How fast can the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet really fly?

Did China ask its people 'not to respond to aliens'? Origin of bizarre claim on social media

MS Dhoni-CSK Fallout? Report claims failed stake sale talks triggered rift

Scientists reveal the SAFEST COUNTRY when catastrophe strikes the planet

Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing

2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods

Trump once again claims without him there would be ‘no Israel right now’

Foreign espionage attacks against German companies surge to 37%, Bitkom report reveals

Blake Lively wins partial legal fee from Justin Baldoni after $8M request

Why is Pakistan deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India border?

'OH MY GOD! We've found other agents!': Investigators discover not one or two, almost 700 OpenAI AI agents went rogue, hacked Hugging Face

Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. August Blood moon factsheet

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on global outreach tour 

Both pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in Lucknow – What we know

16-year-old charged with preparing terror attack on kindergarten in Norway

How the S-400 protects itself from enemy attacks

Nepal floods: Over 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid

India's multi-layered watch: The new surveillance war

5 doomsday planes spotted in US skies hours after CIA director's secret trip to Russia

9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to finally face trial in 2028, nearly 27 years after horrific attacks

Islamabad hospital fire: What we know about one of the biggest facility that housed Imran Khan

Workers run for life while filming Nepal flash flood: Scary new visuals emerge from Rasuwa

Russian military planes enter South Korean air defence zone amid rising tensions with North Korea: What's happening

Ron Weasley Is Back! Rupert Grint set to return to Harry Potter universe on Broadway

400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage

Dolly Parton, global icon and queen of country music, dies at 80

Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact

'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate

Man arrested near US Capitol with guillotine in pickup truck: What happened?

Why the Su-30MKI cockpit is painted bright turquoise green

The pyramids of Giza in Egypt are adept at staying in the headlines. First it was the revelation of a secret ancient city under the pyramids, and now a mystery "complex" has reportedly been spotted nearly 40 kilometres from them. Google Maps users have noticed the strange structure in the desert and are befuddled by it, the Daily Mail reported.
People are now speculating what it might be because there is no official identifier on Google Maps. The place is located at 29&deg;54'23"N 31&deg;08'02"E. The site has a structure shaped like a tooth or a horseshoe. There is a smaller one inside it with buildings that look like horns on top of it. The outer structure is surrounded by a saucer-shaped spaceship-like arrangement on three sides.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptians-buried-both-rich-and-poor-in-the-pyramids-of-sudan-8889033" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pyramids of Sudan were built by Egyptians, but are vastly different from the ones in Giza</a>
Some people think that it could be a "desert kit", a trap used in prehistoric times for mass hunting. Others think that it might be "a modern military facility", such as a military bunker for fighter jets.
Another Reddit user pointed out that it looks like a missile launch site as "similar shapes can be found in Iran." "Looks like what our fighter jet bunkers, or missile launchers, look like when they are in storage (you can find similar shapes in Iran, for example)," the user wrote.
"Based on the shape, it very well could have been a launch point with those dunes around it to act as blast walls."
<h2>A 'Stargate' like teleportation device in Egypt?</h2>
Meanwhile, there are some who are not shying away from calling it a "spaceship", owing to its saucer shape. One user compared it to "Stargate", a fictional Einstein&ndash;Rosen bridge portal device that is a part of the Stargate fictional universe.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-detect-huge-city-under-the-giza-pyramids-in-egypt-8880016" rel="dofollow">Scientists detect huge city under Giza pyramids in Egypt. Not possible, experts say</a>
"What in the Stargate is this?" a Google Maps user wrote.
The Google Maps photos have piqued curiosity, and people are now calling for someone to check on the structure. However, it might just be a military site, as several similar structures were built in Egypt between the 1950s and 1970s. These air defense sites were supposed to act as a wall safeguarding military bases, airfields, and other infrastructure from enemies.
<h2>The majestic Giza pyramids&nbsp;</h2>
The Giza pyramids were built around 4,500 years ago and comprise three pyramids - Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure - each constructed in the name of a pharaoh. &nbsp;Khufu is the oldest one and is also known as the Great Pyramid. The largest of the three, it is 480ft tall and 750ft wide at its base. The middle pyramid was built for Khafre, and Menkaure is the third one.

People think a mysterious complex lies near the Giza pyramids. Some think it could be a spaceship, others think it is a teleportation device. What is it? World Trending

The pyramids of Giza in Egypt are adept at staying in the headlines. First it was the revelation of a secret ancient city under the pyramids, and now a mystery "complex" has reportedly been spotted nearly 40 kilometres from them. Google Maps users have noticed the strange structure in the desert and are befuddled by it, the Daily Mail reported. People are now speculating what it might be because there is no official identifier on Google Maps. The place is located at 29°54'23"N 31°08'02"E. The site has a structure shaped like a tooth or a horseshoe. There is a smaller one inside it with buildings that look like horns on top of it. The outer structure is surrounded by a saucer-shaped spaceship-like arrangement on three sides. Also Read: Pyramids of Sudan were built by Egyptians, but are vastly different from the ones in Giza Some people think that it could be a "desert kit", a trap used in prehistoric times for mass hunting. Others think that it might be "a modern military facility", such as a military bunker for fighter jets. Another Reddit user pointed out that it looks like a missile launch site as "similar shapes can be found in Iran." "Looks like what our fighter jet bunkers, or missile launchers, look like when they are in storage (you can find similar shapes in Iran, for example)," the user wrote. "Based on the shape, it very well could have been a launch point with those dunes around it to act as blast walls." A 'Stargate' like teleportation device in Egypt? Meanwhile, there are some who are not shying away from calling it a "spaceship", owing to its saucer shape. One user compared it to "Stargate", a fictional Einstein–Rosen bridge portal device that is a part of the Stargate fictional universe. Also Read: Scientists detect huge city under Giza pyramids in Egypt. Not possible, experts say "What in the Stargate is this?" a Google Maps user wrote. The Google Maps photos have piqued curiosity, and people are now calling for someone to check on the structure. However, it might just be a military site, as several similar structures were built in Egypt between the 1950s and 1970s. These air defense sites were supposed to act as a wall safeguarding military bases, airfields, and other infrastructure from enemies. The majestic Giza pyramids The Giza pyramids were built around 4,500 years ago and comprise three pyramids - Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure - each constructed in the name of a pharaoh. Khufu is the oldest one and is also known as the Great Pyramid. The largest of the three, it is 480ft tall and 750ft wide at its base. The middle pyramid was built for Khafre, and Menkaure is the third one.

Google Maps users think they have spotted a 'teleportation device' near Giza pyramids

The remarks of Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, inviting China to expand its influence in India&rsquo;s northeastern states have offended many across the nation, but leaders from the North East are most miffed, with some even suggesting splitting up Bangladesh. Launching a tirade against Yunus&rsquo; comments, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called them &lsquo;offensive&rsquo; and &lsquo;strongly condemnable&rsquo; as he suggested ways to overcome the vulnerability narrative associated with India&rsquo;s strategic &lsquo;Chicken&rsquo;s Neck&rsquo; corridor.&nbsp; Pradyot Manikya, chief of the Tipra Motha Party, came up with a brutal and profound solution, suggesting that Bangladesh be split up to get access to the sea rather than spending money on costly engineering ideas.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seven-indian-states-are-landlocked-yunus-invites-china-to-expand-calls-bangladesh-only-guardian-of-ocean-8911289">'Seven Indian states are landlocked': Yunus invites China to expand, calls Bangladesh 'only guardian of ocean'</a> During his China visit last week, Yunus had urged Beijing to establish an economic foothold in Bangladesh by leveraging its strategic position, while claiming to be the &ldquo;only guardian of the ocean&rdquo; for the landlocked northeastern states of India, and &lsquo;invited&rsquo; China to make the area an &lsquo;extension&rsquo;. The video of Yunus&rsquo; remarks went viral on Monday, igniting a widespread condemnation. Yunus is being called names on social media.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-making-a-u-turn-ex-maoist-guerrilla-leads-fight-for-return-of-monarchy-hindu-nation-8911280">Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation</a>
&ldquo;The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh&rsquo;s so-called interim government referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access is offensive and strongly condemnable. This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India&rsquo;s strategic &lsquo;Chicken&rsquo;s Neck&rsquo; corridor (sic),&rdquo; Sarma said in a post on X.
&ldquo;Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this critical passageway to isolate the Northeast from the mainland physically,&rdquo; he added, and suggested scaling up infrastructure in the region.&nbsp; &ldquo;It is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chicken&rsquo;s Neck corridor,&rdquo; he said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8ye7awl-b9hlp1dt-udvugcm7">
The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh so called interim Government referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access, is offensive and strongly condemnable. This remark underscores the&hellip;
&mdash; Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1906900955532042395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
 Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Manikya came up with a more blistering reaction, suggesting that India adopt a more aggressive approach. &ldquo;Rather than spending billions on innovative and challenging engineering ideas, we might as well break up Bangladesh and have our own access to the sea,&rdquo; Manikya said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8ye7zgt-qk3wg6fy-2bbch58s">
Rather than spending billions on innovative and challenging engineering ideas we might as well break up Bangladesh and have our own access to the sea . The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes which always wanted to be part of india since 1947 . There&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/rcjs6msae7">https://t.co/rcjs6msae7</a>
&mdash; Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) <a href="https://twitter.com/PradyotManikya/status/1906924621166968868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
 He further called India&rsquo;s decision to relinquish control over Chittagong port in 1947 &ldquo;the biggest mistake&rdquo; and validated his plan by pointing out the pro-India leanings of the indigenous groups that historically ruled Chittagong. &ldquo;The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes that always wanted to be part of India since 1947. There are lakhs and lakhs of Tripuri, Garo, Khasi, and Chakma people residing in Bangladesh in terrible conditions in their traditional lands. This should be utilized for our national interest and for their well-being,&rdquo; he added.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firm-with-china-link-faces-inquiry-after-bangkok-skyscraper-collapse-in-quake-8907316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Firm with China link faces inquiry after Bangkok skyscraper collapse in quake</a>
Opposition party Congress leader Pawan Khera also slammed Yunus&rsquo; remarks, warning of the strategic threat posed by China&rsquo;s growing influence in the region. He accused the Union government of failing to safeguard the Northeast. &ldquo;Bangladesh is inviting China to encircle India. This attitude of the Bangladesh government is very dangerous for the security of our North East region. The government is not taking care of Manipur, and China has already settled villages in Arunachal,&rdquo; Khera wrote in a post on X in Hindi. The remarks of Yunus reflect his shift towards China after political upheaval and change in Dhaka, even though Bangladesh owes its very existence to India, which had played a major role in its creation. Incidentally, some social media marked the irony in Yunus&rsquo; comments and pointed out that Bangladesh is itself almost completely surrounded by India.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmars-military-dropped-bombs-3-hours-after-quake-devastation-un-slams-junta-8907065" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Myanmar&rsquo;s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta</a>

World | Bangladesh: Pradyot Manikya, chief of the Tipra Motha Party, came up with a brutal and profound solution, suggesting that Bangladesh be split up to get access to the sea rather than spending money on costly engineering ideas.

