a "mentally disabled elderly woman", as per records of the city's Healthy Homes Administration.
The house was surrounded by filth and mounds of garbage, attracting rats and other vermin. People had made multiple complaints to the city about the house, according to WDSU. Later, a member of the New Orleans Health Department reached out to Code Enforcement and informed them about the condition of the house. When investigators with the City of New Orleans reached the house to investigate, they found a dead male body on Thursday, May 15.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-carolina-police-arrest-parents-seeing-large-rat-eat-child-9069909" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">South Carolina police arrest parents after seeing 'large rat eating the child'</a>
"A Code Enforcement investigator was immediately dispatched to the property. DCE&rsquo;s investigation revealed horrific conditions, including the remains of a mummified male body and evidence of extreme hoarding conditions, along with mounds of trash in and around the property,&rdquo; a statement read.&nbsp;
<h2>House has been deemed a hazard, woman was fined $6,125</h2>
Hainsworth is a former doctor who stopped practising 10 years ago after her medical license was revoked. The New Orleans Police Department was called to the house, where they enquired about the human remains in her house. She informed them that it was her son who had "died about nine months ago."
The name of her son was not released, who is said to have passed away following multiple medical conditions.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the house has been deemed a health hazard by code enforcement investigators. However, it does not plan on demolishing it and has instead ordered an assessment and repairs.
"DCE informed its demolition contractor to be on standby to perform an assessment to clean up and remove the trash and seal the hole in the bathroom floor. The property was also scheduled to be boarded by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD),&rdquo; it said in a statement.
Hainsworth had earlier been fined $6,125 for the house's horrible condition.

Police found a dead body in the New Orleans house that had been there for nine months. The house was surrounded by filth and mounds of garbage, attracting rats and other vermin. World Trending

A woman in New Orleans has been found to be living with the dead body of her son for nine months. She is now under investigation after the police found the mummified remains that weigh 272 kg. The woman has been identified as Barbara Hainsworth, a "mentally disabled elderly woman", as per records of the city's Healthy Homes Administration. The house was surrounded by filth and mounds of garbage, attracting rats and other vermin. People had made multiple complaints to the city about the house, according to WDSU. Later, a member of the New Orleans Health Department reached out to Code Enforcement and informed them about the condition of the house. When investigators with the City of New Orleans reached the house to investigate, they found a dead male body on Thursday, May 15. Also Read: South Carolina police arrest parents after seeing 'large rat eating the child' "A Code Enforcement investigator was immediately dispatched to the property. DCE’s investigation revealed horrific conditions, including the remains of a mummified male body and evidence of extreme hoarding conditions, along with mounds of trash in and around the property,” a statement read. House has been deemed a hazard, woman was fined $6,125 Hainsworth is a former doctor who stopped practising 10 years ago after her medical license was revoked. The New Orleans Police Department was called to the house, where they enquired about the human remains in her house. She informed them that it was her son who had "died about nine months ago." The name of her son was not released, who is said to have passed away following multiple medical conditions. Meanwhile, the house has been deemed a health hazard by code enforcement investigators. However, it does not plan on demolishing it and has instead ordered an assessment and repairs. "DCE informed its demolition contractor to be on standby to perform an assessment to clean up and remove the trash and seal the hole in the bathroom floor. The property was also scheduled to be boarded by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD),” it said in a statement. Hainsworth had earlier been fined $6,125 for the house's horrible condition.

272-kg mummified body of man dead for 9 months found in woman's house in New Orleans

Is Coronavirus or Covid-19 threatening the world again? Years after the pandemic brought the globe to a complete halt, the virus seems to be spreading again, especially in parts of Asia. Densely populated financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore are reporting the maximum number of cases, according to a Bloomberg report.
<h2>Covid cases in&nbsp;Hong kong</h2>
In an interaction with the media this week, Albert Au, the head of the Communicable Disease Branch at Hong Kong&rsquo;s Centre for Health Protection said the virus activity in the financial hub is &ldquo;quite high&rdquo;. The percentage of respiratory samples being tested for Covid-19 are coming positive and is at the year's highest level, he revealed.
It is not only the high number of cases being reported but the number of deaths has also reached their highest point in approximately a year, with 31 deaths reported in the week ending May 3, the report further said, citing the data from the center.
However, the number of cases or deaths being reported in Hong Kong, which has a population of seven million people is not as high as the last two years.
<h2>&nbsp;Situation in Singapore</h2>
While in Singapore, another commercial hub of Asia, the estimated number of cases rose to 14,200 in the week through May 3 from the previous seven days, which is an increase of &nbsp;28 per cent.
The city-state's first update on infection numbers in almost a year also said that the daily hospitalisation rose around 30 per cent.&nbsp;
Though the cases have been rising, it is not a matter of grave concern as the Singapore health ministry said there is &ldquo;no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible &mdash; or cause more severe cases &mdash; than during the pandemic."
<h2>Is the fresh Covid surge concerning?</h2>
Though, the Covid cases have been increasing in both the places and some of its adjoining areas, the pace at which it is spreading is not as high as the last two years. However, the recent cases are a departure from typical respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months. There has been a slight deviation, the virus is now showing its capabilities of spreading and causing illness even during the summer months.

It is not only the high number of cases being reported but the number of deaths has also reached their highest point in approximately a year | World

Is Coronavirus or Covid-19 threatening the world again? Years after the pandemic brought the globe to a complete halt, the virus seems to be spreading again, especially in parts of Asia. Densely populated financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore are reporting the maximum number of cases, according to a Bloomberg report. Covid cases in Hong kong In an interaction with the media this week, Albert Au, the head of the Communicable Disease Branch at Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection said the virus activity in the financial hub is “quite high”. The percentage of respiratory samples being tested for Covid-19 are coming positive and is at the year's highest level, he revealed. It is not only the high number of cases being reported but the number of deaths has also reached their highest point in approximately a year, with 31 deaths reported in the week ending May 3, the report further said, citing the data from the center. However, the number of cases or deaths being reported in Hong Kong, which has a population of seven million people is not as high as the last two years. Situation in Singapore While in Singapore, another commercial hub of Asia, the estimated number of cases rose to 14,200 in the week through May 3 from the previous seven days, which is an increase of 28 per cent. The city-state's first update on infection numbers in almost a year also said that the daily hospitalisation rose around 30 per cent. Though the cases have been rising, it is not a matter of grave concern as the Singapore health ministry said there is “no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible — or cause more severe cases — than during the pandemic." Is the fresh Covid surge concerning? Though, the Covid cases have been increasing in both the places and some of its adjoining areas, the pace at which it is spreading is not as high as the last two years. However, the recent cases are a departure from typical respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months. There has been a slight deviation, the virus is now showing its capabilities of spreading and causing illness even during the summer months.

Covid-19 infection spiking in Asia? Hong Kong, Singapore report several cases. Should we be scared?

Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim Anwar visited Moscow from May 13 to May 16, 2025. During the visit, he engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a lighthearted exchange.&nbsp; 
While visiting the Kremlin Palace, Putin posed a playful puzzle to Anwar. Putin talked about St. Andrew Hall at the Kremlin Palace. While explaining the three thrones, he said, "One of them is for the Czar, the second one is for his wife"&nbsp; he then asked, "What do you think the third throne, what is it for?"
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/student-catches-professor-using-chatgpt-demands-her-tuition-fees-be-returned-9074137" aria-label="Student catches professor using ChatGPT to make notes, demands her tuition fees back">Student catches professor using ChatGPT to make notes, demands her tuition fees back</a>
Anwar responded with a witty remark, suggesting that the third throne might be for the Czar's "second wife."&nbsp; This quip elicited laughter from those present, including Putin, who humorously acknowledged Anwar's joke by referring to him as a "true Muslim."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🇷🇺🇲🇾PUTIN'S ROYAL RIDDLE: HOW DID MALAYSIA'S PM CRACK THE CODE? <a href="https://t.co/wQhdFGxIr2">pic.twitter.com/wQhdFGxIr2</a>
&mdash; Sputnik (@SputnikInt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/1922677118195949951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Anwar later responded that it must be for the mother of the Czar. While smiling at his remark, Anwar said he has only one wife.
The interaction was captured on video and shared widely on social media platforms, highlighting the cordial rapport between the two leaders during the diplomatic visit.&nbsp; Such moments underscore the role of personal diplomacy and cultural exchanges in fostering international relations.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-insists-ukraine-russia-peace-wont-happen-until-he-and-vladimir-putin-get-together-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-in-turkey-9073995" aria-label="Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'">Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'</a>
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Discover how Anwar's witty "second wife" remark about the Kremlin's thrones sparked laughter and highlighted the friendly rapport between the two leaders. World

Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim Anwar visited Moscow from May 13 to May 16, 2025. During the visit, he engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a lighthearted exchange. While visiting the Kremlin Palace, Putin posed a playful puzzle to Anwar. Putin talked about St. Andrew Hall at the Kremlin Palace. While explaining the three thrones, he said, "One of them is for the Czar, the second one is for his wife" he then asked, "What do you think the third throne, what is it for?" Also read: Student catches professor using ChatGPT to make notes, demands her tuition fees back Anwar responded with a witty remark, suggesting that the third throne might be for the Czar's "second wife." This quip elicited laughter from those present, including Putin, who humorously acknowledged Anwar's joke by referring to him as a "true Muslim." 🇷🇺🇲🇾PUTIN'S ROYAL RIDDLE: HOW DID MALAYSIA'S PM CRACK THE CODE? pic.twitter.com/wQhdFGxIr2 — Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 14, 2025 Anwar later responded that it must be for the mother of the Czar. While smiling at his remark, Anwar said he has only one wife. The interaction was captured on video and shared widely on social media platforms, highlighting the cordial rapport between the two leaders during the diplomatic visit. Such moments underscore the role of personal diplomacy and cultural exchanges in fostering international relations. Also read: Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'

Putin's riddle: For whom is the third chair in Kremlin Palace? Malaysian PM decodes- Watch

ChatGPT is being widely used by students and professionals across the world to get quicker answers and make their jobs easier. However, it is also looked down upon since anyone using ChatGPT is perceived to be lazy. A ruckus recently ensued over its use in a university in America. However, this time it was not a student, but a professor who was caught using ChatGPT. The student who raised the matter asked that her tuition fee be returned.&nbsp;
A student of &nbsp;Northeastern University in Massachusetts got suspicious that her business professor had used ChatGPT to prepare lecture notes. Ella Stapleton told the New York Times that she noticed something strange about the notes. She scanned them and noticed certain things that are often found in content created by ChatGPT. The search citation and basic misspellings threw her off.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/swedish-firm-klarna-replaced-humans-with-ai-agents-9070281" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'AI can do job of 700 agents': Swedish firm that stopped hiring humans, wants them back</a>
<h2>College student complained about professor using ChatGPT</h2>
Stapleton was angry to see her professor using ChatGPT when the students were forbidden from doing so. She told NYT, "He&rsquo;s telling us not to use it, and then he&rsquo;s using it himself."
Ella went to the university administration and complained about the professor. She demanded her tuition fees back. The matter was taken up, and several meetings were held that lasted months. Ultimately, the university refused to return $8,000 to Ella.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/chatgpt-driving-supernatural-mania-creating-a-black-mirror-world-like-chatgpt-jesus-9038782" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ChatGPT users in a state of 'psychosis', believe 'cosmic' overlords are watching them: Report</a>
Meanwhile, Stapleton's professor, Rick Arrowood, said he used various AI tools to make his notes look "fresh." He told the NYT that ChatGPT, the Perplexity AI search engine, and an AI presentation generator called Gamma helped him in this quest.
<h2>Professor admits he made a mistake</h2>
Rick admitted that he checked the notes to make sure he removed all signs of AI content. However, he obviously missed or did not catch everything. The Northeastern professor has learnt his lesson from the episode. He says faculty should think hard about using ChatGPT, and even if they do lean on it, then it should be disclosed to the students.
He says if others learn from his experience, then "that&rsquo;s my happy spot."

