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<div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Almost seven months after Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for the first time on Friday (Apr 4) on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. It marked a notable shift in New Delhi's attitude towards Dhaka after Hasina's exit and analysts say it is a welcoming step.</div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">What did analysts say?</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Bangladeshi economist and Distinguished Fellow at Center for Policy Dialogue spoke to WION and said, "The meeting between the two heads of government was a much-anticipated and welcome event. Both leaders used the opportunity to share their interests and concerns."</div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Bhattacharya also shed light on the personal equation between the two leaders as Yunus gifted PM Modi a picture from 2015 wherein PM Modi was presenting a gold medal to Yunus at the opening ceremony of the 102nd Indian Science Congress. "It appears that it was also a refreshing personal experience for the leaders as they recalled the mutually respectful relationship that they had enjoyed all along," he told WION.</div>
</div>
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<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Harsh V. Pant, Vice President,Studies and Foreign Policy, at Observer Research Foundation, spoke to WION and said that the meeting between the two heads of the government was a much-anticipated and welcome event. "The meeting was a way forward to stabilise the relationship amid a series of indications coming from Bangladesh, starting from its effort to elevate their ties with Pakistan to Yunus' recent visit to China. PM Modi's meeting has conveyed to Dhaka that they can't ignore New Delhi and its concerns."&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">When asked if Yunus' recent visit to China prompted India to take the step forward for this meeting, Pant said: "I don't think there's any pressure on New Delhi regarding this. It was a long haul. At some point, New Delhi would have definitely spoken to Dhaka and the new Bangladeshi administration."</div>
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<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-writes-to-yunus-stresses-mutual-sensitivity-in-strengthening-india-bangladesh-ties-8895474" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PM Modi writes to Yunus, stresses 'mutual sensitivity' in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties</a></div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Bangladesh's ties with Pakistan and the India angle</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">"Assuming that Bangladesh&rsquo;s desire to mend ties with Pakistan is solely driven by India-centric calculations would be an oversimplification of the geopolitical realities," said Aishwaria Sonavane, Researcher for Pakistan Studies at Takshashila Institution, when asked about Bangladesh's intentions about elevating ties with Pakistan,.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">"The dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations continue to shift, marked by significant points of contention, including the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India and reports of targeted attacks on minority Hindu communities in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh under Yunus is predominantly diversifying its partnerships," she explained while speaking to WION.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">In this regard, Bhattacharya added, "The nature and scale of the relationship of Bangladesh with any other country in the region will take note of the sensitivities of other neighbours but will not be hostage to them."</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/better-to-split-up-bangladesh-than-northeast-leaders-response-to-yunus-remark-8913690" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Better to split up Bangladesh than&hellip;&rsquo;: Northeast leader&rsquo;s response to Yunus remark</a></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">However, voices in Bangladeshi administration under Yunus continue to spread rumours and be anti-India at different stages. For instance, the claim by Yunus' press secretary Shafiqul Alam that "India's response to the request for Hasina's extradition was not negative" was dismissed by the unnamed government sources calling it "mischievous and politically motivated". New Delhi would want the Yunus administration to be careful with its statements and narrative.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">"Stable relations with India is necessary for Bangladesh. India cannot be ignored as its leverage in the Indo-Pacific region is high. The ball is in Yunus' court," Pant said highlighting New Delhi's approach. Pavan Chaurasia, a research fellow at India Foundation, echoed the sentiments. "With this meeting, New Delhi showed that it is not averse to dealing with the new power centre in Bangladesh, provided that the neighbouring country respects India's genuine concerns," Chaurasia said.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-vows-to-return-to-bangladesh-calls-yunus-unfit-to-govern-bangladesh-8735410" rel="dofollow">Sheikh Hasina Vows To Return To Bangladesh, Calls Yunus 'Unfit' To Govern Bangladesh</a></div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Can Bangladesh ignore India for China?</h2>
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Analysts believe that Bangladesh cannot ignore India even as it attempts to build an ally in the Chinese. "Considering Bangladesh's economic interdependence with India, deep-rooted geographical, and linguistic ties, completely sidelining India in favour of China is not practical or strategically prudent. For Bangladesh, India remains an indispensable partner for economic and regional stability, while China serves the role of a critical development and investment partner," Sonavane elaborated.
Pant added, "Yunus and his government cannot look in one direction. Bangladesh's economy is facing challenges and given the pressure that the Chinese economy is finding itself in due to the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump's administration in the US, it will not help Bangladesh to look to the Chinese solely."
</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">As the India-Bangladesh relationship continues to be on a rough path, the engagement between PM Modi and Yunus gives hope but the main question remains as to how it would pan out in a world that faces US President Donald&nbsp;Trump's 'big brother' tactics and China's 'won't give up' attitude.</div>
</div>
Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-bangladeshs-muhammad-yunus-on-bimstec-summit-sidelines-8924239" rel="dofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-bangladeshs-muhammad-yunus-on-bimstec-summit-sidelines-8924239" rel="dofollow">PM Modi meets Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus for the first time on BIMSTEC Summit sidelines</a>

World India News | PM Modi met Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus' first time on Apr 4.  Analysts say it is a welcoming step.

Almost seven months after Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for the first time on Friday (Apr 4) on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. It marked a notable shift in New Delhi's attitude towards Dhaka after Hasina's exit and analysts say it is a welcoming step. What did analysts say? Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Bangladeshi economist and Distinguished Fellow at Center for Policy Dialogue spoke to WION and said, "The meeting between the two heads of government was a much-anticipated and welcome event. Both leaders used the opportunity to share their interests and concerns." Bhattacharya also shed light on the personal equation between the two leaders as Yunus gifted PM Modi a picture from 2015 wherein PM Modi was presenting a gold medal to Yunus at the opening ceremony of the 102nd Indian Science Congress. "It appears that it was also a refreshing personal experience for the leaders as they recalled the mutually respectful relationship that they had enjoyed all along," he told WION. Harsh V. Pant, Vice President,Studies and Foreign Policy, at Observer Research Foundation, spoke to WION and said that the meeting between the two heads of the government was a much-anticipated and welcome event. "The meeting was a way forward to stabilise the relationship amid a series of indications coming from Bangladesh, starting from its effort to elevate their ties with Pakistan to Yunus' recent visit to China. PM Modi's meeting has conveyed to Dhaka that they can't ignore New Delhi and its concerns." When asked if Yunus' recent visit to China prompted India to take the step forward for this meeting, Pant said: "I don't think there's any pressure on New Delhi regarding this. It was a long haul. At some point, New Delhi would have definitely spoken to Dhaka and the new Bangladeshi administration." Read More | PM Modi writes to Yunus, stresses 'mutual sensitivity' in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties Bangladesh's ties with Pakistan and the India angle "Assuming that Bangladesh’s desire to mend ties with Pakistan is solely driven by India-centric calculations would be an oversimplification of the geopolitical realities," said Aishwaria Sonavane, Researcher for Pakistan Studies at Takshashila Institution, when asked about Bangladesh's intentions about elevating ties with Pakistan,. "The dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations continue to shift, marked by significant points of contention, including the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India and reports of targeted attacks on minority Hindu communities in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh under Yunus is predominantly diversifying its partnerships," she explained while speaking to WION. In this regard, Bhattacharya added, "The nature and scale of the relationship of Bangladesh with any other country in the region will take note of the sensitivities of other neighbours but will not be hostage to them." Read More | ‘Better to split up Bangladesh than…’: Northeast leader’s response to Yunus remark However, voices in Bangladeshi administration under Yunus continue to spread rumours and be anti-India at different stages. For instance, the claim by Yunus' press secretary Shafiqul Alam that "India's response to the request for Hasina's extradition was not negative" was dismissed by the unnamed government sources calling it "mischievous and politically motivated". New Delhi would want the Yunus administration to be careful with its statements and narrative. "Stable relations with India is necessary for Bangladesh. India cannot be ignored as its leverage in the Indo-Pacific region is high. The ball is in Yunus' court," Pant said highlighting New Delhi's approach. Pavan Chaurasia, a research fellow at India Foundation, echoed the sentiments. "With this meeting, New Delhi showed that it is not averse to dealing with the new power centre in Bangladesh, provided that the neighbouring country respects India's genuine concerns," Chaurasia said. WATCH | Sheikh Hasina Vows To Return To Bangladesh, Calls Yunus 'Unfit' To Govern Bangladesh Can Bangladesh ignore India for China? Analysts believe that Bangladesh cannot ignore India even as it attempts to build an ally in the Chinese. "Considering Bangladesh's economic interdependence with India, deep-rooted geographical, and linguistic ties, completely sidelining India in favour of China is not practical or strategically prudent. For Bangladesh, India remains an indispensable partner for economic and regional stability, while China serves the role of a critical development and investment partner," Sonavane elaborated. Pant added, "Yunus and his government cannot look in one direction. Bangladesh's economy is facing challenges and given the pressure that the Chinese economy is finding itself in due to the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump's administration in the US, it will not help Bangladesh to look to the Chinese solely." As the India-Bangladesh relationship continues to be on a rough path, the engagement between PM Modi and Yunus gives hope but the main question remains as to how it would pan out in a world that faces US President Donald Trump's 'big brother' tactics and China's 'won't give up' attitude. Read More | PM Modi meets Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus for the first time on BIMSTEC Summit sidelines

Can PM Modi-Yunus meet turn the tide for India-Bangladesh relations in post Hasina-era? What analysts say

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court's "big ruling" for clearing the way for his administration to move further with the deportation of certain immigrants under the "Alien Enemies Act".&nbsp;
Trump might continue to use a 1978 law to deport alleged gang members to Venezuela, the US top court said, however, it will apply certain limits to it.&nbsp;
The Supreme Court's ruling included deporting alleged gang members under a wartime law dating back to 1798 called the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-venezuela-gang-with-alien-enemies-act-of-1798-used-in-world-war-i-8857510">Alien Enemies Act</a>".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alien-enemies-act-trump-says-great-day-for-justice-after-us-top-court-lifts-order-barring-deportations-8937346">Alien Enemies Act: Trump says 'GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE' after US top court lifts order barring deportations</a>
"Thanks to the Supreme Court yesterday and today, we had a big ruling, too,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;We had a very big ruling today, but we will continue to deport these monsters under the Alien Enemies Act.&rdquo;
He further took to the Truth Social, saying "Last month, we officially designated Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations&mdash;and thanks to the Supreme Court yesterday... we will continue to deport these monsters under the Alien Enemies Act.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nazis-got-better-treatment-than-venezuelans-under-alien-enemies-act-us-court-8887341">'Nazis got better treatment than Venezuelans' under Alien Enemies Act by Trump administration, says US court</a>
While reacting to the order, Trump posted, "The Supreme Court has upheld the Rule of Law in our Nation by allowing a President, whoever that may be, to be able to secure our Borders and protect our families and our Country, itself. A GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE IN AMERICA!"&nbsp;
Trump on March 15 invoked the Aliens Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members of the Tren de Aragua gang.
The 18th-century law was used only when the country was at war. Trump created a buzz when he invoked the law - an aggressive and unprecedented use of presidential power.&nbsp;
The US officials flew 250 accused gang members to El Salvador, Trump's favourite prison.&nbsp;
At the El Salvador prison, the alleged criminals &mdash; including 238 members of Tren de Aragua and 23 MS-13 operatives &mdash; were met by heavily armed commandos, chained, and transferred to the infamous Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT).
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-berates-doj-lawyer-over-migrant-flights-in-alien-enemies-act-case-8863775">US Judge berates DOJ lawyer over migrant flights in Alien Enemies Act case</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump hailed the "big ruling" for clearing the way for his administration to move further with deportation of certain immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court's "big ruling" for clearing the way for his administration to move further with the deportation of certain immigrants under the "Alien Enemies Act". Trump might continue to use a 1978 law to deport alleged gang members to Venezuela, the US top court said, however, it will apply certain limits to it. The Supreme Court's ruling included deporting alleged gang members under a wartime law dating back to 1798 called the "Alien Enemies Act". Also read: Alien Enemies Act: Trump says 'GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE' after US top court lifts order barring deportations "Thanks to the Supreme Court yesterday and today, we had a big ruling, too,” Trump said. “We had a very big ruling today, but we will continue to deport these monsters under the Alien Enemies Act.” He further took to the Truth Social, saying "Last month, we officially designated Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations—and thanks to the Supreme Court yesterday... we will continue to deport these monsters under the Alien Enemies Act.” Also read: 'Nazis got better treatment than Venezuelans' under Alien Enemies Act by Trump administration, says US court While reacting to the order, Trump posted, "The Supreme Court has upheld the Rule of Law in our Nation by allowing a President, whoever that may be, to be able to secure our Borders and protect our families and our Country, itself. A GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE IN AMERICA!" Trump on March 15 invoked the Aliens Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The 18th-century law was used only when the country was at war. Trump created a buzz when he invoked the law - an aggressive and unprecedented use of presidential power. The US officials flew 250 accused gang members to El Salvador, Trump's favourite prison. At the El Salvador prison, the alleged criminals — including 238 members of Tren de Aragua and 23 MS-13 operatives — were met by heavily armed commandos, chained, and transferred to the infamous Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT). Also read: US Judge berates DOJ lawyer over migrant flights in Alien Enemies Act case (With inputs from agencies)

'Will continue to deport monsters': Trump hails Supreme Court's ruling allowing cartel deportations under 'Alien Enemies Act'

China hits back at the United States on Wednesday (April 9), with 84% tariffs on all American goods starting from Thursday, Beijing's finance ministry announced.&nbsp;
China's finance ministry said it would impose additional tariffs on US goods from April 10.&nbsp;
It further stressed that they had added 12 US entities to the export control list and 6 US entities to the 'unreliable entity' list.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-trying-to-be-friends-with-india-again-beijing-asks-india-to-stand-together-amid-trumps-tariffs-8943099">China trying to be friends with India again? Beijing asks India to 'stand together' amid Trump's tariffs</a>
After the announcement, the US stock index futures also reportedly took a sharp dive.&nbsp;
Earlier, China announced to impose 34% tariff after US President Donald Trump imposed the "reciprocal tariffs" on April 2. Following this, Trump warned China to roll back its retaliatory tariffs or the US would respond with an additional 50% tariff.&nbsp;
He also took to Truth Social, saying that "China played it wrong, they panicked - The one thing they cannot afford to do!"
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-neighbourhood-first-policy-amid-tariff-war-xi-jinping-says-it-will-strengthen-ties-with-neighbours-8942918">China's 'neighbourhood first' policy amid Trump tariffs: Xi Jinping advocates better ties with neighbours as 104 pc duties kick in</a>
On Tuesday, the US President slapped a 104% tariff on Chinese goods starting from Wednesday.&nbsp;
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump is taking a &ldquo;custom, tailor-made&rdquo; approach to trade with each country. That could include talks around military presence or foreign aid, depending on America&rsquo;s priorities.
&ldquo;Negotiations will be based on America&rsquo;s needs,&rdquo; she said.
China had also said that it would control exports of medium and heavy rare earths, materials that are used in high-tech products such as computer chips and electric vehicle batteries.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-world-leaders-claims-countries-are-calling-us-up-kissing-my-ass-to-negotiate-tariffs-8941777">Trump mocks world leaders, claims 'countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,' to negotiate tariffs</a>
Moreover, the Chinese government has declined to comment on whether it would negotiate with the US, like other countries.&nbsp;
&ldquo;If the U.S. insists on further escalating its economic and trade restrictions, China has the firm will and abundant means to take necessary countermeasures and fight to the end,&rdquo; the Chinese commerce ministry said in its statement.
China also issued a white paper titled "China's Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations", criticising the US for imposing tariffs on over $500 billion worth of Chinese exports since 2018.&nbsp;
The Chinese government issued the paper to clarify the facts about China-US economic and trade relations.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slaps-104-percent-tariff-on-china-after-beijing-defies-ultimatum-8940740">&lsquo;China wants a deal, badly&rsquo;: Trump slaps 104% tariff after Beijing defies ultimatum, says 'waiting for their call'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: China's finance ministry stressed that they had added 12 US entities to the export control list and 6 US entities to the 'unreliable entity' list.