The remarks of Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, inviting China to expand its influence in India’s northeastern states have offended many across the nation, but leaders from the North East are most miffed, with some even suggesting splitting up Bangladesh. Launching a tirade against Yunus’ comments, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called them ‘offensive’ and ‘strongly condemnable’ as he suggested ways to overcome the vulnerability narrative associated with India’s strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor. Pradyot Manikya, chief of the Tipra Motha Party, came up with a brutal and profound solution, suggesting that Bangladesh be split up to get access to the sea rather than spending money on costly engineering ideas. Also read | 'Seven Indian states are landlocked': Yunus invites China to expand, calls Bangladesh 'only guardian of ocean' During his China visit last week, Yunus had urged Beijing to establish an economic foothold in Bangladesh by leveraging its strategic position, while claiming to be the “only guardian of the ocean” for the landlocked northeastern states of India, and ‘invited’ China to make the area an ‘extension’. The video of Yunus’ remarks went viral on Monday, igniting a widespread condemnation. Yunus is being called names on social media. Also Read | Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation “The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh’s so-called interim government referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access is offensive and strongly condemnable. This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India’s strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor (sic),” Sarma said in a post on X. “Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this critical passageway to isolate the Northeast from the mainland physically,” he added, and suggested scaling up infrastructure in the region. “It is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chicken’s Neck corridor,” he said. The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh so called interim Government referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access, is offensive and strongly condemnable. This remark underscores the… — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 1, 2025 Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Manikya came up with a more blistering reaction, suggesting that India adopt a more aggressive approach. “Rather than spending billions on innovative and challenging engineering ideas, we might as well break up Bangladesh and have our own access to the sea,” Manikya said. Rather than spending billions on innovative and challenging engineering ideas we might as well break up Bangladesh and have our own access to the sea . The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes which always wanted to be part of india since 1947 . There… https://t.co/rcjs6msae7 — Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) April 1, 2025 He further called India’s decision to relinquish control over Chittagong port in 1947 “the biggest mistake” and validated his plan by pointing out the pro-India leanings of the indigenous groups that historically ruled Chittagong. “The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes that always wanted to be part of India since 1947. There are lakhs and lakhs of Tripuri, Garo, Khasi, and Chakma people residing in Bangladesh in terrible conditions in their traditional lands. This should be utilized for our national interest and for their well-being,” he added. Also Read | Firm with China link faces inquiry after Bangkok skyscraper collapse in quake Opposition party Congress leader Pawan Khera also slammed Yunus’ remarks, warning of the strategic threat posed by China’s growing influence in the region. He accused the Union government of failing to safeguard the Northeast. “Bangladesh is inviting China to encircle India. This attitude of the Bangladesh government is very dangerous for the security of our North East region. The government is not taking care of Manipur, and China has already settled villages in Arunachal,” Khera wrote in a post on X in Hindi. The remarks of Yunus reflect his shift towards China after political upheaval and change in Dhaka, even though Bangladesh owes its very existence to India, which had played a major role in its creation. Incidentally, some social media marked the irony in Yunus’ comments and pointed out that Bangladesh is itself almost completely surrounded by India. Also read | Myanmar’s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta

‘Better to split up Bangladesh than…’: Northeast leader’s response to Yunus remark

Tesla CEO Elon Musk hit back at influencer Ashley St Clair after she alleged that she had to sell her Tesla because the billionaire made cuts to the child support payments.
Musk claimed that he had given $2.5 million and had been sending $500,000 a year to St Clair, despite not knowing whether the child was his.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-is-behind-in-brain-chip-war-jeff-bezos-and-bill-gates-are-winning-8912887">Who is winning the brain chip war? Not Musk, but a company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates</a>
Responding to a post on X by Laura Loomer, who called St Clair a &lsquo;gold digger&rsquo; and &lsquo;professional gaslighter&rsquo;, Musk said: &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know if the child is mine or not, but am not against finding out. No court order is needed.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Despite not knowing for sure, I have given Ashley $2.5M and am sending her $500k/year,&rdquo; he claimed.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/did-elon-musk-just-pull-off-a-coup-with-xai-deal-8912723">Did Elon Musk just pull off a coup with xAI deal?</a>
In the video shared by Loomer, St Clair was seen selling her electric car. She told reporters, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m selling it because I need to make up for the 60 per cent cut that Elon made to our son&rsquo;s child support.&rdquo;
<h2>St Clair responds to Musk</h2>
Calling Musk a &ldquo;petulant man-child&rdquo;, St Clair wrote on X, &ldquo;Elon, we asked you to confirm paternity through a test before our child (who you named) was even born. You refused.&nbsp;
&ldquo;And you weren&rsquo;t sending *me* money, you were sending support for your child that you thought was necessary&hellip; until you withdrew most of it to maintain control and punish me for &lsquo;disobedience.&rsquo; But you&rsquo;re really only punishing your son,&rdquo; she added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-musk-run-doge-will-end-at-certain-point-when-will-it-end-and-why-8912264">Donald Trump says Musk-run DOGE will end at 'certain point'? When will it end?</a>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s ironic that your last effort in court was to try to gag me while you use a social media channel you literally own to distribute derogatory messages about me and our child to the entire world. It&rsquo;s all about control with you, and everyone can see it,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;America needs you to grow up, you petulant man-child.
Last month, St Clair, 26, demanded that the billionaire submit a genetic test to determine if he is the father of the child in a paternity suit filed two weeks after she made the shocking announcement on X.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-backfire-elon-musk-slams-marine-le-pen-election-ban-as-abuse-of-power-compare-it-to-trump-trials-8911192">&lsquo;This will backfire&rsquo;: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as &lsquo;abuse of power&rsquo;, compares it to Trump trials</a>
According to the paternity petition, which was filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court, the influencer and Tesla CEO conceived the child in January 2024 during a trip to St. Barts. It also included a photograph of Musk holding the child. St. Clair claims that the billionaire has met the child on three occasions.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | Musk claimed that he had given $2.5 million and had been sending $500,000 a year to St Clair, despite not knowing whether the child was his.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk hit back at influencer Ashley St Clair after she alleged that she had to sell her Tesla because the billionaire made cuts to the child support payments. Musk claimed that he had given $2.5 million and had been sending $500,000 a year to St Clair, despite not knowing whether the child was his. Also read | Who is winning the brain chip war? Not Musk, but a company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates Responding to a post on X by Laura Loomer, who called St Clair a ‘gold digger’ and ‘professional gaslighter’, Musk said: “I don’t know if the child is mine or not, but am not against finding out. No court order is needed.” “Despite not knowing for sure, I have given Ashley $2.5M and am sending her $500k/year,” he claimed. Also read | Did Elon Musk just pull off a coup with xAI deal? In the video shared by Loomer, St Clair was seen selling her electric car. She told reporters, “I’m selling it because I need to make up for the 60 per cent cut that Elon made to our son’s child support.” St Clair responds to Musk Calling Musk a “petulant man-child”, St Clair wrote on X, “Elon, we asked you to confirm paternity through a test before our child (who you named) was even born. You refused. “And you weren’t sending *me* money, you were sending support for your child that you thought was necessary… until you withdrew most of it to maintain control and punish me for ‘disobedience.’ But you’re really only punishing your son,” she added. Also read | Donald Trump says Musk-run DOGE will end at 'certain point'? When will it end? “It’s ironic that your last effort in court was to try to gag me while you use a social media channel you literally own to distribute derogatory messages about me and our child to the entire world. It’s all about control with you, and everyone can see it,” she said. “America needs you to grow up, you petulant man-child. Last month, St Clair, 26, demanded that the billionaire submit a genetic test to determine if he is the father of the child in a paternity suit filed two weeks after she made the shocking announcement on X. Also read | ‘This will backfire’: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as ‘abuse of power’, compares it to Trump trials According to the paternity petition, which was filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court, the influencer and Tesla CEO conceived the child in January 2024 during a trip to St. Barts. It also included a photograph of Musk holding the child. St. Clair claims that the billionaire has met the child on three occasions. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Don’t know if child is mine…’: Musk claims giving Ashley St Clair $500k/year amid child support cut allegations

Sweden, where the authorities have warned repeatedly that the country should prepare for the risk of war, has announced a $10-million investment to check and renovate its civil defence shelters. &nbsp;
The Nordic country has 64,000 defence bunkers -- more than nearly any other nation in the world -- with space overall for around seven million people.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-probes-baltic-sea-cable-sabotage-as-fears-of-russian-hybrid-warfare-grow-8744223">Sweden probes Baltic Sea cable sabotage as fears of Russian &lsquo;hybrid warfare&rsquo; grow</a>
Since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, its Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has stepped up inspections of the shelters, some of which are large enough to accommodate thousands of people at a time.&nbsp;
According to the MSB, civil defence shelters provide protection against shockwaves and bomb fragments, the blast and heatwaves from a nuclear weapon, radioactive fallout, gas from chemical weapons and biological weapons.
The government is also investing in improving the emergency services' capacity to operate during conflicts, strengthening cybersecurity and replenishing medicine stocks.&nbsp;
MSB said on Monday it had begun a huge project to modernise the nuclear shelters, a task it expected to take "two to three years".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-school-shooting-five-people-shot-at-in-school-in-orebro-8690494">Sweden shooting: Around 10, including suspect, dead in attack at education centre in Orebro</a>
So far, work has started on 25 of the 80 especially large shelters, it said.&nbsp;
In 2025, MSB plans to replace filters which help protect people in the shelters from chemical and radiological weapons.&nbsp;The latter spread radioactive contamination into the environment.&nbsp;
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in January Sweden was "not at war but there is not peace either", citing hybrid attacks, suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea and a proxy conflict fought on its soil. &nbsp;
Stockholm slashed military spending after the end of the Cold War but began increasing it again when Russia unilaterally annexed Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;
The authorities reactivated Sweden's "total defence" strategy -- combining both military and civil defence activities -- in 2015.
They began strengthening it further after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Among other things, the government has created the post of minister for civil defence to work alongside the armed forces minister, so civilians can be mobilised as well as the military.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sweden, where the authorities have warned repeatedly that the country should prepare for the risk of war, has announced a $10-million investment to check and renovate its civil defence shelters. World

Sweden, where the authorities have warned repeatedly that the country should prepare for the risk of war, has announced a $10-million investment to check and renovate its civil defence shelters. The Nordic country has 64,000 defence bunkers -- more than nearly any other nation in the world -- with space overall for around seven million people. Also read: Sweden probes Baltic Sea cable sabotage as fears of Russian ‘hybrid warfare’ grow Since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, its Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has stepped up inspections of the shelters, some of which are large enough to accommodate thousands of people at a time. According to the MSB, civil defence shelters provide protection against shockwaves and bomb fragments, the blast and heatwaves from a nuclear weapon, radioactive fallout, gas from chemical weapons and biological weapons. The government is also investing in improving the emergency services' capacity to operate during conflicts, strengthening cybersecurity and replenishing medicine stocks. MSB said on Monday it had begun a huge project to modernise the nuclear shelters, a task it expected to take "two to three years". Also read: Sweden shooting: Around 10, including suspect, dead in attack at education centre in Orebro So far, work has started on 25 of the 80 especially large shelters, it said. In 2025, MSB plans to replace filters which help protect people in the shelters from chemical and radiological weapons. The latter spread radioactive contamination into the environment. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in January Sweden was "not at war but there is not peace either", citing hybrid attacks, suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea and a proxy conflict fought on its soil. Stockholm slashed military spending after the end of the Cold War but began increasing it again when Russia unilaterally annexed Crimea in 2014. The authorities reactivated Sweden's "total defence" strategy -- combining both military and civil defence activities -- in 2015. They began strengthening it further after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Among other things, the government has created the post of minister for civil defence to work alongside the armed forces minister, so civilians can be mobilised as well as the military. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