A student in America caught her professor using ChatGPT to make notes and complained to the university administration, asking for her tuition fees back. World Trending

ChatGPT is being widely used by students and professionals across the world to get quicker answers and make their jobs easier. However, it is also looked down upon since anyone using ChatGPT is perceived to be lazy. A ruckus recently ensued over its use in a university in America. However, this time it was not a student, but a professor who was caught using ChatGPT. The student who raised the matter asked that her tuition fee be returned. A student of Northeastern University in Massachusetts got suspicious that her business professor had used ChatGPT to prepare lecture notes. Ella Stapleton told the New York Times that she noticed something strange about the notes. She scanned them and noticed certain things that are often found in content created by ChatGPT. The search citation and basic misspellings threw her off. Also Read: 'AI can do job of 700 agents': Swedish firm that stopped hiring humans, wants them back College student complained about professor using ChatGPT Stapleton was angry to see her professor using ChatGPT when the students were forbidden from doing so. She told NYT, "He’s telling us not to use it, and then he’s using it himself." Ella went to the university administration and complained about the professor. She demanded her tuition fees back. The matter was taken up, and several meetings were held that lasted months. Ultimately, the university refused to return $8,000 to Ella. Also Read: ChatGPT users in a state of 'psychosis', believe 'cosmic' overlords are watching them: Report Meanwhile, Stapleton's professor, Rick Arrowood, said he used various AI tools to make his notes look "fresh." He told the NYT that ChatGPT, the Perplexity AI search engine, and an AI presentation generator called Gamma helped him in this quest. Professor admits he made a mistake Rick admitted that he checked the notes to make sure he removed all signs of AI content. However, he obviously missed or did not catch everything. The Northeastern professor has learnt his lesson from the episode. He says faculty should think hard about using ChatGPT, and even if they do lean on it, then it should be disclosed to the students. He says if others learn from his experience, then "that’s my happy spot."

Student catches professor using ChatGPT to make notes, demands her tuition fees back

Donald Trump on Thursday (May 16) insisted that there would be no peace between Russia and Ukraine "until (Vladimir) Putin and I get together".
Following news of the Russian President Putin skipping the vital talks, US President Trump said that it was "obvious" Putin was going to snub the Istanbul peace talks.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-russia-in-turkey-after-vladimir-putin-snub-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-turkey-9073834">Zelensky to skip first direct peace talks with Russia in Turkey, cites Putin's no-show&nbsp;as&nbsp;'unserious'</a>
<h2>Trump reveals why Putin is skipping the peace talks</h2>
Talking to reporters on board Air Force One, Trump sought to reveal the reason behind Putin's no show. "Nothing is going to happen until Putin and I get together, OK?" he claimed.
Trump said that until he and Putin "get together", nothing will happen.
"Obviously, he was going to go but he thought I was going to go. He wasn't going if I wasn't there. I don't believe anything is going to happen, if you like it or not, until we get together. But we are going to have to get it solved because too many people are dying."
This comes as after Putin's snub, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that he would skip the first direct peace talks since 2022.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-ukraines-zelensky-in-turkey-despite-proposing-them-9069991">Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey &mdash; despite proposing them</a>
<h2>Zelensky to skip peace talks in Turkey</h2>
Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, T&uuml;rkiye.
The leader of war-torn Ukraine has instead decided to send a delegation led by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.&nbsp;
Speaking in Ankara, Zelensky said that Russia was "not serious" about peace negotiations. However, he said that despite Putin's refusal to travel to Turkey, he was still ready for direct talks with the Russian president.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-not-going-for-istanbul-peace-talks-with-zelensky-experts-claims-he-fears-assassination-9070012">Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff'</a>
"Unfortunately, they are not serious enough about the negotiations," Zelensky told reporters before appealing to Putin: "I am here; we are ready for direct negotiations."
Zelensky also said that the defence minister-led delegation has been tasked with discussing "steps towards ending the war, namely a ceasefire".
For Russia, Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's ex-culture minister and Putin's nationalist aide, will lead a lower-level delegation at the meet. The team would also include Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Fomin, and GRU chief Igor Kostyukov, reports AFP.
Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-war-us-secy-of-state-marco-rubio-insists-on-face-to-face-meeting-between-trump-putin-9073843">Ukraine war: US Secy of State Marco Rubio insists on 'face-to-face' meeting between Trump &amp; Putin</a>
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1605_WION_RUBIO_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1605_WION_RUBIO_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=160&amp;tags=Russia, Ukraine, World News, WION" title="Ukraine war: US Secy of State Marco Rubio insists on 'face-to-face' meeting between Trump &amp; Putin" id="PL_iframe_block-maqbeqdg-40g09su8-1taegjtx"></iframe>

Trending | World | US President Donald Trump asserts that peace between Russia and Ukraine hinges on his direct engagement with Vladimir Putin.

Donald Trump on Thursday (May 16) insisted that there would be no peace between Russia and Ukraine "until (Vladimir) Putin and I get together". Following news of the Russian President Putin skipping the vital talks, US President Trump said that it was "obvious" Putin was going to snub the Istanbul peace talks. Also read | Zelensky to skip first direct peace talks with Russia in Turkey, cites Putin's no-show as 'unserious' Trump reveals why Putin is skipping the peace talks Talking to reporters on board Air Force One, Trump sought to reveal the reason behind Putin's no show. "Nothing is going to happen until Putin and I get together, OK?" he claimed. Trump said that until he and Putin "get together", nothing will happen. "Obviously, he was going to go but he thought I was going to go. He wasn't going if I wasn't there. I don't believe anything is going to happen, if you like it or not, until we get together. But we are going to have to get it solved because too many people are dying." This comes as after Putin's snub, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that he would skip the first direct peace talks since 2022. Also read | Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey — despite proposing them Zelensky to skip peace talks in Turkey Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, Türkiye. The leader of war-torn Ukraine has instead decided to send a delegation led by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Speaking in Ankara, Zelensky said that Russia was "not serious" about peace negotiations. However, he said that despite Putin's refusal to travel to Turkey, he was still ready for direct talks with the Russian president. Also read | Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff' "Unfortunately, they are not serious enough about the negotiations," Zelensky told reporters before appealing to Putin: "I am here; we are ready for direct negotiations." Zelensky also said that the defence minister-led delegation has been tasked with discussing "steps towards ending the war, namely a ceasefire". For Russia, Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's ex-culture minister and Putin's nationalist aide, will lead a lower-level delegation at the meet. The team would also include Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Fomin, and GRU chief Igor Kostyukov, reports AFP. Watch | Ukraine war: US Secy of State Marco Rubio insists on 'face-to-face' meeting between Trump & Putin

Trump insists Ukraine-Russia peace won't happen until he and Putin 'get together'

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Thursday (May 15) for the first time since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan had an interaction with Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are now investigating Comey for allegedly calling out to assassinate the sitting US president.&nbsp;
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, T&uuml;rkiye.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-thanks-taliban-for-condemning-pahalgam-attack-holds-first-high-level-talks-since-2021-afghanistan-takeover-operation-sindoor-pakistan-9073712">Jaishankar thanks Taliban for condemning Pahalgam attack; holds first high-level talks since 2021 Afghanistan takeover</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/16/c7V9fbZ3Hh2caOziNjXu.png" alt=" Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Photograph: (WION Web Team) " style="width: 1280px;">Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Thursday (May 15) for the first time since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan had an interaction with Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-under-assassination-threat-again-ex-fbi-director-under-investigation-after-posting-8647-heres-why-9073730">What does '8647' mean? Ex-FBI Director under fire after post calling for 'assassination' of Trump</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/16/s7aZpISYVqHEQ70HlYbE.png" alt=" Trump under assassination threat, again? Ex-FBI Director under investigation after posting '8647'. Here's why Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are now investigating Comey for allegedly calling out to assassinate the sitting US president.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-russia-in-turkey-after-vladimir-putin-snub-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-turkey-9073834">Zelensky to skip first direct peace talks with Russia in Turkey, cites Putin's no-show as 'unserious'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/5gK2eQrKPHXteh7otCEJ.png" alt=" File Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin Photograph: (Combination created using images from Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, T&uuml;rkiye.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-royal-family-boeing-747-jet-donald-trump-9073773">Gift or good riddance? Qatar royal family failed to sell Boeing 747 it is giving Trump in 2020: Report</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/16/A1mKW5lI3Zl8w50qdFUZ.png" alt=" Some people think Qatar is trying to woo Trump. Photograph: (AFP) ">The Qatar royal family gifted Donald Trump a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which he plans to use as Air Force One. The US president has invited flak from several quarters for accepting it, saying it would be foolish to refuse. Some people think Qatar is trying to woo Trump.&nbsp;
WATCH | Israel Ramps Up Strikes In Gaza, As Trump Floats &lsquo;freedom Zone&rsquo;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1605_WION_HAMAS_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1605_WION_HAMAS_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=226&amp;tags=Israel, Hamas War, World News, WION" title=" Israel Ramps Up Strikes In Gaza, As Trump Floats &lsquo;freedom Zone&rsquo; | War In Gaza | Gaza Ceasefire " id="PL_iframe_block-maqb0sgf-87bctucj-sy74d628"></iframe>
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Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Thursday (May 15) for the first time since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan had an interaction with Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are now investigating Comey for allegedly calling out to assassinate the sitting US president. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, Türkiye. Click on the headlines to read more Jaishankar thanks Taliban for condemning Pahalgam attack; holds first high-level talks since 2021 Afghanistan takeover Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Thursday (May 15) for the first time since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan had an interaction with Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. What does '8647' mean? Ex-FBI Director under fire after post calling for 'assassination' of Trump Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are now investigating Comey for allegedly calling out to assassinate the sitting US president. Zelensky to skip first direct peace talks with Russia in Turkey, cites Putin's no-show as 'unserious' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, Türkiye. Gift or good riddance? Qatar royal family failed to sell Boeing 747 it is giving Trump in 2020: Report The Qatar royal family gifted Donald Trump a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which he plans to use as Air Force One. The US president has invited flak from several quarters for accepting it, saying it would be foolish to refuse. Some people think Qatar is trying to woo Trump. WATCH | Israel Ramps Up Strikes In Gaza, As Trump Floats ‘freedom Zone’

