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Just days after ShinyHunters claimed to have hacked the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) employment website, the American investigative agency has hit back at the hacking group, arresting an alleged leader of the notorious syndicate. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of "one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters – a global cybercrime and threat actor group linked to cyberattacks in the United States". The alleged ShinyHunters leader, identified as 24-year-old Amsterdam man Pepijn van der Stap, was arrested in the Netherlands on September 15 following a joint operation involving the FBI and Dutch authorities.<h2>What we know about the ShinyHunters leader</h2>Dutch police said a 24-year-old man from Amsterdam was arrested on September 15 over his alleged involvement with ShinyHunters. He is also suspected of attempting to incite two murders, according to Dutch authorities.Investigators seized multiple electronic devices and said further arrests had not been ruled out.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-hacked-hacking-group-shinyhunters-claims-to-have-compromised-the-fbi-stolen-2-3tb-data-1790240391998">FBI hacked? Hacking group ShinyHunters claims to 'have compromised the FBI,' stolen 2–3TB data</a><h2>Suspect identified by cybersecurity executive</h2>Benjamin Korper, offensive security lead at Amsterdam-based cybersecurity company Neo Security, identified the arrested man as Pepijn van der Stap. Korper told Reuters that Dutch forensic investigators visited his office on September 15, the day Van der Stap was arrested in a police operation involving flash-bang grenades.The arrest has drawn significant attention in the cybersecurity community because Van der Stap had previously been convicted in 2023 of data theft and extortion. He later publicly distanced himself from cybercrime. On his personal website, he wrote that his experience had taught him that “knowledge is for building and protecting, not breaking.”Korper said he had thoroughly vetted Van der Stap before hiring him and had monitored his work. He said an external firm was investigating whether the employee had compromised Neo Security or its customers, but no evidence had so far been found showing that he had acted against the company or its clients. “I truly believe that people deserve a second chance, but in this case I was not thanked for it,” Korper said.<h2>FBI warns remaining ShinyHunters members</h2>FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest was carried out by the Dutch High-Tech Crime Unit in coordination with FBI investigators. “This morning @FBI and our partners the Dutch National Police are announcing the arrest of one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters, a global cybercrime and threat actor group linked to cyberattacks in the United States, the Netherlands, and around the world,” Patel wrote on X.He said FBI teams were continuing to work with international and industry partners to develop further leads from the investigation. The FBI's Cyber Division also issued a direct warning to members of the group.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grading-each-other-s-homework-trump-s-pact-lets-tech-giants-self-police-ai-even-as-rogue-agent-incidents-continue-to-mount-1790733974263">‘Grading each other’s homework’: Trump's pact lets tech giants self-police AI even as rogue-agent incidents continue to mount</a><h2>‘We know how to find you’</h2>Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI's Cyber Division, told remaining ShinyHunters members that investigators were confident the arrest and seized infrastructure would provide further information about the network.“Other groups believed anonymity or their friends would protect them, and they were wrong,” Leatherman said. “Arrests have a way of changing who is willing to talk. And seized infrastructure has a way of showing us who's left.”He added: “The longer you stay in this, the more we learn about you. You know how to find us and we know how find you. I suggest you reach out first while the choice is still yours.”According to Leatherman, ShinyHunters and its alleged co-conspirators have breached more than 140 organisations since last year and obtained at least $70 million in extortion payments. He said the group often targeted third-party vendors and cloud platforms, stealing sensitive information and threatening to publish it unless victims paid.<h2>ShinyHunters denies connection</h2>ShinyHunters, in a statement cited by Reuters, denied that Van der Stap was associated with the group and criticised Dutch police.The group has previously been linked to large-scale data theft and extortion attacks. It also recently claimed responsibility for stealing sensitive personnel data from US FBI systems, although the extent of the alleged breach has remained under investigation.&nbsp;A source cited by Reuters said an internal FBI memo told employees the bureau was operating on the assumption that hackers may have obtained information relating to all FBI employees. &nbsp;

The FBI has arrested a 24-year-old Dutch man identified as an alleged ShinyHunters leader, days after the group claimed to have hacked the agency's employment website. The bureau has warned remaining members as investigators pursue further leads.

Just days after ShinyHunters claimed to have hacked the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) employment website, the American investigative agency has hit back at the hacking group, arresting an alleged leader of the notorious syndicate. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of "one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters – a global cybercrime and threat actor group linked to cyberattacks in the United States". The alleged ShinyHunters leader, identified as 24-year-old Amsterdam man Pepijn van der Stap, was arrested in the Netherlands on September 15 following a joint operation involving the FBI and Dutch authorities. What we know about the ShinyHunters leader Dutch police said a 24-year-old man from Amsterdam was arrested on September 15 over his alleged involvement with ShinyHunters. He is also suspected of attempting to incite two murders, according to Dutch authorities. Investigators seized multiple electronic devices and said further arrests had not been ruled out. Also read | FBI hacked? Hacking group ShinyHunters claims to 'have compromised the FBI,' stolen 2–3TB data Suspect identified by cybersecurity executive Benjamin Korper, offensive security lead at Amsterdam-based cybersecurity company Neo Security, identified the arrested man as Pepijn van der Stap. Korper told Reuters that Dutch forensic investigators visited his office on September 15, the day Van der Stap was arrested in a police operation involving flash-bang grenades. The arrest has drawn significant attention in the cybersecurity community because Van der Stap had previously been convicted in 2023 of data theft and extortion. He later publicly distanced himself from cybercrime. On his personal website, he wrote that his experience had taught him that “knowledge is for building and protecting, not breaking.” Korper said he had thoroughly vetted Van der Stap before hiring him and had monitored his work. He said an external firm was investigating whether the employee had compromised Neo Security or its customers, but no evidence had so far been found showing that he had acted against the company or its clients. “I truly believe that people deserve a second chance, but in this case I was not thanked for it,” Korper said. FBI warns remaining ShinyHunters members FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest was carried out by the Dutch High-Tech Crime Unit in coordination with FBI investigators. “This morning @FBI and our partners the Dutch National Police are announcing the arrest of one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters, a global cybercrime and threat actor group linked to cyberattacks in the United States, the Netherlands, and around the world,” Patel wrote on X. He said FBI teams were continuing to work with international and industry partners to develop further leads from the investigation. The FBI's Cyber Division also issued a direct warning to members of the group. Also read | ‘Grading each other’s homework’: Trump's pact lets tech giants self-police AI even as rogue-agent incidents continue to mount ‘We know how to find you’ Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI's Cyber Division, told remaining ShinyHunters members that investigators were confident the arrest and seized infrastructure would provide further information about the network. “Other groups believed anonymity or their friends would protect them, and they were wrong,” Leatherman said. “Arrests have a way of changing who is willing to talk. And seized infrastructure has a way of showing us who's left.” He added: “The longer you stay in this, the more we learn about you. You know how to find us and we know how find you. I suggest you reach out first while the choice is still yours.” According to Leatherman, ShinyHunters and its alleged co-conspirators have breached more than 140 organisations since last year and obtained at least $70 million in extortion payments. He said the group often targeted third-party vendors and cloud platforms, stealing sensitive information and threatening to publish it unless victims paid. ShinyHunters denies connection ShinyHunters, in a statement cited by Reuters, denied that Van der Stap was associated with the group and criticised Dutch police. The group has previously been linked to large-scale data theft and extortion attacks. It also recently claimed responsibility for stealing sensitive personnel data from US FBI systems, although the extent of the alleged breach has remained under investigation. A source cited by Reuters said an internal FBI memo told employees the bureau was operating on the assumption that hackers may have obtained information relating to all FBI employees.

The FBI has arrested a 24-year-old Dutch man identified as an alleged ShinyHunters leader, days after the group claimed to have hacked the agency's employment website. The bureau has warned remaining members as investigators pursue further leads.

FBI strikes back at ShinyHunters after alleged hack, arrests leader in Netherlands, warns members: 'Your anonymity won't protect you'

A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv declared an emergency while flying over northern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and diverted toward Saudi territory, according to flight-tracking data. The aircraft, identified as flydubai flight FZ1073, had been heading toward Israel when its flight path changed over northern Saudi Arabia. Tracking data showed the plane turning away from Tel Aviv and later heading toward Tabuk. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, according to The Times of Israel. Israeli security sources said that hijacking has been ruled out. Earlier reports said Israeli Air Force fighter jets had been scrambled toward the aircraft as authorities assessed the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz were also reported to have held emergency consultations. The aircraft was carrying around 180 passengers, according to reports.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-could-collapse-like-soviet-union-cia-chief-john-ratcliffe-s-warning-to-moscow-revealed-1790748373647">Russia could collapse like Soviet Union? CIA chief John Ratcliffe's warning to Moscow revealed</a><h2>Flydubai plane emergency: What Flightradar24 data showed</h2>Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitting 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code for a general emergency. The tracking data also showed significant changes in the aircraft’s flight parameters before it turned around. The plane descended sharply, while its ground speed fluctuated before the aircraft changed course.&nbsp;Following the diversion, the aircraft was flying at a relatively low altitude of around 15,000 feet, according to tracking data. Some flight trackers also indicated that the aircraft may have briefly transmitted 7500, the transponder code associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking. That detail was initially unconfirmed. Later reports indicated that the 7500 code was cancelled. Israeli security sources cited by The Times of Israel said the emergency appeared to have resulted from an altercation between the pilots, rather than a hijacking.&nbsp;A Middle East correspondent also reported that the aircraft had landed safely in Saudi Arabia. “The assessment in Israel is that the emergency signal on the plane was activated during a violent altercation between the pilots in the cockpit, and not due to a hijacking," he posted. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.<h2>Statement from Flydubai</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">flydubai official statement: flydubai can confirm that flight FZ 1073 operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on 30 September experienced an incident while en route. The aircraft has landed safely in Tabuk (TUU) and all passengers are… <a href="https://t.co/YPGUAhxcyJ">https://t.co/YPGUAhxcyJ</a>&mdash; Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) <a href="https://x.com/ariel_oseran/status/2105203221497028745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv declares emergency over Saudi Arabia, triggers security response and diverts to Tabuk after reported pilot altercation

A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv declared an emergency while flying over northern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and diverted toward Saudi territory, according to flight-tracking data. The aircraft, identified as flydubai flight FZ1073, had been heading toward Israel when its flight path changed over northern Saudi Arabia. Tracking data showed the plane turning away from Tel Aviv and later heading toward Tabuk. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, according to The Times of Israel. Israeli security sources said that hijacking has been ruled out. Earlier reports said Israeli Air Force fighter jets had been scrambled toward the aircraft as authorities assessed the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz were also reported to have held emergency consultations. The aircraft was carrying around 180 passengers, according to reports. Also Read: Russia could collapse like Soviet Union? CIA chief John Ratcliffe's warning to Moscow revealed Flydubai plane emergency: What Flightradar24 data showed Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitting 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code for a general emergency. The tracking data also showed significant changes in the aircraft’s flight parameters before it turned around. The plane descended sharply, while its ground speed fluctuated before the aircraft changed course. Following the diversion, the aircraft was flying at a relatively low altitude of around 15,000 feet, according to tracking data. Some flight trackers also indicated that the aircraft may have briefly transmitted 7500, the transponder code associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking. That detail was initially unconfirmed. Later reports indicated that the 7500 code was cancelled. Israeli security sources cited by The Times of Israel said the emergency appeared to have resulted from an altercation between the pilots, rather than a hijacking. A Middle East correspondent also reported that the aircraft had landed safely in Saudi Arabia. “The assessment in Israel is that the emergency signal on the plane was activated during a violent altercation between the pilots in the cockpit, and not due to a hijacking," he posted. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Statement from Flydubai

Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv declared an emergency over Saudi Arabia, diverted to Tabuk and landed safely after a reported cockpit altercation

Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight declares emergency, diverted to Saudi Arabia; hijacking ruled out

CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned Russian officials that the country’s economy could face a Soviet-style collapse if the war in Ukraine continues, according to a report by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) published on September 26. A senior diplomat familiar with the CIA’s briefing to Western partner intelligence services following Ratcliffe’s late-August visit to Moscow told FAZ that communicating the US intelligence assessment was the central purpose of the trip. The diplomat described the assessment as concluding: “Russia is losing the war,” according to the report.&nbsp;Earlier reports had indicated that Ratcliffe delivered a grim assessment of Russia’s military and economic position during his visit to Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly canceled a planned meeting with the CIA director afterward. The latest FAZ report offers further details about the economic warning allegedly delivered to Russian officials. According to the report, US intelligence drew a distinction between Russia’s battlefield position and its longer-term economic prospects. While American intelligence reportedly assessed that the fighting was moving toward a stalemate, it also concluded that Russia would struggle to sustain the war economically.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donkey-route-three-gujaratis-taking-illegal-route-to-us-vanish-in-ethiopia-family-claims-kidnapping-face-1cr-ransom-seeks-govt-help-1790743991115">US dream turns nightmare: 3 Gujaratis 'vanish' in Ethiopia, family seeks govt help after scary ransom demand</a>&nbsp;“The economy will collapse, just as the Soviet Union did at the end of the Cold War,” the diplomat told FAZ, describing the assessment presented to Moscow. The warning was reportedly linked to Washington’s broader policy toward Ukraine. The United States wanted Moscow to understand that the intelligence assessment was influencing its approach and that Russia’s position could deteriorate further over time.&nbsp;According to FAZ, Putin therefore should not expect Trump to eventually abandon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The message from Washington to Moscow was described in blunt terms: “Negotiate!” The intelligence assessment also reportedly influenced how some European officials viewed Washington’s recent diplomatic outreach to Russia, including Trump’s invitation for Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December.&nbsp;Separately, signs of economic pressure have emerged in Russia’s construction sector. The number of bankruptcy cases involving Russian construction companies reached 1,454 by early September, up from 1,089 in June and 41% higher year over year, according to data from Kontur.Focus cited by Russian media. Industry sources have linked the pressure to weaker housing demand, high financing costs and rising construction expenses. The figures, however, cover bankruptcy cases involving construction companies and should not automatically be interpreted as the number of stalled housing projects.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly warned Russia its economy could collapse like the Soviet Union if the Ukraine war continues, FAZ reported

CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned Russian officials that the country’s economy could face a Soviet-style collapse if the war in Ukraine continues, according to a report by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) published on September 26. A senior diplomat familiar with the CIA’s briefing to Western partner intelligence services following Ratcliffe’s late-August visit to Moscow told FAZ that communicating the US intelligence assessment was the central purpose of the trip. The diplomat described the assessment as concluding: “Russia is losing the war,” according to the report. Earlier reports had indicated that Ratcliffe delivered a grim assessment of Russia’s military and economic position during his visit to Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly canceled a planned meeting with the CIA director afterward. The latest FAZ report offers further details about the economic warning allegedly delivered to Russian officials. According to the report, US intelligence drew a distinction between Russia’s battlefield position and its longer-term economic prospects. While American intelligence reportedly assessed that the fighting was moving toward a stalemate, it also concluded that Russia would struggle to sustain the war economically. Also Read: US dream turns nightmare: 3 Gujaratis 'vanish' in Ethiopia, family seeks govt help after scary ransom demand “The economy will collapse, just as the Soviet Union did at the end of the Cold War,” the diplomat told FAZ, describing the assessment presented to Moscow. The warning was reportedly linked to Washington’s broader policy toward Ukraine. The United States wanted Moscow to understand that the intelligence assessment was influencing its approach and that Russia’s position could deteriorate further over time. According to FAZ, Putin therefore should not expect Trump to eventually abandon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The message from Washington to Moscow was described in blunt terms: “Negotiate!” The intelligence assessment also reportedly influenced how some European officials viewed Washington’s recent diplomatic outreach to Russia, including Trump’s invitation for Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December. Separately, signs of economic pressure have emerged in Russia’s construction sector. The number of bankruptcy cases involving Russian construction companies reached 1,454 by early September, up from 1,089 in June and 41% higher year over year, according to data from Kontur.Focus cited by Russian media. Industry sources have linked the pressure to weaker housing demand, high financing costs and rising construction expenses. The figures, however, cover bankruptcy cases involving construction companies and should not automatically be interpreted as the number of stalled housing projects.