China hits back at the United States on Wednesday (April 9), with 84% tariffs on all American goods starting from Thursday, Beijing's finance ministry announced. China's finance ministry said it would impose additional tariffs on US goods from April 10. It further stressed that they had added 12 US entities to the export control list and 6 US entities to the 'unreliable entity' list. Also read: China trying to be friends with India again? Beijing asks India to 'stand together' amid Trump's tariffs After the announcement, the US stock index futures also reportedly took a sharp dive. Earlier, China announced to impose 34% tariff after US President Donald Trump imposed the "reciprocal tariffs" on April 2. Following this, Trump warned China to roll back its retaliatory tariffs or the US would respond with an additional 50% tariff. He also took to Truth Social, saying that "China played it wrong, they panicked - The one thing they cannot afford to do!" Also read: China's 'neighbourhood first' policy amid Trump tariffs: Xi Jinping advocates better ties with neighbours as 104 pc duties kick in On Tuesday, the US President slapped a 104% tariff on Chinese goods starting from Wednesday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump is taking a “custom, tailor-made” approach to trade with each country. That could include talks around military presence or foreign aid, depending on America’s priorities. “Negotiations will be based on America’s needs,” she said. China had also said that it would control exports of medium and heavy rare earths, materials that are used in high-tech products such as computer chips and electric vehicle batteries. Also read: Trump mocks world leaders, claims 'countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,' to negotiate tariffs Moreover, the Chinese government has declined to comment on whether it would negotiate with the US, like other countries. “If the U.S. insists on further escalating its economic and trade restrictions, China has the firm will and abundant means to take necessary countermeasures and fight to the end,” the Chinese commerce ministry said in its statement. China also issued a white paper titled "China's Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations", criticising the US for imposing tariffs on over $500 billion worth of Chinese exports since 2018. The Chinese government issued the paper to clarify the facts about China-US economic and trade relations. Also read: ‘China wants a deal, badly’: Trump slaps 104% tariff after Beijing defies ultimatum, says 'waiting for their call' (With inputs from agencies)

China not backing down! Beijing hits back at US with 84% tariffs on all US goods from April 10, after Trump's 104% duty

George RR Martin, whose epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire inspired the famous TV series Game of Thrones, was part of the colossal project to revive the dire wolf and met the pups a few weeks back. He shared his excitement about the resurrection in a blog post, and talked about seeing the pups and how he had to keep mum about the return of the dire wolf. Notably, Martin was a cultural advisor and an investor in the project spearheaded by Colossal.
Martin termed the day of the announcement, April 7, as Direwolf Day. " I've been holding my tongue for months now, sworn to silence yet dying to tell the world. Pardon my shouting, but... THE DIREWOLF IS BACK..." he wrote on Facebook.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-dire-wolves-return-experts-warn-of-a-jurassic-park-like-scenario-8942892" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">As dire wolves return, experts warn of a Jurassic Park-like scenario</a>
He shared how he became part of the project after getting a call from Peter Jackson, a filmmaker in New Zealand. He told Martin to call a guy named Ben Lamm, who had "something huge he wanted to share".&nbsp;
&ldquo;Extinct for more than ten thousand years, but extinct no longer, thanks to Ben Lamm, George Church, Beth Shapiro, and the rest of their team of mad scientists at Colossal," Martin added.
<h2>Martin's books brought back dire wolves</h2>
Martin's books that the popular show GoT was based on famously brought back the dire wolves as the sigil of House Stark. The writer was approached by the team of genetic engineers working on the de-extinction of the species. He acted as an advisor, and when the pups were ready, he met Romulus and Remus at a private preserve. A cute photoshoot shows the pups posing on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones. The 330-pound prop was a loan by filmmaker Peter Jackson.
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0804_ARJUN_DANGERS_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0804_ARJUN_DANGERS_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=218&amp;tags=Wolf, Ice Age, World News, WION" title="Back from the dead: Dire wolf reborn in radical genetic leap" id="PL_iframe_block-m99tez0t-vmgf08pv-rpk7wef5"></iframe>
Martin also shared a photo of him holding one of the dire wold pups in his arms. "I met them all in February, in&hellip; well, that would be telling. And I met Romulus and Remus too. Here&rsquo;s me and Romulus. (Or maybe Remus. They&rsquo;re twins, and hard to tell apart," the writer wrote.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/scientists-claim-to-have-resurrected-dire-wolf-first-successfully-de-extincted-animal-8937530" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scientists claim to have resurrected dire wolf. 'First successfully de-extincted animal'</a>
Colossal co-founder Ben Lamm told CBR that meeting the pups made Martin emotional. &nbsp;"I did fly George out to meet the Wolves, and he cried! He completely cried. He said this was like one of the greatest things that he's ever seen," he said.
Lamm also shared how the pups behaved in their initial days. He said they were like regular puppies, playful for some time. "But now they are acting more like wolves."&nbsp;
"They're getting to the point that I wouldn't try to pet them or anything anymore," he added.
The three dire wolf puppies were created using genetic material from two dire wolf fossils. This included a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. They combined it with the genome of a grey wolf to resurrect the long-extinct species.

George RR Martin, the man behind Game of Thrones, was part of the resurrection of dire wolves. He was an advisor and an investor in the project. World Trending

George RR Martin, whose epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire inspired the famous TV series Game of Thrones, was part of the colossal project to revive the dire wolf and met the pups a few weeks back. He shared his excitement about the resurrection in a blog post, and talked about seeing the pups and how he had to keep mum about the return of the dire wolf. Notably, Martin was a cultural advisor and an investor in the project spearheaded by Colossal. Martin termed the day of the announcement, April 7, as Direwolf Day. " I've been holding my tongue for months now, sworn to silence yet dying to tell the world. Pardon my shouting, but... THE DIREWOLF IS BACK..." he wrote on Facebook. Also Read: As dire wolves return, experts warn of a Jurassic Park-like scenario He shared how he became part of the project after getting a call from Peter Jackson, a filmmaker in New Zealand. He told Martin to call a guy named Ben Lamm, who had "something huge he wanted to share". “Extinct for more than ten thousand years, but extinct no longer, thanks to Ben Lamm, George Church, Beth Shapiro, and the rest of their team of mad scientists at Colossal," Martin added. Martin's books brought back dire wolves Martin's books that the popular show GoT was based on famously brought back the dire wolves as the sigil of House Stark. The writer was approached by the team of genetic engineers working on the de-extinction of the species. He acted as an advisor, and when the pups were ready, he met Romulus and Remus at a private preserve. A cute photoshoot shows the pups posing on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones. The 330-pound prop was a loan by filmmaker Peter Jackson. Martin also shared a photo of him holding one of the dire wold pups in his arms. "I met them all in February, in… well, that would be telling. And I met Romulus and Remus too. Here’s me and Romulus. (Or maybe Remus. They’re twins, and hard to tell apart," the writer wrote. Also Read: Scientists claim to have resurrected dire wolf. 'First successfully de-extincted animal' Colossal co-founder Ben Lamm told CBR that meeting the pups made Martin emotional. "I did fly George out to meet the Wolves, and he cried! He completely cried. He said this was like one of the greatest things that he's ever seen," he said. Lamm also shared how the pups behaved in their initial days. He said they were like regular puppies, playful for some time. "But now they are acting more like wolves." "They're getting to the point that I wouldn't try to pet them or anything anymore," he added. The three dire wolf puppies were created using genetic material from two dire wolf fossils. This included a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. They combined it with the genome of a grey wolf to resurrect the long-extinct species.

George RR Martin, the man behind Game of Thrones, was part of resurrection of dire wolves

As Trump's tariffs are affecting the world's economy at large, China has turned all friendly towards India, stressing that the two "largest developing" countries should "stand together" to overcome the difficulties brought by the ongoing trade war.&nbsp;
Spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India said that China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity and mutual benefit.
"Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs, which deprives countries, especially Global South countries, of their right to development, the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties," Spokesperson Yu Jing said in a post on X.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slaps-104-percent-tariff-on-china-after-beijing-defies-ultimatum-8940740">&lsquo;China wants a deal, badly&rsquo;: Trump slaps 104% tariff after Beijing defies ultimatum, says 'waiting for their call'</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, and produces positive spillovers. Chinese manufacturing is built on a complete and continually upgrading industrial system, sustained investment in R&amp;D, and a strong focus on innovation. China is a firm&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/w3QuSCingL">pic.twitter.com/w3QuSCingL</a>
&mdash; Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaSpox_India/status/1909611508582985963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
She further stressed that China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, and produces positive spillovers, adding that the country is a firm "defender of economic globalization and multilateralism, which has injected strong impetus into the world economy, contributing to around 30 percent of global growth annually on average."
She asserted that Beijing will continue working with the rest of the world to safeguard the multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-world-leaders-claims-countries-are-calling-us-up-kissing-my-ass-to-negotiate-tariffs-8941777">Trump mocks world leaders, claims 'countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,' to negotiate tariffs</a>
Stressing that "trade and tariff wars have no winner", she said that all countries should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, practice true multilateralism, and jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.
This comes amid US President Donald Trump slapped a 104% tariff on Chinese goods starting from 12:01 AM Eastern Time (12:01 PM Beijing time) on Wednesday.&nbsp;
The move comes after China failed to remove its retaliatory tariffs on American products before a deadline set by Donald Trump for noon on Tuesday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senators-grill-trumps-trade-chief-as-tariffs-spark-backlash-8940777">&lsquo;Whose throat do I choke if this fails?&rsquo;: Senators grill Trump&rsquo;s trade chief as tariffs spark backlash</a>
On Tuesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social account, mentioning China, saying he is waiting for them to reach out. &ldquo;China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don&rsquo;t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call. It will happen!&rdquo; he wrote.
In another Truth Social post from Monday, Trump had warned that if China did not roll back what he described as a &ldquo;34% increase above their already long term trading abuses&rdquo; by April 8, the US would respond with an additional 50% tariff, effective from April 9.
China further responded, saying that it would not give in to the US pressure.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-indian-students-in-trumps-us-are-facing-deportation-drunk-driving-shoplifting-speeding-8941370">Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World, india news: Spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India said that China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity and mutual benefit.

As Trump's tariffs are affecting the world's economy at large, China has turned all friendly towards India, stressing that the two "largest developing" countries should "stand together" to overcome the difficulties brought by the ongoing trade war. Spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India said that China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity and mutual benefit. "Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs, which deprives countries, especially Global South countries, of their right to development, the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties," Spokesperson Yu Jing said in a post on X. Also read: ‘China wants a deal, badly’: Trump slaps 104% tariff after Beijing defies ultimatum, says 'waiting for their call' China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, and produces positive spillovers. Chinese manufacturing is built on a complete and continually upgrading industrial system, sustained investment in R&D, and a strong focus on innovation. China is a firm… pic.twitter.com/w3QuSCingL — Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) April 8, 2025 She further stressed that China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, and produces positive spillovers, adding that the country is a firm "defender of economic globalization and multilateralism, which has injected strong impetus into the world economy, contributing to around 30 percent of global growth annually on average." She asserted that Beijing will continue working with the rest of the world to safeguard the multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. Also read: Trump mocks world leaders, claims 'countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,' to negotiate tariffs Stressing that "trade and tariff wars have no winner", she said that all countries should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, practice true multilateralism, and jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism. This comes amid US President Donald Trump slapped a 104% tariff on Chinese goods starting from 12:01 AM Eastern Time (12:01 PM Beijing time) on Wednesday. The move comes after China failed to remove its retaliatory tariffs on American products before a deadline set by Donald Trump for noon on Tuesday. Also read: ‘Whose throat do I choke if this fails?’: Senators grill Trump’s trade chief as tariffs spark backlash On Tuesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social account, mentioning China, saying he is waiting for them to reach out. “China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don’t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call. It will happen!” he wrote. In another Truth Social post from Monday, Trump had warned that if China did not roll back what he described as a “34% increase above their already long term trading abuses” by April 8, the US would respond with an additional 50% tariff, effective from April 9. China further responded, saying that it would not give in to the US pressure. Also read: Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding' (With inputs from agencies)

China trying to be friends with India again? Beijing asks India to 'stand together' amid Trump's tariffs

Women in Kyrgyzstan will now face fines for wearing the full-body niqab, under a January ban that has now received the backing of the country's top Islamic authority.
Calling the niqab "alien to our society," the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan said that it could allow "attackers in disguise" to hide their identities. The niqab covers the body and face, leaving only the eyes visible.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-downplays-climate-change-says-itll-give-more-waterfront-property-warns-nuclear-heat-from-iran-more-dangerous-8941241">'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous</a>
<h2>A ban on Niqab</h2>
In January, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Žaparov issued a decree banning clothes that entirely cover women's bodies and faces.&nbsp;
Now, the ban has received the backing of Kyrgyzstan's official Muslim governing body.&nbsp;
As quoted by local media, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 8) said: "The niqab is alien to our society".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-tahawwur-rana-to-be-brought-to-india-8941373">26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India</a>
"It is possible that our niqab-wearing sisters are attackers in disguise, which threaten public safety. So it is important to openly show your face to be recognisable," it noted.
Women found wearing the Niqab (also known as burqa or Parandža) could be fined 20,000 Som &mdash; about $230, more than half the country's average monthly wage.
President Sadyr Japarov on Saturday (Apr 5) said women in Kyrgyzstan had traditionally "never worn a burqa" and said that the policy was "important for ensuring public safety".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-years-ago-a-drunk-man-crashed-plane-into-jackson-magnolia-8941350">30 years ago, a drunkard stole and crashed a plane into the Jackson Magnolia at White House</a>
The law is part of a wider effort by five Muslim-majority countries of Central Asia to curb rising Islamist influence. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, religious revival across the region has triggered concern among its largely secular states. Thousands of citizens from Central Asia are believed to have joined jihadist groups in the Middle East during the rise of ISIS, reports Daily Mail.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to strengthen China's ties with neighbouring nations by "appropriately" managing differences.

Women in Kyrgyzstan will now face fines for wearing the full-body niqab, under a January ban that has now received the backing of the country's top Islamic authority. Calling the niqab "alien to our society," the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan said that it could allow "attackers in disguise" to hide their identities. The niqab covers the body and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Also read | 'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous A ban on Niqab In January, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Žaparov issued a decree banning clothes that entirely cover women's bodies and faces. Now, the ban has received the backing of Kyrgyzstan's official Muslim governing body. As quoted by local media, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 8) said: "The niqab is alien to our society". Also read | 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India "It is possible that our niqab-wearing sisters are attackers in disguise, which threaten public safety. So it is important to openly show your face to be recognisable," it noted. Women found wearing the Niqab (also known as burqa or Parandža) could be fined 20,000 Som — about $230, more than half the country's average monthly wage. President Sadyr Japarov on Saturday (Apr 5) said women in Kyrgyzstan had traditionally "never worn a burqa" and said that the policy was "important for ensuring public safety". Also read | 30 years ago, a drunkard stole and crashed a plane into the Jackson Magnolia at White House The law is part of a wider effort by five Muslim-majority countries of Central Asia to curb rising Islamist influence. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, religious revival across the region has triggered concern among its largely secular states. Thousands of citizens from Central Asia are believed to have joined jihadist groups in the Middle East during the rise of ISIS, reports Daily Mail. (With inputs from agencies)

China's 'neighbourhood first' policy amid Trump tariffs: Xi Jinping advocates better ties with neighbours as 104 pc duties kick in

The dire wolf has been brought back to life with three pups genetically created by Colossal Biosciences. The animals went extinct nearly 13,000 years ago, and now that they are resurrected, the world of genetic engineering is gathering accolades for an unbelievable scientific feat. However, it is not a happy scenario for humans, as per several experts.
One of them thinks it is like a scene right out of Jurassic Park, where the dinosaurs took down humans after coming in contact with them. If this were to happen with dire wolves, they too would attack humans since the genetically modified wolves are "big carnivores", Professor Philip Seddon, a zoologist at the University of Otago, told Mail Online.
<h2>Khaleesi, the dire wolf pup</h2>
The dire wolf became famous after appearing in the TV series Game of Thrones. One of the female pups has been named after a popular character, GOT character Khaleesi, played by Emilia Clarke.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/scientists-claim-to-have-resurrected-dire-wolf-first-successfully-de-extincted-animal-8937530" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scientists claim to have resurrected dire wolf. 'First successfully de-extincted animal'</a>
The other two male pups have been named after twin brothers from Roman mythology - Romulus and Remus. They were born in October 2024 and, right now, measure nearly four feet and weigh over 36 kg. Colossal extracted DNA from fossilized dire wolf remains and combined it with the genetic code of a grey wolf to create the dire wolf.
"Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies. It was once said, &lsquo;any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.&rsquo; Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation," Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm said.
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0904_WION_WOLF_8AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0904_WION_WOLF_8AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=212&amp;tags=wolves, science" title="No longer extinct: Dire wolves howl again after 12,000 years" id="PL_iframe_block-m99r8aid-atpecpqq-j60cgzng"></iframe>
The dire wolf pups are currently roaming in a park, and there are no plans to release them in the wild. They will be kept in a big enclosure and monitored. But what if they were to break free? Could that unfold a scenario like Jurassic Park?
<h2>Netizens question the resurrection of dire wolf&nbsp;</h2>
Netizens are already bewildered to see a ferocious creature being "de-extincted". Drawing on the dinosaur movie franchise, they are questioning ways this could go wrong. "AI robots, self-driving cars, reviving extinct animals. It's like scientists have never been to the movies," a user wrote.
The X handle of the Jurassic Park movie franchise couldn't keep itself out of the chatter and commented on a TIME magazine cover of the story. It read, "We see no possible way this could go wrong."
A user said, "You've literally warned us for over 30 years, and people are still not listening."
Experts are also warning about the consequences of resurrecting the dire wolf. Nic Rawlence, a paleontologist at the University of Otago, told Mail Online, "If released into the wild in large enough numbers to establish a self-sustaining population, this new wolf could potentially take down prey larger than that hunted by grey wolves."
This could also trigger human and wolf conflict, a growing problem in the United States. Although grey wolves rarely attack humans, fatalities have been reported on a few occasions.