Morning news brief: India thanks Taliban for condemning Pahalgam attack; Zelensky to skip peace talks with Russia, and more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, T&uuml;rkiye.&nbsp;
The leader of war-torn Ukraine has instead decided to send a delegation led by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelensky's decision to forego the talks follows Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the peace talks, which he himself proposed.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-ukraines-zelensky-in-turkey-despite-proposing-them-9069991">Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey &mdash; despite proposing them</a>
<h2>Zelensky slams Putin</h2>
Speaking in Ankara, Zelensky said that Russia was "not serious" about peace negotiations. However, he said that despite Putin's refusal to travel to Turkey, he was still ready for direct talks with the Russian president.
"Unfortunately, they are not serious enough about the negotiations," Zelensky told reporters before appealing to Putin: "I am here; we are ready for direct negotiations."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-thanks-taliban-for-condemning-pahalgam-attack-holds-first-high-level-talks-since-2021-afghanistan-takeover-operation-sindoor-pakistan-9073712">Jaishankar thanks Taliban for condemning Pahalgam attack; holds first high-level talks since 2021 Afghanistan takeover</a>
Zelensky also said that the defence minister-led delegation has been tasked with discussing "steps towards ending the war, namely a ceasefire."
<h2>Why is Putin skipping the Istanbul peace talks?</h2>
On Tuesday (May 14), Kremlin said that a lower-level delegation led by nationalist aide Vladimir Medinsky, a hardline aide to Putin and ex-culture minister who was involved in 2022 negotiations, will represent Russia at the meet. The team would also include Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Fomin, and GRU chief Igor Kostyukov, reports AFP.
While a reason for Putin's absence has not been revealed, experts speculate that the Russian president may be fearing arrest for war crimes or a threat to his life.
Speaking to the Mirror, Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commander of the UK's Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Regiment said, "There are analysts, people who know better than I, who believe Putin is now a dead man walking, a spent force whose war in Ukraine will cause his end."
&ldquo;I don't think there is a chance in hell that he would turn up in Istanbul to face Zelensky as he would believe he could be in danger or face arrest for war crimes," he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-not-going-for-istanbul-peace-talks-with-zelensky-experts-claims-he-fears-assassination-9070012">Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he is afraid of meeting Zelensky face-to-face who has called his 'bluff'</a>
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Ukrainian President Zelensky announced he will not attend the Istanbul peace talks with Russia, opting to send a delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov instead. Here's why.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (May 15) announced that he would not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, Türkiye. The leader of war-torn Ukraine has instead decided to send a delegation led by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelensky's decision to forego the talks follows Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the peace talks, which he himself proposed. Also read | Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey — despite proposing them Zelensky slams Putin Speaking in Ankara, Zelensky said that Russia was "not serious" about peace negotiations. However, he said that despite Putin's refusal to travel to Turkey, he was still ready for direct talks with the Russian president. "Unfortunately, they are not serious enough about the negotiations," Zelensky told reporters before appealing to Putin: "I am here; we are ready for direct negotiations." Also read | Jaishankar thanks Taliban for condemning Pahalgam attack; holds first high-level talks since 2021 Afghanistan takeover Zelensky also said that the defence minister-led delegation has been tasked with discussing "steps towards ending the war, namely a ceasefire." Why is Putin skipping the Istanbul peace talks? On Tuesday (May 14), Kremlin said that a lower-level delegation led by nationalist aide Vladimir Medinsky, a hardline aide to Putin and ex-culture minister who was involved in 2022 negotiations, will represent Russia at the meet. The team would also include Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Fomin, and GRU chief Igor Kostyukov, reports AFP. While a reason for Putin's absence has not been revealed, experts speculate that the Russian president may be fearing arrest for war crimes or a threat to his life. Speaking to the Mirror, Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commander of the UK's Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Regiment said, "There are analysts, people who know better than I, who believe Putin is now a dead man walking, a spent force whose war in Ukraine will cause his end." “I don't think there is a chance in hell that he would turn up in Istanbul to face Zelensky as he would believe he could be in danger or face arrest for war crimes," he added. Also read | Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he is afraid of meeting Zelensky face-to-face who has called his 'bluff'

Zelensky to skip first direct peace talks with Russia in Turkey, cites Putin's no-show as 'unserious'

The Qatar royal family gifted Donald Trump a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which he plans to use as Air Force One. The US president has invited flak from several quarters for accepting it, saying it would be foolish to refuse. Some people think Qatar is trying to woo Trump.&nbsp;
However, the expensive gift might not be about all that, but simply a way for the royal family to get rid of the jet. According to a Forbes report, the royal family of Qatar has been trying to reduce the number of private jets it owns. It has already removed a few from the collection. Notably, it owns the biggest fleet of private jets in the world. This includes a dozen Airbus and Boeing airliners, besides smaller business jets from Bombardier and Dassault.
<h2>The Boeing 747 jumbo jet was first put up for sale in 2020</h2>
The publication cited an archived listing and stated that the royal family of Qatar first put the jet up for sale in 2020. However, no deal was struck. Since then, they have been burdened with maintenance and storage costs. Simply giving away the jet as a gift seems like an easier way to shed all that and remove the jet from the fleet.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-qatar-after-meeting-syrian-leader-in-saudi-arabia-announces-200-billion-boeing-deal-9069455" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir</a>
The problem with the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which Trump will now use as a flying White House, is that it is a fuel-guzzling beast. While that might have been appealing till a few years back, the advent of sleek new-age jets offers a more private travelling experience as they don't attract that much attention as a jumbo jet does.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildly-illegal-trump-slammed-for-boeing-747-8-jet-gift-from-qatar-royal-family-us-president-defends-present-most-expensive-gift-to-us-government-9060284" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Wildly illegal': Trump slammed for Boeing 747-8 jet 'gift' from Qatar royal family; US president defends present</a>
<h2>Why is Boeing Jet, a palace in the sky, named HBJ?&nbsp;</h2>
The Boeing 747 jumbo jet gifted to Trump was bought by the Qatar royal family in 2012. The price listed at the time was $367 million. Millions more were likely spent in the next three years on the interiors. It has the tail number A7-HBJ, the initials of billionaire Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, who was the prime minister of Qatar from 2007 to 2013.
While a 747 8 passenger jet, which can seat 467 people, the HBJ can accommodate only 89 passengers. Dubbed a "palace in the sky," the jet has a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, two full bathrooms with showers, nine smaller lavatories, five small kitchens, and a private office. &nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1205_WION_PLANE_10PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1205_WION_PLANE_10PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=274&amp;tags=Trump, World News, WION" title="Qatar to gift Boeing 747-8 to Trump, says reports" id="PL_iframe_block-maq8yj32-f96qtrtm-v75tyqfh"></iframe>
Other amenities include oversized couches and recliners, and wood panelling. For entertainment, it has more than 40 televisions, including 10 big-screen TVs.&nbsp;
Notably, Boeing has been assigned the job of designing and building new presidential planes, but it is behind schedule and has also gone over budget. Trump has announced that he would accept the Boeing 747-8 airliner, which will "temporarily" serve as the interim Air Force One.&nbsp;

The Qatar royal family has gifted Donald Trump a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, raising eyebrows. However, it might just be a way to get rid of the monstrous plane. World Trending

The Qatar royal family gifted Donald Trump a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which he plans to use as Air Force One. The US president has invited flak from several quarters for accepting it, saying it would be foolish to refuse. Some people think Qatar is trying to woo Trump. However, the expensive gift might not be about all that, but simply a way for the royal family to get rid of the jet. According to a Forbes report, the royal family of Qatar has been trying to reduce the number of private jets it owns. It has already removed a few from the collection. Notably, it owns the biggest fleet of private jets in the world. This includes a dozen Airbus and Boeing airliners, besides smaller business jets from Bombardier and Dassault. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet was first put up for sale in 2020 The publication cited an archived listing and stated that the royal family of Qatar first put the jet up for sale in 2020. However, no deal was struck. Since then, they have been burdened with maintenance and storage costs. Simply giving away the jet as a gift seems like an easier way to shed all that and remove the jet from the fleet. Also Read: Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir The problem with the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which Trump will now use as a flying White House, is that it is a fuel-guzzling beast. While that might have been appealing till a few years back, the advent of sleek new-age jets offers a more private travelling experience as they don't attract that much attention as a jumbo jet does. Also Read: 'Wildly illegal': Trump slammed for Boeing 747-8 jet 'gift' from Qatar royal family; US president defends present Why is Boeing Jet, a palace in the sky, named HBJ? The Boeing 747 jumbo jet gifted to Trump was bought by the Qatar royal family in 2012. The price listed at the time was $367 million. Millions more were likely spent in the next three years on the interiors. It has the tail number A7-HBJ, the initials of billionaire Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, who was the prime minister of Qatar from 2007 to 2013. While a 747 8 passenger jet, which can seat 467 people, the HBJ can accommodate only 89 passengers. Dubbed a "palace in the sky," the jet has a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, two full bathrooms with showers, nine smaller lavatories, five small kitchens, and a private office. Other amenities include oversized couches and recliners, and wood panelling. For entertainment, it has more than 40 televisions, including 10 big-screen TVs. Notably, Boeing has been assigned the job of designing and building new presidential planes, but it is behind schedule and has also gone over budget. Trump has announced that he would accept the Boeing 747-8 airliner, which will "temporarily" serve as the interim Air Force One.

Gift or good riddance? Qatar royal family failed to sell Boeing 747 it is giving Trump in 2020: Report

Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are now investigating Comey for allegedly calling out to assassinate the sitting US president.&nbsp;
<h2>What exactly happened? &nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-al-qaeda-terrorist-to-trumps-tough-attractive-guy-story-of-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-9073460">From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa</a>
Comey posted a picture on the social media platform Instagram in which a bunch of she shells were sued to &nbsp;make the number "8647".&nbsp;
Now, here comes the suspicious part. The number "86", as per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, can informally mean "to get rid of". And the number "47" refers to the 47th president of America - Donald Trump.&nbsp;
The post quickly gained momentum online with Trump allies accusing Comey of targeting Trump and calling out for his assassination.&nbsp;
Also read: <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">Trump and Qatar friendship: Not just $400 mn 'gift diplomacy', but years of Qatari influence in US, links from Trump's team | REVEALED</a>
<h2>'Will respond appropriately'</h2>
The US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to the social media platform X and said, "Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of&nbsp; @POTUS Trump."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-nuclear-talks-donald-trump-says-nuclear-deal-with-iran-very-close-9073693">US-Iran nuclear talks: Donald Trump says nuclear deal with Iran 'very close'</a>
"DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately," she added.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maq7yian-s0jsxmzc-or67q4lt">
Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.
&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1923141313005785365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>'Deeply concerning'</h2>
Taylor Budowich, a White House deputy chief of staff, accused Comey of putting out &ldquo;what can clearly be interpreted as a hit on the sitting president of the United States.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/natos-procurement-agency-probed-for-corruption-in-military-purchases-9073685">NATO's procurement agency probed for corruption in military purchases</a>
&ldquo;This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously,&rdquo; Budowich wrote on X.
The current FBI Director, Kash Patel said on X, "We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maq9sqzz-ygxz126i-fh0h8qyl">
We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.
&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1923151715777356062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>

World | Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump.

Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, has landed into trouble after a post that is being alleged a threat to the US President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are now investigating Comey for allegedly calling out to assassinate the sitting US president. What exactly happened? Also read: From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa Comey posted a picture on the social media platform Instagram in which a bunch of she shells were sued to make the number "8647". Now, here comes the suspicious part. The number "86", as per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, can informally mean "to get rid of". And the number "47" refers to the 47th president of America - Donald Trump. The post quickly gained momentum online with Trump allies accusing Comey of targeting Trump and calling out for his assassination. 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 'Will respond appropriately' The US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to the social media platform X and said, "Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump." Also read: US-Iran nuclear talks: Donald Trump says nuclear deal with Iran 'very close' "DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately," she added. Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately. — Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 15, 2025 'Deeply concerning' Taylor Budowich, a White House deputy chief of staff, accused Comey of putting out “what can clearly be interpreted as a hit on the sitting president of the United States.” Also read: NATO's procurement agency probed for corruption in military purchases “This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously,” Budowich wrote on X. The current FBI Director, Kash Patel said on X, "We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support." We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support. — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025

What does '8647' mean? Ex-FBI Director under fire after post calling for 'assassination' of Trump

Belgian judicial authorities said they are investigating former and current NATO staff and have arrested one suspect over possible irregularities in awarding contracts for NATO military equipment.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on Wednesday that, as part of an investigation into membership of a criminal organisation, corruption and money laundering, police arrested and questioned two suspects in Belgium on Monday. One remains in custody, while the other has been released. The arrests were made as part of criminal investigations in Belgium, with offshoots to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Spain, and in the Netherlands - coordinated by the EU agency for criminal justice cooperation Eurojust.
<div data-testid="paragraph-3" class="text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD">The investigations focus on possible irregularities in awarding NATO contracts to defence contractors for equipment such as ammunition and drones, notably the possible passing-on of confidential information by employees of the Luxembourg-based NATO Support &amp; Procurement Agency (NSPA) to defence contractors.</div>
<div data-testid="paragraph-3" class="text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD"></div>
<div data-testid="paragraph-4" class="text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__regular__2N1Xr text__small__1kGq2 body__full_width__ekUdw body__small_body__2vQyf article-body__paragraph__2-BtD">Belgian prosecutors added that several former or current NSPA employees could be involved and that there were indications that money obtained from the illegal practices was laundered, partly by setting up consultancy companies. They added that NATO was cooperating with the investigations.&nbsp;A NATO spokesperson said that, thanks to an investigation initiated by NSPA, law enforcement authorities in a number of countries had arrested several individuals accused of corrupt activities related to NATO contracts. "NATO is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice," the spokesperson said. Late on Tuesday, the Dutch Public Prosecution office said it had arrested a former Dutch defence ministry employee on corruption charges. The suspect - who was arrested on Monday at Schiphol Airport - was responsible for international purchase contracts.&nbsp;The man is suspected of having taken bribes in 2023 over the awarding of purchase contracts, together with others, some of them outside the Netherlands. Two other Dutch suspects - who were not civil servants - were also arrested as part of the case.</div>

Belgian judicial authorities said they are investigating former and current NATO staff and have arrested one suspect over possible irregularities in awarding contracts for NATO military equipment. World

Belgian judicial authorities said they are investigating former and current NATO staff and have arrested one suspect over possible irregularities in awarding contracts for NATO military equipment. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on Wednesday that, as part of an investigation into membership of a criminal organisation, corruption and money laundering, police arrested and questioned two suspects in Belgium on Monday. One remains in custody, while the other has been released. The arrests were made as part of criminal investigations in Belgium, with offshoots to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Spain, and in the Netherlands - coordinated by the EU agency for criminal justice cooperation Eurojust. The investigations focus on possible irregularities in awarding NATO contracts to defence contractors for equipment such as ammunition and drones, notably the possible passing-on of confidential information by employees of the Luxembourg-based NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) to defence contractors. Belgian prosecutors added that several former or current NSPA employees could be involved and that there were indications that money obtained from the illegal practices was laundered, partly by setting up consultancy companies. They added that NATO was cooperating with the investigations. A NATO spokesperson said that, thanks to an investigation initiated by NSPA, law enforcement authorities in a number of countries had arrested several individuals accused of corrupt activities related to NATO contracts. "NATO is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice," the spokesperson said. Late on Tuesday, the Dutch Public Prosecution office said it had arrested a former Dutch defence ministry employee on corruption charges. The suspect - who was arrested on Monday at Schiphol Airport - was responsible for international purchase contracts. The man is suspected of having taken bribes in 2023 over the awarding of purchase contracts, together with others, some of them outside the Netherlands. Two other Dutch suspects - who were not civil servants - were also arrested as part of the case.

NATO's procurement agency probed for corruption in military purchases

In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of West Asia, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi capital Riyadh. Not only did Trump shake hands with Syria's interim president becoming the first leader in 25 years to meet the Syrian counterpart but also announced a major breakthrough by lifting the Assad era sanctions. Trump also went a step forward by urging this 'young, tough guy' to recognise Israel eyeing an expansion to Abraham Accords.&nbsp;
It remains to be seen if this meet between Trump and Al Sharaa opens the doors of new sunrise in Syria. Currently what's pathbreaking is America's embracing Ahmed al- Sharaa aka Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani: once an US designated terrorist whose Al-Nusra front was an offshoot of Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;
<h2>Ahmed Al- Sharaa: From terrorist to meeting Trump&nbsp;</h2>
The world knew Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a designated terrorist, who was born in 1982 in Riyadh to Syrian parents originally from the Golan Heights. He became involved in jihadist movements during the early 2000s and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq amid the chaos of the US invasion and was later captured by American forces in 2006. After spending five years in detention, he returned to Syria as the civil war erupted in the aftermath of Arab Spring.
He founded the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which played a major role in the conflict. But by 2016, al-Sharaa publicly broke away from al-Qaeda, rebranding his organization as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and signaling a shift toward a more localised Syrian agenda.
Ahmed al-Sharaa&rsquo;s rise to power in Syria was the result of a swift military campaign and a carefully managed political transition. In late 2024, forces loyal to al-Sharaa, under the banner of HTS, launched a major offensive against the Syrian Arab Army. This campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, seeking refuge in Russia.
Following the fall of the capital, al-Sharaa worked with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to form a transitional government. Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed to lead this interim administration, aiming to bring stability after years of conflict. Later, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was chosen as interim president.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, began using his real name in late 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to shift his public image. This transition came after the fall of Damascus and the departure of Bashar al-Assad from power. By reverting to his birth name, al-Sharaa signaled a departure from Al-Qaeda links so as to present himself as a legitimate political figure.
This name change was not merely symbolic&mdash;it was a strategic move aimed at gaining international recognition and distancing himself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda.&nbsp;
And he might not be wrong, Al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with the president of United States in Riyadh. "Attrative guy, tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists.

World | Ahmed al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with Donald Trump, president of United States, in Riyadh: here's his journey from Al-Qaeda terrorist to Syrian president

In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of West Asia, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi capital Riyadh. Not only did Trump shake hands with Syria's interim president becoming the first leader in 25 years to meet the Syrian counterpart but also announced a major breakthrough by lifting the Assad era sanctions. Trump also went a step forward by urging this 'young, tough guy' to recognise Israel eyeing an expansion to Abraham Accords. It remains to be seen if this meet between Trump and Al Sharaa opens the doors of new sunrise in Syria. Currently what's pathbreaking is America's embracing Ahmed al- Sharaa aka Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani: once an US designated terrorist whose Al-Nusra front was an offshoot of Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda. Ahmed Al- Sharaa: From terrorist to meeting Trump The world knew Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a designated terrorist, who was born in 1982 in Riyadh to Syrian parents originally from the Golan Heights. He became involved in jihadist movements during the early 2000s and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq amid the chaos of the US invasion and was later captured by American forces in 2006. After spending five years in detention, he returned to Syria as the civil war erupted in the aftermath of Arab Spring. He founded the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which played a major role in the conflict. But by 2016, al-Sharaa publicly broke away from al-Qaeda, rebranding his organization as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and signaling a shift toward a more localised Syrian agenda. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to power in Syria was the result of a swift military campaign and a carefully managed political transition. In late 2024, forces loyal to al-Sharaa, under the banner of HTS, launched a major offensive against the Syrian Arab Army. This campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, seeking refuge in Russia. Following the fall of the capital, al-Sharaa worked with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to form a transitional government. Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed to lead this interim administration, aiming to bring stability after years of conflict. Later, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was chosen as interim president. Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, began using his real name in late 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to shift his public image. This transition came after the fall of Damascus and the departure of Bashar al-Assad from power. By reverting to his birth name, al-Sharaa signaled a departure from Al-Qaeda links so as to present himself as a legitimate political figure. This name change was not merely symbolic—it was a strategic move aimed at gaining international recognition and distancing himself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda. And he might not be wrong, Al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with the president of United States in Riyadh. "Attrative guy, tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists.

From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa

US President Donald Trump is in Qatar and even before he reached Doha, all eyes were glued to his visit as reports floated about a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-747-8-jumbo-whats-inside-qatars-400m-luxury-airplane-for-donald-trump-9064216">grand gift of a $400 million jet</a>&nbsp;that he would recieve from the Qatari royal family. Amid ethical and legal cocerns about the jet that will be converted to Air Force One, Trump said that he is not a fool to not accept a 'free gift'. Meanwhile, Qatar's prime minister defended his country&rsquo;s offer telling CNN they would not go ahead with the gift if it was deemed illegal and insisted that it was not an effort to wield undue influence within the US.
"It is government to government. The transaction has nothing to do with personnel, whether it&rsquo;s on the US side or on the Qatari side," Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani insisted.&nbsp;
Trump's bonhomie with the Qatari leadership raises many eyeballs. Democrats have accused the US president of selling America to Qatar and a report by Free Press suggest that many in Trump's administration has past links with Qatar.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-wont-give-up-bagram-its-one-hour-away-from-china-9073340">Trump: Won't give up Bagram, it's one hour away from China</a>
<h2>Trump's circle has a Qatari past</h2>
<ul>
<li>Attorney General Pam Bondi used to work at a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm that received $115,000 a month from Qatar to fight human trafficking, according to a 2019 contract.</li>
<li>White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, led lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs when it represented Qatar&rsquo;s embassy in Washington.</li>
<li>FBI Director Kash Patel worked as a consultant for Qatar</li>
<li>Steve Witkoff, president Trump&rsquo;s longtime friend who &nbsp;happens to be a beneficiary of Qatar&rsquo;s largesse: In 2023, Qatar&rsquo;s sovereign wealth fund bought out his faltering investment in New York&rsquo;s Park Lane Hotel for $623 million</li>
<li>Trump organization is planning a new luxury golf resort near Qatar&rsquo;s capital, Doha, in partnership with a Qatari company</li>
<li>Trump&rsquo;s son Donald Trump Jr. will speak next week at the invitation-only Qatar Economic Forum in a session titled "Investing in America"</li>
</ul>
<h2>Trump and Qatar: Newfound camaraderie but there are reasons to be cautious</h2>
Over the years, Qatar's investment in America reflect a calculated strategy to deepen both economic and diplomatic relations, however it has also sparked debate about the extent of foreign influence in American policy-making and institutions. In 2015, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) pledged to invest $35 billion in the U.S. over five years. The focus was on key sectors like infrastructure, real estate, and technology. By 2019, that target increased to $45 billion, aiming to diversify away from heavy investments in Europe. As per reports, the QIA has invested billions in US real estate, particularly in major cities. In New York City alone, it purchased significant stakes in several Manhattan properties. It also backed the large-scale CityCenterDC project in Washington, D.C., and acquired a major office complex in Los Angeles.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-reasons-behind-donald-trumps-nuclear-crusade-us-president-iran-nuclear-weapons-khamenei-explained-9069299">Trump's nuclear crusade: Here's how US vs Iran row begin over nuclear deal - EXPLAINED</a> Qatar also spent over $8 billion on infrastructure at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts US forces. Plans for an additional $10 billion in upgrades are underway. The country has funneled substantial funds into US universities, supporting educational programs and research. Additionally, it became a minority investor in Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, owner of several Washington, D.C. sports franchises.
On political front, following tensions during the 2017 Gulf crisis, Qatar ramped up its lobbying presence in Washington, spending millions to shape America's policy and improve its image.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>
Despite all of its efforts, America has reason to be cautious: Qatar might not be a friend. It is a seat of the Muslim Brotherhood, a crucial source of financing to Hamas, a diplomatic and energy partner of Iran, a refuge for the Taliban&rsquo;s exiled political leadership - all opposed to US in some way or the other.
While Trump's Doha trip showed exceptional camararderie between him and the Qatari leadership, it is being taken with a pinch of salt in America's political circle. The Democrats have criticised Trump with 'Qatar-a-Lago' jabs and leaders from his own Republican Party have expressed their disappointment over the proposal of Qatari jet being used as Air Force One.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-a-lago-banner-seen-near-trumps-palm-beach-home-amid-controversy-over-400-mn-qatari-jet-9069570">'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics</a>
Though a Sunni-majority nation, Qatar maintains relatively cordial relations with Iran, sharing ownership of the world&rsquo;s largest natural gas field. This cooperation stands in contrast to US efforts to isolate Iran diplomatically and economically. It also funds Al Jazeera, a global media network that has been called out by Trump and many in his administration as well as US' ally Israel.
Qatar attempts to maintain ties with conflicting parties: but its dual-track strategy creates an unpredictable partner whose interests may not always align with Washington&rsquo;s. Moreover, if reports connecting Qatari investment and Trump's team's links to Qatar serve as any precursor to a story, then Trump's bonhomie with Qatar may not be a new found one, but a well-planned strategy by this Middle Eastern nation to be in the heart of power blocs of DC.
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World | Qatar might not be a friend as it looks and US has all the reasons to be cautious: Years of investment and links of Trump's team with Qatar REVEALED