At 'risk of war': Sweden invests $10 million in civil defence shelters

The death toll in Myanmar following a massive earthquake has risen to 2,719 on Tuesday (Apr 1), while 4,521 were wounded and over 400 remain missing, said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The toll is expected to climb to 3,000.
On Monday (Mar 31), a minute&rsquo;s silence was observed to honour the victims of the destructive 7.7 magnitude quake that hit the country last week on Friday (Mar 28). The tremors also affected neighbouring countries, including Thailand, China, Vietnam and some parts of India, resulting in widespread damage and devastation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smallest-coffins-are-the-heaviest-quake-hit-myanmar-mourns-death-of-12-pre-school-children-8912041">Smallest coffins are the heaviest: Quake-hit Myanmar mourns death of 12 pre-school children</a>
<h2>How long can trapped victims survive?</h2>
As rescue workers search for victims under the rubble following the earthquake, the question arises of how long the trapped people can survive. This also depends on weather conditions and access to water and air.
According to experts, the victims can survive for a week or more if their injuries are not too severe and the weather is not too hot or cold.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-earthquake-india-hands-over-50-tons-of-relief-material-as-death-toll-surpasses-2000-8911391">Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000</a>
Most rescues take place within 24 hours after a disaster, as the chances of survival reduce every day after that, they added, as cited by AP. The majority of the victims are badly hurt or buried by falling debris.
Geophysicist Victor Tsai from Brown University told AP that chances of survival increase if the victim is in a debris-free pocket called void space, like a sturdy desk, which could keep them safe while they wait for the rescue.
Expert Dr. Joseph Barbera, an associate professor at George Washington University, noted that fire, smoke or hazardous chemicals released in a building collapse may reduce the chances of survival.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-declares-week-of-mourning-as-death-toll-surpasses-2000-8910956">Myanmar declares week of mourning as death toll surpasses 2,000</a>
Apart from this, having air to breathe and water to drink are also necessary for survival as the days go on.
&ldquo;You could survive a while without food,&rdquo; Barbera said. &ldquo;You could survive less without water.&rdquo;
The temperature can also affect the survival chances of a victim trapped inside the debris, while outside temperature can affect the rescue operations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tear-a-sniffle-a-cry-eid-prayers-offered-amid-devastation-in-earthquake-hit-myanmar-8910436">A tear, a sniffle, a cry: Eid prayers offered amid devastation in earthquake-hit Myanmar</a>
The power outages and poor communication have affected the relief operations in Myanmar as the rescuers search for survivors in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. A lack of heavy machinery has also slowed down the rescue efforts.
Barbera added that it is crucial that survivors receive vital medical care before they are removed from the rubble, otherwise, the buildup of toxins due to crushed muscles could result in them going into shock after they are rescued.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | According to experts, the victims can survive for a week or more if their injuries are not too severe and the weather is not too hot or cold.

The death toll in Myanmar following a massive earthquake has risen to 2,719 on Tuesday (Apr 1), while 4,521 were wounded and over 400 remain missing, said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The toll is expected to climb to 3,000. On Monday (Mar 31), a minute’s silence was observed to honour the victims of the destructive 7.7 magnitude quake that hit the country last week on Friday (Mar 28). The tremors also affected neighbouring countries, including Thailand, China, Vietnam and some parts of India, resulting in widespread damage and devastation. Also read | Smallest coffins are the heaviest: Quake-hit Myanmar mourns death of 12 pre-school children How long can trapped victims survive? As rescue workers search for victims under the rubble following the earthquake, the question arises of how long the trapped people can survive. This also depends on weather conditions and access to water and air. According to experts, the victims can survive for a week or more if their injuries are not too severe and the weather is not too hot or cold. Also read | Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000 Most rescues take place within 24 hours after a disaster, as the chances of survival reduce every day after that, they added, as cited by AP. The majority of the victims are badly hurt or buried by falling debris. Geophysicist Victor Tsai from Brown University told AP that chances of survival increase if the victim is in a debris-free pocket called void space, like a sturdy desk, which could keep them safe while they wait for the rescue. Expert Dr. Joseph Barbera, an associate professor at George Washington University, noted that fire, smoke or hazardous chemicals released in a building collapse may reduce the chances of survival. Also read | Myanmar declares week of mourning as death toll surpasses 2,000 Apart from this, having air to breathe and water to drink are also necessary for survival as the days go on. “You could survive a while without food,” Barbera said. “You could survive less without water.” The temperature can also affect the survival chances of a victim trapped inside the debris, while outside temperature can affect the rescue operations. Also read | A tear, a sniffle, a cry: Eid prayers offered amid devastation in earthquake-hit Myanmar The power outages and poor communication have affected the relief operations in Myanmar as the rescuers search for survivors in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. A lack of heavy machinery has also slowed down the rescue efforts. Barbera added that it is crucial that survivors receive vital medical care before they are removed from the rubble, otherwise, the buildup of toxins due to crushed muscles could result in them going into shock after they are rescued. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar earthquake: Death toll nears 3,000, what are the survival chances of people trapped under rubble?

<div class="txt-meta">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Tuesday he had reversed a decision to appoint former navy commander Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit as security agency chief following criticism, including from a key US senator.</div>
<div class="txt-textContent tinyscrollbar-y jq_ScrollBar initialized scrollbar-visible">
<div class="viewport jq_AutoHeight">
<div class="overview">
<div class="text fontsize_1 jq_Content jq_langdir">
Netanyahu had announced Sharvit's appointment on Monday, pushing back against a supreme court decision to freeze his government's move to dismiss incumbent director Ronen Bar.
It later emerged that the former naval chief had publicly opposed key policies of the Netanyahu government and US President Donald Trump.
"The prime minister thanked Vice Admiral Sharvit for his willingness to be called to duty but informed him that, after further consideration, he intends to examine other candidates," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
The prime minister announced Bar's dismissal on March 21, citing an "ongoing lack of trust", but the supreme court swiftly suspended the decision until April 8.&nbsp;
The move to dismiss him has sparked daily mass protests in Jerusalem, disrupting the city.
On Monday, hours after Sharvit's appointment was announced, reports began surfacing that he had been among tens of thousands of Israelis who took to the streets in 2023 to oppose the Netanyahu government's attempts to reform the judiciary.&nbsp;
Israeli media reports also recalled that Sharvit, who served in the military for 36 years, had supported a 2022 water agreement with Lebanon that Netanyahu had opposed.&nbsp;
<h2>- 'Beyond problematic' -</h2>
It was also revealed that the nominee had penned an opinion piece criticising the US president's policies on climate change, prompting staunch Trump ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, to criticise his appointment in a post on X.
"While it is undeniably true that America has no better friend than&nbsp;Israel, the appointment of Eli Sharvit to be the new leader of the Shin Bet is beyond problematic," Graham wrote on Monday.&nbsp;
"There has never been a better supporter for the State of&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;than President Trump. The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his polices will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is change course and do better vetting."
Sharvit's criticism of the US president was published by Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist on January 23 under the headline: "Not just a political mistake: Trump is pushing the earth to the abyss."
Israeli opposition leaders have warned that if the top court overturns Bar's dismissal, the country could face a constitutional crisis.
Legal experts told AFP on Monday that Netanyahu had so far not violated any law in his moves to find a replacement for Bar.
Opposition leader Benny Gantz warned that the country could be on the brink of a crisis by pitting the judiciary against the executive.
He said no decision should be taken on the leadership of the Shin Bet until after the supreme court's decision.
Bar's relationship with the Netanyahu government soured after he blamed the executive for Hamas's October 2023 attack, and following a Shin Bet probe into alleged covert payments from Qatar to a Netanyahu aide.
Netanyahu testified in the investigation on Monday denouncing it as a "political witch hunt" aimed at "preventing the dismissal" of Bar.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Netanyahu had announced Sharvit's appointment on Monday, pushing back against a supreme court decision to freeze his government's move to dismiss Ronen Bar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Tuesday he had reversed a decision to appoint former navy commander Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit as security agency chief following criticism, including from a key US senator. Netanyahu had announced Sharvit's appointment on Monday, pushing back against a supreme court decision to freeze his government's move to dismiss incumbent director Ronen Bar. It later emerged that the former naval chief had publicly opposed key policies of the Netanyahu government and US President Donald Trump. "The prime minister thanked Vice Admiral Sharvit for his willingness to be called to duty but informed him that, after further consideration, he intends to examine other candidates," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. The prime minister announced Bar's dismissal on March 21, citing an "ongoing lack of trust", but the supreme court swiftly suspended the decision until April 8. The move to dismiss him has sparked daily mass protests in Jerusalem, disrupting the city. On Monday, hours after Sharvit's appointment was announced, reports began surfacing that he had been among tens of thousands of Israelis who took to the streets in 2023 to oppose the Netanyahu government's attempts to reform the judiciary. Israeli media reports also recalled that Sharvit, who served in the military for 36 years, had supported a 2022 water agreement with Lebanon that Netanyahu had opposed. - 'Beyond problematic' - It was also revealed that the nominee had penned an opinion piece criticising the US president's policies on climate change, prompting staunch Trump ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, to criticise his appointment in a post on X. "While it is undeniably true that America has no better friend than Israel, the appointment of Eli Sharvit to be the new leader of the Shin Bet is beyond problematic," Graham wrote on Monday. "There has never been a better supporter for the State of Israel than President Trump. The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his polices will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is change course and do better vetting." Sharvit's criticism of the US president was published by Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist on January 23 under the headline: "Not just a political mistake: Trump is pushing the earth to the abyss." Israeli opposition leaders have warned that if the top court overturns Bar's dismissal, the country could face a constitutional crisis. Legal experts told AFP on Monday that Netanyahu had so far not violated any law in his moves to find a replacement for Bar. Opposition leader Benny Gantz warned that the country could be on the brink of a crisis by pitting the judiciary against the executive. He said no decision should be taken on the leadership of the Shin Bet until after the supreme court's decision. Bar's relationship with the Netanyahu government soured after he blamed the executive for Hamas's October 2023 attack, and following a Shin Bet probe into alleged covert payments from Qatar to a Netanyahu aide. Netanyahu testified in the investigation on Monday denouncing it as a "political witch hunt" aimed at "preventing the dismissal" of Bar. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu drops security chief nominee under fire from Trump ally

Elon Musk's Neuralink has been developing brain chips that can be implanted to let people with paralysis control objects using their minds. Noland Arbaugh was the company's first human patient, a quadriplegic who received a brain implant a year ago. He recently informed the world that he has "had no negative side effects, neither physically nor psychologically."
Neuralink is now developing a brain chip that will help blind people see again. Musk recently announced that it is known as Blindsight and will be implanted into a human for the first time this year. The billionaire said that the animal trials were successful and the monkeys on which it was tested were healthy.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musk-announces-first-implant-of-neuralinks-blindsight-vision-chip-in-human-by-end-of-2025-8910737" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Musk announces first implant of Neuralink&rsquo;s Blindsight vision chip in human by end of 2025</a>
However, a collaboration between a Chinese research institute and a tech company might beat Musk at this game. The tie-up has announced that it is working towards implanting its brain chip into 13 people by the end of this year.&nbsp;
<h2>Chinese initiative racing ahead with brain implants</h2>
Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech have already inserted Beinao No.1, a semi-invasive wireless brain chip, into three patients in the past month. Ten other patients are lined up for the brain implants this year, Luo Minmin, director of CIBR and NeuCyber's chief scientist, said.
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/did-elon-musk-just-pull-off-a-coup-with-xai-deal-8912723" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Did Elon Musk just pull off a coup with xAI deal?</a>
The tie-up has grand plans for 2026. "Next year, after getting regulatory approval,l we will do formal clinical trials that will include around 50 patients," Luo told reporters on the sidelines of the tech-focussed Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing.&nbsp;
State media released videos this month showing paralytic patients using the Beinao No. 1 brain chip to control a robotic arm to pour a cup of water. They could also transmit their thoughts onto a computer screen.
<h2>What is Neuralink doing?</h2>
Meanwhile, Neuralink has filed trademarks for the term "Blindsight," along with "telepathy" and "telekinesis," with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The company installed brain chips in three patients in January 2024, which helped them control their body movements with just their thoughts.
<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/3103_SUMIT_CHIP_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3103_SUMIT_CHIP_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=145&amp;tags=neuralink, elon musk, chip, eyesight, brain" title="Musk's Neuralink to cure blindness with new brain chip in 2025" id="PL_iframe_block-m8y8k8e3-nj2gmvfx-6s4d0ic6"></iframe>
Now, Neuralink is working to help blind people see with the Blindsight chip. However, it does not have a timeline and requires further testing. However, it is not the only American company in the field.
<h2>Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates invest in another brain chip company</h2>
BCI company Synchron is currently the leader in brain chip human trials, with 10 patients, six in the United States and four in Australia. Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are among the investors in the company. This puts Musk's Neuralink way behind the other companies working on brain chip implants.
<h2>How is Neuralink different?</h2>
However, there is a major difference between what Neuralink is doing and what the Chinese tie-up and Synchron do. Musk's company creates wireless brain chips that are inserted inside the brain to maximise signal quality. Meanwhile, the other companies make semi-invasive chips or brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, which are placed on the brain's surface. The latter has a major advantage since they pose less risk of brain tissue damage and other post-surgery complications. The signal quality is compromised in the process.