As dire wolves return, experts warn of a Jurassic Park-like scenario. Could that ever happen? If dire wolves manage to enter the human space, it might. World Trending

The dire wolf has been brought back to life with three pups genetically created by Colossal Biosciences. The animals went extinct nearly 13,000 years ago, and now that they are resurrected, the world of genetic engineering is gathering accolades for an unbelievable scientific feat. However, it is not a happy scenario for humans, as per several experts. One of them thinks it is like a scene right out of Jurassic Park, where the dinosaurs took down humans after coming in contact with them. If this were to happen with dire wolves, they too would attack humans since the genetically modified wolves are "big carnivores", Professor Philip Seddon, a zoologist at the University of Otago, told Mail Online. Khaleesi, the dire wolf pup The dire wolf became famous after appearing in the TV series Game of Thrones. One of the female pups has been named after a popular character, GOT character Khaleesi, played by Emilia Clarke. Also Read: Scientists claim to have resurrected dire wolf. 'First successfully de-extincted animal' The other two male pups have been named after twin brothers from Roman mythology - Romulus and Remus. They were born in October 2024 and, right now, measure nearly four feet and weigh over 36 kg. Colossal extracted DNA from fossilized dire wolf remains and combined it with the genetic code of a grey wolf to create the dire wolf. "Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies. It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation," Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm said. The dire wolf pups are currently roaming in a park, and there are no plans to release them in the wild. They will be kept in a big enclosure and monitored. But what if they were to break free? Could that unfold a scenario like Jurassic Park? Netizens question the resurrection of dire wolf Netizens are already bewildered to see a ferocious creature being "de-extincted". Drawing on the dinosaur movie franchise, they are questioning ways this could go wrong. "AI robots, self-driving cars, reviving extinct animals. It's like scientists have never been to the movies," a user wrote. The X handle of the Jurassic Park movie franchise couldn't keep itself out of the chatter and commented on a TIME magazine cover of the story. It read, "We see no possible way this could go wrong." A user said, "You've literally warned us for over 30 years, and people are still not listening." Experts are also warning about the consequences of resurrecting the dire wolf. Nic Rawlence, a paleontologist at the University of Otago, told Mail Online, "If released into the wild in large enough numbers to establish a self-sustaining population, this new wolf could potentially take down prey larger than that hunted by grey wolves." This could also trigger human and wolf conflict, a growing problem in the United States. Although grey wolves rarely attack humans, fatalities have been reported on a few occasions.

As dire wolves return, experts warn of a Jurassic Park-like scenario

Fresh protests have erupted in Bangladesh over Israel's latest offensive in Gaza. Protests turned violent on Tuesday with protesters looting and vandalising international brand outlets such as Bata, KFC and Puma for their alleged ties with Israel. However, brands have issued statements clarifying their position.&nbsp;
Thousands took to the streets in Bangladesh's Sylhet, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Cumilla and Dhaka and raised slogans in support of with Palestinians and against US President Donald Trump. They called for a nationwide boycott of Israeli-linked products, as per a report by Dhaka Tribune.
In Sylhet, protestors stormed a KFC restaurant with bottles of soft drinks perceived to be Israeli-affiliated being smashed, according to Bangla Tribune. A similar scene unfolded in Cox&rsquo;s Bazar, where protesters threw stones at the signboards of KFC and Pizza Hut. In Chittagong, protests turned violent and KFC and Pizza Hut outlets were vandalised with people throwing bricks, stones, and shoes.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m99ovmnh-3r4pdfwu-k8jodonf">
Islamist Terrorists vandalize and loot shops in Bangladesh in the name of anti-Israel protest: Global brands like KFC, Bata, Domino's Pizza, Pizza Hut fall under attack --- As protests spread across Bangladesh in response to Israeli attacks on Gaza, several turned violent on&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/I0Up7Oi2PK">pic.twitter.com/I0Up7Oi2PK</a>
&mdash; Bangladesh Perspectives (@bdperspectives) <a href="https://twitter.com/bdperspectives/status/1909331496164549016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-china-sign-nine-agreements-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties-8903200" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bangladesh, China sign nine agreements to strengthen bilateral ties</a>
As per a report in Dhaka Tribune, law enforcement agencies have been accused of inaction. Former IGP Muhammed Nurul Huda was quoted saying, "Based on intelligence reports, the administration should have kept these areas under special surveillance", adding that the police must be more active and accountable to prevent such situations in the future. Crime analyst Md Omar Faruk was quoted saying that the deteriorating law and order poses a threat to national stability. However, the police claimed that they were on high alert and those involved in the looting and vandalism had political backing, as per local reports. BNP National Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed also criticised the government and law enforcement for failure to prevent these incidents.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-bangladeshs-muhammad-yunus-on-bimstec-summit-sidelines-8924239" rel="dofollow">PM Modi meets Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus on BIMSTEC Summit sidelines</a>
<h2>Bata issues statement after vandalism</h2>
Bata Bangladesh released an official statement denouncing the attacks on its stores and rejecting claims of Israeli ownership.&nbsp;Bata, a Czech Republic company, opened its first outlet in Bangladesh in 1962.
"We are aware of inaccurate claims suggesting that Bata is an Israeli-owned company or has political affiliations in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Bata is a privately held, family-owned company founded in the Czech Republic, with no political ties to the conflict," Bata said in a statement released to Bangladeshi media.
"It is deeply regrettable that some of our retail locations in Bangladesh have recently been subjected to vandalism, apparently triggered by these false narratives," it said.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/better-to-split-up-bangladesh-than-northeast-leaders-response-to-yunus-remark-8913690" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Better to split up Bangladesh than&hellip;&rsquo;: Northeast leader&rsquo;s response to Yunus remark</a>
Puma is a German multinational company but faced backlash on social media over its sponsorship of the Israel Football Association (IFA) in 2018. The deal ended in 2024.&nbsp;KFC is an American company and has outlets in Israel. However, it faced backlash after it acquired Tel Aviv-based Tictuk Technologies, a marketing firm, in 2021.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-sometimes-you-have-to-take-medicine-to-fix-something-as-markets-tumble-8933574" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Protests against Israel turned violent in Bangladesh with protesters vandalising international brand outlets such as Bata, KFC and Puma

Fresh protests have erupted in Bangladesh over Israel's latest offensive in Gaza. Protests turned violent on Tuesday with protesters looting and vandalising international brand outlets such as Bata, KFC and Puma for their alleged ties with Israel. However, brands have issued statements clarifying their position. Thousands took to the streets in Bangladesh's Sylhet, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Cumilla and Dhaka and raised slogans in support of with Palestinians and against US President Donald Trump. They called for a nationwide boycott of Israeli-linked products, as per a report by Dhaka Tribune. In Sylhet, protestors stormed a KFC restaurant with bottles of soft drinks perceived to be Israeli-affiliated being smashed, according to Bangla Tribune. A similar scene unfolded in Cox’s Bazar, where protesters threw stones at the signboards of KFC and Pizza Hut. In Chittagong, protests turned violent and KFC and Pizza Hut outlets were vandalised with people throwing bricks, stones, and shoes. Islamist Terrorists vandalize and loot shops in Bangladesh in the name of anti-Israel protest: Global brands like KFC, Bata, Domino's Pizza, Pizza Hut fall under attack --- As protests spread across Bangladesh in response to Israeli attacks on Gaza, several turned violent on… pic.twitter.com/I0Up7Oi2PK — Bangladesh Perspectives (@bdperspectives) April 7, 2025 Read More | Bangladesh, China sign nine agreements to strengthen bilateral ties As per a report in Dhaka Tribune, law enforcement agencies have been accused of inaction. Former IGP Muhammed Nurul Huda was quoted saying, "Based on intelligence reports, the administration should have kept these areas under special surveillance", adding that the police must be more active and accountable to prevent such situations in the future. Crime analyst Md Omar Faruk was quoted saying that the deteriorating law and order poses a threat to national stability. However, the police claimed that they were on high alert and those involved in the looting and vandalism had political backing, as per local reports. BNP National Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed also criticised the government and law enforcement for failure to prevent these incidents. Read More | PM Modi meets Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus on BIMSTEC Summit sidelines Bata issues statement after vandalism Bata Bangladesh released an official statement denouncing the attacks on its stores and rejecting claims of Israeli ownership. Bata, a Czech Republic company, opened its first outlet in Bangladesh in 1962. "We are aware of inaccurate claims suggesting that Bata is an Israeli-owned company or has political affiliations in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Bata is a privately held, family-owned company founded in the Czech Republic, with no political ties to the conflict," Bata said in a statement released to Bangladeshi media. "It is deeply regrettable that some of our retail locations in Bangladesh have recently been subjected to vandalism, apparently triggered by these false narratives," it said. Read More | ‘Better to split up Bangladesh than…’: Northeast leader’s response to Yunus remark Puma is a German multinational company but faced backlash on social media over its sponsorship of the Israel Football Association (IFA) in 2018. The deal ended in 2024. KFC is an American company and has outlets in Israel. However, it faced backlash after it acquired Tel Aviv-based Tictuk Technologies, a marketing firm, in 2021. Read More | Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble (With inputs from agencies)

Attack on Bata, Pizza Hut, KFC outlets in Bangladesh: What we know about the latest protest

Can humans survive underwater? Divers do it using special equipment, officers in the submarine spend months aboard, and a biomedical engineer lived underwater for 100 days. If this is possible, then is it also possible for people to live in special houses in the ocean? A company thinks it is and is striving to not only build these settlements but also have a human give birth under water in the next 25 years.
A UK startup called DEEP is calling on brilliant minds to work with them and make the ocean an attractive place to live.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-space-station-6500-feet-under-the-sea-8768278" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">China is building a 'space station', but 6,500 feet under the sea. There is one problem</a>
<h2>"Vanguard", the first house under water</h2>
DEEP started working on building "subsea habitats" a few years back and is on track to send six people to live in these residences. The first underwater home is being called "Vanguard", and the company aims to set it up by the end of this year. The habitats are 3D-printed structures constructed of metal wire and capable of withstanding the increased pressure of the ocean.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/chain-of-underwater-active-volcanic-hotspot-discovered-hiding-near-the-cook-islands-8895121" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chain of underwater active volcanic hotspot discovered hiding near the Cook Islands</a>
Vanguard will measure only 300 square feet and can support three divers up to around 325 feet. Situated in the ocean's "sunlight zone", it will be used for short-term missions. Following the results, the structures will be scaled up to house six people. Named "Sentinels", they will be built at a depth of 656 feet, at the cusp of the ocean&rsquo;s "twilight zone." Sentinels will be like regular houses built on the ground and will have six bedrooms, a kitchen, a science lab, and a toilet.&nbsp;
<h2>Plans of first baby born underwater</h2>
DEEP has etched out plans for the next 25 years and is hoping to stay on track. It aims to establish 10 multi-span developments across the world by 2035 and dreams of having the first underwater birth by 2050.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/german-engineer-sets-world-record-for-living-120-days-underwater-8652145" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">German engineer sets world record for living 120 days underwater</a>
This is not the first time that humans have explored living on the seabed. Sealab and Conshelf were two projects that came up with the idea in the 1950s and 1960s. The former carried out missions under the water, with the longest one lasting 28 days. However, the agenda of having humans living in oceans was boxed up.&nbsp;
In 2023, Joseph Dituri, known as &ldquo;Dr. Deep Sea,&rdquo; spent 100 days at the Jules&rsquo; Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, and set a Guinness World Record.&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1302_WION_CHINA_TAIWAN_7PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1302_WION_CHINA_TAIWAN_7PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=224&amp;tags=china, taiwan, south china sea, underwater space station," title="China's underwater space station: A game changer " id="PL_iframe_block-m99mqktd-30forngl-qno8l669"></iframe>
German aerospace engineer Rudiger Koch recently broke Dituri's world record after spending 120 days in a submerged capsule off Panama's coast. The capsule was 11 metres below the surface and spanned 30 square metres, and it was equipped with a bed, toilet, TV, computer, and exercise bike.
<h2>Challenges of living underwater</h2>
Just like living on another planet or the International Space Station has its challenges, so does residing in a house in the ocean. When Dituri was living in the underwater lodge, he missed seeing the sunlight.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/scientists-find-evidence-of-beaches-from-ancient-ocean-on-mars-8755306" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scientists find evidence of beaches from ancient ocean on Mars</a>
Other experiments show that the bigger problem would be returning to the surface. It can lead to health conditions and even death since bubbles can form in the bloodstream, leading to decompression sickness.
The human circulatory system can also take a hit because of the air since creatures living underwater breathe in denser air.
However, Dituri reported that he got greater amounts of REM sleep underwater. His cholesterol levels decreased, and his body shrunk by roughly half an inch.&nbsp;
Besides, entering the waters is likely to have an adverse effect on the already-thriving marine life, which is struggling to survive in the warming climate.
<h2>China building underwater space station&nbsp;</h2>
China is working on a "deep-sea space station" at around 6,500 feet underwater. It is expected to become operational by 2030 and would be able to house six researchers for up to a month.&nbsp;

The first underwater settlement, known as Vanguard, is expected to be in place by the end of 2025. In the next 10 years, more such structures will be built. World Science & Tech

Can humans survive underwater? Divers do it using special equipment, officers in the submarine spend months aboard, and a biomedical engineer lived underwater for 100 days. If this is possible, then is it also possible for people to live in special houses in the ocean? A company thinks it is and is striving to not only build these settlements but also have a human give birth under water in the next 25 years. A UK startup called DEEP is calling on brilliant minds to work with them and make the ocean an attractive place to live. Also Read: China is building a 'space station', but 6,500 feet under the sea. There is one problem "Vanguard", the first house under water DEEP started working on building "subsea habitats" a few years back and is on track to send six people to live in these residences. The first underwater home is being called "Vanguard", and the company aims to set it up by the end of this year. The habitats are 3D-printed structures constructed of metal wire and capable of withstanding the increased pressure of the ocean. Also Read: Chain of underwater active volcanic hotspot discovered hiding near the Cook Islands Vanguard will measure only 300 square feet and can support three divers up to around 325 feet. Situated in the ocean's "sunlight zone", it will be used for short-term missions. Following the results, the structures will be scaled up to house six people. Named "Sentinels", they will be built at a depth of 656 feet, at the cusp of the ocean’s "twilight zone." Sentinels will be like regular houses built on the ground and will have six bedrooms, a kitchen, a science lab, and a toilet. Plans of first baby born underwater DEEP has etched out plans for the next 25 years and is hoping to stay on track. It aims to establish 10 multi-span developments across the world by 2035 and dreams of having the first underwater birth by 2050. Also Read: German engineer sets world record for living 120 days underwater This is not the first time that humans have explored living on the seabed. Sealab and Conshelf were two projects that came up with the idea in the 1950s and 1960s. The former carried out missions under the water, with the longest one lasting 28 days. However, the agenda of having humans living in oceans was boxed up. In 2023, Joseph Dituri, known as “Dr. Deep Sea,” spent 100 days at the Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, and set a Guinness World Record. German aerospace engineer Rudiger Koch recently broke Dituri's world record after spending 120 days in a submerged capsule off Panama's coast. The capsule was 11 metres below the surface and spanned 30 square metres, and it was equipped with a bed, toilet, TV, computer, and exercise bike. Challenges of living underwater Just like living on another planet or the International Space Station has its challenges, so does residing in a house in the ocean. When Dituri was living in the underwater lodge, he missed seeing the sunlight. Also Read: Scientists find evidence of beaches from ancient ocean on Mars Other experiments show that the bigger problem would be returning to the surface. It can lead to health conditions and even death since bubbles can form in the bloodstream, leading to decompression sickness. The human circulatory system can also take a hit because of the air since creatures living underwater breathe in denser air. However, Dituri reported that he got greater amounts of REM sleep underwater. His cholesterol levels decreased, and his body shrunk by roughly half an inch. Besides, entering the waters is likely to have an adverse effect on the already-thriving marine life, which is struggling to survive in the warming climate. China building underwater space station China is working on a "deep-sea space station" at around 6,500 feet underwater. It is expected to become operational by 2030 and would be able to house six researchers for up to a month.