CIA chief John Ratcliffe reportedly warned Moscow that Russia’s economy could collapse like the Soviet Union if the Ukraine war continues

Russia could collapse like Soviet Union? CIA chief John Ratcliffe's warning to Moscow revealed

Three people from Gujarat who were travelling to the United States through an alleged illegal migration route have gone missing in Ethiopia, with their families claiming they were kidnapped and a ransom of Rs 1 crore demanded for their release. The three relatives left Gujarat on September 20 with the help of travel agents and were last heard from on September 22, according to their families and police. A missing persons complaint has been registered at Langhnaj police station in Mehsana district, while relatives have appealed to the government for help in bringing them back safely.The missing travellers have been identified in reports as 23-year-old Rutvik Jansari of Vadsma village in Mehsana, 30-year-old Mamta Chavda, originally from Mehsana and currently living in Ahmedabad, and another female relative from Gandhinagar. Some reports identify the third person as Mayuri Solanki, while others have named her Gopi.<h2>Visa rejections led family to seek an ‘alternative route’</h2>According to the complaint cited by police, Mamta's husband had travelled to the US on a student visa, while even after six attempts she had repeatedly failed to secure an American visa.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-foils-major-pakistani-drug-smuggling-bid-five-arrested-with-526-kg-heroin-meth-in-arabian-sea-1790736892325">India foils major Pakistani drug smuggling bid: Five arrested with 526 kg heroin, meth in Arabian sea</a>Her family subsequently approached intermediaries who promised to arrange her journey to the US through an unauthorised route, also referred to as a Dunki, or Donkey route. The agents allegedly connected the family with another intermediary in Vadodara, with the total amount reported to be in the range of Rs 60 lakh to Rs 75 lakh per person. The family says around Rs 70 lakh had already been paid in instalments.The journey began on September 20. The three were taken from Gujarat to Jaipur and then flew to Abu Dhabi on an Etihad Airways flight before travelling onwards to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Reports say they were staying at a facility identified as GSF Camp on Swaziland Street in Addis Ababa and had Ethiopian e-visas valid for around a month.<h2>Family first told they had reached Canada</h2>On September 22, Mamta spoke to her father and reportedly said that the group had reached Canada. The call was followed by a sudden loss of contact. All three phones were switched off, and relatives were unable to reach them.The family's concerns deepened when a man identifying himself as “Khan” allegedly called and demanded Rs 1 crore in exchange for the trio's release.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-tightens-pollution-rules-ahead-of-winter-bs-iv-and-older-goods-vehicles-face-fresh-curbs-all-you-need-to-know-1790743040323">Delhi tightens pollution rules ahead of winter, BS-IV and older goods vehicles face fresh curbs: All you need to know</a>Mamta's father, Kiritbhai Chauhan, said the family had already spent a huge amount trying to arrange their journey and had nothing left. “We have already paid huge money to send them (to the US). We have nothing left and are helpless. We request the government to bring our three children back safely,” PTI quoted him as saying.Rutvik's grandfather, Kanubhai Jansari, has also claimed that Rs 1 crore was demanded for the trio's release.<h2>Agent claims his contact is also missing</h2>Local agent Alpesh Panchal, identified as the man who arranged their journey, has said that the three never actually reached Canada and were allegedly kidnapped while they were still in Ethiopia.Panchal also claimed that his own international contact had gone missing and that money had already been paid to the alleged kidnappers, who are now demanding another Rs 1 crore. The claims have not been independently established.<h2>Police probe disappearance</h2>Langhnaj police have confirmed that the trio has been reported missing and that their whereabouts could not be established after September 22.Police are examining the role of the agents involved in arranging the journey and are trying to establish the trio's actual location and what happened after they reached Ethiopia. The ransom call is also being examined as part of the investigation.The case has also renewed concerns over Indians using illegal migration routes to reach the US, where travellers can become dependent on intermediaries operating outside formal immigration and travel systems.&nbsp;

Three Gujaratis attempting to reach the US through the alleged 'Donkey route' have gone missing in Ethiopia. Their families claim they were kidnapped and have received a Rs 1 crore ransom demand after reportedly paying agents around Rs 70 lakh.

Three people from Gujarat who were travelling to the United States through an alleged illegal migration route have gone missing in Ethiopia, with their families claiming they were kidnapped and a ransom of Rs 1 crore demanded for their release. The three relatives left Gujarat on September 20 with the help of travel agents and were last heard from on September 22, according to their families and police. A missing persons complaint has been registered at Langhnaj police station in Mehsana district, while relatives have appealed to the government for help in bringing them back safely. The missing travellers have been identified in reports as 23-year-old Rutvik Jansari of Vadsma village in Mehsana, 30-year-old Mamta Chavda, originally from Mehsana and currently living in Ahmedabad, and another female relative from Gandhinagar. Some reports identify the third person as Mayuri Solanki, while others have named her Gopi. Visa rejections led family to seek an ‘alternative route’ According to the complaint cited by police, Mamta's husband had travelled to the US on a student visa, while even after six attempts she had repeatedly failed to secure an American visa. Also read | India foils major Pakistani drug smuggling bid: Five arrested with 526 kg heroin, meth in Arabian sea Her family subsequently approached intermediaries who promised to arrange her journey to the US through an unauthorised route, also referred to as a Dunki, or Donkey route. The agents allegedly connected the family with another intermediary in Vadodara, with the total amount reported to be in the range of Rs 60 lakh to Rs 75 lakh per person. The family says around Rs 70 lakh had already been paid in instalments. The journey began on September 20. The three were taken from Gujarat to Jaipur and then flew to Abu Dhabi on an Etihad Airways flight before travelling onwards to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Reports say they were staying at a facility identified as GSF Camp on Swaziland Street in Addis Ababa and had Ethiopian e-visas valid for around a month. Family first told they had reached Canada On September 22, Mamta spoke to her father and reportedly said that the group had reached Canada. The call was followed by a sudden loss of contact. All three phones were switched off, and relatives were unable to reach them. The family's concerns deepened when a man identifying himself as “Khan” allegedly called and demanded Rs 1 crore in exchange for the trio's release. Also read | Delhi tightens pollution rules ahead of winter, BS-IV and older goods vehicles face fresh curbs: All you need to know Mamta's father, Kiritbhai Chauhan, said the family had already spent a huge amount trying to arrange their journey and had nothing left. “We have already paid huge money to send them (to the US). We have nothing left and are helpless. We request the government to bring our three children back safely,” PTI quoted him as saying. Rutvik's grandfather, Kanubhai Jansari, has also claimed that Rs 1 crore was demanded for the trio's release. Agent claims his contact is also missing Local agent Alpesh Panchal, identified as the man who arranged their journey, has said that the three never actually reached Canada and were allegedly kidnapped while they were still in Ethiopia. Panchal also claimed that his own international contact had gone missing and that money had already been paid to the alleged kidnappers, who are now demanding another Rs 1 crore. The claims have not been independently established. Police probe disappearance Langhnaj police have confirmed that the trio has been reported missing and that their whereabouts could not be established after September 22. Police are examining the role of the agents involved in arranging the journey and are trying to establish the trio's actual location and what happened after they reached Ethiopia. The ransom call is also being examined as part of the investigation. The case has also renewed concerns over Indians using illegal migration routes to reach the US, where travellers can become dependent on intermediaries operating outside formal immigration and travel systems.

Three Gujaratis attempting to reach the US through the alleged 'Donkey route' have gone missing in Ethiopia. Their families claim they were kidnapped and have received a Rs 1 crore ransom demand after reportedly paying agents around Rs 70 lakh.

US dream turns nightmare: 3 Gujaratis 'vanish' in Ethiopia, family seeks govt help after scary ransom demand

Six Flags in California has announced that it will permanently close its X2 roller coaster, which an investigation linked to brain injuries and deaths. Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding wrote in a blog post on Tuesday that even though the X2 roller coaster has “consistently passed a multitude of safety tests", the ride will be closed "because we believe it’s the right thing to do."&nbsp;“Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously," he added. The roller coaster is said to have injured riders over a decade, but it was never officially revealed.&nbsp;&nbsp;A CNN investigation last month documented more than a dozen cases where riders were seriously injured from the ride, leading to hospitalisations and at least two deaths. The most recent case is of two women who suffered brain injuries after riding the X2 roller coaster six days apart in July. They were both hospitalised at the Santa Clarita emergency room.&nbsp;Following the probe, more than 100 new victims came forward last week, claiming that riding the X2 caused brain injuries. The revelation was made by their attorneys at a news conference, who said that all these cases occurred in the last two years. One of the victims is in a coma.&nbsp;Three lawsuits were filed last week on behalf of riders who suffered life-threatening injuries this year. This includes 26-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who remains unconscious at a hospital. Six Flags officials have been accused of not shutting down the ride despite knowing about the alleged dangers. Six days before Naomi took the ride, another woman named Pamela Guillen lost consciousness after getting off the roller coaster and was rushed into emergency brain surgery.&nbsp;“Six Flags knew years ago that X2 was putting people at grave risk and chose to continue gambling with their lives anyway. This should have happened long before Naomi’s brain injury," Naomi's parents told CNN.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pamela previously told CNN that the ride has left her with terrible headaches and brain fog and that she is on medication for seizures. She also had to relearn how to talk and walk.&nbsp;X2 has been a highlight at Six Flags Magic Mountain for over two decades and is known for its 4th-dimensional ride. Not only does the train go around the twisted track at speeds of 128 km/hr, but the seats also rotate 360 degrees.&nbsp;One of the victims who died from a traumatic brain injury was 22-year-old Christopher Hawley. He passed away hours after riding X2 four years ago, and his parents had been pushing for the ride's closure for a long time. Neurosurgeons had said his injuries resembled those of “shaken baby syndrome." The coroner's report stated that Hawley died from blunt head trauma from "a park ride accident."&nbsp;

The X2 roller coaster, which had been the highlight at Six Flags Magic Mountain for nearly two decades, has been officially shut down. An investigation linked it to severe brain injuries, and recently more people came forward claiming the same. 

Six Flags in California has announced that it will permanently close its X2 roller coaster, which an investigation linked to brain injuries and deaths. Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding wrote in a blog post on Tuesday that even though the X2 roller coaster has “consistently passed a multitude of safety tests", the ride will be closed "because we believe it’s the right thing to do." “Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously," he added. The roller coaster is said to have injured riders over a decade, but it was never officially revealed. A CNN investigation last month documented more than a dozen cases where riders were seriously injured from the ride, leading to hospitalisations and at least two deaths. The most recent case is of two women who suffered brain injuries after riding the X2 roller coaster six days apart in July. They were both hospitalised at the Santa Clarita emergency room. Following the probe, more than 100 new victims came forward last week, claiming that riding the X2 caused brain injuries. The revelation was made by their attorneys at a news conference, who said that all these cases occurred in the last two years. One of the victims is in a coma. Three lawsuits were filed last week on behalf of riders who suffered life-threatening injuries this year. This includes 26-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who remains unconscious at a hospital. Six Flags officials have been accused of not shutting down the ride despite knowing about the alleged dangers. Six days before Naomi took the ride, another woman named Pamela Guillen lost consciousness after getting off the roller coaster and was rushed into emergency brain surgery. “Six Flags knew years ago that X2 was putting people at grave risk and chose to continue gambling with their lives anyway. This should have happened long before Naomi’s brain injury," Naomi's parents told CNN. Meanwhile, Pamela previously told CNN that the ride has left her with terrible headaches and brain fog and that she is on medication for seizures. She also had to relearn how to talk and walk. X2 has been a highlight at Six Flags Magic Mountain for over two decades and is known for its 4th-dimensional ride. Not only does the train go around the twisted track at speeds of 128 km/hr, but the seats also rotate 360 degrees. One of the victims who died from a traumatic brain injury was 22-year-old Christopher Hawley. He passed away hours after riding X2 four years ago, and his parents had been pushing for the ride's closure for a long time. Neurosurgeons had said his injuries resembled those of “shaken baby syndrome." The coroner's report stated that Hawley died from blunt head trauma from "a park ride accident."