US President Donald Trump is in Qatar and even before he reached Doha, all eyes were glued to his visit as reports floated about a grand gift of a $400 million jet that he would recieve from the Qatari royal family. Amid ethical and legal cocerns about the jet that will be converted to Air Force One, Trump said that he is not a fool to not accept a 'free gift'. Meanwhile, Qatar's prime minister defended his country’s offer telling CNN they would not go ahead with the gift if it was deemed illegal and insisted that it was not an effort to wield undue influence within the US. "It is government to government. The transaction has nothing to do with personnel, whether it’s on the US side or on the Qatari side," Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani insisted. Trump's bonhomie with the Qatari leadership raises many eyeballs. Democrats have accused the US president of selling America to Qatar and a report by Free Press suggest that many in Trump's administration has past links with Qatar. Read More | Trump: Won't give up Bagram, it's one hour away from China Trump's circle has a Qatari past Attorney General Pam Bondi used to work at a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm that received $115,000 a month from Qatar to fight human trafficking, according to a 2019 contract. White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, led lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs when it represented Qatar’s embassy in Washington. FBI Director Kash Patel worked as a consultant for Qatar Steve Witkoff, president Trump’s longtime friend who happens to be a beneficiary of Qatar’s largesse: In 2023, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund bought out his faltering investment in New York’s Park Lane Hotel for $623 million Trump organization is planning a new luxury golf resort near Qatar’s capital, Doha, in partnership with a Qatari company Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. will speak next week at the invitation-only Qatar Economic Forum in a session titled "Investing in America" Trump and Qatar: Newfound camaraderie but there are reasons to be cautious Over the years, Qatar's investment in America reflect a calculated strategy to deepen both economic and diplomatic relations, however it has also sparked debate about the extent of foreign influence in American policy-making and institutions. In 2015, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) pledged to invest $35 billion in the U.S. over five years. The focus was on key sectors like infrastructure, real estate, and technology. By 2019, that target increased to $45 billion, aiming to diversify away from heavy investments in Europe. As per reports, the QIA has invested billions in US real estate, particularly in major cities. In New York City alone, it purchased significant stakes in several Manhattan properties. It also backed the large-scale CityCenterDC project in Washington, D.C., and acquired a major office complex in Los Angeles. Read More | Trump's nuclear crusade: Here's how US vs Iran row begin over nuclear deal - EXPLAINED Qatar also spent over $8 billion on infrastructure at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts US forces. Plans for an additional $10 billion in upgrades are underway. The country has funneled substantial funds into US universities, supporting educational programs and research. Additionally, it became a minority investor in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owner of several Washington, D.C. sports franchises. On political front, following tensions during the 2017 Gulf crisis, Qatar ramped up its lobbying presence in Washington, spending millions to shape America's policy and improve its image. Read More | Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH Despite all of its efforts, America has reason to be cautious: Qatar might not be a friend. It is a seat of the Muslim Brotherhood, a crucial source of financing to Hamas, a diplomatic and energy partner of Iran, a refuge for the Taliban’s exiled political leadership - all opposed to US in some way or the other. While Trump's Doha trip showed exceptional camararderie between him and the Qatari leadership, it is being taken with a pinch of salt in America's political circle. The Democrats have criticised Trump with 'Qatar-a-Lago' jabs and leaders from his own Republican Party have expressed their disappointment over the proposal of Qatari jet being used as Air Force One. Read More | 'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics Though a Sunni-majority nation, Qatar maintains relatively cordial relations with Iran, sharing ownership of the world’s largest natural gas field. This cooperation stands in contrast to US efforts to isolate Iran diplomatically and economically. It also funds Al Jazeera, a global media network that has been called out by Trump and many in his administration as well as US' ally Israel. Qatar attempts to maintain ties with conflicting parties: but its dual-track strategy creates an unpredictable partner whose interests may not always align with Washington’s. Moreover, if reports connecting Qatari investment and Trump's team's links to Qatar serve as any precursor to a story, then Trump's bonhomie with Qatar may not be a new found one, but a well-planned strategy by this Middle Eastern nation to be in the heart of power blocs of DC.

Trump and Qatar friendship: Not just $400 mn 'gift diplomacy', but years of Qatari influence in US, links from Trump's team | REVEALED

After taking over the presidency, US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;has been hell-bent on trying to get a new deal over Iran's controversial nuclear programme. His obsession with not allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons has been making headlines for months now.&nbsp;
US and Iran officials have been holding indirect talks over the nukes concern as Trump is pushing hard to make Iran sign a deal.&nbsp;
On Tuesday, the US president bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, and accused it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations.&nbsp;
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump also criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-sanctions-over-20-companies-for-facilitating-iranian-oil-shipments-to-china-9067037">US sanctions over 20 companies for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China</a>
<h2>How it started - Let's go back to 2018</h2>
The suspicions arose when Iran was found to have secret facilities in 2002. Following this, an agreement was made, called the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran and almost all other countries signed.&nbsp;
As per the agreement, countries can use non-military nuclear technology for medicine, agriculture and energy, but does not allow the development of nuclear weapons.
Later, all the further nuclear talks goes back to 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and sent a letter to Iranian leadership, proposing talks. However, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected it, calling it Trump's tactic to present additional demands.&nbsp;
Cut to 2015, the US along with other nations - China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US, and the EU - signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Iran to limit its nuclear programme, and in exchange offered sanctions relief.&nbsp;
According to the deal, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent purity. It is the level, suitable for civilian nuclear power generation but far below the 90 per cent enrichment needed for weapons-grade uranium.&nbsp;
Iran has been reiterating that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, many countries and the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are not convinced.
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>
<h2>Trump against Iran nukes - Reasons explained</h2>
In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and reimposed economic sanctions, which infuriated Tehran.&nbsp;
He also criticised the deal as "defective at its core". Not just that, the US president also warned Iran of military action if the talks do not succeed.
<h3>'Funding terror groups'&nbsp;</h3>
The US president accused Iran of using financial relief from the deal to fund terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis running and military operations in the Middle East.&nbsp;
<h3>'Maximum pressure campaign'</h3>
Trump then launched a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at crippling Iran&rsquo;s economy and pushing it for a new agreement.&nbsp;
<h3>'Most destructive force'</h3>
Trump sees Iran as a major destabilising force in the Middle East, calling it the "most destructive force". He believes that if Iran will develop nuclear weapons, it would increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.&nbsp;
At last, Trump's push for opposing Iran to have nuclear weapons is majorly because of regional stability, the potential for increased US security threats and Iran's aid to terror groups.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talk-to-us-or-risk-regime-collapse-top-iranian-officials-pressured-khamenei-to-allow-us-iran-nuclear-talks-8952627">&lsquo;Talk to US or risk regime collapse&rsquo;: Top Iranian officials pressured Khamenei to allow US-Iran nuclear talks</a>

Trump bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, and accused it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. WORLD

After taking over the presidency, US President Donald Trump has been hell-bent on trying to get a new deal over Iran's controversial nuclear programme. His obsession with not allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons has been making headlines for months now. US and Iran officials have been holding indirect talks over the nukes concern as Trump is pushing hard to make Iran sign a deal. On Tuesday, the US president bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, and accused it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump also criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad. Also read: US sanctions over 20 companies for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China How it started - Let's go back to 2018 The suspicions arose when Iran was found to have secret facilities in 2002. Following this, an agreement was made, called the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran and almost all other countries signed. As per the agreement, countries can use non-military nuclear technology for medicine, agriculture and energy, but does not allow the development of nuclear weapons. Later, all the further nuclear talks goes back to 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and sent a letter to Iranian leadership, proposing talks. However, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected it, calling it Trump's tactic to present additional demands. Cut to 2015, the US along with other nations - China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US, and the EU - signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Iran to limit its nuclear programme, and in exchange offered sanctions relief. According to the deal, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent purity. It is the level, suitable for civilian nuclear power generation but far below the 90 per cent enrichment needed for weapons-grade uranium. Iran has been reiterating that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, many countries and the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are not convinced. Also read: 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering Trump against Iran nukes - Reasons explained In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and reimposed economic sanctions, which infuriated Tehran. He also criticised the deal as "defective at its core". Not just that, the US president also warned Iran of military action if the talks do not succeed. 'Funding terror groups' The US president accused Iran of using financial relief from the deal to fund terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis running and military operations in the Middle East. 'Maximum pressure campaign' Trump then launched a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s economy and pushing it for a new agreement. 'Most destructive force' Trump sees Iran as a major destabilising force in the Middle East, calling it the "most destructive force". He believes that if Iran will develop nuclear weapons, it would increase the risk of nuclear proliferation. At last, Trump's push for opposing Iran to have nuclear weapons is majorly because of regional stability, the potential for increased US security threats and Iran's aid to terror groups. Also read: ‘Talk to US or risk regime collapse’: Top Iranian officials pressured Khamenei to allow US-Iran nuclear talks

Trump's nuclear crusade: Here's how US vs Iran row begin over nuclear deal - EXPLAINED