Neuralink makes brain chips to help people control objects with their minds. However, it faces tough competition from a Chinese and an American company. World Trending

Elon Musk's Neuralink has been developing brain chips that can be implanted to let people with paralysis control objects using their minds. Noland Arbaugh was the company's first human patient, a quadriplegic who received a brain implant a year ago. He recently informed the world that he has "had no negative side effects, neither physically nor psychologically." Neuralink is now developing a brain chip that will help blind people see again. Musk recently announced that it is known as Blindsight and will be implanted into a human for the first time this year. The billionaire said that the animal trials were successful and the monkeys on which it was tested were healthy. Also Read: Musk announces first implant of Neuralink’s Blindsight vision chip in human by end of 2025 However, a collaboration between a Chinese research institute and a tech company might beat Musk at this game. The tie-up has announced that it is working towards implanting its brain chip into 13 people by the end of this year. Chinese initiative racing ahead with brain implants Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech have already inserted Beinao No.1, a semi-invasive wireless brain chip, into three patients in the past month. Ten other patients are lined up for the brain implants this year, Luo Minmin, director of CIBR and NeuCyber's chief scientist, said. Also Read: Did Elon Musk just pull off a coup with xAI deal? The tie-up has grand plans for 2026. "Next year, after getting regulatory approval,l we will do formal clinical trials that will include around 50 patients," Luo told reporters on the sidelines of the tech-focussed Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing. State media released videos this month showing paralytic patients using the Beinao No. 1 brain chip to control a robotic arm to pour a cup of water. They could also transmit their thoughts onto a computer screen. What is Neuralink doing? Meanwhile, Neuralink has filed trademarks for the term "Blindsight," along with "telepathy" and "telekinesis," with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The company installed brain chips in three patients in January 2024, which helped them control their body movements with just their thoughts. Now, Neuralink is working to help blind people see with the Blindsight chip. However, it does not have a timeline and requires further testing. However, it is not the only American company in the field. Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates invest in another brain chip company BCI company Synchron is currently the leader in brain chip human trials, with 10 patients, six in the United States and four in Australia. Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are among the investors in the company. This puts Musk's Neuralink way behind the other companies working on brain chip implants. How is Neuralink different? However, there is a major difference between what Neuralink is doing and what the Chinese tie-up and Synchron do. Musk's company creates wireless brain chips that are inserted inside the brain to maximise signal quality. Meanwhile, the other companies make semi-invasive chips or brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, which are placed on the brain's surface. The latter has a major advantage since they pose less risk of brain tissue damage and other post-surgery complications. The signal quality is compromised in the process.

Who is winning the brain chip war? Not Musk, but a company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates

Israel on Tuesday confirmed that a key Hezbollah official was targeted in an overnight airstrike on a southern suburb of Lebanon's capital Beirut. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the strike killed at least three people and wounded seven more.&nbsp;
<h2>Who was Hassan Bdair?&nbsp;</h2>
In a joint statement, the Israeli military, Shin Bet and Mossad said that the target of the overnight airstrike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut was Hassan Bdair, a member of Hezbollah and the Iranian IRGC Quds Force. They said that Bdair was a member of Hezbollah&rsquo;s Unit 3900 and the Quds Force.&nbsp;
The joint statement included a rare public comment from the Mossad, Israel's spy agency. It said that Bdair was recently operating in coordination with Hamas and directing members of the Palestinian militant group to carry out a "significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians".&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8yc51b2-kzvezop0-j5qx82p5">
🔴 Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir, a terrorist in Hezbollah's Unit 3900 and the Iranian Quds Force, was eliminated in the Dahieh area. Bdeir recently operated in cooperation with the Hamas terrorist organization, assisting them in planning and advancing a significant and imminent&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/0fpYiEIZvk">https://t.co/0fpYiEIZvk</a>
&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1907002939073282400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-independence-means-war-with-19-warships-china-launches-military-exercises-around-taiwan-8911751">'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan</a>&nbsp;
The strike was carried out by fighter jets, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). IDF claimed that the strike was carried out because the attack Bdair was planning was considered to be imminent.&nbsp;
Earlier, a source close to Hezbollah told the news agency AFP that the strike "targeted Hassan Bdair, Hezbollah's deputy head for the Palestinian file" who was "at home with his family" at the time.&nbsp;
"Overnight... the (Israeli air force) struck and eliminated the terrorist Hassan Ali Mahmud Bdair... in the Dahieh area" of Beirut, the military and the security services said in a joint statement.&nbsp;
Also read: <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>
<h2>Hezbollah lawmaker's appeal</h2>
In an appeal, Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Musawi asked the Lebanese state to act after the strike, which was the second in days despite a Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire.&nbsp;
While standing near the strike site, Musawi told journalists that Lebanese authorities must "act with the highest level of effectiveness, make the international community bear its responsibility, and take the highest level of measures to guarantee the safety of the Lebanese".&nbsp;
Musawi added that "what happened is a very big attack".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-trump-want-from-putin-us-prez-comments-on-ukraine-peace-deal-says-its-something-i-would-do-if-8911644">What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...'</a>
<h2>PM and president condemn strike&nbsp;</h2>
Meanwhile, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, calling on international allies to support the country's right to full territorial sovereignty.
"Israel's persistence in its aggression requires more effort from us in addressing Lebanon's friends around the world and rallying them in support of our right to full sovereignty over our land," Aoun said in a statement released by the presidency.&nbsp;
Aoun called the strike "a dangerous warning" of intentions against Lebanon.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-iran-attack-us-base-in-diego-garcia-as-b2-bombers-globemaster-planes-land-in-major-military-buildup-what-we-know-8912170">Will Iran attack US base in Diego Garcia as B2 bombers, Globemaster planes land in major military buildup? What we know</a>
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the strike was a "clear breach" of a ceasefire. In a statement issued by his office, Salam condemned the strike as "a clear breach of the arrangements of the cessation of hostilities" and a "flagrant violation of United Nations Resolution 1701", a Security Council decision that ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and served as the foundation of the November truce.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, calling on international allies to support the country's right to full territorial sovereignty

Israel on Tuesday confirmed that a key Hezbollah official was targeted in an overnight airstrike on a southern suburb of Lebanon's capital Beirut. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the strike killed at least three people and wounded seven more. Who was Hassan Bdair? In a joint statement, the Israeli military, Shin Bet and Mossad said that the target of the overnight airstrike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut was Hassan Bdair, a member of Hezbollah and the Iranian IRGC Quds Force. They said that Bdair was a member of Hezbollah’s Unit 3900 and the Quds Force. The joint statement included a rare public comment from the Mossad, Israel's spy agency. It said that Bdair was recently operating in coordination with Hamas and directing members of the Palestinian militant group to carry out a "significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians". 🔴 Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir, a terrorist in Hezbollah's Unit 3900 and the Iranian Quds Force, was eliminated in the Dahieh area. Bdeir recently operated in cooperation with the Hamas terrorist organization, assisting them in planning and advancing a significant and imminent… https://t.co/0fpYiEIZvk — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 1, 2025 Also read: 'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan The strike was carried out by fighter jets, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). IDF claimed that the strike was carried out because the attack Bdair was planning was considered to be imminent. Earlier, a source close to Hezbollah told the news agency AFP that the strike "targeted Hassan Bdair, Hezbollah's deputy head for the Palestinian file" who was "at home with his family" at the time. "Overnight... the (Israeli air force) struck and eliminated the terrorist Hassan Ali Mahmud Bdair... in the Dahieh area" of Beirut, the military and the security services said in a joint statement. Also read: Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' Hezbollah lawmaker's appeal In an appeal, Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Musawi asked the Lebanese state to act after the strike, which was the second in days despite a Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire. While standing near the strike site, Musawi told journalists that Lebanese authorities must "act with the highest level of effectiveness, make the international community bear its responsibility, and take the highest level of measures to guarantee the safety of the Lebanese". Musawi added that "what happened is a very big attack". Also read: What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...' PM and president condemn strike Meanwhile, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, calling on international allies to support the country's right to full territorial sovereignty. "Israel's persistence in its aggression requires more effort from us in addressing Lebanon's friends around the world and rallying them in support of our right to full sovereignty over our land," Aoun said in a statement released by the presidency. Aoun called the strike "a dangerous warning" of intentions against Lebanon. Also read: Will Iran attack US base in Diego Garcia as B2 bombers, Globemaster planes land in major military buildup? What we know Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the strike was a "clear breach" of a ceasefire. In a statement issued by his office, Salam condemned the strike as "a clear breach of the arrangements of the cessation of hostilities" and a "flagrant violation of United Nations Resolution 1701", a Security Council decision that ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and served as the foundation of the November truce. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah official Hassan Bdair 'eliminated' in Beirut strike, Israel claims. Who was he?