The X2 roller coaster, which had been the highlight at Six Flags Magic Mountain for nearly two decades, has been officially shut down. An investigation linked it to severe brain injuries, and recently, more people came forward claiming the same.&nbsp;

X2 roller coaster to shut down permanently for alleged brain injuries, coma and even death

President Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 29) hosted executives from several major technology companies as he promoted a new agreement that would largely allow the AI industry to oversee its own safety practices. Trump and the tech leaders signed the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, with ‘super intelligence’ serving as the president’s preferred term for artificial intelligence. However, a glaring error on the document quickly drew attention.&nbsp;Trump and around half a dozen technology executives signed the second page of the agreement. Beneath Trump’s prominent signature was an unexpected title that contained a misspelling of the country’s name: “President of the Unites States.” The typo appeared on the document circulated publicly by the White House and remained visible on Trump’s Truth Social account as of early on Wednesday (September 30). The accord outlines four voluntary measures for the AI industry, including internal controls, monitoring and oversight. While the agreement is not legally binding, it leaves open the possibility that government regulations could eventually be introduced.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-monk-isolates-until-2038-for-rigorous-training-1790739968377">Japanese monk isolates until 2038 for rigorous training that has killed many in the past</a><h2>Here's Donald Trump Truth Social post</h2>

The accord calls for four layers of internal controls and oversight: robust safety controls during model development and deployment, dedicated internal monitoring teams, independent external audits and oversight by an independent board committee. The companies also agreed to meet regularly to develop safety standards and best practices.&nbsp;Trump described the agreement as ‘morally binding’, although it is not legally enforceable. The document leaves open the possibility of eventually codifying the measures into laws or regulations. The accord was signed by Trump and executives including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, xAI founder Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Trump and top tech CEOs sign the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, a voluntary AI safety pact covering internal controls, audits and oversight

President Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 29) hosted executives from several major technology companies as he promoted a new agreement that would largely allow the AI industry to oversee its own safety practices. Trump and the tech leaders signed the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, with ‘super intelligence’ serving as the president’s preferred term for artificial intelligence. However, a glaring error on the document quickly drew attention. Trump and around half a dozen technology executives signed the second page of the agreement. Beneath Trump’s prominent signature was an unexpected title that contained a misspelling of the country’s name: “President of the Unites States.” The typo appeared on the document circulated publicly by the White House and remained visible on Trump’s Truth Social account as of early on Wednesday (September 30). The accord outlines four voluntary measures for the AI industry, including internal controls, monitoring and oversight. While the agreement is not legally binding, it leaves open the possibility that government regulations could eventually be introduced. Also Read: Japanese monk isolates until 2038 for rigorous training that has killed many in the past Here's Donald Trump Truth Social post

Donald Trump’s new Super Intelligence accord has drawn attention after a major typo appeared on the White House document’s signature page

Trump’s AI safety accord typo makes him president of a ‘new country’: Here's what happened

Chinese humanoid robots dressed in traditional Saudi attire performed the iconic Ardah sword dance at a reception in Riyadh's China's Embassy to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The robots were dressed in thobes and ghutras, the traditional daily and formal outfit worn by men in the Arabian Gulf. Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua was present during the event. The event was held at the Cultural Palace within the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.&nbsp;Chinese Ambassador to Saudi, Chang Hua, said: “Our embassy held a reception this evening to celebrate the seventy-seventh anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. We express our thanks to our friends for honouring us with their presence. Chinese-manufactured robots delivered stunning performances that left a profound impression on those in attendance.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">أقامت سفارتنا مساء اليوم حفل استقبال للاحتفال بالذكرى السابعة والسبعين لتأسيس جمهورية الصين الشعبية. ونعرب عن شكرنا للأصدقاء على تشريفهم بحضورهم. وقدّمت الروبوتات المصنّعة في الصين عروضاً مبهرة تركت أثراً بالغاً في نفوس الحاضرين. <a href="https://t.co/xleMfQaNG3">pic.twitter.com/xleMfQaNG3</a>&mdash; Chang Hua (@AmbChangHua) <a href="https://x.com/AmbChangHua/status/2104656875421585853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Chinese humanoid robots dressed in traditional Saudi thobes and ghutras performed the iconic Ardah sword dance at a reception in Riyadh marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua praised the robots’ performance.

Chinese humanoid robots dressed in traditional Saudi attire performed the iconic Ardah sword dance at a reception in Riyadh's China's Embassy to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The robots were dressed in thobes and ghutras, the traditional daily and formal outfit worn by men in the Arabian Gulf. Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua was present during the event. The event was held at the Cultural Palace within the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. Chinese Ambassador to Saudi, Chang Hua, said: “Our embassy held a reception this evening to celebrate the seventy-seventh anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. We express our thanks to our friends for honouring us with their presence. Chinese-manufactured robots delivered stunning performances that left a profound impression on those in attendance.”

Chinese humanoid robots dressed in traditional Saudi thobes and ghutras performed the iconic Ardah sword dance at a reception in Riyadh marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua praised the robots’ performance.

WATCH: Chinese robots perform Saudi Ardah sword dance in Riyadh, leave guests stunned

Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump before Congress on Tuesday (September 29), saying investigators had developed evidence that Trump committed serious crimes. "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation," he added. Smith said he made his prosecutorial decisions without considering Trump's political affiliation, activities, beliefs or 2024 presidential candidacy.&nbsp;"I made those decisions without regard to President Trump's political association, activities, beliefs or candidacy in the 2024 presidential election," he said. Smith was forced to halt two federal investigations involving Trump after Trump won re-election in November 2024. One focused on efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, while the other examined Trump's retention of classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raf-fairford-incident-one-arrested-man-called-emergency-services-number-before-farmer-raised-alarm-with-police-1790739097666">RAF Fairford incident: One arrested man called emergency services before farmer raised alarm with police</a>&nbsp;Speaking before the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee, Smith also warned about what he described as unprecedented challenges to the rule of law. "As I appear before you today, it is my belief that the rule of law faces challenges unlike any we have experienced in our lifetime," Smith said. He also criticised the vilification of the agents, prosecutors, and staff who worked on his investigations.&nbsp;"I myself have been threatened with jail by the president of the United States," Smith said. Despite those challenges, Smith said he remained confident in the resilience of the legal system. "I remain confident that the rule of law will endure because so many continue to uphold it faithfully each day throughout our legal system," the former prosecutor said. Trump and his Republican allies have characterised Smith's investigations as part of what they call the weaponization of the justice system during Joe Biden's presidency.

Jack Smith defends the Trump prosecution before Congress, details his investigations and warns of unprecedented challenges to the rule of law

Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump before Congress on Tuesday (September 29), saying investigators had developed evidence that Trump committed serious crimes. "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation," he added. Smith said he made his prosecutorial decisions without considering Trump's political affiliation, activities, beliefs or 2024 presidential candidacy. "I made those decisions without regard to President Trump's political association, activities, beliefs or candidacy in the 2024 presidential election," he said. Smith was forced to halt two federal investigations involving Trump after Trump won re-election in November 2024. One focused on efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, while the other examined Trump's retention of classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021. Also Read: RAF Fairford incident: One arrested man called emergency services before farmer raised alarm with police Speaking before the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee, Smith also warned about what he described as unprecedented challenges to the rule of law. "As I appear before you today, it is my belief that the rule of law faces challenges unlike any we have experienced in our lifetime," Smith said. He also criticised the vilification of the agents, prosecutors, and staff who worked on his investigations. "I myself have been threatened with jail by the president of the United States," Smith said. Despite those challenges, Smith said he remained confident in the resilience of the legal system. "I remain confident that the rule of law will endure because so many continue to uphold it faithfully each day throughout our legal system," the former prosecutor said. Trump and his Republican allies have characterised Smith's investigations as part of what they call the weaponization of the justice system during Joe Biden's presidency.

Former special counsel Jack Smith defends his Trump prosecution before Congress and warns of unprecedented threats to the rule of law

'President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation': Jack Smith defends Trump prosecution before Congress

The head of the company SETE, that runs the Eiffel Tower in France's capital Paris, is stepping down over the row of removal of female staff during a visit by a Hindu religious group - Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The company in a statement said that Patrick Branco Ruivo, head of the company, will leave his job by the end of the year. The decision was taken after an internal investigation into a management order requiring female staff to remain out of sight during BAPS visit.&nbsp;The incident happened in September this year. After the authorities asked the female staff to move and men to take their place, the staff went on strike to register their anger at the bizarre demand. Staffers said they found the instructions that ran contrary to French values of equality and nondiscrimination. Nearly 100 people linked to the BAPS group visited the monument when they were visiting France for the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the Paris suburbs. According to staff union representative Diane Davoine, women were told to move from their positions. "During the visit of this delegation, women were asked to leave their places of work in order to place men there," she told Reuters, adding that the management has apologised to them for the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eiffel-tower-female-staff-told-to-make-themselves-invisible-for-hindu-group-s-visit-1788837788815">BAPS Eiffel Tower row: Group dismisses claims it asked to restrict women at the monument</a><h2>What BAPS said?</h2> Meanwhile, BAPS denied the charge but apologised later. In a statement on X, the BAPS temple said access to the Eiffel Tower was never denied to anyone, while offering its "sincere apologies" to anyone who may have been hurt or faced any inconvenience due to the situation. "We respect the concerns raised and take them very seriously. Due to the size of our delegation, the visit was arranged in conjunction with the Eiffel Tower team at the start of normal opening hours to avoid disrupting or inconveniencing others. To the best of our knowledge, at no point was anyone prevented access to the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, we sincerely apologise for any pain or inconvenience caused. We believe in the universal values of mutual respect and service," read a statement issued by the temple.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-distances-itself-from-eiffel-tower-row-during-baps-delegation-visit-says-it-s-a-matter-between-two-entities-1788872186768">India distances itself from Eiffel Tower row during BAPS delegation visit, says it’s a matter between two entities</a><h2>What had Indian government said?</h2>India has distanced itself from the controversy and had said that it was an issue between two organisations. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the government was aware of reports surrounding the visit of a delegation from the BAPS Organisation to Paris. It described the specific matter concerning the Eiffel Tower as an issue between two organisations and declined further comments.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Eiffel Tower operator SETE chief Patrick Branco Ruivo will step down after an internal probe into instructions for female staff to move out of sight during a BAPS delegation’s visit. BAPS denied making such a request and apologised for any inconvenience

The head of the company SETE, that runs the Eiffel Tower in France's capital Paris, is stepping down over the row of removal of female staff during a visit by a Hindu religious group - Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The company in a statement said that Patrick Branco Ruivo, head of the company, will leave his job by the end of the year. The decision was taken after an internal investigation into a management order requiring female staff to remain out of sight during BAPS visit. The incident happened in September this year. After the authorities asked the female staff to move and men to take their place, the staff went on strike to register their anger at the bizarre demand. Staffers said they found the instructions that ran contrary to French values of equality and nondiscrimination. Nearly 100 people linked to the BAPS group visited the monument when they were visiting France for the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the Paris suburbs. According to staff union representative Diane Davoine, women were told to move from their positions. "During the visit of this delegation, women were asked to leave their places of work in order to place men there," she told Reuters, adding that the management has apologised to them for the incident. Also Read: BAPS Eiffel Tower row: Group dismisses claims it asked to restrict women at the monument What BAPS said? Meanwhile, BAPS denied the charge but apologised later. In a statement on X, the BAPS temple said access to the Eiffel Tower was never denied to anyone, while offering its "sincere apologies" to anyone who may have been hurt or faced any inconvenience due to the situation. "We respect the concerns raised and take them very seriously. Due to the size of our delegation, the visit was arranged in conjunction with the Eiffel Tower team at the start of normal opening hours to avoid disrupting or inconveniencing others. To the best of our knowledge, at no point was anyone prevented access to the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, we sincerely apologise for any pain or inconvenience caused. We believe in the universal values of mutual respect and service," read a statement issued by the temple. Also Read: India distances itself from Eiffel Tower row during BAPS delegation visit, says it’s a matter between two entities What had Indian government said? India has distanced itself from the controversy and had said that it was an issue between two organisations. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the government was aware of reports surrounding the visit of a delegation from the BAPS Organisation to Paris. It described the specific matter concerning the Eiffel Tower as an issue between two organisations and declined further comments.

Eiffel Tower operator SETE chief Patrick Branco Ruivo will step down after an internal probe into instructions for female staff to move out of sight during a BAPS delegation’s visit. BAPS denied making such a request and apologised for any inconvenience

Eiffel Tower chief steps down after BAPS row over removal of female staff: What happened?

One of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday morning had contacted police himself, according to BBC. The suspect reportedly called 999 at 00:45 BST, almost an hour before a female farmer contacted police after spotting a group of men wearing balaclavas. The five men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of terrorism offences. Their arrests followed the discovery of three suspicious vans near RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire base operated by the US military. All five were released on bail on Monday in what police described as an ‘investigative decision’ ‘grounded in experience and strategy’. Police said searches of the vans uncovered a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices.<h2>Farmer's 999 call</h2>Police were alerted to ‘three suspicious vehicles’ in Whelford, a village immediately east of the RAF base, after the farmer raised the alarm. Speaking to the BBC, she said it was pure luck that she noticed the vehicles. She had returned home to find the road blocked and encountered a large group of hooded and masked men. "I believe that my 999 call foiled whatever plans they had," she said. A bomb disposal team was sent to the scene shortly afterwards, while police established a 400m (1,312ft) cordon around the area.&nbsp;However, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said the police response had been based on a range of information'. The cordons around the base are expected to be fully removed on Wednesday. Residents of the 85 homes evacuated during Sunday's operation have since been permitted to return.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-foils-major-pakistani-drug-smuggling-bid-five-arrested-with-526-kg-heroin-meth-in-arabian-sea-1790736892325">India foils major Pakistani drug smuggling bid: Five arrested with 526 kg heroin, meth in Arabian sea</a><h2>Five men remain under investigation</h2>The five suspects are all UK nationals aged between 23 and 25. Four are understood to live in Westminster, while the fifth lives in Camden. Searches of all five homes have now been completed. Taylor previously said their release on bail was subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others while the investigation continues.&nbsp;"The safety of the public is at the forefront of our investigative decision-making, and this was certainly the case yesterday," he said on Tuesday. “I understand why this development was surprising to some, but I would like to reiterate that this is an investigative decision and one which is grounded in experience and strategy.” Police are continuing to examine multiple lines of inquiry. These include investigating whether proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of a foreign state may have been involved. Taylor said the incident had understandably caused concern, with the situation "heightened by the international commentary that we are seeing", apparently referring to comments from the US administration.<h2>RAF Fairford and US military operations</h2>RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, US bombers have operated from the Gloucestershire base as part of operations in the Middle East, following the UK's approval of a US request to use the facility for defensive strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was ‘disappointed’ that the five men had been released on bail.&nbsp;Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting on Monday afternoon and urged the public not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts. Iran has previously warned that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces.&nbsp;The Iranian embassy in London, however, has categorically rejects and strongly condemns unfounded and malicious speculations linking Iran to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the three vans, the arrests and any possible links to foreign actors.