First human baby to be born underwater is scheduled for 2050. Is it possible?

The Yemen Army on Wednesday (Apr 9) &nbsp;warned Saudi Arabia not to 'get involved' in the US-led attacks on the Houthi rebels, hinting at a possible attack on its oil installations. It posted images from past strikes on Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company by market capitalisation and production, which is within striking distance for the Houthi-led armed forces of Yemen.
The Yemen armed forces' post on X warned: "Accelerated Saudi-American military movements are underway to launch an aggression against Yemen in service of Israel. To Saudi Arabia: do not get involved &mdash; your oil will not remain.&nbsp;
"We will turn the skies over Saudi Arabia into clouds of fire for the whole world to witness."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Accelerated Saudi-American military movements are underway to launch an aggression against Yemen in service of Israel. To Saudi Arabia: do not get involved &mdash; your oil will not remain. We will turn the skies over Saudi Arabia into clouds of fire for the whole world to witness.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/K2rVZnI38j">pic.twitter.com/K2rVZnI38j</a>
&mdash; Yemen Military 🇾🇪 (@Yemenimilitary) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yemenimilitary/status/1909689185939698153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

<h2></h2>
<h2><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" against="" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" continuous="" houthis."="" iran-backed="" operations"="" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0704_WION_US_vs_Houthis_ORG_GK_WEB/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0704_WION_US_vs_Houthis_ORG_GK_WEB.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=130&amp;tags=US, Houthi, World News, WION" title="US Houthi war: US " id="PL_iframe_block-m99o9de9-xfpkovh5-54eiyahi"></iframe></h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>But how did Saudi reach here?&nbsp;</h2>
Saudi Arabia was trying to negotiate an exit from the military conflict in Yemen, after failing in its decade-long effort to contain the rise of the Iran-backed Houthis, who now control the capital Sanaa. That's when the October 7 attacks on Israel happened in 2023, followed by the Israeli invasion of Gaza. That stalled Saudi-Houthi peace talks.
The current surge in hostilities between the US-led Western forces and Houthi rebels, particularly in the Red Sea, came just years after Saudi Arabia failed in its brutal near-decade war against the rebels.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-temporarily-bans-visas-for-india-pakistan-bangladesh-and-11-other-countries-heres-why-8935247">Saudi Arabia temporarily bans visas for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and 11 other countries - Here&rsquo;s why</a>
Currently, Riyadh's main priority is its safety, particularly of its oil facilities. But traditional military cooperation with the US appears to have forced its hand in covertly joining American forces in the region against Houthis.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-continued-strikes-on-yemens-houthis-warns-iran-real-pain-is-yet-to-come-8911728">Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come'</a>
The odd thing here is that the US strikes in Yemen are a consequence of the Houthis' recent hostilities against Israel in support of Hamas, which has been fighting against Israel in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. So any Saudi support to the US is tantamount to supporting Israel.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"></blockquote>
<h2>Saudi-led war in Yemen: From coalition to quagmire</h2>
Saudi Arabia was the lead country in a joint intervention against Houthis that started in March 2015. Riyadh supported Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the vice-president-turned president, who had asked for international help against the Houthis.
The Saudi-led coalition included United Arab Emitrates,&nbsp; Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Sudan, contributing air and ground forces.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iphones-fault-how-atlantic-editor-got-added-in-signals-houthi-war-chat-who-should-be-blamed-waltz-trump-or-apple-8932804">iPhone's fault? How Atlantic editor got added in Signal's Houthi war chat - Who should be blamed: Waltz, Trump or Apple?</a>
Several ground operations in the war were joined by Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
Their efforts were helped by the US, UK and France through arms sales and/or technical assistance.
 But the Saudi-led offensive failed, with Iran-backed Houthis emerging with the upper hand.
<h2>Why Saudi may not want to engage with Houthi army again</h2>
Geography is the burden for Saudi Arabia in this context: Yemen stretches most of its southern border, and Riyadh needs to protect itself permanently from cross-border attacks.
So far, Saudi Arabia has appeared to stay away from recent tensions that started when Houthis attacked Western and Israeli shipping interests in the Red Sea.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-will-never-sink-our-ships-again-trump-shares-video-of-us-airstrike-on-houthis-says-no-attack-by-terror-group-now-8927677">'They will never sink our ships again!' Trump shares video of US airstrike on Houthis, says no attack by terror group now</a>
But the Yemen armed forces' warning suggests that it has information of an involvement of Saudi military in the US efforts to target Yemen.
While there's no real evidence on whether Saudi Arabia and the US are joining hands again as indicated in the X post of Yemen army, Riyadh would think twice before doing anything like that.

Saudi vs Yemen : While there's no evidence on whether Saudi Arabia and the US are joining hands again, Riyadh would think twice before doing anything like that. World

The Yemen Army on Wednesday (Apr 9) warned Saudi Arabia not to 'get involved' in the US-led attacks on the Houthi rebels, hinting at a possible attack on its oil installations. It posted images from past strikes on Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company by market capitalisation and production, which is within striking distance for the Houthi-led armed forces of Yemen. The Yemen armed forces' post on X warned: "Accelerated Saudi-American military movements are underway to launch an aggression against Yemen in service of Israel. To Saudi Arabia: do not get involved — your oil will not remain. "We will turn the skies over Saudi Arabia into clouds of fire for the whole world to witness." Accelerated Saudi-American military movements are underway to launch an aggression against Yemen in service of Israel. To Saudi Arabia: do not get involved — your oil will not remain. We will turn the skies over Saudi Arabia into clouds of fire for the whole world to witness.… pic.twitter.com/K2rVZnI38j — Yemen Military 🇾🇪 (@Yemenimilitary) April 8, 2025 But how did Saudi reach here? Saudi Arabia was trying to negotiate an exit from the military conflict in Yemen, after failing in its decade-long effort to contain the rise of the Iran-backed Houthis, who now control the capital Sanaa. That's when the October 7 attacks on Israel happened in 2023, followed by the Israeli invasion of Gaza. That stalled Saudi-Houthi peace talks. The current surge in hostilities between the US-led Western forces and Houthi rebels, particularly in the Red Sea, came just years after Saudi Arabia failed in its brutal near-decade war against the rebels. Saudi Arabia temporarily bans visas for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and 11 other countries - Here’s why Currently, Riyadh's main priority is its safety, particularly of its oil facilities. But traditional military cooperation with the US appears to have forced its hand in covertly joining American forces in the region against Houthis. Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' The odd thing here is that the US strikes in Yemen are a consequence of the Houthis' recent hostilities against Israel in support of Hamas, which has been fighting against Israel in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. So any Saudi support to the US is tantamount to supporting Israel. Saudi-led war in Yemen: From coalition to quagmire Saudi Arabia was the lead country in a joint intervention against Houthis that started in March 2015. Riyadh supported Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the vice-president-turned president, who had asked for international help against the Houthis. The Saudi-led coalition included United Arab Emitrates, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Sudan, contributing air and ground forces. iPhone's fault? How Atlantic editor got added in Signal's Houthi war chat - Who should be blamed: Waltz, Trump or Apple? Several ground operations in the war were joined by Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Their efforts were helped by the US, UK and France through arms sales and/or technical assistance. But the Saudi-led offensive failed, with Iran-backed Houthis emerging with the upper hand. Why Saudi may not want to engage with Houthi army again Geography is the burden for Saudi Arabia in this context: Yemen stretches most of its southern border, and Riyadh needs to protect itself permanently from cross-border attacks. So far, Saudi Arabia has appeared to stay away from recent tensions that started when Houthis attacked Western and Israeli shipping interests in the Red Sea. 'They will never sink our ships again!' Trump shares video of US airstrike on Houthis, says no attack by terror group now But the Yemen armed forces' warning suggests that it has information of an involvement of Saudi military in the US efforts to target Yemen. While there's no real evidence on whether Saudi Arabia and the US are joining hands again as indicated in the X post of Yemen army, Riyadh would think twice before doing anything like that.

'Your oil will not remain': Yemen makes direct threat to Saudi Arabia as US strikes target Houthis. Will Riyadh join war again?

It was April 9, 2003 that changed the geopolitical realities of West Asia: on this day, Iraq's capital Baghdad fell to the US forces within a month after the US invaded Iraq. Who would forget the televised visuals of the toppling of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad's Firdos Square by the US forces?
While no 'weapons of mass destruction' were found in Iraq as claimed by then-US President George Bush, the war changed Iraq's contemporary political and social realities and America's position in West Asia. More than a decade later, the US-Iraq relations remain crucial amid larger regional complexities. The shadow of Saddam Hussein's reign has long gone but the US troops continue to be in the country "to support the mission against the Islamic State in northeastern Syria and in Iraq."
<h2>What happened in Iraq after&nbsp;Saddam Hussein's fall?</h2>
In May 2003, Paul Bremer, the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, disbanded the Iraqi army and barred Iraq's Baath Party from participating in the government formation process. The decision alienated hundreds of Iraqis who had been part of the Baath Party out of compulsions under Saddam Hussein.&nbsp;
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-sometimes-you-have-to-take-medicine-to-fix-something-as-markets-tumble-8933574" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble</a>
A new constitution was adopted in 2005 amid instability and Iraqis voted in the same year giving the Shia majority control of parliament. Under the new governing system, the prime minister was a member of the Shia Muslim majority, the president a Kurd and the speaker a Sunni.&nbsp;The first prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki ran the government for eight years with America as a partner of sorts. However, he fell out of favour in 2011 due to his close ties to Tehran. He faced strong Sunni rebellion and reportedly sought support from Shia-majority Iran and not the US. Nouri al-Maliki finally stepped down as prime minister in 2014 and Iraq got a new PM in Haider al-Abadi. Though, Washington and Tehran supported al-Abadi, tensions in Iraq remained and he faced similar Sunni opposition to that of Maliki. Subsequent governments in Iraq also couldn't deal with Iraq's complex politics amid the shadow of the US.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-on-tariffs-us-seeking-hegemony-in-the-name-of-reciprocity-in-trade-war-8934616" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">China on tariffs: 'US seeking hegemony in the name of reciprocity in trade war'</a>
<h2>How the US-Iraq relations fared post-2003?</h2>
Iraq&rsquo;s relationship with the US has been governed by a series of framework accords. The first such document was the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The agreement mandated the withdrawal of all US troops by the end of 2011. This process was completed under Barack Obama between 2009 to 2017. However, the vacuum created by the withdrawal of US troops amid political instability and sectarian conflicts eventually paved the way for a fertile ground for ISIS. US troops were once again back on Iraqi soil within only three years to fight ISIS which seized much of the north of the country. This time, the American presence came at the invitation of the Iraqi government and involved both combat and training missions.
Another agreement between Washington and Baghdad is the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) which outlines productive ties across sectors, including security, economic development, and health. The accord continues to be the foundation for the bilateral relationship between both the countries.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-indian-students-in-trumps-us-are-facing-deportation-drunk-driving-shoplifting-speeding-8941370" rel="dofollow">Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding'</a>
<h2>Current political situation in Iraq and dynamics with the US</h2>
Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani became the prime minister of Iraq in 2022. Sudani is in the midst of massive internal turmoil and pressure from the Coordination Framework which has backed his leadership. The members of this framework include former PM Maliki, Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iraqi militia Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) - who are pro-Iran. Domestically, he is expected for a reassessment of Iraq&rsquo;s relationship with the US. However,&nbsp; analysts say that Al Sudani understands that the stability that Iraq has in troubled West Asia is because of the economic and security guarantees provided by the US.&nbsp;
US soldiers are still in Iraq. The US troops maintain a military presence across four key bases: Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region, the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center at the airport, the Union III base in Baghdad&rsquo;s Green Zone, and Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province. though since December 2021 they have been conducting a training and advising mission and not a combat role. In December 2021, the coalition announced it had transitioned from a combat to an advisory role in Iraq.&nbsp;However, US forces have continued to participate in partnered raids in Iraq, the latest being in August 2024 in western Iraq targeting ISIS.
Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hopes-to-strengthen-ties-after-trump-imposes-29-per-cent-tariffs-never-let-crisis-go-waste-8933528" rel="dofollow"> Pakistan hopes to strengthen ties after Trump imposes 29 per cent tariffs: 'Never let crisis go waste'</a>
With the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the coming up of&nbsp;Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, Iraq once again is in&nbsp;a vulnerable position. It cannot accept Jolani who was responsible for the killing of numerous innocent Iraqi civilians under al-Qaeda. US President Donald Trump and his tough stance on Iran along with Iraq's internal politics would define how the US-Iraq ties would look going forward.
(with inputs from agencies)

World | On this day, Iraq's capital Baghdad fell to the US forces in 2003. Who would forget the televised visuals of the toppling of the statue of Saddam Hussein?