A new study has found that the island of Hawaii is fast sinking. Ironically, it was birthed in an exactly opposite process when, a million years ago, the Pacific Island Plate moved on top of a volcanic hotspot, creating islands from the heart of Earth's crust, which are today known to us as Hawaii.&nbsp;
A study published in the journal Communications Earth &amp; Environment studied subsidence on the island of O&rsquo;ahu and found stark differences in the rate at which the island was sinking in different parts. Some areas of the island had a subsidence rate of around just 0.6 millimeters per year. However, some regions are sinking 40 times faster than expected, going down a staggering 25 millimetres per year.
<h2>Risk of flooding in Hawaii</h2>
The researchers have raised alarm about "future flood exposure" in the current scenario. "In rapidly subsiding areas, sea level rise impacts will be felt much sooner than previously estimated, which means that we must prepare for flooding on a shorter timeline," UH Manoa&rsquo;s Kyle Murray, lead author of the study, said.
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/youth-is-more-worried-about-money-and-work-than-social-media-climate-or-culture-war-poll-8911318" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Youth more worried about money and work than social media, climate or culture war: Poll</a>
The researchers pointed out the reason behind the problem, which is that places built on soft sediment or artificial fill can sink in faster. This includes the industrial areas of Mapunapuna where increased compaction happens as compared to other areas of O&rsquo;ahu.
The study raises alarm because the long-term estimated rate of sea level rise is around 1.54 millimeters. This is far less than the subsidence rate recorded in the region.&nbsp;
<h2>Efforts to protect Hawaii's shoreline</h2>
Scientists fear that this could impact the shoreline much faster than predicted, outpacing flood preparedness efforts. Co-author of the study, Phil Thompson, said that "Mapunapuna subsidence could increase flood exposure area by over 50% by 2050, while compressing flood preparedness timelines by up to 50 years."
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/climate-change-is-changing-behaviour-of-crocodiles-study-8748766" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Climate change is changing behaviour of crocodiles: Study</a>
Climate change is leading to the rise of sea levels, soil erosion, wildfires, hurricanes, flash flooding and other natural disasters. Efforts are on to stabilise the shorelines, but scientists caution that this should be done taking into account the subsidence rate in order to adopt the right strategies in a timely manner.
In Oʻahu, initiatives like Climate Ready O&lsquo;ahu are already underway, under which wetlands will be restored and dune systems will be reinforced. However, to make it effective, the rate at which the land is sinking also needs to be factored in.

Hawaii is sinking at a faster rate than previously believed. Scientists have raised alarm and called for all-around efforts to protect the shoreline. World Trending

A new study has found that the island of Hawaii is fast sinking. Ironically, it was birthed in an exactly opposite process when, a million years ago, the Pacific Island Plate moved on top of a volcanic hotspot, creating islands from the heart of Earth's crust, which are today known to us as Hawaii. A study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment studied subsidence on the island of O’ahu and found stark differences in the rate at which the island was sinking in different parts. Some areas of the island had a subsidence rate of around just 0.6 millimeters per year. However, some regions are sinking 40 times faster than expected, going down a staggering 25 millimetres per year. Risk of flooding in Hawaii The researchers have raised alarm about "future flood exposure" in the current scenario. "In rapidly subsiding areas, sea level rise impacts will be felt much sooner than previously estimated, which means that we must prepare for flooding on a shorter timeline," UH Manoa’s Kyle Murray, lead author of the study, said. Also Read: Youth more worried about money and work than social media, climate or culture war: Poll The researchers pointed out the reason behind the problem, which is that places built on soft sediment or artificial fill can sink in faster. This includes the industrial areas of Mapunapuna where increased compaction happens as compared to other areas of O’ahu. The study raises alarm because the long-term estimated rate of sea level rise is around 1.54 millimeters. This is far less than the subsidence rate recorded in the region. Efforts to protect Hawaii's shoreline Scientists fear that this could impact the shoreline much faster than predicted, outpacing flood preparedness efforts. Co-author of the study, Phil Thompson, said that "Mapunapuna subsidence could increase flood exposure area by over 50% by 2050, while compressing flood preparedness timelines by up to 50 years." Also Read: Climate change is changing behaviour of crocodiles: Study Climate change is leading to the rise of sea levels, soil erosion, wildfires, hurricanes, flash flooding and other natural disasters. Efforts are on to stabilise the shorelines, but scientists caution that this should be done taking into account the subsidence rate in order to adopt the right strategies in a timely manner. In Oʻahu, initiatives like Climate Ready O‘ahu are already underway, under which wetlands will be restored and dune systems will be reinforced. However, to make it effective, the rate at which the land is sinking also needs to be factored in.

Hawaii once rose from Earth's crust. Now it is sinking at a dangerous rate. Why?

United States President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 31) said that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will end "at a certain point". DOGE is basically a government cost-cutting drive launched in the second Trump administration and is apparently run by billionaire Musk.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While talking about the Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk, Trump said, "He's got a big company to run, and so at some point, he's going to be going back."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-trump-want-from-putin-us-prez-comments-on-ukraine-peace-deal-says-its-something-i-would-do-if-8911644">What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...'</a>
"I'd keep him as long as I can keep him. He's a very talented guy, you know, I love&nbsp;very smart people, and he's very smart, and he's done a good job." 
"At some point, Elon's gonna want to&nbsp;back to his company," Trump added.
Also read:&nbsp;<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>
On being asked about whether or not DOGE will continue in the absence of Musk, Trump told reporters that he believes his federal agency heads have "learned a lot" about how to do the work on their own. The president added that some will want to keep DOGE employees aboard.&nbsp;
"You know, at a certain point, I think it will end. There'll be a point at which the secretaries will be able to do this work and do it very, you know, as we say, with the scalpel, and that's what we want," Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-faces-us-ban-again-but-trump-says-many-buyers-ready-8911380">TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready</a>
<h2>What is DOGE, and when will it end?&nbsp;</h2>
Formerly, USDS was known as the US Digital Service. It now abbreviates US DOGE Service and comprises the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization (USDSTO). DOGE was established by executive order on January 20, 2025.&nbsp;
The aim of the department is "modernizing federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency". Not Musk, Amy Gleason is said to be the active administrator of USDS and USDSTO.&nbsp;
The department led a cost-cutting drive and did mass layoffs in the US federal government, which has caused public outcry. 
At least 113,000 federal workers have been fired so far under DOGE's drive, according to a CNN tracker.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-clock-is-ticking-trumps-plan-to-end-the-ukraine-war-8911413">The clock is ticking: Trump&rsquo;s plan to end the Ukraine war</a>
Musk's team has also been tasked with slashing federal spending and has effectively shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID).&nbsp;
In a recent interview, Musk said that DOGE aimed to finish its work by the end of May and that its goal was to be able to reduce federal spending by 15 per cent, or from $7 trillion to $6 trillion.&nbsp;
The US president said that Musk is only available to him as a special government employee for 130 days. Meanwhile, some reports claimed that the controversial department is scheduled to be dissolved on July 4, 2026 - a day when the nation will&nbsp;commemorate its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Formerly, USDS was known as the US Digital Service. It now abbreviates US DOGE Service and comprises the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization (USDSTO)

United States President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 31) said that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will end "at a certain point". DOGE is basically a government cost-cutting drive launched in the second Trump administration and is apparently run by billionaire Musk. While talking about the Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk, Trump said, "He's got a big company to run, and so at some point, he's going to be going back." Also read: What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...' "I'd keep him as long as I can keep him. He's a very talented guy, you know, I love very smart people, and he's very smart, and he's done a good job." "At some point, Elon's gonna want to back to his company," Trump added. Also read: Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' On being asked about whether or not DOGE will continue in the absence of Musk, Trump told reporters that he believes his federal agency heads have "learned a lot" about how to do the work on their own. The president added that some will want to keep DOGE employees aboard. "You know, at a certain point, I think it will end. There'll be a point at which the secretaries will be able to do this work and do it very, you know, as we say, with the scalpel, and that's what we want," Trump said. Also read: TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready What is DOGE, and when will it end? Formerly, USDS was known as the US Digital Service. It now abbreviates US DOGE Service and comprises the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization (USDSTO). DOGE was established by executive order on January 20, 2025. The aim of the department is "modernizing federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency". Not Musk, Amy Gleason is said to be the active administrator of USDS and USDSTO. The department led a cost-cutting drive and did mass layoffs in the US federal government, which has caused public outcry. At least 113,000 federal workers have been fired so far under DOGE's drive, according to a CNN tracker. Also read: The clock is ticking: Trump’s plan to end the Ukraine war Musk's team has also been tasked with slashing federal spending and has effectively shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID). In a recent interview, Musk said that DOGE aimed to finish its work by the end of May and that its goal was to be able to reduce federal spending by 15 per cent, or from $7 trillion to $6 trillion. The US president said that Musk is only available to him as a special government employee for 130 days. Meanwhile, some reports claimed that the controversial department is scheduled to be dissolved on July 4, 2026 - a day when the nation will commemorate its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump says Musk-run DOGE will end at 'certain point'? When will it end?

A fire at a gas pipeline operated by Malaysia state energy firm Petronas injured 33 people on Tuesday on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur, authorities said.
Six of the injured were sent to hospital, Selangor fire department director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail told broadcaster Astro Awani.
Operations to try to tackle the blaze are ongoing.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8y3pbv5-ntqx91yg-4m8hfy4o">
Major fire breaks out near Malaysia capital Kuala Lumpur after leak at Petronas gas pipeline<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kualalumpur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kualalumpur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/petranos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#petranos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/malaysia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#malaysia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZS4bpuNWb8">pic.twitter.com/ZS4bpuNWb8</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1906944667167625669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
There are people trapped in houses in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and rescue efforts are ongoing, Selangor Disaster Management Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi told state news agency Bernama.
Petronas in a statement said the pipeline had been isolated. The Selangor fire department said the blaze has affected homes.
Images carried by news outlets and footage shared on social media showed a massive fire and a huge orange flame on the horizon with smoke billowing out.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mh370-mystery-search-resumes-for-missing-malaysian-plane-after-11-years-will-it-be-found-now-8755535">MH370 mystery: Search resumes for missing Malaysian plane after 11 years. Will it be found now?</a>
A large flame rose from a leak in a pipeline that is about 500 m (1,640 feet) long in the town of Puchong, the department said in a statement, adding Petronas has closed the valve on the burning pipeline.
The fire department said it was still investigating the extent of the fire in the residential area.
Reporting by Danial Azhar and Ashley Tang in Kuala Lumpur; Writing by Xinghui Kok; Editing by Martin Petty and Stephen Coates.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A fire at a gas pipeline operated by Malaysia state energy firm Petronas injured 33 people on Tuesday on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur, authorities said. World

A fire at a gas pipeline operated by Malaysia state energy firm Petronas injured 33 people on Tuesday on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur, authorities said. Six of the injured were sent to hospital, Selangor fire department director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail told broadcaster Astro Awani. Operations to try to tackle the blaze are ongoing. Major fire breaks out near Malaysia capital Kuala Lumpur after leak at Petronas gas pipeline#fire #kualalumpur #petranos #malaysia pic.twitter.com/ZS4bpuNWb8 — WION (@WIONews) April 1, 2025 There are people trapped in houses in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and rescue efforts are ongoing, Selangor Disaster Management Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi told state news agency Bernama. Petronas in a statement said the pipeline had been isolated. The Selangor fire department said the blaze has affected homes. Images carried by news outlets and footage shared on social media showed a massive fire and a huge orange flame on the horizon with smoke billowing out. Also read: MH370 mystery: Search resumes for missing Malaysian plane after 11 years. Will it be found now? A large flame rose from a leak in a pipeline that is about 500 m (1,640 feet) long in the town of Puchong, the department said in a statement, adding Petronas has closed the valve on the burning pipeline. The fire department said it was still investigating the extent of the fire in the residential area. Reporting by Danial Azhar and Ashley Tang in Kuala Lumpur; Writing by Xinghui Kok; Editing by Martin Petty and Stephen Coates. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Massive fire engulfs Malaysia's Petronas gas pipeline, 33 injured