RAF Fairford arrests: Police reveal one suspect called 999 before a farmer spotted masked men as five UK nationals remain under investigation

One of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday morning had contacted police himself, according to BBC. The suspect reportedly called 999 at 00:45 BST, almost an hour before a female farmer contacted police after spotting a group of men wearing balaclavas. The five men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of terrorism offences. Their arrests followed the discovery of three suspicious vans near RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire base operated by the US military. All five were released on bail on Monday in what police described as an ‘investigative decision’ ‘grounded in experience and strategy’. Police said searches of the vans uncovered a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices. Farmer's 999 call Police were alerted to ‘three suspicious vehicles’ in Whelford, a village immediately east of the RAF base, after the farmer raised the alarm. Speaking to the BBC, she said it was pure luck that she noticed the vehicles. She had returned home to find the road blocked and encountered a large group of hooded and masked men. "I believe that my 999 call foiled whatever plans they had," she said. A bomb disposal team was sent to the scene shortly afterwards, while police established a 400m (1,312ft) cordon around the area. However, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said the police response had been based on a range of information'. The cordons around the base are expected to be fully removed on Wednesday. Residents of the 85 homes evacuated during Sunday's operation have since been permitted to return. Also Read: India foils major Pakistani drug smuggling bid: Five arrested with 526 kg heroin, meth in Arabian sea Five men remain under investigation The five suspects are all UK nationals aged between 23 and 25. Four are understood to live in Westminster, while the fifth lives in Camden. Searches of all five homes have now been completed. Taylor previously said their release on bail was subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others while the investigation continues. "The safety of the public is at the forefront of our investigative decision-making, and this was certainly the case yesterday," he said on Tuesday. “I understand why this development was surprising to some, but I would like to reiterate that this is an investigative decision and one which is grounded in experience and strategy.” Police are continuing to examine multiple lines of inquiry. These include investigating whether proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of a foreign state may have been involved. Taylor said the incident had understandably caused concern, with the situation "heightened by the international commentary that we are seeing", apparently referring to comments from the US administration. RAF Fairford and US military operations RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, US bombers have operated from the Gloucestershire base as part of operations in the Middle East, following the UK's approval of a US request to use the facility for defensive strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was ‘disappointed’ that the five men had been released on bail. Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting on Monday afternoon and urged the public not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts. Iran has previously warned that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces. The Iranian embassy in London, however, has categorically rejects and strongly condemns unfounded and malicious speculations linking Iran to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the three vans, the arrests and any possible links to foreign actors.

One of five men arrested near RAF Fairford called 999 before a farmer raised the alarm, as police investigate possible terrorism and foreign-state links

RAF Fairford incident: One arrested man called emergency services before farmer raised alarm with police

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday (Sep 30) said it had foiled a major maritime drug smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. India, as per the Coast Guard, has seized narcotics valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market, apprehending five Pakistani nationals.The operation involved an Iranian dhow carrying five Pakistani nationals. It was conducted jointly by the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).The seized contraband included 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Coast Guard.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-kind-of-confession-is-this-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-s-terrorists-would-be-roaming-new-york-remark-goes-viral-raises-alarm-online-watch-1790136284702">'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch</a><h2>Pakistani nationals intercepted after sea-air surveillance</h2>The Coast Guard said its assets acted on actionable intelligence and maintained continuous surveillance of the suspected vessel before launching a hot pursuit.“Executing precise sea-air surveillance based on actionable intelligence, Bharatiya Tatrakshak assets maintained unyielding tracking before initiating hot pursuit, neutralizing the target, and boarding a suspicious Iranian dhow on 25 September 2026,” it said in a statement.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In an intelligence-led joint operation with ATS Gujarat, and Central Intelligence Agency, <a href="https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> units interdicted a suspicious Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea, west of <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a>. Positive detection, sustained tracking and a hot pursuit culminated in tactical… <a href="https://t.co/p2BthJvndS">pic.twitter.com/p2BthJvndS</a>&mdash; Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/2105122206099591234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea on September 25, with the operation resulting in the seizure of the narcotics.The Coast Guard described the operation as an example of its maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities against illicit activities in India's maritime zones.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polic-couple-arrested-isi-pakistan-linked-espionage-sim-cards-spy-network-india-1787897385131">ISI spy module busted in Delhi? Police arrest couple over alleged Pakistan links</a><h2>Dhow, crew and drugs taken to Mumbai</h2>Following the interception, the dhow, its crew and the seized contraband were escorted to Mumbai under armed guard.“The intercepted dhow, crew, and seized contraband have been escorted under armed escort to Mumbai for joint interrogation and comprehensive multi-agency legal proceedings,” the Coast Guard said.The joint investigation is expected to examine the origin of the drugs, their intended destination and the wider network allegedly involved in the attempted smuggling.<h2>Coast Guard highlights Nasha Mukt Bharat push</h2>The Coast Guard said the seizure would help disrupt the financial networks behind international drug trafficking and prevent narcotics from reaching India's shores.“By crippling the financial engine of hostile foreign syndicates and intercepting toxic synthetic substances before they reach mainland shores, this mission serves as a critical force multiplier to the government’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan,” it said. &nbsp;

The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with Gujarat's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has foiled a major drug smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, seizing narcotics worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market. Five Pakistani nationals aboard an Iranian dhow were apprehended.

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday (Sep 30) said it had foiled a major maritime drug smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. India, as per the Coast Guard, has seized narcotics valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market, apprehending five Pakistani nationals. The operation involved an Iranian dhow carrying five Pakistani nationals. It was conducted jointly by the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The seized contraband included 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Coast Guard. Also read | 'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch Pakistani nationals intercepted after sea-air surveillance The Coast Guard said its assets acted on actionable intelligence and maintained continuous surveillance of the suspected vessel before launching a hot pursuit. “Executing precise sea-air surveillance based on actionable intelligence, Bharatiya Tatrakshak assets maintained unyielding tracking before initiating hot pursuit, neutralizing the target, and boarding a suspicious Iranian dhow on 25 September 2026,” it said in a statement.

Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS have intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea, apprehending five Pakistani nationals and seizing 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.

India foils major Pakistani drug smuggling bid: Five arrested with 526 kg heroin, meth in Arabian sea

Amid concerns around the rapid development of Artifical Intelligence (AI), US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Sep 29) met tech leaders at the White House and unveiled an accord on “super intelligence”, seeking to establish safety standards. While several tech leaders attended the meeting with the US president, only six tech executives -- Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, xAI CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang – signed the deal.&nbsp;The “White House Accord on Super Intelligence: Joint Commitment on Frontier Responsibilities” seeks to establish voluntary safety standards for companies developing and deploying advanced AI models. The agreement is not legally enforceable but Trump said it is “morally binding.” The White House meeting included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, AMD CEO Lisa Su, Palantir executives Alex Karp and Shyam Sankar, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other technology leaders attended, but they did not sign the accord.<h2>What the accord says</h2>The &nbsp;one-page agreement sets out four layers of voluntary oversight for companies developing advanced AI systems:<ul><li>Companies should set up an internal team responsible for verifying that these controls and monitoring mechanisms are functioning effectively and ensuring that any identified issues are resolved.</li><li>Companies are expected to put internal safeguards in place to monitor AI model capabilities and alignment, including potential risks related to cybersecurity, biosecurity and chemical threats. These safeguards should also prevent AI systems from unintentionally hacking into or gaining access to technical systems.</li><li>Companies are expected to engage an independent external auditor or evaluator to determine whether the safeguards are functioning as intended.</li><li>Companies should appoint an independent board committee to supervise these controls and receive findings from both internal teams and external reviewers.</li><li>The signatories have also agreed to meet regularly to develop industry-wide standards and best practices. The document notes that these measures could eventually be incorporated into laws or regulations &nbsp;</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-kill-billions-bill-gates-backs-calls-to-slow-ai-development-amid-fears-of-catastrophe-1790474190491">‘Could kill billions...’: Bill Gates backs calls to slow AI development amid fears of catastrophe</a><h2>Trump signs "morally binding" agreement on Super Intelligence with tech czars</h2>Trump signed what he described as a "morally binding" agreement with leading technology executives at the White House to guide the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, which he announced is officially renamed “Super Intelligence.” Earlier, he signed an Executive Order formally directing the federal government to replace the terms "Artificial Intelligence" and "AI" with "Super Intelligence" and "SI" across all executive branch operations. The order, titled "Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence," establishes that the US government will no longer recognize or use Artificial Intelligence or AI as a terminology in official settings to the maximum extent permitted by law.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-boss-sam-altman-repeats-ai-slow-down-call-says-world-right-to-be-afraid-1789524970459">OpenAI boss Sam Altman repeats AI 'slow down' call, says world 'right to be afraid'</a> "It is therefore the policy of my Administration that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the executive branch shall use the terms 'Super Intelligence' and 'SI' in place of 'Artificial Intelligence' and 'AI' and will not acknowledge the usage of 'Artificial Intelligence' and 'AI' in any applicable setting," the Executive Order stated.

US President Donald Trump unveiled a voluntary “Super Intelligence” safety accord with six tech executives, including Sundar Pichai, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The non-binding deal outlines internal safeguards, independent reviews and board oversight for advanced AI systems.

Amid concerns around the rapid development of Artifical Intelligence (AI), US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Sep 29) met tech leaders at the White House and unveiled an accord on “super intelligence”, seeking to establish safety standards. While several tech leaders attended the meeting with the US president, only six tech executives -- Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, xAI CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang – signed the deal. The “White House Accord on Super Intelligence: Joint Commitment on Frontier Responsibilities” seeks to establish voluntary safety standards for companies developing and deploying advanced AI models. The agreement is not legally enforceable but Trump said it is “morally binding.” The White House meeting included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, AMD CEO Lisa Su, Palantir executives Alex Karp and Shyam Sankar, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other technology leaders attended, but they did not sign the accord. What the accord says The one-page agreement sets out four layers of voluntary oversight for companies developing advanced AI systems: Companies should set up an internal team responsible for verifying that these controls and monitoring mechanisms are functioning effectively and ensuring that any identified issues are resolved. Companies are expected to put internal safeguards in place to monitor AI model capabilities and alignment, including potential risks related to cybersecurity, biosecurity and chemical threats. These safeguards should also prevent AI systems from unintentionally hacking into or gaining access to technical systems. Companies are expected to engage an independent external auditor or evaluator to determine whether the safeguards are functioning as intended. Companies should appoint an independent board committee to supervise these controls and receive findings from both internal teams and external reviewers. The signatories have also agreed to meet regularly to develop industry-wide standards and best practices. The document notes that these measures could eventually be incorporated into laws or regulations Also Read: ‘Could kill billions...’: Bill Gates backs calls to slow AI development amid fears of catastrophe Trump signs "morally binding" agreement on Super Intelligence with tech czars Trump signed what he described as a "morally binding" agreement with leading technology executives at the White House to guide the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, which he announced is officially renamed “Super Intelligence.” Earlier, he signed an Executive Order formally directing the federal government to replace the terms "Artificial Intelligence" and "AI" with "Super Intelligence" and "SI" across all executive branch operations. The order, titled "Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence," establishes that the US government will no longer recognize or use Artificial Intelligence or AI as a terminology in official settings to the maximum extent permitted by law. Also Read: OpenAI boss Sam Altman repeats AI 'slow down' call, says world 'right to be afraid' "It is therefore the policy of my Administration that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the executive branch shall use the terms 'Super Intelligence' and 'SI' in place of 'Artificial Intelligence' and 'AI' and will not acknowledge the usage of 'Artificial Intelligence' and 'AI' in any applicable setting," the Executive Order stated.

US President Donald Trump unveiled a voluntary “Super Intelligence” safety accord with six tech executives, including Sundar Pichai, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The non-binding deal outlines internal safeguards, independent reviews and board oversight for advanced AI systems.

Trump unveils ‘Super Intelligence’ accord, 6 tech giants sign it: What does the AI deal say?

The US Supreme Court has temporarily allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own. This comes after a lower court order stated that they be given an opportunity to object before being transferred. However, the SC order did not rule if the policy is lawful. Instead, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in December on whether the administration can deport people to third countries under the circumstances at issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-xi-meet-trump-rates-xi-meeting-12-out-of-10-calls-talks-great-1790673598500">Trump-Xi Meet: Trump rates Xi meeting ‘12 out of 10’, calls talks great</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration had told the Supreme Court last week that the lower court order had forced it to cancel a deportation flight carrying about 70 people who were due to be sent to three countries It defended sending migrants to third countries but stated that they cannot be returned to their home countries or when their governments will not accept them. Federal attorneys have said the policy can also cover people with criminal convictions. They argue that governments receiving the deportees provide assurances that the individuals will not be persecuted or tortured.Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the policy in a social media post, calling it “an entirely lawful and critical tool for immigration enforcement.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-offered-them-nothing-trump-rejects-claims-of-sanctions-relief-for-iran-confirms-us-talks-with-tehran-mediators-1790647397312">'I offered them NOTHING': Trump rejects claims of sanctions relief for Iran</a>&nbsp;Attorneys representing migrants have challenged the policy on the grounds that some people are being sent to countries where they have no connection and where they could face serious danger. Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance and one of the lawyers representing immigrants in the case, criticised Tuesday’s order, according to AP. "The order has now allowed the administration to resume sending people to third countries where they may face persecution, torture, imprisonment, or other grave danger. But today’s order does not decide that the government’s policy is lawful. The Court will hear that question on an expedited schedule,” said Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance and one of the lawyers representing immigrants in the case.&nbsp;

The US Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own. The court did not rule on the policy’s legality and is set to hear arguments in December over whether such deportations can proceed under the circumstances

The US Supreme Court has temporarily allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own. This comes after a lower court order stated that they be given an opportunity to object before being transferred. However, the SC order did not rule if the policy is lawful. Instead, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in December on whether the administration can deport people to third countries under the circumstances at issue. Also Read: Trump-Xi Meet: Trump rates Xi meeting ‘12 out of 10’, calls talks great The Trump administration had told the Supreme Court last week that the lower court order had forced it to cancel a deportation flight carrying about 70 people who were due to be sent to three countries It defended sending migrants to third countries but stated that they cannot be returned to their home countries or when their governments will not accept them. Federal attorneys have said the policy can also cover people with criminal convictions. They argue that governments receiving the deportees provide assurances that the individuals will not be persecuted or tortured. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the policy in a social media post, calling it “an entirely lawful and critical tool for immigration enforcement.” Also Read: 'I offered them NOTHING': Trump rejects claims of sanctions relief for Iran Attorneys representing migrants have challenged the policy on the grounds that some people are being sent to countries where they have no connection and where they could face serious danger. Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance and one of the lawyers representing immigrants in the case, criticised Tuesday’s order, according to AP. "The order has now allowed the administration to resume sending people to third countries where they may face persecution, torture, imprisonment, or other grave danger. But today’s order does not decide that the government’s policy is lawful. The Court will hear that question on an expedited schedule,” said Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance and one of the lawyers representing immigrants in the case.