US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;is planning to celebrate his 79th birthday and the US Army's 250th anniversary in one huge celebration, that will reportedly include parades, tanks, cannons and warplanes.&nbsp;
His birthday celebration will cost somewhere between $25 million to $45 million in taxpayers dollars, Reuters reported citing US officials.
The twin celebration will include as many as 25 tanks rolling through Washington, 6,500 troops, and around 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft moving to Washington, to mark Trump's birthday and Army's anniversary.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-qatar-visit-us-inks-deals-worth-more-than-240-billion-with-qatar-boeing-lands-record-deal-9070342">Trump&rsquo;s Qatar visit: US inks deals worth more than $240 billion with Qatar, Boeing lands record deal</a>
The cost will also depend on whether there will be a massive parade or not. However, these estimated costs do not include what the Beltway would have to bear post celebration, including trash pickup and road repairs from the weight of the tanks.&nbsp;
The official further said that the Army is planning on sending about two dozen M1 Abrams tanks for the celebration.
Earlier Reuters reported that Trump's plan would include more than 6500 troops, about 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft moving to Washington.&nbsp;
The parade will also feature thousands of soldiers who will be housed in Trump's government office buildings in Washington DC, according to new Army planning documents received by USA Today. One of the Defence Department officials said, &ldquo;Bring your sleeping bags.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-747-8-jumbo-whats-inside-qatars-400m-luxury-airplane-for-donald-trump-9064216">'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump</a>
<h2>Critics react</h2>
After Trump's plan went viral, critics started slamming the administration, calling such a parade &nbsp;an authoritarian display of power that is wasteful, given the mission of Trump and Elon Musk&rsquo;s "so-called Department of Government Efficiency."
Such military parades in the US are rare, while it is usual in other countries during victories celebration in battle, or showcasing military might.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-homeland-secretary-kristi-noem-to-get-50-million-private-jet-what-we-know-about-her-luxury-demand-9073068">Trump's homeland secretary Kristi Noem to get $50 million private jet? What we know about her luxury demand</a>

His birthday celebration will cost somewhere between $25 million to $45 million in taxpayers dollars, Reuters reported citing US officials. WORLD trending

US President Donald Trump is planning to celebrate his 79th birthday and the US Army's 250th anniversary in one huge celebration, that will reportedly include parades, tanks, cannons and warplanes. His birthday celebration will cost somewhere between $25 million to $45 million in taxpayers dollars, Reuters reported citing US officials. The twin celebration will include as many as 25 tanks rolling through Washington, 6,500 troops, and around 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft moving to Washington, to mark Trump's birthday and Army's anniversary. Also read: Trump’s Qatar visit: US inks deals worth more than $240 billion with Qatar, Boeing lands record deal The cost will also depend on whether there will be a massive parade or not. However, these estimated costs do not include what the Beltway would have to bear post celebration, including trash pickup and road repairs from the weight of the tanks. The official further said that the Army is planning on sending about two dozen M1 Abrams tanks for the celebration. Earlier Reuters reported that Trump's plan would include more than 6500 troops, about 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft moving to Washington. The parade will also feature thousands of soldiers who will be housed in Trump's government office buildings in Washington DC, according to new Army planning documents received by USA Today. One of the Defence Department officials said, “Bring your sleeping bags.” Also read: 'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump Critics react After Trump's plan went viral, critics started slamming the administration, calling such a parade an authoritarian display of power that is wasteful, given the mission of Trump and Elon Musk’s "so-called Department of Government Efficiency." Such military parades in the US are rare, while it is usual in other countries during victories celebration in battle, or showcasing military might. Also read: Trump's homeland secretary Kristi Noem to get $50 million private jet? What we know about her luxury demand

'Huge military parade, 50 aircraft and more': Trump's birthday celebration cost REVEALED | Know his detailed plan

The Indian government has revoked security clearance of Celebi Airport Services, a Turkish firm that handles a large part of services at nine major airports in India, over concerns regarding national security.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire as he claimed a few days back.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-revokes-security-clearance-for-turkish-ground-handling-firm-celebi-airport-services-after-operation-sindoor-9072657">Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/jwlLvdT1yX03SBI1BsKw.jpg" alt=" Representative image Photograph: (ANI) ">
In response to Turkey's alleged support to Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict over the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, the Indian government has revoked security clearance of Celebi Airport Services, a Turkish firm that handles a large part of services at nine major airports in India, over concerns regarding national security.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-want-to-say-i-did-trump-takes-u-turn-on-mediating-india-pak-ceasefire-claim-9072751">'Don't want to say I did...': Trump takes U-turn on mediating India-Pak ceasefire claim</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/06/aTXwkqlkfhw4jgHlIble.png" alt=" Is Trump okay? US president gives offtrack reply to Alcatraz question, internet calls him 'a word salad' | VIDEO Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire as he claimed a few days back. India, however, rejected the claims made by Trump, saying that the talks were held between the two nations' Director Generals of Military Operations.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-enough-pressure-on-russia-zelensky-says-kremlin-does-not-feel-it-needs-to-end-war-amid-turkey-visit-9072880">Not enough pressure on Russia? Zelensky says &lsquo;Kremlin does not feel it needs to end war&rsquo; amid Turkey visit</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/XlYWzI3IOubktu6CwWu1.jpg" alt=" This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish presidential press service on May 15, 2025, shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posing at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey&rsquo;s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boycottturkey-in-india-over-pakistan-support-how-will-it-affect-turkeys-tourism-what-numbers-say-jnu-jamia-9072497">#BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/aaeRn9XfuOZssZecqwQP.png" alt=" Photograph: (Pexels and X) ">
Joining the bandwagon of boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey. Moreover, India has cancelled security clearance for the Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-homeland-secretary-kristi-noem-to-get-50-million-private-jet-what-we-know-about-her-luxury-demand-9073068">Trump's homeland secretary Kristi Noem to get $50 million private jet? What we know about her luxury demand</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/10/np3g19DAWrJPz09HtjZj.png" alt=" Kristi Noem Photograph: (AFP) ">
Days after US President Donald Trump said that the Defence Department is getting a "luxury airplane" as a gift from Qatar, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a request for her own private jet.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ran-like-a-scared-dog-ex-pentagon-official-slams-pakistan-says-it-lost-very-badly-and-india-won-diplomatically-militarily-9072957">'Ran like a scared dog': Ex-Pentagon official slams Pakistan, says it 'lost very badly' and India won 'diplomatically, militarily'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/EUef5NtakDOE53zcSPLz.png" alt=" Representative Image Photograph: (ANI ) ">
Days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to Pakistan's terror attack in Pahalgam, a former Pentagon official said that Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a "scared dog".&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-did-president-murmu-invoke-rarely-used-article-143-1-questioning-supreme-court-9072428">Why did President Murmu invoke rarely used Article 143 (1), questioning Supreme Court?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/OEAgn6yGwJtBV6MGr77d.jpg" alt=" Indian President Droupadi Murmu Photograph: (ANI) ">
Indian President Droupadi Murmu questioned the Supreme Court, seeking opinion and consideration on 14 constitutional points over a month after the top court gave an order on April 8, setting a deadline for assent to bills by the President and Governors. The president said that the Constitution does not specify any such timeline.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-can-take-care-of-themselves-trump-urges-apple-ceo-tim-cook-to-keep-iphone-production-in-us-9071963">&lsquo;India can take care of themselves&rsquo;: Trump urges Apple CEO Tim Cook to keep iPhone production in US</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/OYdw5UxsFwkO1WjRbRWp.jpg" alt=" US President Donald Trump arrives to address troops at the Al-Udeid air base southwest of Doha on May 15, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) said that he asked Apple CEO Tim Cook not to build its products in India, urging him to focus on manufacturing in the United States.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tom-cruise-set-to-appear-in-btss-seok-jins-show-for-mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-promo-9072752">Tom Cruise set to appear in BTS&rsquo;s Seok Jin's show for Mission: Impossible &ndash; The Final Reckoning promo</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/LwBwqZYqO8NNNPWJAgSM.png" alt=" Tom Cruise and Seok Jin Photograph: (WION Web Desk) ">
Tom Cruise is gearing up for the worldwide release of Mission: Impossible &ndash; The Final Reckoning and had been in South Korea on May 7th. According to a new report, Cruise shot for BTS&rsquo;s Seok Jin's variety show Run Seok Jin (Run Jin).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sports-ipl-2025-playoffs-qualification-scenarios-gt-rcb-and-pbks-in-pole-position-mi-dc-and-kkr-fight-for-top-four-finish-9072642">IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios: GT, RCB and PBKS in pole position; MI, DC and KKR fight for top four finish</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/15/19MI5XiQnIPVMnfFtcot.png" alt=" IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios: GT, RCB and PBKS in pole position; MI, DC and KKR fight for top four finish Photograph: (AFP) ">
The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is all set to resume as the fate of certain teams will be on the line for a place in the Playoffs round. While Gujarat Titans(GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all but there in the Playoffs round, the likes of Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and others are still fighting for a place in the Playoffs. So here&rsquo;s a detailed look at how teams can book their place in the top four.

Here are the top 10 stories from across the world.

The Indian government has revoked security clearance of Celebi Airport Services, a Turkish firm that handles a large part of services at nine major airports in India, over concerns regarding national security. US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire as he claimed a few days back. Click on the headlines for more Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services In response to Turkey's alleged support to Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict over the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, the Indian government has revoked security clearance of Celebi Airport Services, a Turkish firm that handles a large part of services at nine major airports in India, over concerns regarding national security. 'Don't want to say I did...': Trump takes U-turn on mediating India-Pak ceasefire claim US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire as he claimed a few days back. India, however, rejected the claims made by Trump, saying that the talks were held between the two nations' Director Generals of Military Operations. Not enough pressure on Russia? Zelensky says ‘Kremlin does not feel it needs to end war’ amid Turkey visit Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey’s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions. #BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions Joining the bandwagon of boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey. Moreover, India has cancelled security clearance for the Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India. Trump's homeland secretary Kristi Noem to get $50 million private jet? What we know about her luxury demand Days after US President Donald Trump said that the Defence Department is getting a "luxury airplane" as a gift from Qatar, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a request for her own private jet. 'Ran like a scared dog': Ex-Pentagon official slams Pakistan, says it 'lost very badly' and India won 'diplomatically, militarily' Days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to Pakistan's terror attack in Pahalgam, a former Pentagon official said that Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a "scared dog". Why did President Murmu invoke rarely used Article 143 (1), questioning Supreme Court? Indian President Droupadi Murmu questioned the Supreme Court, seeking opinion and consideration on 14 constitutional points over a month after the top court gave an order on April 8, setting a deadline for assent to bills by the President and Governors. The president said that the Constitution does not specify any such timeline. ‘India can take care of themselves’: Trump urges Apple CEO Tim Cook to keep iPhone production in US US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) said that he asked Apple CEO Tim Cook not to build its products in India, urging him to focus on manufacturing in the United States. Tom Cruise set to appear in BTS’s Seok Jin's show for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning promo Tom Cruise is gearing up for the worldwide release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and had been in South Korea on May 7th. According to a new report, Cruise shot for BTS’s Seok Jin's variety show Run Seok Jin (Run Jin). IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios: GT, RCB and PBKS in pole position; MI, DC and KKR fight for top four finish The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is all set to resume as the fate of certain teams will be on the line for a place in the Playoffs round. While Gujarat Titans(GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all but there in the Playoffs round, the likes of Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and others are still fighting for a place in the Playoffs. So here’s a detailed look at how teams can book their place in the top four.