It was April 9, 2003 that changed the geopolitical realities of West Asia: on this day, Iraq's capital Baghdad fell to the US forces within a month after the US invaded Iraq. Who would forget the televised visuals of the toppling of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad's Firdos Square by the US forces? While no 'weapons of mass destruction' were found in Iraq as claimed by then-US President George Bush, the war changed Iraq's contemporary political and social realities and America's position in West Asia. More than a decade later, the US-Iraq relations remain crucial amid larger regional complexities. The shadow of Saddam Hussein's reign has long gone but the US troops continue to be in the country "to support the mission against the Islamic State in northeastern Syria and in Iraq." What happened in Iraq after Saddam Hussein's fall? In May 2003, Paul Bremer, the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, disbanded the Iraqi army and barred Iraq's Baath Party from participating in the government formation process. The decision alienated hundreds of Iraqis who had been part of the Baath Party out of compulsions under Saddam Hussein. Read More | Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble A new constitution was adopted in 2005 amid instability and Iraqis voted in the same year giving the Shia majority control of parliament. Under the new governing system, the prime minister was a member of the Shia Muslim majority, the president a Kurd and the speaker a Sunni. The first prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki ran the government for eight years with America as a partner of sorts. However, he fell out of favour in 2011 due to his close ties to Tehran. He faced strong Sunni rebellion and reportedly sought support from Shia-majority Iran and not the US. Nouri al-Maliki finally stepped down as prime minister in 2014 and Iraq got a new PM in Haider al-Abadi. Though, Washington and Tehran supported al-Abadi, tensions in Iraq remained and he faced similar Sunni opposition to that of Maliki. Subsequent governments in Iraq also couldn't deal with Iraq's complex politics amid the shadow of the US. Read More | China on tariffs: 'US seeking hegemony in the name of reciprocity in trade war' How the US-Iraq relations fared post-2003? Iraq’s relationship with the US has been governed by a series of framework accords. The first such document was the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The agreement mandated the withdrawal of all US troops by the end of 2011. This process was completed under Barack Obama between 2009 to 2017. However, the vacuum created by the withdrawal of US troops amid political instability and sectarian conflicts eventually paved the way for a fertile ground for ISIS. US troops were once again back on Iraqi soil within only three years to fight ISIS which seized much of the north of the country. This time, the American presence came at the invitation of the Iraqi government and involved both combat and training missions. Another agreement between Washington and Baghdad is the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) which outlines productive ties across sectors, including security, economic development, and health. The accord continues to be the foundation for the bilateral relationship between both the countries. Read More | Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding' Current political situation in Iraq and dynamics with the US Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani became the prime minister of Iraq in 2022. Sudani is in the midst of massive internal turmoil and pressure from the Coordination Framework which has backed his leadership. The members of this framework include former PM Maliki, Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iraqi militia Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) - who are pro-Iran. Domestically, he is expected for a reassessment of Iraq’s relationship with the US. However, analysts say that Al Sudani understands that the stability that Iraq has in troubled West Asia is because of the economic and security guarantees provided by the US. US soldiers are still in Iraq. The US troops maintain a military presence across four key bases: Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region, the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center at the airport, the Union III base in Baghdad’s Green Zone, and Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province. though since December 2021 they have been conducting a training and advising mission and not a combat role. In December 2021, the coalition announced it had transitioned from a combat to an advisory role in Iraq. However, US forces have continued to participate in partnered raids in Iraq, the latest being in August 2024 in western Iraq targeting ISIS. Read More | Pakistan hopes to strengthen ties after Trump imposes 29 per cent tariffs: 'Never let crisis go waste' With the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the coming up of Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, Iraq once again is in a vulnerable position. It cannot accept Jolani who was responsible for the killing of numerous innocent Iraqi civilians under al-Qaeda. US President Donald Trump and his tough stance on Iran along with Iraq's internal politics would define how the US-Iraq ties would look going forward. (with inputs from agencies)

On this day, Baghdad fell to US forces in 2003; a look at Iraq's politics and its ties with US

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Apr 8), honoured the freed hostages, Iair Horn, Keith Siegel and Aviva Siegel, as he addressed the National Republican Congressional Committee.
As he invited them on the stage, Trump said, &ldquo;Hamas is just a disaster, their level of hatred.&rdquo;
Pointing at the group of hostages released from the Palestinian militant group's captivity, whom he hosted in the Oval Office, the US president said that what the captives had to go through during their captivity was "horrible". &nbsp;
&ldquo;These people [the ex-captives], what they had to go through&hellip; is just horrible,&rdquo; he added.
Trump then greeted the three hostages and invited them to the podium.
&ldquo;You saved the lives of 33 hostages,&rdquo; Israeli-American Keith Siegel told the crowd, referring to the ones released during the first phase of the truce deal. &ldquo;You set the hostage crisis at the highest priority. You got 33 of us home alive. We all owe our lives to you.&rdquo;
He urged Trump to &ldquo;please continue your tremendous efforts and tremendous actions and tremendous accomplishments. We&rsquo;ll get, with your help, all of the remaining 59 hostages still in Gaza back home.&rdquo;
<h2>'We need you to bring all the hostages home'</h2>
Aviva Siegel urged Trump to bring the remaining hostages home.
&ldquo;We need you to bring all the hostages home. There are 24 that are alive and 59 to come home to their families, just like I received Keith,&rdquo; she said, stating that Iair Horn's brother Eitan was still in Hamas' captivity.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been in hell for 498 days. I&rsquo;ve been held in hell with Hamas terrorists,&rdquo; Horn said.
&ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t see the light but&hellip; when we heard President Trump get elected, we knew, we knew, that there&rsquo;s now someone who makes things happen,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;We are here because of President Trump,&rdquo; Horn stated. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s really surreal to be here, you know. I&rsquo;m a simple man, I&rsquo;m running the bar in the kibbutz, in Nir Oz, where I lived. And now I&rsquo;m here with President Trump, who is running the world.&rdquo;
Expressing gratitude to Trump, Horn said that he would continue to push for the release of his brother and all the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
&ldquo;In a few days, we mark the Passover&hellip; I hope he [Eitan] can sit with us at the seder of Passover,&rdquo; Horn added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Pointing at the group of hostages released from the Palestinian militant group's captivity, whom he hosted in the Oval Office, the US president said that what the captives had to go through during their captivity was "horrible".

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Apr 8), honoured the freed hostages, Iair Horn, Keith Siegel and Aviva Siegel, as he addressed the National Republican Congressional Committee. As he invited them on the stage, Trump said, “Hamas is just a disaster, their level of hatred.” Pointing at the group of hostages released from the Palestinian militant group's captivity, whom he hosted in the Oval Office, the US president said that what the captives had to go through during their captivity was "horrible". “These people [the ex-captives], what they had to go through… is just horrible,” he added. Trump then greeted the three hostages and invited them to the podium. “You saved the lives of 33 hostages,” Israeli-American Keith Siegel told the crowd, referring to the ones released during the first phase of the truce deal. “You set the hostage crisis at the highest priority. You got 33 of us home alive. We all owe our lives to you.” He urged Trump to “please continue your tremendous efforts and tremendous actions and tremendous accomplishments. We’ll get, with your help, all of the remaining 59 hostages still in Gaza back home.” 'We need you to bring all the hostages home' Aviva Siegel urged Trump to bring the remaining hostages home. “We need you to bring all the hostages home. There are 24 that are alive and 59 to come home to their families, just like I received Keith,” she said, stating that Iair Horn's brother Eitan was still in Hamas' captivity. “I’ve been in hell for 498 days. I’ve been held in hell with Hamas terrorists,” Horn said. “We didn’t see the light but… when we heard President Trump get elected, we knew, we knew, that there’s now someone who makes things happen,” he said. “We are here because of President Trump,” Horn stated. “It’s really surreal to be here, you know. I’m a simple man, I’m running the bar in the kibbutz, in Nir Oz, where I lived. And now I’m here with President Trump, who is running the world.” Expressing gratitude to Trump, Horn said that he would continue to push for the release of his brother and all the remaining hostages held by Hamas. “In a few days, we mark the Passover… I hope he [Eitan] can sit with us at the seder of Passover,” Horn added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We owe our lives to you’; Freed captives urge Trump to bring back remaining hostages in Gaza

The French parliament has definitively adopted a bill to restrict citizenship rights for children born in its Indian Ocean overseas territory of Mayotte.
Mayotte is a French archipelago, part of the Comoros in the Mozambique Channel. Around 320,000 people live in Mayotte, according to France's national statistics agency. As per AFP, a 2019 study found that half the population were foreigners, a third of whom were born in the French territory. Citizenship laws for Mayotte have changed since 2018 but this latest bill will make it stricter.
Mayotte is one of the five overseas departments of France located in the Indian Ocean, off the East African coast. The Muslim-majority overseas territory, which voted to stay part of France in 1974, became a full-fledged French department in 2011. France administers 12 territories outside of Europe, known as French overseas territories. These territories are largely remnants of the French colonial empire.
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<h2>What does the bill states?</h2>
As per the latest bill adopted by the Parliament, both parents would need to have legally lived in Mayotte for at least a year, with an exception in place for single parents. As per a report by AFP, until now, children born there needed to have a parent who had resided there legally for at least three months at the time of birth to apply for nationality.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/marine-le-pens-political-obituary-once-on-track-to-be-frances-first-female-president-now-banned-and-sentenced-to-prison-8914162" rel="dofollow">Marine Le Pen&rsquo;s political obituary? Once on track to be France&rsquo;s first female president, now banned and sentenced to prison</a>
<h2>Right vs left over the citizenship bill&nbsp;</h2>
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in February had called for a national debate on immigration and what it means to be French. His debate call had come days after stirring controversy with comments about immigrants "flooding" France. In line with the same sentiments, right-wing politicians are backing teh bill.&nbsp;
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The bill stated that it did not affect the "right of soil", also known as "jus soli", for the rest of France. However, experts are sounding alarm bells over the text&rsquo;s legal integrity and social consequences and change in laws between the archipelago and mainland France.
Lawmaker Philippe Gosselin, from the right-wing Republican party, while proposing the bill said, "The prospect of obtaining French nationality is an undeniable factor in irregular migration" to the overseas territory."
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-reduced-aid-could-have-pandemic-like-effect-leading-to-pregnancy-deaths-8933556" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WHO warns reduced aid could have 'pandemic-like effect' leading to pregnancy deaths</a>
Greens member of parliament Dominique Voynet warned the bill foresaw "the end of the right of soil in France...Mayotte is about to become a laboratory for the ideas of the far right," she said.
Marine Le Pen, still a member of parliament despite a court last week sentencing her to a five-year ban on running for office, said that the new law's impact would be minimal and that it was urgent "to simply ban the right of soil across all national territory".
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The French parliament has definitively adopted a bill to restrict citizenship rights for children born in its Indian Ocean overseas territory of Mayotte.

The French parliament has definitively adopted a bill to restrict citizenship rights for children born in its Indian Ocean overseas territory of Mayotte. Mayotte is a French archipelago, part of the Comoros in the Mozambique Channel. Around 320,000 people live in Mayotte, according to France's national statistics agency. As per AFP, a 2019 study found that half the population were foreigners, a third of whom were born in the French territory. Citizenship laws for Mayotte have changed since 2018 but this latest bill will make it stricter. Mayotte is one of the five overseas departments of France located in the Indian Ocean, off the East African coast. The Muslim-majority overseas territory, which voted to stay part of France in 1974, became a full-fledged French department in 2011. France administers 12 territories outside of Europe, known as French overseas territories. These territories are largely remnants of the French colonial empire. Read More | Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble What does the bill states? As per the latest bill adopted by the Parliament, both parents would need to have legally lived in Mayotte for at least a year, with an exception in place for single parents. As per a report by AFP, until now, children born there needed to have a parent who had resided there legally for at least three months at the time of birth to apply for nationality. Read More | Marine Le Pen’s political obituary? Once on track to be France’s first female president, now banned and sentenced to prison Right vs left over the citizenship bill Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in February had called for a national debate on immigration and what it means to be French. His debate call had come days after stirring controversy with comments about immigrants "flooding" France. In line with the same sentiments, right-wing politicians are backing teh bill. Read More | Who is Francois Bayrou? The new French PM set to battle the political chaos The bill stated that it did not affect the "right of soil", also known as "jus soli", for the rest of France. However, experts are sounding alarm bells over the text’s legal integrity and social consequences and change in laws between the archipelago and mainland France. Lawmaker Philippe Gosselin, from the right-wing Republican party, while proposing the bill said, "The prospect of obtaining French nationality is an undeniable factor in irregular migration" to the overseas territory." Read More | WHO warns reduced aid could have 'pandemic-like effect' leading to pregnancy deaths Greens member of parliament Dominique Voynet warned the bill foresaw "the end of the right of soil in France...Mayotte is about to become a laboratory for the ideas of the far right," she said. Marine Le Pen, still a member of parliament despite a court last week sentencing her to a five-year ban on running for office, said that the new law's impact would be minimal and that it was urgent "to simply ban the right of soil across all national territory". (With inputs from agencies)

French parliament restricts birthright citizenship in Mayotte, reignites immigration debate

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 8) mocked world leaders for seeking to make a trade deal with America and remarked, "These countries are calling us up, kissing my ass."
<h2>'You don't negotiate like I negotiate,' boasts Trump</h2>
Addressing a fundraising gala for House Republicans on Tuesday night, Trump mocked world leaders, both allies and others, and mimicking what they supposedly sound like, said: "Please, please sir make a deal. I'll do anything. I'll do anything, sir."
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The Republican president then went on to mock rebels from his party who have suggested that Congress should take over the tariff negotiations and commented, "Let me tell you, you don't negotiate like I negotiate."
He also announced that major tariffs on pharma would come soon.
"Tariffs on pharma will be there because we don't make our own pharma drugs, they are made in another countries."
"Same packet in the US...sometime is price 10-times more," claimed Trump.
"We are going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon. The advantage we have is, we are very big market. Very shortly, will announce major tariffs on pharma and when these companies hear that, they will leave China and other countries because most of their products are sold here. And they will be opening their plants here," he added.
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<h2>'I know what the hell I'm doing': Trump</h2>
With his hardline reciprocal tariffs set to begin, Trump insisted that he knows "what the hell I'm doing".
"Many countries have &mdash; they've ripped us off left and right. But now it's our turn to do the ripping," he said.
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Labelling high tariff nations like India "trade cheaters", he said, "I'm proud to be the President for the workers, not the outsourcers; the President who stands up for Main Street, not Wall Street; who protects the middle class, not the political class; and who defends America, not trade cheaters all over the globe."
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Earlier in the day, while signing an executive order on coal production, he claimed, "These are tailored, highly tailored deals. Right now, Japan is flying here to make a deal. South Korea is flying here to make a deal. And others are flying here".
(With inputs from agencies)

World News |  Trending | US President Donald Trump mocks world leaders, claiming they are eager to negotiate tariffs with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 8) mocked world leaders for seeking to make a trade deal with America and remarked, "These countries are calling us up, kissing my ass." 'You don't negotiate like I negotiate,' boasts Trump Addressing a fundraising gala for House Republicans on Tuesday night, Trump mocked world leaders, both allies and others, and mimicking what they supposedly sound like, said: "Please, please sir make a deal. I'll do anything. I'll do anything, sir." Also read | 'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous The Republican president then went on to mock rebels from his party who have suggested that Congress should take over the tariff negotiations and commented, "Let me tell you, you don't negotiate like I negotiate." He also announced that major tariffs on pharma would come soon. "Tariffs on pharma will be there because we don't make our own pharma drugs, they are made in another countries." "Same packet in the US...sometime is price 10-times more," claimed Trump. "We are going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon. The advantage we have is, we are very big market. Very shortly, will announce major tariffs on pharma and when these companies hear that, they will leave China and other countries because most of their products are sold here. And they will be opening their plants here," he added. Also read | Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding' 'I know what the hell I'm doing': Trump With his hardline reciprocal tariffs set to begin, Trump insisted that he knows "what the hell I'm doing". "Many countries have — they've ripped us off left and right. But now it's our turn to do the ripping," he said. Labelling high tariff nations like India "trade cheaters", he said, "I'm proud to be the President for the workers, not the outsourcers; the President who stands up for Main Street, not Wall Street; who protects the middle class, not the political class; and who defends America, not trade cheaters all over the globe." Also read | India, several other countries willing to lower tariffs: Donald Trump administration official Earlier in the day, while signing an executive order on coal production, he claimed, "These are tailored, highly tailored deals. Right now, Japan is flying here to make a deal. South Korea is flying here to make a deal. And others are flying here". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump mocks world leaders, claims 'countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,' to negotiate tariffs

The United States has reportedly stepped on the gas for the development of the nuclear "gravity" bomb, a weapon of mass destruction that is set to replace the older nuclear weapons in the country. The initial plan was to start production in 2026 for the US Air Force and complete the process of replacement by 2028.
However, the Department of Energy&rsquo;s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) had earlier estimated that phase 1 of the development would start in 2037, with the first gravity bombs being produced in 2050. But the Ukraine war led the US to push the timeline way up.
The B61-13, a nuclear "gravity bomb", is going under production at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. This comes in the face of growing tensions on the international stage, with the US locked in a pretty clear tussle with China.
The Israel-Hamas war has also spread to Iran and Yemen, triggering fears of World War III.
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Scientists at the lab say that pushing up the timeline would reduce the overall production time by 25 per cent. However, officials clarified that this would not increase the country's nuclear stockpile as the production of B61-12 nuclear bombs will be scaled down.
<h2>B61-13 'gravity bomb' is much more lethal</h2>
As the name suggests, the new nuclear bomb uses gravity assist to cause destruction. The B61-13 is 24 times more powerful than the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II in 1945. The atom bomb has a yield of about 15 kilotons, which is equivalent to 15,000 tonnes of TNT.
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The B61-13 has a yield of around 360 kilotons, or 360,000 tonnes of TNT. It would be an improvement over the B61-12 nuclear bombs in terms of safety and precision. Scientists are making the B61-13 by using the warhead from the B61-7, a nuke designed in the 1980s, and combining it with the modern features of B61-12. New stealth bombers are being built to carry the gravity bomb.
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While the B61-12 can be carried by the B-2 stealth bomber and fighters like the F-15 Eagle and F-35 Lightning, the B61-13 will be placed on the B-21 Raider, which is currently under construction.&nbsp;
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<h2>How much destruction can B61-13 gravity bomb cause?</h2>
According to Daily Mail, experts say that it could kill an estimated 788,000 and injure 2.2 million people in a city like Beijing, vaporising everything, man and buildings, within a half-mile radius of the bomb's detonation site. Anything within a mile will be instantly killed.
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Beyond two miles, the radiation would slowly wreak havoc, and people would die within a month. Almost 15 per cent of those who manage to survive will die of cancer in the later years.
The B61-13 has been in the pipeline since 2023 as the Biden administration feared that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could escalate into events in Europe. Notably, the US has approximately 5,044 nuclear warheads, while Russia is estimated to hold 5,580 nukes.
&nbsp;