The US Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own. The court did not rule on the policy’s legality and is set to hear arguments in December over whether such deportations can proceed under the circumstances

US Supreme Court allows Trump administration to resume third-country deportations for now

US President Donald Trump made an unusual remark about Google CEO Sundar Pichai during an interaction with reporters on Tuesday, describing the tech executive as a ‘monster’ while praising his relatively low public profile. Trump made the comment after a White House lunch attended by several leading technology executives. Turning his attention to Pichai, Trump said, “This guy is a monster, and nobody knows him. What a great life! To be a monster and not have to go through this."<h2>Trump highlights Pichai’s name</h2>The exchange began when Trump invited Pichai to speak. However, as the Google CEO began responding, Trump interrupted to emphasize the prominence of the executives gathered at the White House. “You have no idea who these people are. These are the biggest people in the world. You have no idea who they are," Trump said before turning toward Pichai.&nbsp;“All you have to know is, SUNDARR! Sundar is his name," Trump added. Pichai responded with a light-hearted comment, saying, “Hopefully a better tagline than I’m a monster!" The word “monster" is also occasionally used in business and technology commentary to describe the enormous scale and influence of Alphabet, Google’s parent company.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: This guy is a monster, and nobody knows. <a href="https://t.co/NXAtathj1y">pic.twitter.com/NXAtathj1y</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2105027331823661383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Top tech executives attend White House lunch</h2>Trump’s remarks came during a high-profile gathering of technology leaders at the White House, where artificial intelligence and related issues were among the topics of discussion. The attendees included Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, whose X platform has developed its own AI model, Grok.&nbsp;Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella were also among those present.According to a seating chart shared by Trump on Truth Social, Huang was seated to Trump’s right, while Musk was seated to his left. US Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and House Speaker Mike Johnson also attended the White House lunch.

Donald Trump called Google CEO Sundar Pichai a“monster” during a White House tech gathering, as top technology leaders met to discuss AI

US President Donald Trump made an unusual remark about Google CEO Sundar Pichai during an interaction with reporters on Tuesday, describing the tech executive as a ‘monster’ while praising his relatively low public profile. Trump made the comment after a White House lunch attended by several leading technology executives. Turning his attention to Pichai, Trump said, “This guy is a monster, and nobody knows him. What a great life! To be a monster and not have to go through this." Trump highlights Pichai’s name The exchange began when Trump invited Pichai to speak. However, as the Google CEO began responding, Trump interrupted to emphasize the prominence of the executives gathered at the White House. “You have no idea who these people are. These are the biggest people in the world. You have no idea who they are," Trump said before turning toward Pichai. “All you have to know is, SUNDARR! Sundar is his name," Trump added. Pichai responded with a light-hearted comment, saying, “Hopefully a better tagline than I’m a monster!" The word “monster" is also occasionally used in business and technology commentary to describe the enormous scale and influence of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Watch the video here

Donald Trump called Google CEO Sundar Pichai a ‘monster’ at a White House tech lunch, prompting a light-hearted response from the Google chief

'This guy is a monster and nobody knows him': Here's what Trump said about Sundar Pichai | Watch video

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Sep 29) that leading technology executives had agreed to a “morally binding” commitment to put stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence, while stopping short of making the agreement legally enforceable.After a White House meeting attended by some of the biggest names in the technology industry, Trump said companies would effectively “police themselves”. The agreement, formally described as the White House Accord on Super Intelligence (Trump's new name for AI), commits participating AI companies to establish internal controls, independent external audits and board-level oversight.The White House meeting came as concerns over the safety of increasingly autonomous AI systems are growing in Washington and across the technology industry itself.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-ai-super-intelligence-at-un-as-world-leaders-clash-over-how-to-regulate-it-1790129701998">Trump calls AI ‘Super Intelligence’ at UN as world leaders clash over how to regulate it</a><h2>What does the White House AI accord say?</h2>Trump said the executives had signed a voluntary agreement that would put their commitment to AI safeguards on paper.Notably, the document is not legally binding, although it leaves open the possibility that some of its measures could eventually be incorporated into legislation or regulations.Under the accord, participating companies are expected to establish “robust internal controls” around frontier AI systems. Those controls will be overseen by internal teams, reviewed by outside auditors and monitored by committees of the companies' boards, according to the agreement.<h2>Zuckerberg, Musk laud accord</h2>Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg described the accord as a way of assuring customers that AI systems operate as intended. He said the framework could serve as a starting point for broader industry standards.Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk offered a more pointed description, saying the companies had essentially agreed to “grading each other's homework”, rather than simply having firms assess themselves.The lunch was attended by executives including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI president Greg Brockman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Zuckerberg and Musk.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-cars-face-situations-they-ve-never-seen-can-they-learn-without-risking-lives-expert-explains-1790676585235">AI cars face situations they’ve never seen. Can they learn without risking lives? Expert explains</a><h2>Trump pushes ‘artificial intelligence’ rename</h2>Trump also used the meeting to announce a change in terminology. He said the technology should be called “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-ai-super-intelligence-at-un-as-world-leaders-clash-over-how-to-regulate-it-1790129701998">super intelligence</a>” rather than artificial intelligence because, in his words, “it's not artificial”.Hours later, Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” to the maximum extent permitted by law. Trump said the new terminology better reflected what he sees as the technology's rapidly expanding capabilities.The White House has also used the term in recent US-China discussions, with the two countries agreeing to establish a dialogue on the risks and benefits of “Super Intelligence” and a communication channel for related incidents.<h2>AI safety concerns are mounting</h2>The push for self-regulation comes as AI companies face growing scrutiny over how their increasingly capable systems behave in real-world and controlled environments.OpenAI recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-scraps-gpt-6-1-astra-before-launch-after-safety-tests-expose-troubling-behaviour-1790647162376">postponed the release of its GPT-6.1 Astra system</a> after internal testing found that it did not meet the company's safety standards. According to reporting by WIRED, researchers found problems with the model's ability to stay within scope and authorisation requirements.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-admits-ai-agent-scaled-the-fence-into-australia-government-system-apologises-we-are-sorry-1790658789423">OpenAI admits AI agent ‘scaled the fence’ into Australia government system, apologises: ‘We are sorry’</a>OpenAI has also recently acknowledged a separate incident in which one of its models gained unauthorised access to an Australian government website during an internal evaluation, prompting an apology from the company for not informing Australian authorities sooner.Other AI developers have reported their own safety concerns. Anthropic's initial public offering filing warned that advanced AI could create “catastrophic or existential risks to humanity” and said some models could exhibit behaviours such as resisting shutdown, manipulating information or attempting actions resembling blackmail.&nbsp;

Donald Trump says leading AI companies have agreed to stronger safety safeguards under a new “morally binding” accord. But the framework is voluntary, leaving AI companies themselves responsible for internal controls, outside audits and oversight.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Sep 29) that leading technology executives had agreed to a “morally binding” commitment to put stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence, while stopping short of making the agreement legally enforceable. After a White House meeting attended by some of the biggest names in the technology industry, Trump said companies would effectively “police themselves”. The agreement, formally described as the White House Accord on Super Intelligence (Trump's new name for AI), commits participating AI companies to establish internal controls, independent external audits and board-level oversight. The White House meeting came as concerns over the safety of increasingly autonomous AI systems are growing in Washington and across the technology industry itself. Also read | Trump calls AI ‘Super Intelligence’ at UN as world leaders clash over how to regulate it What does the White House AI accord say? Trump said the executives had signed a voluntary agreement that would put their commitment to AI safeguards on paper. Notably, the document is not legally binding, although it leaves open the possibility that some of its measures could eventually be incorporated into legislation or regulations. Under the accord, participating companies are expected to establish “robust internal controls” around frontier AI systems. Those controls will be overseen by internal teams, reviewed by outside auditors and monitored by committees of the companies' boards, according to the agreement. Zuckerberg, Musk laud accord Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg described the accord as a way of assuring customers that AI systems operate as intended. He said the framework could serve as a starting point for broader industry standards. Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk offered a more pointed description, saying the companies had essentially agreed to “grading each other's homework”, rather than simply having firms assess themselves. The lunch was attended by executives including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI president Greg Brockman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Zuckerberg and Musk. Also read | AI cars face situations they’ve never seen. Can they learn without risking lives? Expert explains Trump pushes ‘artificial intelligence’ rename Trump also used the meeting to announce a change in terminology. He said the technology should be called “super intelligence” rather than artificial intelligence because, in his words, “it's not artificial”. Hours later, Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” to the maximum extent permitted by law. Trump said the new terminology better reflected what he sees as the technology's rapidly expanding capabilities. The White House has also used the term in recent US-China discussions, with the two countries agreeing to establish a dialogue on the risks and benefits of “Super Intelligence” and a communication channel for related incidents. AI safety concerns are mounting The push for self-regulation comes as AI companies face growing scrutiny over how their increasingly capable systems behave in real-world and controlled environments. OpenAI recently postponed the release of its GPT-6.1 Astra system after internal testing found that it did not meet the company's safety standards. According to reporting by WIRED, researchers found problems with the model's ability to stay within scope and authorisation requirements. Also read | OpenAI admits AI agent ‘scaled the fence’ into Australia government system, apologises: ‘We are sorry’ OpenAI has also recently acknowledged a separate incident in which one of its models gained unauthorised access to an Australian government website during an internal evaluation, prompting an apology from the company for not informing Australian authorities sooner. Other AI developers have reported their own safety concerns. Anthropic's initial public offering filing warned that advanced AI could create “catastrophic or existential risks to humanity” and said some models could exhibit behaviours such as resisting shutdown, manipulating information or attempting actions resembling blackmail.

Donald Trump says leading AI companies have agreed to stronger safety safeguards under a new “morally binding” accord. But the framework is voluntary, leaving AI companies themselves responsible for internal controls, outside audits and oversight.

‘Grading each other’s homework’: Trump's pact lets tech giants self-police AI even as rogue-agent incidents continue to mount

Morocco has appointed Marrakesh mayor Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first woman prime minister, marking a historic moment in the nation's political history. King Mohammed VI tasked the 50-year-old politician with forming the new government after her centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in last week's parliamentary elections.&nbsp;PAM secured 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, placing it 31 seats ahead of the second-largest party. However, the election recorded Morocco's lowest voter turnout in two decades. The royal cabinet announced El Mansouri's appointment and confirmed that she had been asked to begin the process of forming the next government. Speaking in a televised address after the announcement, El Mansouri described her appointment as a historic achievement.&nbsp;"For the first time in our country's history, a woman is taking on the responsibility of leading the government," she said. “This is a source of pride not only for me but for all Moroccan women.” Because PAM does not hold an outright parliamentary majority, El Mansouri will need to negotiate with other political parties to build a governing coalition. Morocco's monarch, meanwhile, continues to retain significant powers over major areas of national policy.&nbsp;El Mansouri said the process of building the government would begin immediately. "For the new premier, "the work starts today", she said. “We will first initiate internal consultations within our party before holding discussions with all political groups.” El Mansouri has been associated with PAM since 2008, the year the party was established by Fouad Ali El Himma, a current royal adviser. The party was created in part as a political counterweight to Morocco's Islamist movement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-sanctions-10-individuals-and-entities-to-target-iran-s-military-supply-chain-1790712714266">US Treasury sanctions 10 individuals and entities to target Iran’s military supply chain</a><h2>From Marrakesh mayor to national leader</h2>El Mansouri has a long record in local and national politics. She first became mayor of Marrakesh in 2009, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She lost the mayoral post six years later but returned to the position in 2021. Her political career subsequently expanded to the national level, where she took on senior government responsibilities. Her appointment as prime minister now makes her the first woman to lead Morocco's government.<h2>Economic and social challenges ahead</h2>El Mansouri's incoming government faces several major challenges, including unemployment, rising living costs and persistent social inequalities, particularly among young Moroccans. The parliamentary election followed a period of heightened concern over economic and social conditions. Just weeks earlier, tens of thousands of mainly young Moroccan migrants had travelled to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, an episode that drew renewed attention to frustrations among the country's youth.&nbsp;A year earlier, a Gen-Z-led protest movement had also taken to the streets, calling for improvements in healthcare and education."We are fully aware that this period will be significant and marked by high expectations from Moroccans, particularly young people," El Mansouri said. "That is why we will have a programme offering concrete and realistic solutions to citizens' concerns."PAM campaigned on an economic programme that includes a target of average annual growth of five percent, inflation of 2 per cent and the creation of at least one million jobs during its five-year term.<h2>Morocco election results</h2>PAM finished first with 97 seats, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI), which led the outgoing coalition, with 66 seats. The right-wing Istiqlal Party finished third with 65 seats, while the Islamist opposition Justice and Development Party (PJD) won 54 seats. The PJD's result represented a major recovery from 2021, when it secured only 13 seats. During its campaign, the party placed significant emphasis on tackling corruption.&nbsp;PJD leader and former prime minister Abdelilah Benkirane described the result as a "victory" but said his party would not join a coalition headed by PAM. He accused the election of being "tainted by fraud", although he did not provide details to support the allegation.<h2>Who is Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri?</h2>Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, 50, is a lawyer and veteran Moroccan politician who has held several prominent positions at both local and national levels. She entered the spotlight in 2009 when she became mayor of Marrakesh, making history as the first woman to occupy the post. After losing the position in 2015, she returned as mayor in 2021.&nbsp;El Mansouri later moved into national government, serving as Morocco's minister responsible for national planning, urban development, housing and urban policy under outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. She has also served as the national coordinator of PAM's collective leadership. Her background in municipal government, housing and national administration will now be central to her efforts to assemble a coalition and establish Morocco's next government.