A reported buildup of US B2 stealth bomber jets, Globmaster C17 planes, Navy vessels and other American military assets in Diego Garcia base and in the Middle East region is leading to speculations of a possible massive strike by the US targeting Iran or Yemeni Houthis backed by it.&nbsp;This has prompted calls in Iran to bomb Diego Garcia pre-emptively to prevent a direct US strike on the Islamic Republic.
The spiralling events come as US President Donald Trump warned of 'real pain' for the Houthis and their alleged supporter, Iran. He has warned of bombings, the likes of which was never seen before.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebels-claim-attacking-us-aircraft-carrier-thrice-in-last-24-hours-8908010">Yemen's Houthi rebels claim attacking US aircraft carrier thrice in last 24 hours</a>
The buildup and possible strikes on Iran or Yemen could also be a way for Trump to drive attention away from the recent Signal chat leak scandal. The chat by top US security officials was mistakenly leaked to the editor of The Atlantic, and the magazine published the whole conversation on the March 15 US strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen.
<h2>What is the buildup in Diego Garcia?</h2>
Diego Garcia hosts one of the key US bases in the Indo-Pacific for its bombers to take off, the other one being Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
At least five B-2 Spirit jets are in Diego Garcia, said reports based on satellite image and open source intelligence analysis. B-2 bombers are stealth fighter jets known as 'ghosts of the sky'. They can evade air defences and radar detection.
<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>
At least seven C-17A Globemaster IIIs are in Diego Garcia or arriving. Globemasters are military transport aircraft,&nbsp; used for fast delivery of troops and cargo to US bases. The tankers' presence means a large-scale deployment is on the anvil, that will require frequent refuelling.
The globemasters may have transported troops, supplies, arms and ammunition to support the B2 bombers.
<h2>Will Iran attack Diego Garcia first?</h2>
A top Iranian commander warned that US bases and its forces in the region can be targetted in a retaliatory&nbsp; attack. "The Americans have at least 10 bases and 50,000 forces near Iran. This means they are sitting in a glass room. Someone sitting in a glass room would not throw rocks at others," he was quoted as saying in news agency reports.
The Telegraph UK, meanwhile, reported citing some unnamed officials that Iranian armed forces are pushing for a preemptive strike on the Diego Garcia base, located on Chagos Islands.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-dissidents-empowered-by-trumps-maximum-pressure-policy-demand-regimes-fall-8703438">'Demise has arrived': Iranian dissidents, empowered by Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy, demand regime&rsquo;s fall</a>
&ldquo;Top commanders are being urged to launch preemptive strikes on the island and its base if Trump&rsquo;s threats have become more serious,&rdquo; it quoted the official as saying.
<h2>Is America readying for a long war in the Middle East?&nbsp;</h2>
The US is sending more military assets across its bases and installations including Diego Garcia, according to military analysts, who think it is in preparation for a big strike.
Some 18 US Air Force tankers are being staged in the Pacific - at Travis Air Force Base in California, Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-picks-ex-navy-commander-eli-sharvit-as-new-security-chief-8908789">Israel PM picks ex-navy commander Eli&nbsp;Sharvit as new security chief</a>
This, according to them, suggests that air assets are being moved into the Pacific theater.
On Sunday (Mar 27), US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US would continue targeting Houthis after the March 15 strikes killed at least 53 people.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending World | Five B-2 Spirit jets are in Diego Garcia, said reports based on satellite images and intelligence analysis. Will US attack Iran?

A reported buildup of US B2 stealth bomber jets, Globmaster C17 planes, Navy vessels and other American military assets in Diego Garcia base and in the Middle East region is leading to speculations of a possible massive strike by the US targeting Iran or Yemeni Houthis backed by it. This has prompted calls in Iran to bomb Diego Garcia pre-emptively to prevent a direct US strike on the Islamic Republic. The spiralling events come as US President Donald Trump warned of 'real pain' for the Houthis and their alleged supporter, Iran. He has warned of bombings, the likes of which was never seen before. Yemen's Houthi rebels claim attacking US aircraft carrier thrice in last 24 hours The buildup and possible strikes on Iran or Yemen could also be a way for Trump to drive attention away from the recent Signal chat leak scandal. The chat by top US security officials was mistakenly leaked to the editor of The Atlantic, and the magazine published the whole conversation on the March 15 US strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen. What is the buildup in Diego Garcia? Diego Garcia hosts one of the key US bases in the Indo-Pacific for its bombers to take off, the other one being Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. At least five B-2 Spirit jets are in Diego Garcia, said reports based on satellite image and open source intelligence analysis. B-2 bombers are stealth fighter jets known as 'ghosts of the sky'. They can evade air defences and radar detection. Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' At least seven C-17A Globemaster IIIs are in Diego Garcia or arriving. Globemasters are military transport aircraft, used for fast delivery of troops and cargo to US bases. The tankers' presence means a large-scale deployment is on the anvil, that will require frequent refuelling. The globemasters may have transported troops, supplies, arms and ammunition to support the B2 bombers. Will Iran attack Diego Garcia first? A top Iranian commander warned that US bases and its forces in the region can be targetted in a retaliatory attack. "The Americans have at least 10 bases and 50,000 forces near Iran. This means they are sitting in a glass room. Someone sitting in a glass room would not throw rocks at others," he was quoted as saying in news agency reports. The Telegraph UK, meanwhile, reported citing some unnamed officials that Iranian armed forces are pushing for a preemptive strike on the Diego Garcia base, located on Chagos Islands. 'Demise has arrived': Iranian dissidents, empowered by Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy, demand regime’s fall “Top commanders are being urged to launch preemptive strikes on the island and its base if Trump’s threats have become more serious,” it quoted the official as saying. Is America readying for a long war in the Middle East? The US is sending more military assets across its bases and installations including Diego Garcia, according to military analysts, who think it is in preparation for a big strike. Some 18 US Air Force tankers are being staged in the Pacific - at Travis Air Force Base in California, Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Israel PM picks ex-navy commander Eli Sharvit as new security chief This, according to them, suggests that air assets are being moved into the Pacific theater. On Sunday (Mar 27), US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US would continue targeting Houthis after the March 15 strikes killed at least 53 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Iran attack US base in Diego Garcia as B2 bombers, Globemaster planes land in major military buildup? What we know

A quake that shattered Myanmar on Friday has left mourners in disbelief. At least 12 pre-school students were killed under the rubble; families are distraught. Two to seven years was the age of the children who succumbed to the disaster in Kyaukse, a town about 40km away from Mandalay.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-declares-week-of-mourning-as-death-toll-surpasses-2000-8910956">Myanmar declares week of mourning as death toll surpasses 2,000</a>
Bags, toys, and stationery were scattered around the building, which was reduced to rubble with very little left to call it a school. Piles of bricks and iron rods were all that was left of the structure. Parents were seen calling out to their babies in hope of hearing back. Locals were quoted in a report by news outlet BBC, saying for three days they would hear people calling out to their children; late at night they would hear names, and now it is all quiet.
A grandfather, who lost his 5-year-old granddaughter, said the family was preparing for her funeral; he was numb as he spoke these words. The child's mother was having her meal when the tremors of the earthquake were felt; she rushed to school only to see it reduced to debris. The grandfather said, "Fortunately, we got our beloved's body intact, in one piece."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-earthquake-india-hands-over-50-tons-of-relief-material-as-death-toll-surpasses-2000-8911391">Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000</a>
Locals believe the death toll is more than what has been released so far; they estimate at least 40 lives have been lost under the slabs of the school. What used to be a chirpy neighbourhood with kids learning and merrymaking has now become a graveyard. They say the smallest coffins are the heaviest; the families are still coming to terms with reality as they conduct funerals for the children who've lost their lives.

A quake that shattered Myanmar on Friday has left mourners in disbelief. At least 12 pre-school students were killed under the rubble; families are distraught. World

A quake that shattered Myanmar on Friday has left mourners in disbelief. At least 12 pre-school students were killed under the rubble; families are distraught. Two to seven years was the age of the children who succumbed to the disaster in Kyaukse, a town about 40km away from Mandalay. Also read: Myanmar declares week of mourning as death toll surpasses 2,000 Bags, toys, and stationery were scattered around the building, which was reduced to rubble with very little left to call it a school. Piles of bricks and iron rods were all that was left of the structure. Parents were seen calling out to their babies in hope of hearing back. Locals were quoted in a report by news outlet BBC, saying for three days they would hear people calling out to their children; late at night they would hear names, and now it is all quiet. A grandfather, who lost his 5-year-old granddaughter, said the family was preparing for her funeral; he was numb as he spoke these words. The child's mother was having her meal when the tremors of the earthquake were felt; she rushed to school only to see it reduced to debris. The grandfather said, "Fortunately, we got our beloved's body intact, in one piece." Also read: Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000 Locals believe the death toll is more than what has been released so far; they estimate at least 40 lives have been lost under the slabs of the school. What used to be a chirpy neighbourhood with kids learning and merrymaking has now become a graveyard. They say the smallest coffins are the heaviest; the families are still coming to terms with reality as they conduct funerals for the children who've lost their lives.

Smallest coffins are the heaviest: Quake-hit Myanmar mourns death of 12 pre-school children

US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue strikes on Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi rebels until they no longer pose a threat to global shipping. He also issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the "real pain is yet to come."
Meanwhile, China has launched military exercises around Taiwan, deploying 19 warships and multiple military assets in what it claims is a drill to practice a blockade. Beijing has declared that any move towards Taiwanese independence means "war."
Meta is under scrutiny for hosting over 100 property ads promoting real estate in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Questions are being raised about whether the company is profiting from these listings.
Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has made alarming claims that she has only "four days to live."&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-continued-strikes-on-yemens-houthis-warns-iran-real-pain-is-yet-to-come-8911728" aria-label="Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come'">Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/27/Xv0fQXAbr1WJR2yL06hW.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 31)vowed that strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels will continue until they are no longer a threat to global shipping, warning both the group and their Iranian backers of "real pain" ahead.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-independence-means-war-with-19-warships-china-launches-military-exercises-around-taiwan-8911751" aria-label="'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan">'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/a3zR9P1QI9EJat78PGXC.png" alt=" This handout photo taken on March 31, 2025 and released by the Taiwan Defence Ministry on April 1, 2025 shows the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in waters off Taiwan. Photograph: (AFP) ">
China's military on Tuesday (Apr 1) said it launched military exercises around Taiwan and had sent its army, navy, air and rocket force to surround the self-ruled island. Beijing claimed that the drills were aimed at practising a blockade of Taiwan and also said that efforts towards independence for Taiwan meant "war".&nbsp;
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-meta-gaining-from-property-ads-in-the-west-bank-facebook-8911786" aria-label="Meta hosts property ads from West Bank. Making big profits?">Meta hosts property ads from West Bank. Making big profits?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/13/XpjprARWxC0bW8xfk64H.png" alt=" Is Meta gaining from property ads in the West Bank?: (AFP) ">
Facebook has given a platform to over 100 property ads promoting houses in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Is the social media company Meta making big money by featuring these ads on the portal?
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-giuffre-who-accused-prince-andrew-of-sexual-assault-has-four-days-to-live-8911631" aria-label="Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has 'four days to live': Here's what happened">Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has 'four days to live': Here's what happened</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/Lj3lEEQWe05A0KvRHujx.png" alt=" Photograph: (AFP) ">
Watch | Iran will have to acquire nukes if attacked: Khamenei adviser
<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/0104_IRAN_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0104_IRAN_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=154&amp;tags=Iran, Khamenei, World News, WION" title="Iran will have to acquire nukes if attacked: Khamenei adviser" id="PL_iframe_block-m8xzxah7-dddqcntu-969sowax"></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.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels until they no longer pose a threat to global shipping. He also issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the "real pain is yet to come." Meanwhile, China has launched military exercises around Taiwan, deploying 19 warships and multiple military assets in what it claims is a drill to practice a blockade. Beijing has declared that any move towards Taiwanese independence means "war." Meta is under scrutiny for hosting over 100 property ads promoting real estate in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Questions are being raised about whether the company is profiting from these listings. Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has made alarming claims that she has only "four days to live." Click on the headlines for more Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' US President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 31)vowed that strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels will continue until they are no longer a threat to global shipping, warning both the group and their Iranian backers of "real pain" ahead. 'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan China's military on Tuesday (Apr 1) said it launched military exercises around Taiwan and had sent its army, navy, air and rocket force to surround the self-ruled island. Beijing claimed that the drills were aimed at practising a blockade of Taiwan and also said that efforts towards independence for Taiwan meant "war". Meta hosts property ads from West Bank. Making big profits? Facebook has given a platform to over 100 property ads promoting houses in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Is the social media company Meta making big money by featuring these ads on the portal? Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has 'four days to live': Here's what happened Watch | Iran will have to acquire nukes if attacked: Khamenei adviser