The first B61-13 nuclear "gravity bomb" was earlier estimated to be produced in 2050. But things changed after Russia invaded Ukraine. World Trending

The United States has reportedly stepped on the gas for the development of the nuclear "gravity" bomb, a weapon of mass destruction that is set to replace the older nuclear weapons in the country. The initial plan was to start production in 2026 for the US Air Force and complete the process of replacement by 2028. However, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) had earlier estimated that phase 1 of the development would start in 2037, with the first gravity bombs being produced in 2050. But the Ukraine war led the US to push the timeline way up. The B61-13, a nuclear "gravity bomb", is going under production at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. This comes in the face of growing tensions on the international stage, with the US locked in a pretty clear tussle with China. The Israel-Hamas war has also spread to Iran and Yemen, triggering fears of World War III. Also Read: Russia's mysterious nuclear-armed Poseidon torpedo can annihilate a city. But some say it's not even real Scientists at the lab say that pushing up the timeline would reduce the overall production time by 25 per cent. However, officials clarified that this would not increase the country's nuclear stockpile as the production of B61-12 nuclear bombs will be scaled down. B61-13 'gravity bomb' is much more lethal As the name suggests, the new nuclear bomb uses gravity assist to cause destruction. The B61-13 is 24 times more powerful than the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II in 1945. The atom bomb has a yield of about 15 kilotons, which is equivalent to 15,000 tonnes of TNT. Also Read: Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous The B61-13 has a yield of around 360 kilotons, or 360,000 tonnes of TNT. It would be an improvement over the B61-12 nuclear bombs in terms of safety and precision. Scientists are making the B61-13 by using the warhead from the B61-7, a nuke designed in the 1980s, and combining it with the modern features of B61-12. New stealth bombers are being built to carry the gravity bomb. Also Read: Trump admin tells migrants who entered US via CBP One app to leave immediately While the B61-12 can be carried by the B-2 stealth bomber and fighters like the F-15 Eagle and F-35 Lightning, the B61-13 will be placed on the B-21 Raider, which is currently under construction. How much destruction can B61-13 gravity bomb cause? According to Daily Mail, experts say that it could kill an estimated 788,000 and injure 2.2 million people in a city like Beijing, vaporising everything, man and buildings, within a half-mile radius of the bomb's detonation site. Anything within a mile will be instantly killed. Also Read: 'Blow up Iran's facilities': Netanyahu says war with Tehran 'inevitable' if nuclear talks stall Beyond two miles, the radiation would slowly wreak havoc, and people would die within a month. Almost 15 per cent of those who manage to survive will die of cancer in the later years. The B61-13 has been in the pipeline since 2023 as the Biden administration feared that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could escalate into events in Europe. Notably, the US has approximately 5,044 nuclear warheads, while Russia is estimated to hold 5,580 nukes.

Fearing World War III, US hastens production of nuclear 'gravity' bomb. What is it?

Visas of hundreds of international students in the United States, including many from India, have been revoked. Students received emails from the US State Department instructing them to self-deport as their visas have been revoked. While these emails cited petty crimes such as shoplifting, drunk driving, etc as reasons for deportation, many reports suggest that students were deported due to their alleged involvement in campus activism.
According to a report by the Associated Press, most students received letters due to their activities in support of the Gaza crisis on the internet. However, multiple reports have now claimed that old offences like speeding tickets have been mentioned in deportation emails.
To bar those suspected of criticizing the United States and Israel from entering the country, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March, ordered diplomats overseas to scrutinize the social media content ostudentf applicants for student and other types of visas. He also ordered a vigorous screening of web activities of students already on students visas. Cancellations of visas have picked up pace since then. This marks a shift in US policies that deported students only in case of arrest or conviction for a crime.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-dept-sends-lawyer-erez-reuveni-on-leave-after-he-questions-trump-govt-on-mistaken-deportation-8934010" rel="dofollow">US Justice Dept sends lawyer Erez Reuveni on leave after he questions Trump govt on mistaken deportation</a>
<h2>What do the students say?</h2>
A report by the Times of India (TOI) has claimed that deported students were asked to leave the United States immediately. Students confessed about minor offences but said that those were old matters and were resolved, as per the report.
A student in Nebraska told TOI that he had gotten an over-speeding ticket two years ago in New York and the fine for that was also paid, but he was never arrested. However, he received an email stating that over-speeding was the reason for his deportation.
Another student from Hyderabad in Missouri confessed to having been arrested for drunk driving. "I have been regularly giving urine tests to the police, and all have come back clean," the student said, adding that he is shaken by the deportation email.&nbsp;
Another Indian student from Austin, Texas, recalled that he was arrested for shoplifting in July 2023. But his case was dismissed after a warning and on the basis of his good academic performance. "I followed all instruction and completed all the formalities. Why am I being punished?" he asked.
The report also quoted an immigration lawyer from Texas who said, "Revoking SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) for offences like drinking and driving, shifting lanes or over-speeding is extremely rare."
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<h2>List of universities impacted</h2>
The move is in line with US President Trump's executive orders to&nbsp;deport&nbsp;some foreign citizens, including those who might have "hostile attitudes" toward American "citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles."&nbsp;
However, universities want an answer from the federal government. University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Su&aacute;rez-Orozco spoke to the Associated Press about the need for preparedness and protection in these "unprecedented times."&nbsp;Harvard discovered the issue during a routine records review, but the reasons behind the revocations remain unclear.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-on-tariffs-us-seeking-hegemony-in-the-name-of-reciprocity-in-trade-war-8934616" rel="dofollow">China on tariffs: 'US seeking hegemony in the name of reciprocity in trade war'</a>
<ol>
<li>Harvard University</li>
<li>Stanford University</li>
<li>University of California&nbsp;</li>
<li>University of Michigan Number&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ohio State University&nbsp;</li>
<li>Emerson College&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tufts University&nbsp;</li>
<li>Columbia University&nbsp;</li>
<li>University of Oregon</li>
<li>Arizona State University (ASU)&nbsp;</li>
<li>University of Pennsylvania (Penn)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Northeastern University</li>
<li>University of Massachusetts&nbsp;</li>
<li>Boston University (BU)</li>
<li>Berklee College of Music&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duke University&nbsp;</li>
<li>Central Michigan University&nbsp;</li>
<li>Colorado State University&nbsp;</li>
<li>Kent State University&nbsp;</li>
<li>Minnesota State University&nbsp;</li>
<li>North Carolina State University&nbsp;</li>
<li>University of Cincinnati&nbsp;</li>
<li>University of Kentucky&nbsp;</li>
<li>University of Nevada</li>
</ol>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-several-other-countries-willing-to-lower-tariffs-donald-trump-administration-official-8941366" rel="dofollow">India, several other countries willing to lower tariffs: Donald Trump administration official</a> 
(With inputs from agencies)

World, India News | Visas of hundreds of international students in the US, including many from India, have been revoked allegedly citing minor offences

Visas of hundreds of international students in the United States, including many from India, have been revoked. Students received emails from the US State Department instructing them to self-deport as their visas have been revoked. While these emails cited petty crimes such as shoplifting, drunk driving, etc as reasons for deportation, many reports suggest that students were deported due to their alleged involvement in campus activism. According to a report by the Associated Press, most students received letters due to their activities in support of the Gaza crisis on the internet. However, multiple reports have now claimed that old offences like speeding tickets have been mentioned in deportation emails. To bar those suspected of criticizing the United States and Israel from entering the country, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March, ordered diplomats overseas to scrutinize the social media content ostudentf applicants for student and other types of visas. He also ordered a vigorous screening of web activities of students already on students visas. Cancellations of visas have picked up pace since then. This marks a shift in US policies that deported students only in case of arrest or conviction for a crime. Read More | US Justice Dept sends lawyer Erez Reuveni on leave after he questions Trump govt on mistaken deportation What do the students say? A report by the Times of India (TOI) has claimed that deported students were asked to leave the United States immediately. Students confessed about minor offences but said that those were old matters and were resolved, as per the report. A student in Nebraska told TOI that he had gotten an over-speeding ticket two years ago in New York and the fine for that was also paid, but he was never arrested. However, he received an email stating that over-speeding was the reason for his deportation. Another student from Hyderabad in Missouri confessed to having been arrested for drunk driving. "I have been regularly giving urine tests to the police, and all have come back clean," the student said, adding that he is shaken by the deportation email. Another Indian student from Austin, Texas, recalled that he was arrested for shoplifting in July 2023. But his case was dismissed after a warning and on the basis of his good academic performance. "I followed all instruction and completed all the formalities. Why am I being punished?" he asked. The report also quoted an immigration lawyer from Texas who said, "Revoking SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) for offences like drinking and driving, shifting lanes or over-speeding is extremely rare." Read More | Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble List of universities impacted The move is in line with US President Trump's executive orders to deport some foreign citizens, including those who might have "hostile attitudes" toward American "citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles." However, universities want an answer from the federal government. University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco spoke to the Associated Press about the need for preparedness and protection in these "unprecedented times." Harvard discovered the issue during a routine records review, but the reasons behind the revocations remain unclear. Read More | China on tariffs: 'US seeking hegemony in the name of reciprocity in trade war' Harvard University Stanford University University of California University of Michigan Number Ohio State University Emerson College Tufts University Columbia University University of Oregon Arizona State University (ASU) University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Northeastern University University of Massachusetts Boston University (BU) Berklee College of Music Duke University Central Michigan University Colorado State University Kent State University Minnesota State University North Carolina State University University of Cincinnati University of Kentucky University of Nevada Read More | India, several other countries willing to lower tariffs: Donald Trump administration official (With inputs from agencies)

Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding'

Amid worldwide backlash to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has told the Senate Finance Committee that nearly 50 countries have approached him and are willing to lower tariffs, including India. He said that Trump's tariff move is bearing fruit as more and more countries are ready for negotiations.
&ldquo;Nearly 50 countries have approached me personally to discuss the President's new policy and explore how to achieve reciprocity. And they've spoken with many members of the administration. Several of these, such as Argentina, Vietnam, India, and Israel, have suggested that they will reduce their tariffs and non-tariff barriers in line with the President's policy,&rdquo; Greer said.
Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hopes-to-strengthen-ties-after-trump-imposes-29-per-cent-tariffs-never-let-crisis-go-waste-8933528" rel="dofollow"> Pakistan hopes to strengthen ties after Trump imposes 29 per cent tariffs: 'Never let crisis go waste'</a>
Greer added that while the United States maintains an average 5 per cent tariff on agricultural goods, India&rsquo;s average tariff stands at 39 per cent. India has been tariffed 26 per cent and is among the countries hit the hardest. The tariffs would come into effect starting Wednesday (Apr 9).
The comments by Greer echo US National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett's disclosure over the weekend that more countries have reached out to the White House for trade negotiations.
"These obviously are welcome moves. Our large and persistent trade deficit has been over 30 years in the making, and it will not be resolved overnight, but all of this is in the right direction," Greer added.&nbsp;
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/opinion-why-trumps-tariffs-are-scaring-the-world-like-1987-8934335" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Why Trump&rsquo;s tariffs are scaring the world like 1987</a>
<h2>India-US trade agreement&nbsp;</h2>
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed and agreed on the &ldquo;early conclusion&rdquo; of a Bilateral Trade Agreement on a call on Monday, which was the first discussion on trade between the two sides at the level of cabinet officials. Jaishankar shared a post on X regarding the conversation but there has not been any official word from the American side on the conversation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m99f1qd0-ty6qkcx7-uqc18uer">
Good to speak with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean. Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch.&hellip;
&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1909245681858195587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-sometimes-you-have-to-take-medicine-to-fix-something-as-markets-tumble-8933574" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble</a>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have also not spoken yet after the announcement of the reciprocal tariffs.
The phone conversation between Jaishankar and Rubio came about a week after US assistant trade representative Brendan Lynch visited India. The two sides had agreed to finalise the first tranche of the agreement by the fall of 2025 at a meeting between PM Modi and Trump in February this year.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-tiktok-deal-was-close-claims-china-changed-because-of-tariffs-8933715" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump says 'TikTok deal was close', claims 'China changed because of tariffs'</a> (With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World, India News | Amid worldwide backlash on US President Trump's tariffs, US official said that India is among 50 countries that are willing to lower tariffs

Amid worldwide backlash to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has told the Senate Finance Committee that nearly 50 countries have approached him and are willing to lower tariffs, including India. He said that Trump's tariff move is bearing fruit as more and more countries are ready for negotiations. “Nearly 50 countries have approached me personally to discuss the President's new policy and explore how to achieve reciprocity. And they've spoken with many members of the administration. Several of these, such as Argentina, Vietnam, India, and Israel, have suggested that they will reduce their tariffs and non-tariff barriers in line with the President's policy,” Greer said. Read More | Pakistan hopes to strengthen ties after Trump imposes 29 per cent tariffs: 'Never let crisis go waste' Greer added that while the United States maintains an average 5 per cent tariff on agricultural goods, India’s average tariff stands at 39 per cent. India has been tariffed 26 per cent and is among the countries hit the hardest. The tariffs would come into effect starting Wednesday (Apr 9). The comments by Greer echo US National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett's disclosure over the weekend that more countries have reached out to the White House for trade negotiations. "These obviously are welcome moves. Our large and persistent trade deficit has been over 30 years in the making, and it will not be resolved overnight, but all of this is in the right direction," Greer added. Read More | Why Trump’s tariffs are scaring the world like 1987 India-US trade agreement Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed and agreed on the “early conclusion” of a Bilateral Trade Agreement on a call on Monday, which was the first discussion on trade between the two sides at the level of cabinet officials. Jaishankar shared a post on X regarding the conversation but there has not been any official word from the American side on the conversation. Good to speak with @SecRubio today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean. Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch.… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 7, 2025 Read More | Trump says 'sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something' as markets tumble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have also not spoken yet after the announcement of the reciprocal tariffs. The phone conversation between Jaishankar and Rubio came about a week after US assistant trade representative Brendan Lynch visited India. The two sides had agreed to finalise the first tranche of the agreement by the fall of 2025 at a meeting between PM Modi and Trump in February this year. Read More | Donald Trump says 'TikTok deal was close', claims 'China changed because of tariffs' (With inputs from agencies)

India, several other countries willing to lower tariffs: Donald Trump administration official

Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is set to be extradited to India after legal clearance from the US.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump downplayed climate change, calling Iran&rsquo;s "nuclear heat" a far greater threat.&nbsp;
In the Dominican Republic, a nightclub roof collapse claimed 79 lives, including a retired MLB star and a popular singer.&nbsp;
Finally, Kyrgyzstan has introduced fines for women wearing the niqab, a move that has now gained the support of the nation's top Islamic authority.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-tahawwur-rana-to-be-brought-to-india-8941373" aria-label="26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India">26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/08/Op445doxg51W0ik2k6q9.png" alt=" 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana's plea opposing extradition to India was rejected by US court Photograph: (ANI) ">
With legal decks being cleared for the extradition of the 26/11, Mumbai attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana, he is expected to be brought to India very soon. Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organisation. He played a role in facilitating the attacks by assisting his associate, David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance in Mumbai ahead of the terror attacks in 2008.&nbsp;
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-downplays-climate-change-says-itll-give-more-waterfront-property-warns-nuclear-heat-from-iran-more-dangerous-8941241" aria-label="'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous">'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/06/G0qaqjb6vSU3uyAmIdQb.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump has dismissed global warnings about climate change, saying the real threat is "nuclear heat" &mdash; especially from Iran.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-nightclub-disaster-8941144" aria-label="Dominican nightclub disaster: Retired MLB star, a famous singer among the dead; toll rises to 79">Dominican nightclub disaster: Retired MLB star, a famous singer among the dead; toll rises to 79</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/09/eORGj58hd5HU85S56dNr.png" alt=" Personnel from civil defense and firefighters work at the Jet Set nightclub following the collapse of its roof in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
The death toll in the disaster caused by the collapse of the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub rose to 79 on Tuesday evening, rescuers said, further adding that rescue workers were scouring the scene and transporting the injured to hospitals. The rescue workers were still pulling out survivors from the debris nearly 12 hours after the top of the nightclub collapsed onto patrons. A retired MLB star and a renowned singer were among those who lost their lives.&nbsp;
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyzstan-to-fine-women-for-wearing-niqab-nations-top-islamic-authority-backs-ban-says-its-alien-to-our-society-8941361" aria-label="Kyrgyzstan to fine women for wearing niqab; nation's top Islamic authority backs ban, says it's 'alien to our society'">Kyrgyzstan to fine women for wearing niqab; nation's top Islamic authority backs ban, says it's 'alien to our society'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/09/KeeEqfql668RG192OC6n.png" alt=" File Photo: Woman wearing niqab or burqa Photograph: (AFP) ">
Women in Kyrgyzstan will now face fines for wearing the full-body niqab, under a January ban that has now received the backing of the country's top Islamic authority.
Watch | US to take back Panama Canal from Chinese influence, Pentagon chief says 
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0904_WION_PANAMA_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0904_WION_PANAMA_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=311&amp;tags=usa, panama canal, hegseth, wion" title="US to take back Panama Canal from Chinese influence, Pentagon chief says" id="PL_iframe_block-m99f61el-2yi8q17t-wad15dnl"></iframe>

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

Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is set to be extradited to India after legal clearance from the US. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump downplayed climate change, calling Iran’s "nuclear heat" a far greater threat. In the Dominican Republic, a nightclub roof collapse claimed 79 lives, including a retired MLB star and a popular singer. Finally, Kyrgyzstan has introduced fines for women wearing the niqab, a move that has now gained the support of the nation's top Islamic authority. Click on the headlines for more 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India With legal decks being cleared for the extradition of the 26/11, Mumbai attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana, he is expected to be brought to India very soon. Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organisation. He played a role in facilitating the attacks by assisting his associate, David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance in Mumbai ahead of the terror attacks in 2008. 'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous US President Donald Trump has dismissed global warnings about climate change, saying the real threat is "nuclear heat" — especially from Iran. Dominican nightclub disaster: Retired MLB star, a famous singer among the dead; toll rises to 79 The death toll in the disaster caused by the collapse of the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub rose to 79 on Tuesday evening, rescuers said, further adding that rescue workers were scouring the scene and transporting the injured to hospitals. The rescue workers were still pulling out survivors from the debris nearly 12 hours after the top of the nightclub collapsed onto patrons. A retired MLB star and a renowned singer were among those who lost their lives. Kyrgyzstan to fine women for wearing niqab; nation's top Islamic authority backs ban, says it's 'alien to our society' Women in Kyrgyzstan will now face fines for wearing the full-body niqab, under a January ban that has now received the backing of the country's top Islamic authority. Watch | US to take back Panama Canal from Chinese influence, Pentagon chief says

Morning News Brief: Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India; Trump's chilling warning over Iran 'nuclear heat,' and more

At least 20 people have been killed in a fire at a nursing home in northern China, state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday. The news agency didn't reveal what caused the fire. &nbsp;
The Work Safety Committee of China State Council on Wednesday released a statement, announcing that it will oversee an investigation into the nursing home fire.&nbsp;
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In a statement, the committee called on the province to promptly investigate and find out the cause of the accident as soon as possible.
The state news agency reported that a total of 39 elderly residents were residing in the building. As per the report, the blaze broke out around 9:00 pm (local time) on Tuesday in the city of Chengde, in Hebei province, which is roughly 180 kilometres (112 miles) from the Chinese capital, Beijing.&nbsp;
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The remaining people from the nursing home have been transferred to a nearby hospital for further observation and treatment, the agency reported. It didn't say how many people were there.
"Other elderly people in the nursing home have been transferred to nearby hospitals for further observation and treatment," the state news agency said.
The person in charge of the nursing home has been detained by police, the report said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fearing-world-war-iii-us-hastens-production-of-nuclear-gravity-bomb-8941679">Fearing World War III, US hastens production of nuclear 'gravity' bomb. What is it?</a>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World News | As per the report, the blaze broke out around 9:00 pm (local time) on Tuesday (April 8) in the city of Chengde, in Hebei province

At least 20 people have been killed in a fire at a nursing home in northern China, state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday. The news agency didn't reveal what caused the fire. The Work Safety Committee of China State Council on Wednesday released a statement, announcing that it will oversee an investigation into the nursing home fire. Also read: French parliament restricts birthright citizenship in Mayotte, reignites immigration debate In a statement, the committee called on the province to promptly investigate and find out the cause of the accident as soon as possible. The state news agency reported that a total of 39 elderly residents were residing in the building. As per the report, the blaze broke out around 9:00 pm (local time) on Tuesday in the city of Chengde, in Hebei province, which is roughly 180 kilometres (112 miles) from the Chinese capital, Beijing. Also read: Trump mocks world leaders, claims 'countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,' to negotiate tariffs The remaining people from the nursing home have been transferred to a nearby hospital for further observation and treatment, the agency reported. It didn't say how many people were there. "Other elderly people in the nursing home have been transferred to nearby hospitals for further observation and treatment," the state news agency said. The person in charge of the nursing home has been detained by police, the report said. Also read: Fearing World War III, US hastens production of nuclear 'gravity' bomb. What is it? Also read: Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Mumbai police file 1000-page chargesheet against accused (With inputs from agencies)

Nursing home fire kills at least 20 people in China, probe launched

World | Kyrgyzstan enforces fines on women wearing the niqab, with support from its top Islamic authority, citing it as a foreign concept that could conceal identities.

Kyrgyzstan to fine women for wearing full body niqab; nation's top Islamic authority backs ban, says it's 'alien to our society'

With legal decks being cleared for the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana, he is expected to be brought to India very soon. Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organisation. He played a role in facilitating the attacks by assisting his associate, David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance in Mumbai ahead of the terror attacks in 2008.&nbsp;
A few days ago, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana's final plea to block his extradition, clearing the way for his transfer to India. During PM Modi's US visit in February, US President Donald Trump publically mentioned the extradition issues and that the US is handing India a "very evil man".&nbsp;
Indian agencies have made special arrangements, in line with US judiciary recommendations for extradited individuals. The extradition marks a significant step for India in its pursuit of justice for the 26/11 attacks, which killed over 170 people.&nbsp;
Rana was arrested in the US in 2009 alongside Headley. In 2011, a Chicago federal jury convicted him of providing material support to LeT and involvement in a plot to attack a Danish newspaper (the Jyllands-Posten case).&nbsp;
He served a 14-year sentence and was released from a California prison in 2020 after less than seven years, partly due to health issues. However, India sought his extradition to face trial for his alleged role in the 26/11 attacks, leading to his re-arrest in Los Angeles in 2020 at India's request.

World News | India News | Indian agencies have made special arrangements, in line with US judiciary recommendations for extradited individuals

With legal decks being cleared for the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana, he is expected to be brought to India very soon. Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organisation. He played a role in facilitating the attacks by assisting his associate, David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance in Mumbai ahead of the terror attacks in 2008. A few days ago, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana's final plea to block his extradition, clearing the way for his transfer to India. During PM Modi's US visit in February, US President Donald Trump publically mentioned the extradition issues and that the US is handing India a "very evil man". Indian agencies have made special arrangements, in line with US judiciary recommendations for extradited individuals. The extradition marks a significant step for India in its pursuit of justice for the 26/11 attacks, which killed over 170 people. Rana was arrested in the US in 2009 alongside Headley. In 2011, a Chicago federal jury convicted him of providing material support to LeT and involvement in a plot to attack a Danish newspaper (the Jyllands-Posten case). He served a 14-year sentence and was released from a California prison in 2020 after less than seven years, partly due to health issues. However, India sought his extradition to face trial for his alleged role in the 26/11 attacks, leading to his re-arrest in Los Angeles in 2020 at India's request.

26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India

Donald Trump made a scene of the planting of a new sapling in place of the nearly 200-year-old Jackson Magnolia tree that was cut down from the White House compound after the president called it a hazard. He used a golden shovel to put dirt on the spot and said, "We have a beautiful tree now at the White House."
The new sapling planted in place of the old tree is a direct descendant of the &ldquo;Jackson Magnolia." It is grown at the National Park Service Greenhouse as part of preparations to replace the parent tree when it is no longer viable to have it on the premises. &nbsp;The National Park Service is responsible for managing the White House grounds.
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President Donald J. Trump planted a new MAGAnolia sapling at the White House &mdash; a direct descendant of the historic "Jackson Magnolia." 🌳🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/aSJn8Zo4pp">pic.twitter.com/aSJn8Zo4pp</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1909663068130255206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
The remnants of the old tree won't be discarded but preserved as part of history by the Office of the Curator. The White House will also honour the remains of the &nbsp;Jackson Magnolia tree.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-removal-of-witness-tree-200-year-old-magnolia-planted-by-andrew-jackson-cut-down-at-white-house-8937967" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump orders removal of White House 'witness tree'</a>
Media persons were not allowed to witness the new planting, although the White House later released a short video clip&nbsp;
Trump ordered the removal of the original Jackson Magnolia tree on March 30, saying that it was in a terrible condition and a very dangerous safety hazard. The tree stood at the White House entrance near the west side of the South Portico. This is the spot where leaders of foreign countries are welcomed. US presidents also walk through this place while leaving to board the Marine One helicopter.
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The White House consulted with Peter Hart, a registered consulting arborist and member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists. He said that the tree had &ldquo;surpassed the time of serving as an aesthetic and historic landmark" and can cause potential harm because of the risk of structural failure.&nbsp;
<h2>US president Andrew Jackson planted the seeds</h2>
Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, is believed to have planted the trees himself in 1829. He brought the seeds from the Hermitage, his home near Nashville, Tennessee, and planted them to honour his late wife, Rachel, who passed away weeks before he was sworn to the office.
However, there is no real confirmation of Jackson planting the tree that is part of a group of magnolias near the South Portico. There is historical photographic documentation that shows the magnolias weren't present at the South Portico until the 1860s.
The trees were designated the Witness Trees in 2006 by the National Park Service because it has witnessed several historic events that happened on the ground near them.&nbsp;
<h2>When an airplane crashed into the Magnolia trees</h2>
The Jackson Magnolias had a Cessna airplane crash into them in 1994 in an incident which targeted the White House. A truck driver named Frank Eugene Corder stole a Cessna 150 on September 11. He was heavily drunk and tried to crash it into the wall of the White House. However, he missed and hit the South Lawn on early September 12, 1994, and was killed on impact.

The new sapling planted is a descendant of the original Jackson Magnolia tree. A drunk man once crashed a plane into the historic tree 30 years back. World Trending

Donald Trump made a scene of the planting of a new sapling in place of the nearly 200-year-old Jackson Magnolia tree that was cut down from the White House compound after the president called it a hazard. He used a golden shovel to put dirt on the spot and said, "We have a beautiful tree now at the White House." The new sapling planted in place of the old tree is a direct descendant of the “Jackson Magnolia." It is grown at the National Park Service Greenhouse as part of preparations to replace the parent tree when it is no longer viable to have it on the premises. The National Park Service is responsible for managing the White House grounds. President Donald J. Trump planted a new MAGAnolia sapling at the White House — a direct descendant of the historic "Jackson Magnolia." 🌳🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aSJn8Zo4pp — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 8, 2025 The remnants of the old tree won't be discarded but preserved as part of history by the Office of the Curator. The White House will also honour the remains of the Jackson Magnolia tree. Also Read: Trump orders removal of White House 'witness tree' Media persons were not allowed to witness the new planting, although the White House later released a short video clip Trump ordered the removal of the original Jackson Magnolia tree on March 30, saying that it was in a terrible condition and a very dangerous safety hazard. The tree stood at the White House entrance near the west side of the South Portico. This is the spot where leaders of foreign countries are welcomed. US presidents also walk through this place while leaving to board the Marine One helicopter. Also Read: Musk and Trump growing apart? Billionaire tried to persuade US president to lift tariffs, report claims The White House consulted with Peter Hart, a registered consulting arborist and member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists. He said that the tree had “surpassed the time of serving as an aesthetic and historic landmark" and can cause potential harm because of the risk of structural failure. US president Andrew Jackson planted the seeds Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, is believed to have planted the trees himself in 1829. He brought the seeds from the Hermitage, his home near Nashville, Tennessee, and planted them to honour his late wife, Rachel, who passed away weeks before he was sworn to the office. However, there is no real confirmation of Jackson planting the tree that is part of a group of magnolias near the South Portico. There is historical photographic documentation that shows the magnolias weren't present at the South Portico until the 1860s. The trees were designated the Witness Trees in 2006 by the National Park Service because it has witnessed several historic events that happened on the ground near them. When an airplane crashed into the Magnolia trees The Jackson Magnolias had a Cessna airplane crash into them in 1994 in an incident which targeted the White House. A truck driver named Frank Eugene Corder stole a Cessna 150 on September 11. He was heavily drunk and tried to crash it into the wall of the White House. However, he missed and hit the South Lawn on early September 12, 1994, and was killed on impact.

Jackson Magnolia cut down: When a drunk man crashed a plane into the historic tree

At least three people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Spotsylvania County, Virginia on Tuesday evening, authorities said as police continue a search for a suspect using drones, and K9 police are asking people to stay indoors. As per the local report, the suspect (or suspects) is considered armed and dangerous. The shooting took place in an area near Fredericksburg.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-downplays-climate-change-says-itll-give-more-waterfront-property-warns-nuclear-heat-from-iran-more-dangerous-8941241">'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous</a>
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) deputies received information about the shooting at 5:30 pm (local time). Till around 8:45 pm, they weren't able to locate the suspect.&nbsp;
A county spokesperson said that the scene will remain active until the suspect is caught.&nbsp;
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"This is an active and fluid investigation. No suspect(s) have been apprehended at this time&hellip; We ask the public to please stay clear of the area," according to SCSO officials.&nbsp;
Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokesperson for the Spotsylvania Sheriff&rsquo;s Office, said, "There's dozens upon dozens of officers out actively looking for suspects and preserving the crime scene."
"We will be here all night until we find the suspects," she said during an evening news conference.&nbsp;
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<h2>Identities of victims not released&nbsp;</h2>
The county officials confirmed that of six people of the six people found at the scene, three died on the spot and three were rushed to the hospital.&nbsp;
The identity and other details of the victims have not yet been released.
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BREAKING in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fredericksburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fredericksburg</a>: 3 people are dead, 3 more are injured in a shooting according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SpotsySheriff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpotsySheriff</a>. Deputies searching woodsy area next to neighborhood where incident allegedly happened <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsDC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7NewsDC</a> <a href="https://t.co/VlzQgepiYG">pic.twitter.com/VlzQgepiYG</a>
&mdash; Lianna Golden (@LiannaGoldenTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/LiannaGoldenTV/status/1909747195147853941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
The Fredericksburg City Public Schools released a statement on X as it announced a two-hour delay on Wednesday.&nbsp;
"In light of the profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community, FCPS will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Wednesday, April 9," according to the statement.&nbsp;
"We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this together," it added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-nightclub-disaster-8941144">Dominican nightclub disaster: Retired MLB star, a famous singer among the dead; toll rises to 79</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | The Fredericksburg City Public Schools released a statement on social media platform X as it announced a two-hour delay on Wednesday, April 9