Morocco appoints Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as its first woman prime minister after PAM wins 97 seats in the parliamentary election

Morocco has appointed Marrakesh mayor Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first woman prime minister, marking a historic moment in the nation's political history. King Mohammed VI tasked the 50-year-old politician with forming the new government after her centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in last week's parliamentary elections. PAM secured 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, placing it 31 seats ahead of the second-largest party. However, the election recorded Morocco's lowest voter turnout in two decades. The royal cabinet announced El Mansouri's appointment and confirmed that she had been asked to begin the process of forming the next government. Speaking in a televised address after the announcement, El Mansouri described her appointment as a historic achievement. "For the first time in our country's history, a woman is taking on the responsibility of leading the government," she said. “This is a source of pride not only for me but for all Moroccan women.” Because PAM does not hold an outright parliamentary majority, El Mansouri will need to negotiate with other political parties to build a governing coalition. Morocco's monarch, meanwhile, continues to retain significant powers over major areas of national policy. El Mansouri said the process of building the government would begin immediately. "For the new premier, "the work starts today", she said. “We will first initiate internal consultations within our party before holding discussions with all political groups.” El Mansouri has been associated with PAM since 2008, the year the party was established by Fouad Ali El Himma, a current royal adviser. The party was created in part as a political counterweight to Morocco's Islamist movement. Also Read: US Treasury sanctions 10 individuals and entities to target Iran’s military supply chain From Marrakesh mayor to national leader El Mansouri has a long record in local and national politics. She first became mayor of Marrakesh in 2009, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She lost the mayoral post six years later but returned to the position in 2021. Her political career subsequently expanded to the national level, where she took on senior government responsibilities. Her appointment as prime minister now makes her the first woman to lead Morocco's government. Economic and social challenges ahead El Mansouri's incoming government faces several major challenges, including unemployment, rising living costs and persistent social inequalities, particularly among young Moroccans. The parliamentary election followed a period of heightened concern over economic and social conditions. Just weeks earlier, tens of thousands of mainly young Moroccan migrants had travelled to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, an episode that drew renewed attention to frustrations among the country's youth. A year earlier, a Gen-Z-led protest movement had also taken to the streets, calling for improvements in healthcare and education. "We are fully aware that this period will be significant and marked by high expectations from Moroccans, particularly young people," El Mansouri said. "That is why we will have a programme offering concrete and realistic solutions to citizens' concerns." PAM campaigned on an economic programme that includes a target of average annual growth of five percent, inflation of 2 per cent and the creation of at least one million jobs during its five-year term. Morocco election results PAM finished first with 97 seats, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI), which led the outgoing coalition, with 66 seats. The right-wing Istiqlal Party finished third with 65 seats, while the Islamist opposition Justice and Development Party (PJD) won 54 seats. The PJD's result represented a major recovery from 2021, when it secured only 13 seats. During its campaign, the party placed significant emphasis on tackling corruption. PJD leader and former prime minister Abdelilah Benkirane described the result as a "victory" but said his party would not join a coalition headed by PAM. He accused the election of being "tainted by fraud", although he did not provide details to support the allegation. Who is Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri? Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, 50, is a lawyer and veteran Moroccan politician who has held several prominent positions at both local and national levels. She entered the spotlight in 2009 when she became mayor of Marrakesh, making history as the first woman to occupy the post. After losing the position in 2015, she returned as mayor in 2021. El Mansouri later moved into national government, serving as Morocco's minister responsible for national planning, urban development, housing and urban policy under outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. She has also served as the national coordinator of PAM's collective leadership. Her background in municipal government, housing and national administration will now be central to her efforts to assemble a coalition and establish Morocco's next government.

Morocco names Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as its first woman prime minister after PAM wins the most seats in the parliamentary election

Who is Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco's first woman prime minister?

The United States on Tuesday targeted individuals and entities that have been financial facilitators or enablers of Iran’s military supply chain, as the Trump administration pushes forward with economic sanctions against Tehran at a time when renewed diplomacy between the two countries remains uncertain.&nbsp;The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 10 individuals and entities that have procured weapons and weapon components for Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), the entity responsible for weapons research, production, and acquisition for Iran’s armed forces.&nbsp;MODAFL also oversees organisations engaged in the development of Iran’s ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday, “Under Operation Economic Outcast, Treasury will continue to target and disrupt those who provide material, technological, or financial support that allows the Iranian regime to sustain its terrorist enterprise.”&nbsp;“Treasury will not tolerate any support to the regime and will continue to identify, expose, and isolate Iran’s enablers,” he added.&nbsp;The action on Tuesday further degrades the Iranian regime’s ability to reconstitute its weapons programmes and increases the costs for those who choose to aid Tehran’s military procurement efforts, said a statement.&nbsp;The latest action by the Treasury Department is part of the administration's Operation Economic Outcast campaign, which is aimed at severing “critical financial lifelines” for the already heavily sanctioned Iranian government.&nbsp;Ten individuals and entities based in Iran, Hong Kong, and Pakistan were sanctioned for allegedly procuring weapons and weapon components for Iran’s defence ministry as it fights its now seven-month war against the US.&nbsp;US officials said they want to disrupt Iran’s defence systems and further degrade the government's ability to reconstitute its weapons programme. The aim of the latest sanctions includes increasing the costs for the people and companies that have assisted Iran’s military procurement efforts.&nbsp;Operation Economic Outcast, dubbed “Economic D-Day” by Secretary Scott Bessent, is aimed at severing the remaining economic lifelines that sustain the Iranian regime.&nbsp;The US Treasury has mapped the networks, facilitators, and financial channels that Iran uses to smuggle oil, evade sanctions, and fund terror. Working with partners across the US government, the European Union, United Kingdom, Gulf partners, and others, Treasury is targeting any source of the regime’s illicit revenue.&nbsp;Treasury warned that any entity facilitating money laundering or sanctions evasion on behalf of Iran risks being cut off from the US financial system. It also emphasised the secondary sanctions exposure for those who continue doing business with the Iranian regime and will accelerate the pace of US enforcement.

Ten individuals and entities based in Iran, Hong Kong, and Pakistan were sanctioned for allegedly procuring weapons and weapon components for Iran’s defence ministry as it fights its now seven-month war against the United States.

The United States on Tuesday targeted individuals and entities that have been financial facilitators or enablers of Iran’s military supply chain, as the Trump administration pushes forward with economic sanctions against Tehran at a time when renewed diplomacy between the two countries remains uncertain. The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 10 individuals and entities that have procured weapons and weapon components for Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), the entity responsible for weapons research, production, and acquisition for Iran’s armed forces. MODAFL also oversees organisations engaged in the development of Iran’s ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday, “Under Operation Economic Outcast, Treasury will continue to target and disrupt those who provide material, technological, or financial support that allows the Iranian regime to sustain its terrorist enterprise.” “Treasury will not tolerate any support to the regime and will continue to identify, expose, and isolate Iran’s enablers,” he added. The action on Tuesday further degrades the Iranian regime’s ability to reconstitute its weapons programmes and increases the costs for those who choose to aid Tehran’s military procurement efforts, said a statement. The latest action by the Treasury Department is part of the administration's Operation Economic Outcast campaign, which is aimed at severing “critical financial lifelines” for the already heavily sanctioned Iranian government. Ten individuals and entities based in Iran, Hong Kong, and Pakistan were sanctioned for allegedly procuring weapons and weapon components for Iran’s defence ministry as it fights its now seven-month war against the US. US officials said they want to disrupt Iran’s defence systems and further degrade the government's ability to reconstitute its weapons programme. The aim of the latest sanctions includes increasing the costs for the people and companies that have assisted Iran’s military procurement efforts. Operation Economic Outcast, dubbed “Economic D-Day” by Secretary Scott Bessent, is aimed at severing the remaining economic lifelines that sustain the Iranian regime. The US Treasury has mapped the networks, facilitators, and financial channels that Iran uses to smuggle oil, evade sanctions, and fund terror. Working with partners across the US government, the European Union, United Kingdom, Gulf partners, and others, Treasury is targeting any source of the regime’s illicit revenue. Treasury warned that any entity facilitating money laundering or sanctions evasion on behalf of Iran risks being cut off from the US financial system. It also emphasised the secondary sanctions exposure for those who continue doing business with the Iranian regime and will accelerate the pace of US enforcement.

Ten individuals and entities based in Iran, Hong Kong, and Pakistan were sanctioned for allegedly procuring weapons and weapon components for Iran’s defence ministry as it fights its now seven-month war against the United States.

US Treasury sanctions 10 individuals and entities to target Iran’s military supply chain

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that a stand-off between India and China “won’t help either of us, and third parties will take advantage of it”, and added that he conveyed the message to Beijing multiple times and at a personal level.&nbsp;&nbsp;In an address at the Asia Society during the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar pointed to the “improvement in ties” between Beijing and Delhi.&nbsp;Speaking about India-China relations at the event, Jaishankar said, “If you asked me, compared to where you were in 2025, is the relationship better today? I would say yes. Compared to 2024, even more so.”&nbsp;“After what happened in 2020 and the long standoff that we had on the border, the relationship had really been impacted. Once the border standoff was resolved, it was natural that this would start to improve... We have long been telling the Chinese, personally at my level, that a standoff between us, a dip in our relationship, doesn’t help either of us. Third parties will take advantage of that. It took a little while for the Chinese side to agree with that, for whatever reason,” the EAM said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A &quot;stand off&quot; between India, China wont help &quot;either of us, 3rd party will take advantage of it&quot;, says EAM Jaishankar; Points to &quot;improvement&quot; in ties. Vdo source: Asia Society <a href="https://t.co/C5hQP4fYc6">pic.twitter.com/C5hQP4fYc6</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/2104805695652577412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“But I don’t think that long standoff served our interests. It certainly didn’t serve theirs... what we’ve had is that, as the border comes back more towards normalcy, the relationship comes back more towards normalcy... If it happens, it helps both of us,” he added.&nbsp;Jaishankar said the improvement was a recovery from a relationship that had gone “so much off-track”.&nbsp;Meanwhile, sources said India is holding talks with China in order to explore the possibility of an alternate air route for Indian airlines amid the continuing Pakistan airspace ban that makes flights to Europe and the United States longer and more expensive.The talks are focused on the use of Xinjiang airspace as an alternate route.&nbsp;Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with Chinese counterparts on alternate routes and that talks are on for over a year to route flights via Hotan in western China.&nbsp;Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, China Southern Airlines announced that it will resume direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, restoring a route that had been suspended for six years.&nbsp;The resumption is part of a broader restoration of direct air links between the two countries after services were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent tensions along the India-China border.

In an address at the Asia Society during the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pointed to the “improvement in ties” between Beijing and Delhi. He said the improvement was a recovery from a relationship that had gone “so much off-track”.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that a stand-off between India and China “won’t help either of us, and third parties will take advantage of it”, and added that he conveyed the message to Beijing multiple times and at a personal level. In an address at the Asia Society during the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar pointed to the “improvement in ties” between Beijing and Delhi. Speaking about India-China relations at the event, Jaishankar said, “If you asked me, compared to where you were in 2025, is the relationship better today? I would say yes. Compared to 2024, even more so.” “After what happened in 2020 and the long standoff that we had on the border, the relationship had really been impacted. Once the border standoff was resolved, it was natural that this would start to improve... We have long been telling the Chinese, personally at my level, that a standoff between us, a dip in our relationship, doesn’t help either of us. Third parties will take advantage of that. It took a little while for the Chinese side to agree with that, for whatever reason,” the EAM said.

In an address at the Asia Society during the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pointed to the “improvement in ties” between Beijing and Delhi. He said the improvement was a recovery from a relationship that had gone “so much off-track”.

‘Told China standoff won’t help either of us, third parties will take advantage’: Jaishankar

British counter-terror police said on Tuesday (Sept 29) that they found no explosives in vans seen behaving suspiciously near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in southwest England used by the US military. However, officers recovered a quantity of petrol from the vehicles.&nbsp;"We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered," counter-terror police said in an update on the investigation at RAF Fairford.&nbsp;The latest development comes after five London-based Britons were arrested early Sunday on explosives and terror offences. They were released on bail on Monday, although police said the investigation was still continuing.<h2>Trump and Rubio point to possible foreign involvement</h2>British police had earlier declared a major incident at RAF Fairford following the arrests, while the government held a national emergency meeting.&nbsp;The incident attracted attention because the airbase is used by the US military to launch strikes on Iran. Police said they were examining whether individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state could have been involved.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the decision to release the five suspects on bail and told reporters, "I wouldn’t have done that". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also alleged that a "foreign actor" was involved.&nbsp;Trump later said the incident “might be” connected to Iran, which is at war with the United States.&nbsp;British authorities continued to examine the case after releasing the suspects on bail. "I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I'd like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision," Taylor said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-external-party-has-any-locus-standi-india-rejects-turkish-president-erdogan-s-kashmir-remarks-at-unga-1790692921670">'No external party has any locus standi': India rejects Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA</a><h2>Iran denies involvement</h2>Iran's embassy in London rejected speculation that Tehran was involved in the incident.&nbsp;The embassy said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" speculation linking Iran to the case.The security scare also led authorities to evacuate 85 homes in a nearby village. Many residents had to stay elsewhere for at least one night as police dealt with the incident.&nbsp;The discovery of petrol has also raised another possibility, with some theories suggesting that the men could have been involved in fuel theft as energy prices continue to rise in the UK.&nbsp;However, police have not closed the investigation. Officers are continuing to examine the suspicious vans, the arrests and whether any foreign state was involved in the incident.

British police found no explosives in suspicious vans near RAF Fairford but recovered petrol, as Trump and Rubio raised the possibility of foreign involvement and Iran denied any connection.

British counter-terror police said on Tuesday (Sept 29) that they found no explosives in vans seen behaving suspiciously near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in southwest England used by the US military. However, officers recovered a quantity of petrol from the vehicles. "We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered," counter-terror police said in an update on the investigation at RAF Fairford. The latest development comes after five London-based Britons were arrested early Sunday on explosives and terror offences. They were released on bail on Monday, although police said the investigation was still continuing. Trump and Rubio point to possible foreign involvement British police had earlier declared a major incident at RAF Fairford following the arrests, while the government held a national emergency meeting. The incident attracted attention because the airbase is used by the US military to launch strikes on Iran. Police said they were examining whether individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state could have been involved. US President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the decision to release the five suspects on bail and told reporters, "I wouldn’t have done that". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also alleged that a "foreign actor" was involved. Trump later said the incident “might be” connected to Iran, which is at war with the United States. British authorities continued to examine the case after releasing the suspects on bail. "I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I'd like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision," Taylor said. Also Read: 'No external party has any locus standi': India rejects Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA Iran denies involvement Iran's embassy in London rejected speculation that Tehran was involved in the incident. The embassy said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" speculation linking Iran to the case. The security scare also led authorities to evacuate 85 homes in a nearby village. Many residents had to stay elsewhere for at least one night as police dealt with the incident. The discovery of petrol has also raised another possibility, with some theories suggesting that the men could have been involved in fuel theft as energy prices continue to rise in the UK. However, police have not closed the investigation. Officers are continuing to examine the suspicious vans, the arrests and whether any foreign state was involved in the incident.

British police found no explosives in suspicious vans near RAF Fairford but recovered petrol, as Trump and Rubio raised the possibility of foreign involvement and Iran denied any connection.