Morning News Brief: Trump's warning to Houthis and Iran; China launches military exercises around Taiwan, and more

<div class="txt-textContent tinyscrollbar-y jq_ScrollBar initialized scrollbar-visible">
<div class="viewport jq_AutoHeight">
<div class="overview">
<div class="text fontsize_1 jq_Content jq_langdir">
The United States has sent 17 more prisoners to&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador&nbsp;despite an ongoing court dispute, with the Central American nation's leader releasing another dramatic video of the transfer.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the 17 inmates as "violent criminals" that belonged to two gangs --&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador's MS-13 and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua -- which Washington has declared foreign terrorist organizations.
"These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens," Rubio said in a statement in which he thanked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
Rubio said the prisoners included "murderers and rapists." Bukele went further and said there were "six child rapists."
In a Hollywood-style video Bukele posted on social media, a US military aircraft is seen opening up as prisoners are escorted out by masked troops.
The men are brought to their knees with their hands tied in the back and their heads forcibly shaven before they are put behind bars.
Rubio did not state under which authority the United States sent the prisoners.
President Donald Trump, who has vowed to crack down on migration, has invoked the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deportations without the usual due process spelled out by the US Constitution.
A federal judge on March 15 ordered a halt to deportations under the act, as several planeloads were already in the process of heading to&nbsp;El&nbsp;Salvador.
Bukele -- a champion of mass incarceration who has offered to take in inmates from the United States on the cheap -- responded sarcastically on social media that the judge's order came too late.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court's halt, arguing it flagrantly infringes on presidential authority.
The federal judge's order left the door open for deportations under other authorities.
An initial appeal by the Trump administration was turned down Wednesday with one appeals court judge saying that even "Nazis got better treatment" from the United States during World War II.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

World | The men are brought to their knees with their hands tied in the back and their heads forcibly shaven before they are put behind bars

The United States has sent 17 more prisoners to El Salvador despite an ongoing court dispute, with the Central American nation's leader releasing another dramatic video of the transfer. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the 17 inmates as "violent criminals" that belonged to two gangs -- El Salvador's MS-13 and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua -- which Washington has declared foreign terrorist organizations. "These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens," Rubio said in a statement in which he thanked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Rubio said the prisoners included "murderers and rapists." Bukele went further and said there were "six child rapists." In a Hollywood-style video Bukele posted on social media, a US military aircraft is seen opening up as prisoners are escorted out by masked troops. The men are brought to their knees with their hands tied in the back and their heads forcibly shaven before they are put behind bars. Rubio did not state under which authority the United States sent the prisoners. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to crack down on migration, has invoked the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deportations without the usual due process spelled out by the US Constitution. A federal judge on March 15 ordered a halt to deportations under the act, as several planeloads were already in the process of heading to El Salvador. Bukele -- a champion of mass incarceration who has offered to take in inmates from the United States on the cheap -- responded sarcastically on social media that the judge's order came too late. The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court's halt, arguing it flagrantly infringes on presidential authority. The federal judge's order left the door open for deportations under other authorities. An initial appeal by the Trump administration was turned down Wednesday with one appeals court judge saying that even "Nazis got better treatment" from the United States during World War II. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US sends more prisoners to El Salvador despite court dispute

The White House has said India imposes a 100 per cent tariff on American agricultural products and the high levies charged by other countries make it "virtually impossible" for US products to be exported to those nations.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the high tariffs charged by India and other countries on American goods. He plans to roll out a set of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, which he says will be "Liberation Day" for the US.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said, "Unfortunately, these countries have been ripping off our nation for far too long, and they've made, I think, their disdain for the American workers quite clear."
"If you look at the unfair trade practices - we have 50% (tariff) from the European Union on American dairy and a 700% tariff from Japan on American rice. You have a 100% tariff from India on American agricultural products and nearly 300% from Canada on American butter and cheese.
"This makes it virtually impossible for US products to be imported into these markets and it has put a lot of Americans out of business and out of work over the past several decades," she said.
As she listed the high tariffs imposed by many countries, Leavitt held up a chart that showed tariffs charged by India, Japan and other nations. On the chart, two circles with the colours of the tri-colour highlighted the tariffs that India imposes.
"So it's time for reciprocity, and it's time for a president to make a historic change, to do what's right for the American people and that's going to take place on Wednesday," she said.
Earlier this month, Trump had said the current tariffs were "temporary" and "small ones&rdquo; but the "predominant" tariffs that will be reciprocal in nature, will start from April 2 and they will be a "big game-changer for our country".
Leavitt did not spell out the specifics of what the tariffs will look like and which countries will be impacted.
"I will let the President make the announcement on Wednesday, but it's certainly going to be ensured that there's reciprocity and the American people are treated fairly,&rdquo; she said.
The press secretary underlined that Trump has a "brilliant team of trade advisors" including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, White House aide Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor.
She added that Vice President J D Vance has been "deeply involved" in these conversations. "All of these individuals have presented plans to the President on how to get this done, and it's the President's decision to make, and we will not get ahead of him on the specifics of the announcement," Leavitt added.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Learn how the US plans to counter India's % tariff on American agricultural products, as the White House pushes for reciprocity in international trade relations.

The White House has said India imposes a 100 per cent tariff on American agricultural products and the high levies charged by other countries make it "virtually impossible" for US products to be exported to those nations. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the high tariffs charged by India and other countries on American goods. He plans to roll out a set of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, which he says will be "Liberation Day" for the US. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said, "Unfortunately, these countries have been ripping off our nation for far too long, and they've made, I think, their disdain for the American workers quite clear." "If you look at the unfair trade practices - we have 50% (tariff) from the European Union on American dairy and a 700% tariff from Japan on American rice. You have a 100% tariff from India on American agricultural products and nearly 300% from Canada on American butter and cheese. "This makes it virtually impossible for US products to be imported into these markets and it has put a lot of Americans out of business and out of work over the past several decades," she said. As she listed the high tariffs imposed by many countries, Leavitt held up a chart that showed tariffs charged by India, Japan and other nations. On the chart, two circles with the colours of the tri-colour highlighted the tariffs that India imposes. "So it's time for reciprocity, and it's time for a president to make a historic change, to do what's right for the American people and that's going to take place on Wednesday," she said. Earlier this month, Trump had said the current tariffs were "temporary" and "small ones” but the "predominant" tariffs that will be reciprocal in nature, will start from April 2 and they will be a "big game-changer for our country". Leavitt did not spell out the specifics of what the tariffs will look like and which countries will be impacted. "I will let the President make the announcement on Wednesday, but it's certainly going to be ensured that there's reciprocity and the American people are treated fairly,” she said. The press secretary underlined that Trump has a "brilliant team of trade advisors" including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, White House aide Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor. She added that Vice President J D Vance has been "deeply involved" in these conversations. "All of these individuals have presented plans to the President on how to get this done, and it's the President's decision to make, and we will not get ahead of him on the specifics of the announcement," Leavitt added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US claims India imposes 100% tariff on American agricultural products, 'time for reciprocity,' says White House

In Brazil's capital, Bras&iacute;lia, a man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife in a violent attack that saw him cut out her newly fitted silicone breast implant and throw it out of a window.
As per local reports, the suspect has since confessed to the crime. &nbsp;
<h2>What happened?</h2>
As per Mirror, the vicious assault took place in the early hours of Monday (Mar 31) morning at a residential property in N&uacute;cleo Bandeirante, a neighbourhood in the southern region of Bras&iacute;lia.&nbsp;
Also read | <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>
During a fight, the man brutally cut out the implant of his wife, who had recently undergone breast augmentation surgery. He also punched her in the head and stomach during the attack. &nbsp;
Police officers searching the scene recovered the implant outside the property, while the victim was rushed to hospital, where doctors refitted it. A kitchen knife believed to have been used in the assault was also found and seized as evidence.&nbsp;
On Instagram, the Pol&iacute;cia Militar do Distrito Federal (PMDF) confirmed, "the man confessed to ripping the silicone prosthesis from his partner with a knife".
<blockquote class="instagram-media publive-iframes-block publive-Instagram-block" contenteditable="false" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH3vWB-Ae28/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8xy99a3-lwxsvwmv-5p1s27zz">
<div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH3vWB-Ae28/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
</a>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH3vWB-Ae28/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 25&ordm; Batalh&atilde;o de Pol&iacute;cia PMDF (@25bpm.pmdf)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
The suspect remains in custody on domestic violence charges. Authorities are yet to confirm what sparked the argument between the couple and the subsequent attack.
<h2>Brazil and gender-based violence &nbsp;</h2>
The shocking case comes amid growing concerns over gender-based violence in Brazil.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/heres-all-we-know-about-meryl-streep-voicing-aslan-in-netflixs-narnia-reboot-8911762">Here's all we know about Meryl Streep playing Aslan in Netflix's Narnia reboot</a>
Data from the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, released in July 2024, paints a grim picture of escalating violence against women in the country. In its latest annual report, the organisation revealed a record 83,988 reported cases of rape last year&mdash;equivalent to one every six minutes&mdash;marking a 6.5 per cent increase from 2023. Sexual harassment cases rose by nearly 49 per cent, while stalking incidents increased by over 34 per cent. &nbsp;
Samira Bueno, executive director of the forum, suggested the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated domestic tensions, worsening an already dire situation. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/blackpink-members-slammed-for-using-n-word-in-leaked-pre-debut-video-yg-leaks-8911752">Blackpink members slammed for using 'N-word' in leaked pre-debut video</a>
"Since 2021, the figures for violence against women have been increasing at an accelerated rate, and they&rsquo;re much higher than in the pre-pandemic period," she said, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;
"Brazil has always been a very violent country &hellip; but it seems that the pandemic changed something. The tensions that arose in the domestic environment potentially exacerbated all these forms of violence," she noted.&nbsp;
The investigation into the attack in Bras&iacute;lia is ongoing. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the legal proceedings against the suspect.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | World | A Brazilian man was arrested in Brasília for a violent attack on his wife, where he cut out her breast implant during a domestic dispute.