Top 10 world news: India revokes clearance for Turkish firm at airports; Trump's U-turn on India-Pak mediation claim, and more

Days after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said that the Defence Department is getting a "luxury airplane" as a gift from Qatar, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a request for her own private jet.&nbsp;
The US Coast Guard had to make a last-minute change to its 2025 budget to secure a $50 million new plane for Noem, Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood said on Wednesday during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
&ldquo;I was horrified last Friday when we received a last-minute addition to your spend plan for Fiscal [Year] &lsquo;25: A new $50 million Gulfstream 5 for Secretary Noem&rsquo;s personal travel coming from the Coast Guard budget,&rdquo; Underwood told acting Coast Guard Chief Admiral Kevin Lunday. &ldquo;She already has a Gulfstream 5, by the way. This is a new one.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-a-lago-banner-seen-near-trumps-palm-beach-home-amid-controversy-over-400-mn-qatari-jet-9069570">'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mapkr275-e02wkzyo-7m0gsxe1">
My committee just received a last-minute addition to the Coast Guard&rsquo;s spend plan: $50 million for a new Gulfstream 5 jet for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem&rsquo;s personal use. She already has a Gulfstream 5, by the way, but she wants a new one paid for with your taxpayer dollars. We&hellip;
&mdash; Rep. Lauren Underwood (@RepUnderwood) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepUnderwood/status/1922718959695958505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;When Underwood asked Lunday about whether they got any request from the Trump administration, the admiral dodged the question.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Meeting the needs of our Coast Guard men and women that are doing frontline operations is my top operational priority, and it&rsquo;s a top operational priority of the secretary,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s been clear with that to me, and I know she testified to that effect before the subcommittee last week.&rdquo;
However, Lauren concluded her statement by saying that she didn't hear the admiral answer the question.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>
&ldquo;I just want to note that I didn&rsquo;t hear the admiral answer the question about whether he was directed to purchase this new Gulfstream 5,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;And I just want to note that as I conclude my time.&rdquo;
Days back, US President Donald Trump said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost." Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily."
However, the news of the offer drew immediate criticism from Democrats and advocates of good government including Republicans, who warned it was a conflict of interest that could influence presidential decisions.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-747-8-jumbo-whats-inside-qatars-400m-luxury-airplane-for-donald-trump-9064216">'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump</a>

When Illinois Rep. Underwood asked Lunday about whether they got any request from the Trump administration, the admiral dodged the question. WORLD

Days after US President Donald Trump said that the Defence Department is getting a "luxury airplane" as a gift from Qatar, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a request for her own private jet. The US Coast Guard had to make a last-minute change to its 2025 budget to secure a $50 million new plane for Noem, Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood said on Wednesday during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. “I was horrified last Friday when we received a last-minute addition to your spend plan for Fiscal [Year] ‘25: A new $50 million Gulfstream 5 for Secretary Noem’s personal travel coming from the Coast Guard budget,” Underwood told acting Coast Guard Chief Admiral Kevin Lunday. “She already has a Gulfstream 5, by the way. This is a new one.” Also read: 'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics My committee just received a last-minute addition to the Coast Guard’s spend plan: $50 million for a new Gulfstream 5 jet for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s personal use. She already has a Gulfstream 5, by the way, but she wants a new one paid for with your taxpayer dollars. We… — Rep. Lauren Underwood (@RepUnderwood) May 14, 2025 When Underwood asked Lunday about whether they got any request from the Trump administration, the admiral dodged the question. “Meeting the needs of our Coast Guard men and women that are doing frontline operations is my top operational priority, and it’s a top operational priority of the secretary,” he said. “She’s been clear with that to me, and I know she testified to that effect before the subcommittee last week.” However, Lauren concluded her statement by saying that she didn't hear the admiral answer the question. Also read: Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH “I just want to note that I didn’t hear the admiral answer the question about whether he was directed to purchase this new Gulfstream 5,” she said. “And I just want to note that as I conclude my time.” Days back, US President Donald Trump said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost." Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily." However, the news of the offer drew immediate criticism from Democrats and advocates of good government including Republicans, who warned it was a conflict of interest that could influence presidential decisions. Also read: 'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump

Trump's homeland secretary Kristi Noem to get $50 million private jet? What we know about her luxury demand

Days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistans">Pakistan's</a> terror attack in Pahalgam, a former Pentagon official said that Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a "scared dog".&nbsp;
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said that India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision, adding that it was able to blunt Pakistan's response.&nbsp;
"India won this both diplomatically and militarily. The reason why India won diplomatically is that all attention is now on Pakistan's terrorist sponsorship, Rubin said, while speaking to the news agency ANI.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-line-of-beggars-begins-wherever-pakistan-stands-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-slams-pak-for-imf-bailouts-india-pakistan-tensions-9072336">'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy</a>
"Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a scared dog with its tail between its legs" after India put their airfields out of commission, Rubin said.&nbsp;
He added that Pakistan cannot run away from the reality that it &ldquo;lost very, very badly&rdquo;.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-revokes-security-clearance-for-turkish-ground-handling-firm-celebi-airport-services-after-operation-sindoor-9072657">Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services</a>
<h2>Pakistani army attending terrorists' funeral</h2>
The official further noted that the Pakistani officials attended the funeral of terrorists, which shows that there is no difference between a terrorist and a member of Pakistani armed forces.&nbsp;
"The fact that Pakistani officers in uniform attended the funeral of terrorists shows that there is no differentiation between a terrorist and a member of the ISI or the Pakistani armed forces. Basically, the world is going to demand that Pakistan extract the rot from its own system," he said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Diplomatically, India changed the conversation, militarily, Pakistan is shocked,&rdquo; he added.
He continued to slam Pakistan and said that they every time start the war and yet convince themselves that somehow they won.&nbsp;
"Pakistan has started every single war with India and yet convinced itself that somehow it has won. It's going to be very different...to convince themselves that they won this 4-day war," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-how-made-in-india-weapons-led-the-charge-during-strikes-against-pakistan-9072040">Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan</a>

Former Pentagon official said that India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan with precision, adding that it was able to blunt Pakistan's response. WORLD india news

Days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to Pakistan's terror attack in Pahalgam, a former Pentagon official said that Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a "scared dog". Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said that India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision, adding that it was able to blunt Pakistan's response. "India won this both diplomatically and militarily. The reason why India won diplomatically is that all attention is now on Pakistan's terrorist sponsorship, Rubin said, while speaking to the news agency ANI. Also read: 'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy "Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a scared dog with its tail between its legs" after India put their airfields out of commission, Rubin said. He added that Pakistan cannot run away from the reality that it “lost very, very badly”. Also read: Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services Pakistani army attending terrorists' funeral The official further noted that the Pakistani officials attended the funeral of terrorists, which shows that there is no difference between a terrorist and a member of Pakistani armed forces. "The fact that Pakistani officers in uniform attended the funeral of terrorists shows that there is no differentiation between a terrorist and a member of the ISI or the Pakistani armed forces. Basically, the world is going to demand that Pakistan extract the rot from its own system," he said. “Diplomatically, India changed the conversation, militarily, Pakistan is shocked,” he added. He continued to slam Pakistan and said that they every time start the war and yet convince themselves that somehow they won. "Pakistan has started every single war with India and yet convinced itself that somehow it has won. It's going to be very different...to convince themselves that they won this 4-day war," he said. Also read: Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan

'Ran like a scared dog': Ex-Pentagon official slams Pakistan, says it 'lost very badly' and India won 'diplomatically, militarily'

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey&rsquo;s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions.
&ldquo;Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-ukraines-zelensky-in-turkey-despite-proposing-them-9069991">Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey &mdash; despite proposing them</a>
&ldquo;And so we ask, if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions &hellip; we ask for appropriate sanctions.&rdquo;
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/putin">Putin</a> has no plans to travel to Turkey for the talks. CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Zelensky has decided against flying for the talks in Istanbul after Putin decided to skip the meeting.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-not-going-for-istanbul-peace-talks-with-zelensky-experts-claims-he-fears-assassination-9070012">Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff'</a>
During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister.
<h2>Zelensky urges Europe, US to impose sanctions</h2>
Zelensky said he expects more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not take steps to end the three-year-long war.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>
US President Donald Trump and several European nations had threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions if it did not agree to the US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Ukraine was moving towards a format that could bring us all a little closer to ending the war. But this cannot be unilateral, only from one side. And pressure cannot be one-sided. That is why we really want to see a (pressure) against Russia and Putin. Sanctions from Europe, the United States, and other countries. At least sanctions,&rdquo; Zelensky said on Thursday.
Watch | Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1505_PEACE_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1505_PEACE_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=166&amp;tags=putin, russia, ukraine" title="Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky" id="PL_iframe_block-mapk6j18-x1b3p45h-u5m9ja31"></iframe>

During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister. World

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey’s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions. “Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,” he said. Also read | Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey — despite proposing them “And so we ask, if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions … we ask for appropriate sanctions.” Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to travel to Turkey for the talks. CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Zelensky has decided against flying for the talks in Istanbul after Putin decided to skip the meeting. Also read | Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff' During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister. Zelensky urges Europe, US to impose sanctions Zelensky said he expects more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not take steps to end the three-year-long war. Also read | Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH US President Donald Trump and several European nations had threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions if it did not agree to the US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. “Ukraine was moving towards a format that could bring us all a little closer to ending the war. But this cannot be unilateral, only from one side. And pressure cannot be one-sided. That is why we really want to see a (pressure) against Russia and Putin. Sanctions from Europe, the United States, and other countries. At least sanctions,” Zelensky said on Thursday. Watch | Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky

Not enough pressure on Russia? Zelensky says ‘Kremlin does not feel it needs to end war’ amid Turkey visit

Joining the bandwagon of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-travel-companies-suspend-bookings-to-turkey-and-azerbaijan-9068194" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">boycotting Turkey</a> over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey. Moreover, India has cancelled security clearance for the Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India.
<h2>Why did the #BoycottTurkey calls start?</h2>
After India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor, Ankara showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye&rsquo;s foreign affairs ministry condemned India&rsquo;s &ldquo;unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians&rdquo;. It said Operation Sindoor raised the &ldquo;risk of an all-out war.&rdquo; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-ergodan-continues-to-support-pakistan-as-indian-tourists-reject-travel-call-for-boycott-9069496" rel="dofollow">brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times&rdquo;</a>.
The calls for boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India&rsquo;s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones.
<h2>List of institutions and travel companies who have announced #BoycottTurkey</h2>
<ol>
<li>Travel platform EaseMyTrip issued an advisory, asking travellers to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan only if absolutely necessary. Its founder and chairman, Nishant Pittie, said, &ldquo;As Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary.&rdquo; </li>
<li><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-jnu-suspends-agreement-with-inonu-university-amid-recep-tayyip-erdogans-support-for-pakistan-9068846" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)</a> on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security". JNU said in a statement that it "stands with the Nation. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-after-jnu-jamia-millia-islamia-suspends-mou-with-all-turkish-affiliated-institutions-9072096" rel="dofollow">Jamia Millia Islamia</a> suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of T&uuml;rkiye with immediate effect. </li>
<li>Indian travel brand Go Homestays announced the end of its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline&rsquo;s association with Pakistan which has taken a &ldquo;hostile&rdquo; position towards India. </li>
<li>Cox &amp; Kings said it will temporarily stop all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. </li>
<li>Goa Villas, a villa rentals aggregator, declared that it will not offer accommodation to Turkish citizens. </li>
<li>Ixigo, a travel and booking platform stated that it suspended all flights and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan and China.</li>
<li>The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. </li>
<li>The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which represents workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for shooting films and cultural collaborations. </li>
<li>Himachal Apple Grovers Society wrote to PM Modi requesting a ban on importing apple from Turkey. </li>
<li>Pune fruit traders announced boycotting apples imported from Turkey. A local trader also claimed that he received a threatening voice message from Pakistan after boycott announcement. </li>
<li>Maulana Azad National Urdu University announced the cancellation of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey with immediate effect.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Will it affect Turkey's tourism: What numbers say?</h2>
According to Turkey&rsquo;s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 3,30,000 Indians travelled to the country last year, compared to 119,503 arrivals in 2014. This resulted in a massive hike in Turkey&rsquo;s tourism revenue that reached an all-time high of $61.1 billion in 2024, an 8.3 per cent increase from the year before. Moreover, there are currently around 3,000 estimated Indian nationals in Turkey, including 200 students. Thus, India has reportedly emerged as the fourth-largest tourist source for Turkiye.
India's exports to Turkey stood at USD 5.2 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 6.65 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of India's total exports of USD 437 billion. The exports include: mineral fuels and oil (USD 960 million in 2023-24); electrical machinery and equipment; auto and its parts; organic chemicals; pharma products; tanning and dyeing items; plastic, rubber; cotton; man-made fibres and filaments, iron and steel.
India's imports from Turkey was USD 2.84 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 0.5 per cent of India's total imports of USD 720 billion. The imports include: different types of marbles (blocks and slabs); fresh apples (about USD 10 million), gold, vegetables, lime and cement; mineral oil (USD 1.81 billion in 2023-24); chemicals; natural or cultured pearls; iron and steel.
With calls for boycott, business leaders say that Turkey's tourism will be affected more than how Maldives was affected after its boycott last year over anti-India statements.&nbsp;