No explosives, petrol found near US-run military base in UK as Trump alleges foreign hand

Not all is well with the U.S. warships.A string of high-profile mechanical failures and onboard emergencies have triggered alarm and have exposed growing vulnerabilities within the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet.Relentless global deployments and severe shipyard backlogs are pushing American warships past their limits.In the latest, four personnel on board the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower were injured after a mishap off the Virginia coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;According to the U.S. Navy, the incident occurred on September 28th during aircraft recovery operations.Two naval aviators assigned to carrier Air Wing 3, ejected from their aircraft and were promptly recovered by search-and-rescue personnel.The injured sailors are currently undergoing treatment.U.S. Navy is silent on the type of two-seater aircraft involved.It also didn't disclose what happened to the plane or what caused the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;What is striking is that the aircraft carrier was recently repaired in July.The nuclear-powered Nimitz-Class USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was commissioned in 1977. It conducts operations in support of U.S. naval missions around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even the newly commissioned USS Santa Barbara, U.S. Navy’s 418-foot littoral combat vessel, experienced serious maintenance issues weeks before it arrived earlier this month at a Singapore port.Reports say the ship’s four engines were operating well beyond their maximum recommended operational thresholds, presenting an immediate, critical threat of mechanical failure.

&nbsp;USS Santa Barbara was commissioned in 2023.The ship deployed from San Diego in early 2025.It spent time in the Persian Gulf last year and is now on deployment with the 7th fleet in the Indo-Pacific.Last month, it took part in a seven-day joint exercise with the Royal Australian Navy and Philippine Navy. The exercise was a success, but not all was well with the ship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recently another U.S. warship that made news was USS Abraham Lincoln. It faced severe operational strains.The ship endured 286 days at sea, spending over 240 of those days without a single port call, after being redirected to West Asia for operations against Iran.It witnessed system breakdowns stemming from a grueling, marathon deployment.When it finally docked in Thailand in September, the carrier was shockingly covered in heavy rust from bow to stern.The relentless combat and blockade tempo left the crew with no stationary downtime to perform standard waterline scraping and paint maintenance.Sailors reported widespread mechanical breakdowns, including failed water desalinisation systems, contaminated drinking water, and severe plumbing blockages that left human waste overflowing onto restroom floors.

Even the newly commissioned 418-foot littoral combat vessel USS Santa Barbara experienced serious maintenance issues weeks before it arrived this month at a Singapore port. Reports say the ship’s four engines were operating well beyond their maximum recommended operational thresholds.

Not all is well with the U.S. warships. A string of high-profile mechanical failures and onboard emergencies have triggered alarm and have exposed growing vulnerabilities within the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. Relentless global deployments and severe shipyard backlogs are pushing American warships past their limits. In the latest, four personnel on board the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower were injured after a mishap off the Virginia coast.

Even the newly commissioned 418-foot littoral combat vessel USS Santa Barbara experienced serious maintenance issues weeks before it arrived this month at a Singapore port. Reports say the ship’s four engines were operating well beyond their maximum recommended operational thresholds.

Gravitas | Glitches plague U.S. warships: Is U.S. Navy’s fleet at breaking point?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Sept. 29) warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack ahead of the country's elections scheduled for October 27.&nbsp;Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof air base, Netanyahu said Israel had received indications of a possible attack but did not identify who could be behind it.&nbsp;"We have indications that ahead of the elections our enemies will try to attack us. So... I am sending you a message: Don't mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.&nbsp;Netanyahu also warned that Israel would respond to any attack and could target those responsible beyond the country's borders.<h2>Opposition seeks security briefing</h2>Netanyahu's remarks prompted concern from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who contacted the prime minister's office and asked for an "urgent security update".&nbsp;"I am seeking to understand whether the threats are real, and if so, how the Prime Minister is preparing this time to ensure that the elections will take place without disruptions," Lapid wrote on X.&nbsp;Netanyahu's office later said the prime minister had "instructed his military secretary to update the opposition leader today on the latest developments".&nbsp;The warning came shortly before Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to target Hamas leaders based outside the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-external-party-has-any-locus-standi-india-rejects-turkish-president-erdogan-s-kashmir-remarks-at-unga-1790692921670">'No external party has any locus standi': India rejects Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA</a><h2>Katz threatens Hamas leaders abroad</h2>Katz issued his warning after the Israeli military said it had killed a Hamas commander in northern Gaza overnight.&nbsp;"Hamas leaders abroad are also in the crosshairs. None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, should die peacefully in their beds," Katz said, referring to the 2023 attack that triggered the war in Gaza.&nbsp;"Once, they were spared because of a mishap -- but the next time will come, and they too will be sent to the depths of hell," he added.&nbsp;His remarks appeared to refer to an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of senior Hamas leaders in Qatar in September 2025.&nbsp;In recent weeks, Netanyahu and Katz have issued repeated warnings to Iran, Hezbollah and the Palestinian Authority, threatening retaliation if Israel comes under attack.Israelis are due to vote on October 27, with Netanyahu facing a tight race for another term.

Netanyahu warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack before the October 27 elections, while opposition leader Yair Lapid sought an urgent security briefing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Sept. 29) warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack ahead of the country's elections scheduled for October 27. Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof air base, Netanyahu said Israel had received indications of a possible attack but did not identify who could be behind it. "We have indications that ahead of the elections our enemies will try to attack us. So... I am sending you a message: Don't mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office. Netanyahu also warned that Israel would respond to any attack and could target those responsible beyond the country's borders. Opposition seeks security briefing Netanyahu's remarks prompted concern from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who contacted the prime minister's office and asked for an "urgent security update". "I am seeking to understand whether the threats are real, and if so, how the Prime Minister is preparing this time to ensure that the elections will take place without disruptions," Lapid wrote on X. Netanyahu's office later said the prime minister had "instructed his military secretary to update the opposition leader today on the latest developments". The warning came shortly before Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to target Hamas leaders based outside the Gaza Strip. Also Read: 'No external party has any locus standi': India rejects Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA Katz threatens Hamas leaders abroad Katz issued his warning after the Israeli military said it had killed a Hamas commander in northern Gaza overnight. "Hamas leaders abroad are also in the crosshairs. None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, should die peacefully in their beds," Katz said, referring to the 2023 attack that triggered the war in Gaza. "Once, they were spared because of a mishap -- but the next time will come, and they too will be sent to the depths of hell," he added. His remarks appeared to refer to an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of senior Hamas leaders in Qatar in September 2025. In recent weeks, Netanyahu and Katz have issued repeated warnings to Iran, Hezbollah and the Palestinian Authority, threatening retaliation if Israel comes under attack. Israelis are due to vote on October 27, with Netanyahu facing a tight race for another term.

Netanyahu warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack before the October 27 elections, while opposition leader Yair Lapid sought an urgent security briefing.

'Don't mess with us': Netanyahu warns of possible attack ahead of Israel polls

A diplomatic scramble is underway to find a way out of the US-Iran war, but despite renewed talks through mediators, Washington and Tehran still remain at loggerheads.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been meeting Qatari mediators in New York, while American officials are also talking separately with them.The immediate objective is to stop the fighting, reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and get the two sides back to negotiations. But there is one issue standing at the centre of the dispute, and that is Iran's nuclear programme.The latest diplomatic push comes after months of war and two previous ceasefire attempts that collapsed.Iran had put forward a seven-day proposal, under which hostilities would end, the United States would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, some Iranian assets would be unfrozen, and sanctions on Iranian oil would be eased. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations over its nuclear programme.But President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal publicly over the weekend.Even so, Washington has continued talking through mediators.So essentially, the talks have not stopped. Instead, Qatar and other intermediaries are trying to narrow the gap between two fundamentally different positions.Washington says there can be no comprehensive agreement unless Iran's nuclear programme is addressed. US officials say they want concrete assurances and restrictions designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.Tehran, however, says it is not seeking a nuclear bomb and insists on its right to a civilian nuclear programme. Iranian officials are making clear that they do not intend to simply surrender their nuclear position as the price for reopening Hormuz.Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that there has been no change in Iran's position and no compromise on the nuclear issue. He says Tehran has already submitted its proposal and is waiting for Washington's formal response through Qatar.Iran's Revolutionary Guard said that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and accused President Trump of misrepresenting Tehran's nuclear ambitions.So where does the situation stand?There are essentially three negotiations taking place at the same time.First, the war itself. Iran wants an end to US military pressure. Washington wants an agreement that, in its view, prevents Iran from rebuilding a nuclear capability.Second is the Strait of Hormuz. For Iran, reopening the waterway is leverage. But for the United States, restoring unrestricted shipping is a major strategic and economic objective.The third negotiation taking place is on nuclear arms. Iran says its nuclear rights cannot simply be negotiated away, while America insists nuclear restrictions must be part of any final settlement.Meanwhile, reports suggest that President Trump was prepared to consider sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete nuclear concessions. But Trump himself rejected those reports, saying he had offered Iran nothing.President Trump entered this conflict promising that American pressure would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and repeatedly presenting military pressure as a path towards a decisive outcome. But seven months into the conflict, Washington is once again relying heavily on diplomacy.Donald Trump has, at different points, declared the US had effectively won, threatened further military action, rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal, and at the same time signalled that negotiations could continue.For the moment, however, there is no final deal and no confirmed permanent ceasefire. Qatar and other mediators are shuttling messages between Washington and Tehran.The next critical test is whether the mediators can turn these indirect conversations into an agreed sequence of steps.

Qatar is mediating between Washington and Tehran as the US-Iran war, Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme remain unresolved.

A diplomatic scramble is underway to find a way out of the US-Iran war, but despite renewed talks through mediators, Washington and Tehran still remain at loggerheads. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been meeting Qatari mediators in New York, while American officials are also talking separately with them. The immediate objective is to stop the fighting, reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and get the two sides back to negotiations. But there is one issue standing at the centre of the dispute, and that is Iran's nuclear programme. The latest diplomatic push comes after months of war and two previous ceasefire attempts that collapsed. Iran had put forward a seven-day proposal, under which hostilities would end, the United States would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, some Iranian assets would be unfrozen, and sanctions on Iranian oil would be eased. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations over its nuclear programme. But President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal publicly over the weekend. Even so, Washington has continued talking through mediators. So essentially, the talks have not stopped. Instead, Qatar and other intermediaries are trying to narrow the gap between two fundamentally different positions. Washington says there can be no comprehensive agreement unless Iran's nuclear programme is addressed. US officials say they want concrete assurances and restrictions designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Tehran, however, says it is not seeking a nuclear bomb and insists on its right to a civilian nuclear programme. Iranian officials are making clear that they do not intend to simply surrender their nuclear position as the price for reopening Hormuz. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that there has been no change in Iran's position and no compromise on the nuclear issue. He says Tehran has already submitted its proposal and is waiting for Washington's formal response through Qatar. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and accused President Trump of misrepresenting Tehran's nuclear ambitions. So where does the situation stand? There are essentially three negotiations taking place at the same time. First, the war itself. Iran wants an end to US military pressure. Washington wants an agreement that, in its view, prevents Iran from rebuilding a nuclear capability. Second is the Strait of Hormuz. For Iran, reopening the waterway is leverage. But for the United States, restoring unrestricted shipping is a major strategic and economic objective. The third negotiation taking place is on nuclear arms. Iran says its nuclear rights cannot simply be negotiated away, while America insists nuclear restrictions must be part of any final settlement. Meanwhile, reports suggest that President Trump was prepared to consider sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete nuclear concessions. But Trump himself rejected those reports, saying he had offered Iran nothing. President Trump entered this conflict promising that American pressure would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and repeatedly presenting military pressure as a path towards a decisive outcome. But seven months into the conflict, Washington is once again relying heavily on diplomacy. Donald Trump has, at different points, declared the US had effectively won, threatened further military action, rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal, and at the same time signalled that negotiations could continue. For the moment, however, there is no final deal and no confirmed permanent ceasefire. Qatar and other mediators are shuttling messages between Washington and Tehran. The next critical test is whether the mediators can turn these indirect conversations into an agreed sequence of steps.

Qatar is mediating between Washington and Tehran as the US-Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme remain unresolved.

Race To Power | Can Qatar bridge the gap as US-Iran talks face diplomatic scramble

Six died after a Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed in the eastern region of Amur near the village of Krasnoyarovo shortly after taking off from the Ukrainka air base. One crew member survived; he was hospitalised, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defence."On September 29, a Tu-95 aircraft crashed in the Amur region during a training flight. The aircraft went down in an uninhabited area," the defence ministry said."According to preliminary data, six crew members died, while one was injured and evacuated to a medical facility," the ministry added.According to the Russian state media, TASS, the bomber was flying without any ammunition on a routine training flight. The reason for the crash is yet to be established. According to the Russian military, an Aerospace Forces Commission has been dispatched “to the crash site to establish all the circumstances of the incident”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bond-yields-5-percent-end-of-cheap-money-era-1790687343582">US bond yields surge above 5.2%: Is the era of cheap money finally over?</a>Unverified videos of the incident were circulated on social media, showing a large amount of smoke in the aftermath of the crash. This crash follows a string of other technical aviation failures within the Russian military, including a Tu-22M3 crash in June.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A Russian military aircraft has crashed in Amur Oblast. The plane belonged to the Ukrainka air base in the region. Updated figures put the death toll at six of the seven crew members. Reports point to a Tu-95MS plane. <a href="https://t.co/oC6WhTR8yD">pic.twitter.com/oC6WhTR8yD</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2104920040378159259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Russia had been using the Ukrainka air base following Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, which destroyed more than 40 aircraft. The Tu-95MS is a soviet era strategic bomber that can carry, launch and deliver nuclear weapons.

A Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed in the Amur region shortly after takeoff, killing six crew members and injuring another.

Six died after a Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed in the eastern region of Amur near the village of Krasnoyarovo shortly after taking off from the Ukrainka air base. One crew member survived; he was hospitalised, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defence. "On September 29, a Tu-95 aircraft crashed in the Amur region during a training flight. The aircraft went down in an uninhabited area," the defence ministry said. "According to preliminary data, six crew members died, while one was injured and evacuated to a medical facility," the ministry added. According to the Russian state media, TASS, the bomber was flying without any ammunition on a routine training flight. The reason for the crash is yet to be established. According to the Russian military, an Aerospace Forces Commission has been dispatched “to the crash site to establish all the circumstances of the incident”. Also Read: US bond yields surge above 5.2%: Is the era of cheap money finally over? Unverified videos of the incident were circulated on social media, showing a large amount of smoke in the aftermath of the crash. This crash follows a string of other technical aviation failures within the Russian military, including a Tu-22M3 crash in June.

A Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed in the Amur region shortly after takeoff, killing six crew members and injuring another.

Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bomber crashes after takeoff, six crew members killed

The US bond market is in a severe sell-off; the 10-year US Treasury yield has surpassed 5.2%, the highest in 19 years. The 30-year yield jumped to over 5.5%. The Fed raised interest rates by 25 bps in September, while more than 70% in the market are predicting another rate hike by October. Investors, economists and fund managers are suggesting a structural macroeconomic shift; the era of cheap money is effectively over.&nbsp;Dr David Kelly, Chief Strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, wrote earlier this month that the post-GFC (Global Financial Crisis) "New Normal" of low growth and ultra-cheap money has been shattered. He states the global economy has decisively pivoted into a structurally higher real-rate regime characterised by tougher long-term debt affordability.“The bond market is simply normalising after two decades of abnormally low interest rates,” Daniel Harenberg, lead global economist at Oxford Economics, wrote this month.<h2>Are higher interest rates unusual?</h2>Higher interest rates were characteristic of the great inflation era, when the US dollar shifted from the gold standard following the Vietnam War. 10-year yields ranged from 8% to over 15%. The period saw out-of-control inflation as high as over 14% in the US in 1980. This followed the great Paul Volcker Shock, which controlled the money supply and pushed rates over 20% in 1981; it resulted in a recession, but inflation was back to normal. Then followed by an era of moderation: the 1987 stock market crash, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the dotcom bubble, 9/11, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and three recessions, where yields were controlled between roughly 4.5-6.5% and maintained moderate growth until the global financial crisis of 2008.&nbsp;For a long-term investor who had been investing before the subprime crisis of 2008, high interest rates were actually quite usual. 10-year US Treasury yield over 5% was quite ordinary; if anything, the post-crisis period was quite bizarre: a zero interest rate, which fuelled the practice of carry trade, when fund managers in Japan and Europe would borrow cheaply and exchange it for US Treasuries and earn interest that was basically "free money". &nbsp;Then the "Negative Interest Rate Policy" &nbsp;era, where investors actually paid interest when borrowing from the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan. This carry trade and cheap money ballooned global debt to over $365 trillion. Developed economies from the OECD, including the US, UK, Japan, and France, are running huge deficits; they spent more than $3.3 trillion in bond interest collectively in 2025, more than their combined defence spending and their AI buildout.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-settlers-attack-jalud-west-bank-palestinian-homes-1790682568830">Over 100 Israeli settlers attack West Bank village, burn Palestinian homes</a><h2>Why are high interest rates the new normal?</h2>The case for high interest rates rests on big deficits, sticky inflation, and restricted supply, keeping long-term yields structurally higher than after the GFC. Some strategists at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs are already discussing 10-year yields reaching 6%. We are seeing the same oil shock which was seen after the US dollar shifted from the gold standard. The Iran war is not coming to any conclusion, nor is the global oil trade being reset to the previous phase.&nbsp;The US suffers from a “total lack of fiscal discipline,” with deficits growing during both booms and busts, warned Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management. US consumers are still spending money which they can't afford, with collective household debt rising over $18 trillion. Companies are issuing large amounts of debt to finance the data centres. Stock markets are slowing down, but the tech stocks are fighting the feds; the NASDAQ 100 and the Magnificent Seven are keeping the fight alive. Specifically, semiconductor stocks shrugged off rate hike and yield concerns as they rose by roughly 3%, with Anthropic's newly revealed IPO prospectus looming.&nbsp;Higher yields are making bonds a real competitor for equity money and raising the discount rate on future profits, which hits richly valued growth stocks hardest. Now the Feds, who will be expecting equity pain, are unlikely to stop until the AI capex spending softens. There is weakness in the AI buildout, which is its profit model; if the spending softens, there is a real risk of a bubble pop. The reverse can also be the case that US miraculously opens the Hormuz and oil flow is restored, and the Feds slash rates, the AI growth story continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Treasury yields are at multi-year highs as inflation, oil prices, deficits and heavy debt challenge the post-2008 era of ultra-cheap money.

The US bond market is in a severe sell-off; the 10-year US Treasury yield has surpassed 5.2%, the highest in 19 years. The 30-year yield jumped to over 5.5%. The Fed raised interest rates by 25 bps in September, while more than 70% in the market are predicting another rate hike by October. Investors, economists and fund managers are suggesting a structural macroeconomic shift; the era of cheap money is effectively over. Dr David Kelly, Chief Strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, wrote earlier this month that the post-GFC (Global Financial Crisis) "New Normal" of low growth and ultra-cheap money has been shattered. He states the global economy has decisively pivoted into a structurally higher real-rate regime characterised by tougher long-term debt affordability. “The bond market is simply normalising after two decades of abnormally low interest rates,” Daniel Harenberg, lead global economist at Oxford Economics, wrote this month. Are higher interest rates unusual? Higher interest rates were characteristic of the great inflation era, when the US dollar shifted from the gold standard following the Vietnam War. 10-year yields ranged from 8% to over 15%. The period saw out-of-control inflation as high as over 14% in the US in 1980. This followed the great Paul Volcker Shock, which controlled the money supply and pushed rates over 20% in 1981; it resulted in a recession, but inflation was back to normal. Then followed by an era of moderation: the 1987 stock market crash, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the dotcom bubble, 9/11, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and three recessions, where yields were controlled between roughly 4.5-6.5% and maintained moderate growth until the global financial crisis of 2008. For a long-term investor who had been investing before the subprime crisis of 2008, high interest rates were actually quite usual. 10-year US Treasury yield over 5% was quite ordinary; if anything, the post-crisis period was quite bizarre: a zero interest rate, which fuelled the practice of carry trade, when fund managers in Japan and Europe would borrow cheaply and exchange it for US Treasuries and earn interest that was basically "free money". Then the "Negative Interest Rate Policy" era, where investors actually paid interest when borrowing from the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan. This carry trade and cheap money ballooned global debt to over $365 trillion. Developed economies from the OECD, including the US, UK, Japan, and France, are running huge deficits; they spent more than $3.3 trillion in bond interest collectively in 2025, more than their combined defence spending and their AI buildout. Also Read: Over 100 Israeli settlers attack West Bank village, burn Palestinian homes Why are high interest rates the new normal? The case for high interest rates rests on big deficits, sticky inflation, and restricted supply, keeping long-term yields structurally higher than after the GFC. Some strategists at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs are already discussing 10-year yields reaching 6%. We are seeing the same oil shock which was seen after the US dollar shifted from the gold standard. The Iran war is not coming to any conclusion, nor is the global oil trade being reset to the previous phase. The US suffers from a “total lack of fiscal discipline,” with deficits growing during both booms and busts, warned Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management. US consumers are still spending money which they can't afford, with collective household debt rising over $18 trillion. Companies are issuing large amounts of debt to finance the data centres. Stock markets are slowing down, but the tech stocks are fighting the feds; the NASDAQ 100 and the Magnificent Seven are keeping the fight alive. Specifically, semiconductor stocks shrugged off rate hike and yield concerns as they rose by roughly 3%, with Anthropic's newly revealed IPO prospectus looming. Higher yields are making bonds a real competitor for equity money and raising the discount rate on future profits, which hits richly valued growth stocks hardest. Now the Feds, who will be expecting equity pain, are unlikely to stop until the AI capex spending softens. There is weakness in the AI buildout, which is its profit model; if the spending softens, there is a real risk of a bubble pop. The reverse can also be the case that US miraculously opens the Hormuz and oil flow is restored, and the Feds slash rates, the AI growth story continues.

US Treasury yields are at multi-year highs as inflation, oil prices, deficits and heavy debt challenge the post-2008 era of ultra-cheap money.

US bond yields surge above 5.2%: Is the era of cheap money finally over?

India is holding talks with China in order to explore the possibility of an alternate air route for Indian airlines amid the continuing Pakistan airspace ban that makes flights to Europe and the United States longer and more expensive. The talks are focused on the use of Xinjiang airspace as an alternate route.&nbsp;Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with Chinese counterparts on alternate routes and that talks are on for over a year to route flights via Hotan in western China.&nbsp;Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, China Southern Airlines announced that it will resume direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, restoring a route that had been suspended for six years.The resumption is part of a broader restoration of direct air links between the two countries after services were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent tensions along the India-China border.China Southern said it will operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia.&nbsp;IndiGo was the first Indian airline to resume India-China connectivity. The airline resumed direct India-China flights in October 2025, when it restarted services between Kolkata and Guangzhou, followed by Delhi-Guangzhou in November.&nbsp;Air India resumed direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai on February 1, ending a nearly six-year gap in services to China and increasing the frequency to five flights a week from March 29.&nbsp;Pakistan’s airspace has remained shut to India since April 2025, and as a result airlines have had to divert some westbound flights over the Arabian Sea, adding to flying time, fuel consumption, and crew costs.The long-haul flights have been among the most affected; consequently, looking for alternative routing options has become an important consideration.&nbsp;The talks are taking place as India-China ties improve after the tensions caused by the 2020 border standoff.&nbsp;Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Delhi-Beijing relationship was in a better position than it had been in recent years.“If you asked me, compared to where you were in 2025, is the relationship better today? I would say yes. Compared to 2024, even more so,” he said.Jaishankar said the improvement was a recovery from a relationship that had gone “so much off-track”.

Pakistan’s airspace has remained shut to India since the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, and as a result airlines have had to divert some westbound flights over the Arabian Sea, adding to flying time, fuel consumption, and crew costs. The long-haul flights have been among the most affected.

India is holding talks with China in order to explore the possibility of an alternate air route for Indian airlines amid the continuing Pakistan airspace ban that makes flights to Europe and the United States longer and more expensive. The talks are focused on the use of Xinjiang airspace as an alternate route. Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with Chinese counterparts on alternate routes and that talks are on for over a year to route flights via Hotan in western China. Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, China Southern Airlines announced that it will resume direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, restoring a route that had been suspended for six years. The resumption is part of a broader restoration of direct air links between the two countries after services were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent tensions along the India-China border. China Southern said it will operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia. IndiGo was the first Indian airline to resume India-China connectivity. The airline resumed direct India-China flights in October 2025, when it restarted services between Kolkata and Guangzhou, followed by Delhi-Guangzhou in November. Air India resumed direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai on February 1, ending a nearly six-year gap in services to China and increasing the frequency to five flights a week from March 29. Pakistan’s airspace has remained shut to India since April 2025, and as a result airlines have had to divert some westbound flights over the Arabian Sea, adding to flying time, fuel consumption, and crew costs. The long-haul flights have been among the most affected; consequently, looking for alternative routing options has become an important consideration. The talks are taking place as India-China ties improve after the tensions caused by the 2020 border standoff. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Delhi-Beijing relationship was in a better position than it had been in recent years. “If you asked me, compared to where you were in 2025, is the relationship better today? I would say yes. Compared to 2024, even more so,” he said. Jaishankar said the improvement was a recovery from a relationship that had gone “so much off-track”.

Pakistan’s airspace has remained shut to India since the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, and as a result airlines have had to divert some westbound flights over the Arabian Sea, adding to flying time, fuel consumption, and crew costs. The long-haul flights have been among the most affected.

India in talks with China for alternate air route to cut costs, flying time amid Pak airspace ban

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has released video of the first armed operation carried out by its newly formed women's unit, the Karima Armed Assault Division (KAAD). The footage shows its fighters launching attacks on a Pakistani military convoy in Turbat, reportedly claiming that nine security personnel were killed in the operation. The footage shows first-person visuals of the mission in Turbat, in which KAAD fighters armed with rifles opened fire on a three-vehicle Quick Response Force (QRF) convoy travelling along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway in Balochistan on September 22.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">مانیٹرنگ : بلوچستان لبریشن فرنٹ (BLF) نے اپنے میڈیا سیل ’’آشوب‘‘ کے ذریعے اپنے نو تشکیل شدہ ’’کریمہ آرمڈ اسالٹ ڈویژن‘‘ (KAAD) کی ایک ویڈیو جاری کی ہے۔ ویڈیو میں تربت کے علاقے جوسک میں سی پیک روڈ پر کیو آر ایف قافلے پر حملے اور قلات کے علاقے منگچر میں ناکہ بندی اور گاڑیوں کے… <a href="https://t.co/m1nb3kxHdI">pic.twitter.com/m1nb3kxHdI</a>&mdash; Subain Baloch (@subain_bluch) <a href="https://x.com/subain_bluch/status/2104597881466323223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A woman commander is shown briefing the mission in the video, after which the fighters struck from a distance of just a few steps, which the group presented as evidence of their training. BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said in a statement that several Pakistani military vehicles were badly damaged in the attack. He added that the group's Qurban unit backed the women's unit during the operation, fought off Pakistani forces attempting to encircle them, and covered their retreat.&nbsp;He also said that Qurban unit fighter Chakar Murad, alias Dileep Jan, was killed in the attack. A separate clip in the video shows KAAD members carrying out a snap check of vehicles in the Mangchar area of Kalat.<h3>Mari Energies Limited site attacked&nbsp;</h3>In a separate incident, the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) launched an attack on the Mari Energies Limited site in the Beh Loti area in Balochistan's Dera Bugti with rockets and heavy weapons. In response, the group's spokesperson, Sarbaz Baloch, stated that three employees of the company were killed and several others injured during the attack.&nbsp;Sarbaz added that a scuffle broke out between Pakistani forces and members of what the group termed a local state-backed armed group after the attack. During the incident, nine Pakistani military personnel lost their lives, and three members of the armed group were killed. The BRA claimed that six fighters of the group lost their lives, according to The Balochistan Post. &nbsp;

BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said that several Pakistani military vehicles were badly damaged in the attack. He added that the group's Qurban unit backed the women's unit during the operation, fought off Pakistani forces attempting to encircle them, and covered their retreat.

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has released video of the first armed operation carried out by its newly formed women's unit, the Karima Armed Assault Division (KAAD). The footage shows its fighters launching attacks on a Pakistani military convoy in Turbat, reportedly claiming that nine security personnel were killed in the operation. The footage shows first-person visuals of the mission in Turbat, in which KAAD fighters armed with rifles opened fire on a three-vehicle Quick Response Force (QRF) convoy travelling along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway in Balochistan on September 22.

BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said that several Pakistani military vehicles were badly damaged in the attack. He added that the group's Qurban unit backed the women's unit during the operation, fought off Pakistani forces attempting to encircle them, and covered their retreat.

Baloch rebel women's unit KAAD claims first armed operation, says killed 9 Pakistani soldiers

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