At least three people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Spotsylvania County, Virginia on Tuesday evening, authorities said as police continue a search for a suspect using drones, and K9 police are asking people to stay indoors. As per the local report, the suspect (or suspects) is considered armed and dangerous. The shooting took place in an area near Fredericksburg. Also read: 'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) deputies received information about the shooting at 5:30 pm (local time). Till around 8:45 pm, they weren't able to locate the suspect. A county spokesperson said that the scene will remain active until the suspect is caught. Also read: 'Poor Molly doesn't deserve it': Fondling Molly Malone statue in Dublin is now off limits "This is an active and fluid investigation. No suspect(s) have been apprehended at this time… We ask the public to please stay clear of the area," according to SCSO officials. Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokesperson for the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, said, "There's dozens upon dozens of officers out actively looking for suspects and preserving the crime scene." "We will be here all night until we find the suspects," she said during an evening news conference. Also read: Trump admin tells migrants who entered US via CBP One app to leave immediately Identities of victims not released The county officials confirmed that of six people of the six people found at the scene, three died on the spot and three were rushed to the hospital. The identity and other details of the victims have not yet been released. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. BREAKING in #Fredericksburg: 3 people are dead, 3 more are injured in a shooting according to @SpotsySheriff. Deputies searching woodsy area next to neighborhood where incident allegedly happened @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/VlzQgepiYG — Lianna Golden (@LiannaGoldenTV) April 8, 2025 The Fredericksburg City Public Schools released a statement on X as it announced a two-hour delay on Wednesday. "In light of the profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community, FCPS will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Wednesday, April 9," according to the statement. "We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this together," it added. Also read: Dominican nightclub disaster: Retired MLB star, a famous singer among the dead; toll rises to 79 (With inputs from agencies)

Virginia shooting: At least three dead, three injured; suspect on the run

Dublin has a famous tourist attraction that has been attracting unwanted attention for years. The statue of Molly Malone, a semi-historical figure, has been rubbed by people the wrong way for years in hopes of good luck. Tourists visiting the site rub the bare-chested area of the statue that is seen in a low-cut top. The constant groping has led to the particular part getting discoloured. Authorities earlier announced that they will start working to restore the statue and discourage tourists from grabbing it.
Dublin City Council (DCC) has come up with a plan which involves stewards patrolling the statue to stop gropers from touching the statue. Tour companies will also inform people visiting Dublin to stay away from the statue and not touch it.
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Dublin City Council Arts Officer Ray Yeates said the inappropriate touching has caused "worry and discomfort". Besides, when people get on the plinth to touch the statue, it raises safety concerns since it might shift the statue from its place a little, making it unstable.
"For some people, this is just part of their tourist experience. For other people, it seems inappropriate, particularly where the statue is being touched, and for some people, that's quite a serious issue. And to be honest, I'm inclined to agree," Yeates said.
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Hiring stewards will cost the council a lot of money, but Yeates says it is way less than what it would cost to raise the platform of the statue.&nbsp;
He added that, overall, the aim is to stop people from touching works of art entirely, installed either inside or outside.
<h2>Why do people rub Molly Malone statue?</h2>
No one knows for sure when did the so-called "tradition" of rubbing the statue's chest area for good luck started. However, the most common consensus is that tour guides are responsible for the practice. People say that either one guide or several of them started it in 2012, telling people how doing so will bring them good luck.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/ai-based-website-shows-every-photo-of-you-ever-posted-on-the-internet-8937849" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">THIS website shows every photo of you ever posted on the internet</a>
Such practices are quite common in several popular tourist areas. People throw coins in the Trevi Fountain in Rome for good luck, tossing it in over the left shoulder with the right hand. Similarly, in Paris, the "love lock bridge" has couples put locks on it as a symbol of their love. Officially known as the Pont des Arts, the bridge is now lock-free after the practice ended in 2015 because of the damage the excess weight caused to the bridge.
The person who started the chest rubbing "tradition" for good luck at the Molly Malone statue seems to have sought inspiration from such places.
<h2>Who was Molly Malone?</h2>
Molly Malone is part of a song set in Dublin, Ireland, that tells the story of a woman who was a fishmonger and died young because of cholera. The song has become the city's unofficial anthem. The statue was designed by Dublin artist Jeanne Rynhart and was unveiled in 1988.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/77-dolphins-died-in-florida-and-the-reason-has-been-revealed-8937493" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">What killed 77 dolphins in Florida? The reason has been revealed over a decade later</a>
However, Dublin City Historian in Residence Catherine Scuffil told RTE that there is growing evidence that Molly Malone was not a fictional character but a real person who lived the Liberties area of Dublin. "Poor Molly doesn't deserve it. Think for a minute what she represents to us. She's an image of our city. She represents the people of our city," she said.
"But more importantly, she represents the women of our city. So maybe we shouldn't be treating her quite the way we are at the moment," she added.
Catherine is related to the sculptor Jeanne Rynhart and says the low neckline depicts the fashion of the time. Rynhart is now dead, and Catherine says if she knew people were groping the statue, she must be "doing a little spin, because that's certainly not what she intended when she made the statue."

People rub the bare-chested area of the Molly Malone statue in Dublin for good luck. But the city council is now putting a stop to the crude practice. World Trending

Dublin has a famous tourist attraction that has been attracting unwanted attention for years. The statue of Molly Malone, a semi-historical figure, has been rubbed by people the wrong way for years in hopes of good luck. Tourists visiting the site rub the bare-chested area of the statue that is seen in a low-cut top. The constant groping has led to the particular part getting discoloured. Authorities earlier announced that they will start working to restore the statue and discourage tourists from grabbing it. Dublin City Council (DCC) has come up with a plan which involves stewards patrolling the statue to stop gropers from touching the statue. Tour companies will also inform people visiting Dublin to stay away from the statue and not touch it. Also Read: A giant peanut stands tall in India's Gurugram ahead of appraisal season Dublin City Council Arts Officer Ray Yeates said the inappropriate touching has caused "worry and discomfort". Besides, when people get on the plinth to touch the statue, it raises safety concerns since it might shift the statue from its place a little, making it unstable. "For some people, this is just part of their tourist experience. For other people, it seems inappropriate, particularly where the statue is being touched, and for some people, that's quite a serious issue. And to be honest, I'm inclined to agree," Yeates said. Also Read: Hogwarts to Narnia all on the list: Trump tariff initiates meme fest Hiring stewards will cost the council a lot of money, but Yeates says it is way less than what it would cost to raise the platform of the statue. He added that, overall, the aim is to stop people from touching works of art entirely, installed either inside or outside. Why do people rub Molly Malone statue? No one knows for sure when did the so-called "tradition" of rubbing the statue's chest area for good luck started. However, the most common consensus is that tour guides are responsible for the practice. People say that either one guide or several of them started it in 2012, telling people how doing so will bring them good luck. Also Read: THIS website shows every photo of you ever posted on the internet Such practices are quite common in several popular tourist areas. People throw coins in the Trevi Fountain in Rome for good luck, tossing it in over the left shoulder with the right hand. Similarly, in Paris, the "love lock bridge" has couples put locks on it as a symbol of their love. Officially known as the Pont des Arts, the bridge is now lock-free after the practice ended in 2015 because of the damage the excess weight caused to the bridge. The person who started the chest rubbing "tradition" for good luck at the Molly Malone statue seems to have sought inspiration from such places. Who was Molly Malone? Molly Malone is part of a song set in Dublin, Ireland, that tells the story of a woman who was a fishmonger and died young because of cholera. The song has become the city's unofficial anthem. The statue was designed by Dublin artist Jeanne Rynhart and was unveiled in 1988. Also Read: What killed 77 dolphins in Florida? The reason has been revealed over a decade later However, Dublin City Historian in Residence Catherine Scuffil told RTE that there is growing evidence that Molly Malone was not a fictional character but a real person who lived the Liberties area of Dublin. "Poor Molly doesn't deserve it. Think for a minute what she represents to us. She's an image of our city. She represents the people of our city," she said. "But more importantly, she represents the women of our city. So maybe we shouldn't be treating her quite the way we are at the moment," she added. Catherine is related to the sculptor Jeanne Rynhart and says the low neckline depicts the fashion of the time. Rynhart is now dead, and Catherine says if she knew people were groping the statue, she must be "doing a little spin, because that's certainly not what she intended when she made the statue."

Stop groping Molly: No longer good luck to fondle Molly Malone statue in Dublin

US President Donald Trump has dismissed global warnings about climate change, saying the real threat is "nuclear heat" &mdash; especially from Iran.
Speaking at the White House with coal workers behind him, the 78-year-old former president mocked environmental concerns. "The ocean will rise &hellip; within the next 500 to 600 years, giving you a little bit more waterfront property," he joked.&nbsp;
"They have to worry about nuclear heat," he noted.
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<h2>Nuclear heat vs environmental heat</h2>
Trump made the remarks while signing orders to boost coal production and undo climate regulations that limit it.&nbsp;
"Because they gave us only a few years left on Earth, right? We were going to be gone, we're all going to be gone &ndash; the environment. No, what they have to worry about is the nuclear&mdash;nuclear heat."
"They don't have to worry about environmental heat. They have to worry about nuclear heat. And if we're smart, we're working on that right now with others, having to do with Iran and some other countries," said Trump.
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"But that's the heat you're gonna have to worry about. You don't have to worry about the air is getting warmer. The ocean will rise ... within the next 500 to 600 years, giving you a little bit more waterfront property. They say this is going to these guys can handle that. The nuclear we have a bigger problem with, right?" he added.
<h2>The US must show goodwill: Iran</h2>
The US President was referring to new talks between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear scheme. While the Republican president has said that the talks would be "direct," Iran says they will be "indirect".
AFP reports that on Tuesday (Apr 8), Iran said that a nuclear deal could be agreed upon if the US shows significant 'goodwill'.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the key goal is to lift US sanctions that have badly hurt the country's economy.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slaps-104-percent-tariff-on-china-after-beijing-defies-ultimatum-8940740">&lsquo;China wants a deal, badly&rsquo;: Trump slaps 104% tariff after Beijing defies ultimatum, says 'waiting for their call'</a> &nbsp; "If the other side shows enough of the necessary willingness, a deal can be found," he said. "The ball is in America's court."
Israel, meanwhile, pushed for a tougher stance. Following a meeting with Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "we agree that Iran will not have nuclear weapons".
However, he warned that "military option becomes inevitable" if the "talks drag on".
(With inputs from agencies)

Trump dismisses climate change concerns, suggesting that rising seas will create more waterfront property while emphasising nuclear threats from Iran as a priority.

US President Donald Trump has dismissed global warnings about climate change, saying the real threat is "nuclear heat" — especially from Iran. Speaking at the White House with coal workers behind him, the 78-year-old former president mocked environmental concerns. "The ocean will rise … within the next 500 to 600 years, giving you a little bit more waterfront property," he joked. "They have to worry about nuclear heat," he noted. Also read | Trump admin tells migrants who entered US via CBP One app to leave immediately Nuclear heat vs environmental heat Trump made the remarks while signing orders to boost coal production and undo climate regulations that limit it. "Because they gave us only a few years left on Earth, right? We were going to be gone, we're all going to be gone – the environment. No, what they have to worry about is the nuclear—nuclear heat." "They don't have to worry about environmental heat. They have to worry about nuclear heat. And if we're smart, we're working on that right now with others, having to do with Iran and some other countries," said Trump. Also read | ‘Whose throat do I choke if this fails?’: Senators grill Trump’s trade chief as tariffs spark backlash "But that's the heat you're gonna have to worry about. You don't have to worry about the air is getting warmer. The ocean will rise ... within the next 500 to 600 years, giving you a little bit more waterfront property. They say this is going to these guys can handle that. The nuclear we have a bigger problem with, right?" he added. The US must show goodwill: Iran The US President was referring to new talks between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear scheme. While the Republican president has said that the talks would be "direct," Iran says they will be "indirect". AFP reports that on Tuesday (Apr 8), Iran said that a nuclear deal could be agreed upon if the US shows significant 'goodwill'. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the key goal is to lift US sanctions that have badly hurt the country's economy. Also read | ‘China wants a deal, badly’: Trump slaps 104% tariff after Beijing defies ultimatum, says 'waiting for their call' "If the other side shows enough of the necessary willingness, a deal can be found," he said. "The ball is in America's court." Israel, meanwhile, pushed for a tougher stance. Following a meeting with Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "we agree that Iran will not have nuclear weapons". However, he warned that "military option becomes inevitable" if the "talks drag on". (With inputs from agencies)

'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous

The death toll in the disaster caused by the collapse of the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub rose to 98 on Tuesday evening, rescuers said, further adding that rescue workers were scouring the scene and transporting the injured to hospitals. The rescue workers were still pulling out survivors from the debris over 12 hours after the top of the nightclub collapsed onto patrons. A retired MLB star and a renowned singer were among those who lost their lives.&nbsp;
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"We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble," M&eacute;ndez said.&nbsp;
"Our task forces are still working on search and rescue (operations) at the collapsed structure," he told reporters, also adding that the crews were searching for survivors in the rubble at the one-storey Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.&nbsp;
It has been reported that at least 300 people were inside the nightclub in the capital, Santo Domingo, during a busy musical performance. M&eacute;ndez also said that at least 155 people have so far been transferred to hospitals. Some local reports mentioned that there were between 500 and 1,000 people in the club.&nbsp;
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<h2>'Too great a tragedy' as MLB star and singer died&nbsp;</h2>
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, was among the victims. Earlier, she had called President Luis Abinader at 12.49 am, saying she was trapped and that the roof had collapsed. As per officials said, Cruz died later at the hospital. "This is too great a tragedy," First Lady Raquel Arbaje told reporters.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/blame-china-not-trump-piyush-goyal-says-beijings-malpractices-created-trade-imbalance-8940424">&lsquo;Blame China, not Trump&rsquo;: Piyush Goyal says Beijing&rsquo;s malpractices created global trade imbalance</a>
A Major League Baseball star also lost his life. A 51-year-old retired MLB pitcher, Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series in 2011 with the St Louis Cardinals, died. As per local media, he was rescued alive but died of his injuries while being taken to the hospital.&nbsp;
Renowned Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was on stage at the popular Jet Set nightclub when the roof caved in shortly after midnight, was one of those who died.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-going-to-respond-ukraine-captures-chinese-soldiers-fighting-for-russia-zelensky-demands-answers-from-beijing-8940001">'How is China going to respond?': Ukraine captures Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia; Zelensky demands answers from Beijing</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | Trending News | A 51-year-old retired MLB pitcher, Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series in 2011 with the St Louis Cardinals, died

The death toll in the disaster caused by the collapse of the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub rose to 98 on Tuesday evening, rescuers said, further adding that rescue workers were scouring the scene and transporting the injured to hospitals. The rescue workers were still pulling out survivors from the debris over 12 hours after the top of the nightclub collapsed onto patrons. A retired MLB star and a renowned singer were among those who lost their lives. Also read: Prize for honesty: Auto driver returns 15 gold sovereigns in India's Madurai, receives $12 as reward "We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble," Méndez said. "Our task forces are still working on search and rescue (operations) at the collapsed structure," he told reporters, also adding that the crews were searching for survivors in the rubble at the one-storey Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. It has been reported that at least 300 people were inside the nightclub in the capital, Santo Domingo, during a busy musical performance. Méndez also said that at least 155 people have so far been transferred to hospitals. Some local reports mentioned that there were between 500 and 1,000 people in the club. Also read: Trump admin tells migrants who entered US via CBP One app to leave immediately 'Too great a tragedy' as MLB star and singer died Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, was among the victims. Earlier, she had called President Luis Abinader at 12.49 am, saying she was trapped and that the roof had collapsed. As per officials said, Cruz died later at the hospital. "This is too great a tragedy," First Lady Raquel Arbaje told reporters. Also read: ‘Blame China, not Trump’: Piyush Goyal says Beijing’s malpractices created global trade imbalance A Major League Baseball star also lost his life. A 51-year-old retired MLB pitcher, Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series in 2011 with the St Louis Cardinals, died. As per local media, he was rescued alive but died of his injuries while being taken to the hospital. Renowned Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was on stage at the popular Jet Set nightclub when the roof caved in shortly after midnight, was one of those who died. Also read: 'How is China going to respond?': Ukraine captures Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia; Zelensky demands answers from Beijing (With inputs from agencies)

Dominican nightclub disaster: Retired MLB star, a famous singer among the dead; toll rises to 98

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