World, India News | #BoycottTurkey calls are growing in the country. Here's a list of companies and universities that have announced a suspension of their ties with Turkey. How it will affect Ankara

Joining the bandwagon of boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey. Moreover, India has cancelled security clearance for the Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India. Why did the #BoycottTurkey calls start? After India’s Operation Sindoor, Ankara showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye’s foreign affairs ministry condemned India’s “unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians”. It said Operation Sindoor raised the “risk of an all-out war.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the “brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times”. The calls for boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India’s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones. List of institutions and travel companies who have announced #BoycottTurkey Travel platform EaseMyTrip issued an advisory, asking travellers to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan only if absolutely necessary. Its founder and chairman, Nishant Pittie, said, “As Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary.” Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security". JNU said in a statement that it "stands with the Nation. Jamia Millia Islamia suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye with immediate effect. Indian travel brand Go Homestays announced the end of its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline’s association with Pakistan which has taken a “hostile” position towards India. Cox & Kings said it will temporarily stop all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. Goa Villas, a villa rentals aggregator, declared that it will not offer accommodation to Turkish citizens. Ixigo, a travel and booking platform stated that it suspended all flights and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan and China. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which represents workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for shooting films and cultural collaborations. Himachal Apple Grovers Society wrote to PM Modi requesting a ban on importing apple from Turkey. Pune fruit traders announced boycotting apples imported from Turkey. A local trader also claimed that he received a threatening voice message from Pakistan after boycott announcement. Maulana Azad National Urdu University announced the cancellation of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey with immediate effect. Will it affect Turkey's tourism: What numbers say? According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 3,30,000 Indians travelled to the country last year, compared to 119,503 arrivals in 2014. This resulted in a massive hike in Turkey’s tourism revenue that reached an all-time high of $61.1 billion in 2024, an 8.3 per cent increase from the year before. Moreover, there are currently around 3,000 estimated Indian nationals in Turkey, including 200 students. Thus, India has reportedly emerged as the fourth-largest tourist source for Turkiye. India's exports to Turkey stood at USD 5.2 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 6.65 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of India's total exports of USD 437 billion. The exports include: mineral fuels and oil (USD 960 million in 2023-24); electrical machinery and equipment; auto and its parts; organic chemicals; pharma products; tanning and dyeing items; plastic, rubber; cotton; man-made fibres and filaments, iron and steel. India's imports from Turkey was USD 2.84 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 0.5 per cent of India's total imports of USD 720 billion. The imports include: different types of marbles (blocks and slabs); fresh apples (about USD 10 million), gold, vegetables, lime and cement; mineral oil (USD 1.81 billion in 2023-24); chemicals; natural or cultured pearls; iron and steel. With calls for boycott, business leaders say that Turkey's tourism will be affected more than how Maldives was affected after its boycott last year over anti-India statements.

#BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/india-pakistan-ceasefire-0">India-Pakistan ceasefire</a> as he claimed a few days back. India, however, rejected the claims made by Trump, saying that the talks were held between the two nations' Director Generals of Military Operations.&nbsp;
During his visit to Qatar, Trump while addressing US soldiers and officials, flipped his stance on the India-Pakistan issue.&nbsp;
"I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week, which was getting more and more hostile, and all of a sudden, you'll start seeing missiles of a different type, and we got it settled," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefing-india-pakistan-jk-donald-trump-india-pakistan-ceasefire-operation-sindoor-live-9065048">&lsquo;Our policy has not changed&rsquo;: MEA says J&amp;K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump&rsquo;s ceasefire claim?</a>
Noting the ongoing tariff issue, he then said that the US officials talked to India and Pakistan about trade.&nbsp;
"I hope I don't walk out of here and two days later find out that it's not settled, but I think it is settled, and we talked to them about trade. Let's do trade instead of, and Pakistan was very happy with that, and India was very happy with that, and I think they're on the way..." Trump added.
He further noted that India and Pakistan have been fighting for about "1000 years in all fairness". "So I said, you know. I could settle that up. I could settle; let me settle it up, and let's get them all together."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-line-of-beggars-begins-wherever-pakistan-stands-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-slams-pak-for-imf-bailouts-india-pakistan-tensions-9072336">'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy</a>
"I'm not sure about settling. That's a tough one. They've been fighting for a long time... It was really going to be escalating out of control," Trump added.
On Tuesday, India directly rejected Trump's claims that the US brokered the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday (May 13) said that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly between the two countries without any third-party involvement.
Without naming Trump, Jaiswal said, &ldquo;We have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>

During his visit to Qatar, US President Donald Trump while addressing US soldiers and officials, flipped his stance on the India-Pakistan issue. WORLD india news pakistan

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire as he claimed a few days back. India, however, rejected the claims made by Trump, saying that the talks were held between the two nations' Director Generals of Military Operations. During his visit to Qatar, Trump while addressing US soldiers and officials, flipped his stance on the India-Pakistan issue. "I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week, which was getting more and more hostile, and all of a sudden, you'll start seeing missiles of a different type, and we got it settled," he said. Also read: ‘Our policy has not changed’: MEA says J&K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump’s ceasefire claim? Noting the ongoing tariff issue, he then said that the US officials talked to India and Pakistan about trade. "I hope I don't walk out of here and two days later find out that it's not settled, but I think it is settled, and we talked to them about trade. Let's do trade instead of, and Pakistan was very happy with that, and India was very happy with that, and I think they're on the way..." Trump added. He further noted that India and Pakistan have been fighting for about "1000 years in all fairness". "So I said, you know. I could settle that up. I could settle; let me settle it up, and let's get them all together." Also read: 'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy "I'm not sure about settling. That's a tough one. They've been fighting for a long time... It was really going to be escalating out of control," Trump added. On Tuesday, India directly rejected Trump's claims that the US brokered the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday (May 13) said that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly between the two countries without any third-party involvement. Without naming Trump, Jaiswal said, “We have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed.” Also read: Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH

'Don't want to say I did...': Trump takes U-turn on mediating India-Pak ceasefire claim

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/earthquake">earthquake</a>&nbsp;of magnitude 5.2 hits Turkey on Thursday (May 15), ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit.&nbsp;
The tremor was felt at 14km northeast of Kulu. There are no immediate reports of casualties or injuries, according to Iran-based Mehr news agency.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mapgeevn-hffqifp0-kxp1pn84">
Felt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> REVISED - M 5.2 CENTRAL TURKEY <a href="https://t.co/lxSj88b7HU">pic.twitter.com/lxSj88b7HU</a>
&mdash; SSGEOS (@ssgeos) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssgeos/status/1923007304829476987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
Locals shared visuals on social media as the earthquake hit the country.&nbsp;
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God is real - Earthquake in Turkey🇹🇷 <a href="https://t.co/HzhN5nGCGN">pic.twitter.com/HzhN5nGCGN</a>
&mdash; desi sigma (@desisigma) <a href="https://twitter.com/desisigma/status/1923014653178749199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
This comes after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit the area near Fry, Greece, on Wednesday morning. The quake occurred at 1:51 a.m. local time at a depth of 78 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-earthquake-of-6-4-magnitude-strikes-tonga-9066756">Massive earthquake of 6.4 magnitude strikes Tonga</a>
Tremors were also felt in Cairo, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.&nbsp;
Last month also, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Istanbul, which led to panic among locals in the Turkish metropolis.&nbsp;
The quake occurred in the Sea of Marmara close to Silivri, which lies around 70 kilometers (40 miles) to the west of the city, according to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD).
There was no loss of life reported, however, 151 people were injured after &ldquo;jumping from heights due to panic.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/nepal/4-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-nepal-9009007">4 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal</a>
Turkey&rsquo;s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, said the quake lasted a total of 13 seconds at a depth of seven kilometers, with 51 aftershocks recorded so far, the largest of which was of 5.9 magnitude.
A few hours back, Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Turkey, along with other senior government officials, for peace talks with Russia.&nbsp;
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin was not part of the Moscow delegation, which further triggered criticism from Western officials that Russia isn't serious about the peace effort.&nbsp;
Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Putin, will be leading the Russian team, along with three other senior officials, the Kremlin said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-warn-of-triple-threat-say-massive-earthquake-can-drown-parts-of-us-9021924">Scientists warn of triple threat, say massive earthquake can drown parts of US</a>
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The tremor was felt at 14km northeast of Kulu. There are no immediate reports of casualties or injuries, according to Iran-based Mehr news agency. WORLD

An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 hits Turkey on Thursday (May 15), ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit. The tremor was felt at 14km northeast of Kulu. There are no immediate reports of casualties or injuries, according to Iran-based Mehr news agency. Felt #earthquake REVISED - M 5.2 CENTRAL TURKEY pic.twitter.com/lxSj88b7HU — SSGEOS (@ssgeos) May 15, 2025 Locals shared visuals on social media as the earthquake hit the country. God is real - Earthquake in Turkey🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/HzhN5nGCGN — desi sigma (@desisigma) May 15, 2025 This comes after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit the area near Fry, Greece, on Wednesday morning. The quake occurred at 1:51 a.m. local time at a depth of 78 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey. Also read: Massive earthquake of 6.4 magnitude strikes Tonga Tremors were also felt in Cairo, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Last month also, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Istanbul, which led to panic among locals in the Turkish metropolis. The quake occurred in the Sea of Marmara close to Silivri, which lies around 70 kilometers (40 miles) to the west of the city, according to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD). There was no loss of life reported, however, 151 people were injured after “jumping from heights due to panic.” Also read: 4 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, said the quake lasted a total of 13 seconds at a depth of seven kilometers, with 51 aftershocks recorded so far, the largest of which was of 5.9 magnitude. A few hours back, Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Turkey, along with other senior government officials, for peace talks with Russia. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin was not part of the Moscow delegation, which further triggered criticism from Western officials that Russia isn't serious about the peace effort. Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Putin, will be leading the Russian team, along with three other senior officials, the Kremlin said. Also read: Scientists warn of triple threat, say massive earthquake can drown parts of US

Earthquake of magnitude 5.2 hits Turkey, tremors felt across several provinces

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