In Brazil's capital, Brasília, a man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife in a violent attack that saw him cut out her newly fitted silicone breast implant and throw it out of a window. As per local reports, the suspect has since confessed to the crime. What happened? As per Mirror, the vicious assault took place in the early hours of Monday (Mar 31) morning at a residential property in Núcleo Bandeirante, a neighbourhood in the southern region of Brasília. Also read | Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' During a fight, the man brutally cut out the implant of his wife, who had recently undergone breast augmentation surgery. He also punched her in the head and stomach during the attack. Police officers searching the scene recovered the implant outside the property, while the victim was rushed to hospital, where doctors refitted it. A kitchen knife believed to have been used in the assault was also found and seized as evidence. On Instagram, the Polícia Militar do Distrito Federal (PMDF) confirmed, "the man confessed to ripping the silicone prosthesis from his partner with a knife". View this post on Instagram A post shared by 25º Batalhão de Polícia PMDF (@25bpm.pmdf) The suspect remains in custody on domestic violence charges. Authorities are yet to confirm what sparked the argument between the couple and the subsequent attack. Brazil and gender-based violence The shocking case comes amid growing concerns over gender-based violence in Brazil. Also read | Here's all we know about Meryl Streep playing Aslan in Netflix's Narnia reboot Data from the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, released in July 2024, paints a grim picture of escalating violence against women in the country. In its latest annual report, the organisation revealed a record 83,988 reported cases of rape last year—equivalent to one every six minutes—marking a 6.5 per cent increase from 2023. Sexual harassment cases rose by nearly 49 per cent, while stalking incidents increased by over 34 per cent. Samira Bueno, executive director of the forum, suggested the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated domestic tensions, worsening an already dire situation. Also read | Blackpink members slammed for using 'N-word' in leaked pre-debut video "Since 2021, the figures for violence against women have been increasing at an accelerated rate, and they’re much higher than in the pre-pandemic period," she said, as quoted by The Guardian. "Brazil has always been a very violent country … but it seems that the pandemic changed something. The tensions that arose in the domestic environment potentially exacerbated all these forms of violence," she noted. The investigation into the attack in Brasília is ongoing. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the legal proceedings against the suspect. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian man arrested after cutting out wife's breast implant with a kitchen knife during fight

China's military on Tuesday (Apr 1) said it launched military exercises around Taiwan and had sent its army, navy, air and rocket force to surround the self-ruled island. Beijing claimed that the drills were aimed at practising a blockade of Taiwan and also said that efforts towards independence for Taiwan meant "war".&nbsp;
Taiwan's defence ministry said that China has deployed its Shandong aircraft carrier group and other vessels around Taiwan. The ministry released footage which showed Chinese military vessels cruising around the island on March 31.&nbsp;
In response to the drills, the Taiwanese defence ministry said it has dispatched its own aircraft and ships, and also deployed land-based missile systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In a statement, the ministry said that it has been "closely monitoring the movements of the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier group and other aircraft and vessels that entered Taiwan's response zone yesterday".&nbsp;
Taiwan detected 19 Chinese warships around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Monday), the ministry said in a separate statement.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-trump-want-from-putin-us-prez-comments-on-ukraine-peace-deal-says-its-something-i-would-do-if-8911644">What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...'</a>&nbsp;
Meanwhile, China's coast guard said it had conducted "law enforcement patrols" around Taiwan on Tuesday. "Coast guard vessel formations conducted law enforcement patrols in waters surrounding Taiwan Island, and carried out drills such as inspection and capture, interception and detention operations against unwarranted vessels", according to a statement from Zhu Anqing, spokesperson of the East China Sea Bureau of the China Coast Guard.&nbsp;
<h2>What's China's claim on Taiwan? &nbsp;</h2>
China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claims that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. For the same, China boosted its military presence near democratically governed Taiwan in recent years.&nbsp;
Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024, there have been several rounds of drills staged by China.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-clock-is-ticking-trumps-plan-to-end-the-ukraine-war-8911413">The clock is ticking: Trump&rsquo;s plan to end the Ukraine war</a>
Chinese leaders loathe Lai, who they have branded a "separatist". Lai last month called China a "foreign hostile force".&nbsp;
During last month's annual National People's Congress, Chinese Premier Li Qiang had said Beijing would "firmly advance" the push for reunification with Taiwan while opposing external interference. The Chinese Premier further said that Beijing will strive to work with fellow Chinese in Taiwan to "realise the glorious cause of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-faces-us-ban-again-but-trump-says-many-buyers-ready-8911380">TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready</a>
In recent years, China has ramped up pressure on Taiwan &nbsp;and has staged four large-scale military exercises around the island since 2022.&nbsp;
Chinese forces in October deployed fighter jets, bombers and warships in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan, and simulated a rocket strike in drills called "Joint Sword-2024B".&nbsp;
Another drills -"Joint Sword-2024A" - were launched in May following Lai's inauguration.&nbsp;
China again encircled Taiwan in April 2023 after his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen met with then-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Taiwan claimed in February that China had staged a combat drill with aircraft and warships in "live-fire exercises" about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) off the island's south.&nbsp;
Also read: <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>&nbsp;
<h2>Independence means 'war'</h2>
Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement that efforts towards independence for Taiwan meant "war".&nbsp;
"'Taiwan independence' means war, and pursuing 'Taiwan independence' means pushing the people of Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war," Zhu said.&nbsp;
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing that Taiwan independence were "doomed to fail".&nbsp;
"(Taiwan) authorities' stubborn persistence with the Taiwan independence stance and their futile attempt to split the country from outside by seeking independence is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; it is doomed to fail," Guo said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World News | Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024, there have been several rounds of drills staged by China around the self-ruled island

China's military on Tuesday (Apr 1) said it launched military exercises around Taiwan and had sent its army, navy, air and rocket force to surround the self-ruled island. Beijing claimed that the drills were aimed at practising a blockade of Taiwan and also said that efforts towards independence for Taiwan meant "war". Taiwan's defence ministry said that China has deployed its Shandong aircraft carrier group and other vessels around Taiwan. The ministry released footage which showed Chinese military vessels cruising around the island on March 31. In response to the drills, the Taiwanese defence ministry said it has dispatched its own aircraft and ships, and also deployed land-based missile systems. In a statement, the ministry said that it has been "closely monitoring the movements of the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier group and other aircraft and vessels that entered Taiwan's response zone yesterday". Taiwan detected 19 Chinese warships around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Monday), the ministry said in a separate statement. Also read: What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...' Meanwhile, China's coast guard said it had conducted "law enforcement patrols" around Taiwan on Tuesday. "Coast guard vessel formations conducted law enforcement patrols in waters surrounding Taiwan Island, and carried out drills such as inspection and capture, interception and detention operations against unwarranted vessels", according to a statement from Zhu Anqing, spokesperson of the East China Sea Bureau of the China Coast Guard. What's China's claim on Taiwan? China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claims that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. For the same, China boosted its military presence near democratically governed Taiwan in recent years. Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024, there have been several rounds of drills staged by China. Also read: The clock is ticking: Trump’s plan to end the Ukraine war Chinese leaders loathe Lai, who they have branded a "separatist". Lai last month called China a "foreign hostile force". During last month's annual National People's Congress, Chinese Premier Li Qiang had said Beijing would "firmly advance" the push for reunification with Taiwan while opposing external interference. The Chinese Premier further said that Beijing will strive to work with fellow Chinese in Taiwan to "realise the glorious cause of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". Also read: TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready In recent years, China has ramped up pressure on Taiwan and has staged four large-scale military exercises around the island since 2022. Chinese forces in October deployed fighter jets, bombers and warships in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan, and simulated a rocket strike in drills called "Joint Sword-2024B". Another drills -"Joint Sword-2024A" - were launched in May following Lai's inauguration. China again encircled Taiwan in April 2023 after his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen met with then-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Taiwan claimed in February that China had staged a combat drill with aircraft and warships in "live-fire exercises" about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) off the island's south. Also read: Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come' Independence means 'war' Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement that efforts towards independence for Taiwan meant "war". "'Taiwan independence' means war, and pursuing 'Taiwan independence' means pushing the people of Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war," Zhu said. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing that Taiwan independence were "doomed to fail". "(Taiwan) authorities' stubborn persistence with the Taiwan independence stance and their futile attempt to split the country from outside by seeking independence is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; it is doomed to fail," Guo said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan

Facebook has given a platform to over 100 property ads promoting houses in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Is the social media company Meta making big money by featuring these ads on the portal?
A report published by the news outlet Al Jazeera highlights concerns over Meta making profits from content that could possibly violate international laws surrounding the region. Among the ads were fundraising activities for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units operating in Gaza. Some ads also called for the demolition of Palestinian homes, playgrounds, and schools.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-army-to-stay-in-evacuated-west-bank-camps-for-coming-year-8751405">Israel says army to stay in evacuated West Bank camps for 'coming year'</a>
When contacted, Meta told the news outlet that advertisements hosted on the platform were reviewed by its team before going live. Facebook's parent company has owned up that some ads that were featuring on the platform have been pulled down as they were 'violating our social issues, elections, and politics policies'. But nowhere has the company confirmed that ads promoting property in the West Bank breached any guidelines set by the company or international laws.
"We have robust processes and teams to review ads, and our ad review system is designed to review ads before they go live. This system relies primarily on automated technology to apply our Advertising Standards to the millions of ads that run across our apps, while relying on our teams to build and train these systems and, in some cases, to manually review ads," Meta told the news outlet.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-kills-10-palestinians-in-west-bank-strike-amid-gaza-ceasefire-8676296">Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire</a>
The properties advertised are flagship apartments by builders and flaunt luxury; 'jacuzzi, sauna, and cold plunge' are among the buzzwords used in the ads.
Professor Aoife O&rsquo;Donoghue, an international law expert from Queen&rsquo;s University Belfast, said, &ldquo;On the West Bank, property can be privately bought and sold. However, whether they have the legal title to sell that land at all would be highly questionable."
She added, "If the Israeli government is facilitating it, and they are settlements, then they would be in violation of the Third Geneva Convention. Here, the Israeli government has a duty to prevent illegal settlements.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

Facebook has given a platform to over 100 property ads promoting houses in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Is the social media company Meta making big money with these ads? World

Facebook has given a platform to over 100 property ads promoting houses in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Is the social media company Meta making big money by featuring these ads on the portal? A report published by the news outlet Al Jazeera highlights concerns over Meta making profits from content that could possibly violate international laws surrounding the region. Among the ads were fundraising activities for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units operating in Gaza. Some ads also called for the demolition of Palestinian homes, playgrounds, and schools. Also read: Israel says army to stay in evacuated West Bank camps for 'coming year' When contacted, Meta told the news outlet that advertisements hosted on the platform were reviewed by its team before going live. Facebook's parent company has owned up that some ads that were featuring on the platform have been pulled down as they were 'violating our social issues, elections, and politics policies'. But nowhere has the company confirmed that ads promoting property in the West Bank breached any guidelines set by the company or international laws. "We have robust processes and teams to review ads, and our ad review system is designed to review ads before they go live. This system relies primarily on automated technology to apply our Advertising Standards to the millions of ads that run across our apps, while relying on our teams to build and train these systems and, in some cases, to manually review ads," Meta told the news outlet. Also read: Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire The properties advertised are flagship apartments by builders and flaunt luxury; 'jacuzzi, sauna, and cold plunge' are among the buzzwords used in the ads. Professor Aoife O’Donoghue, an international law expert from Queen’s University Belfast, said, “On the West Bank, property can be privately bought and sold. However, whether they have the legal title to sell that land at all would be highly questionable." She added, "If the Israeli government is facilitating it, and they are settlements, then they would be in violation of the Third Geneva Convention. Here, the Israeli government has a duty to prevent illegal settlements.”

Meta hosts property ads from West Bank. Making big profits?

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 31)vowed that strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels will continue until they are no longer a threat to global shipping, warning both the group and their Iranian backers of "real pain" ahead.
<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at US ships, and we will stop shooting at you".
"Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran," Trump warned. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-trump-want-from-putin-us-prez-comments-on-ukraine-peace-deal-says-its-something-i-would-do-if-8911644">What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...'</a>
Trump also insisted that "relentless" US strikes had "decimated" the group over "past two weeks," adding, America "hit them every day and night &mdash; Harder and harder." &nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114258406263396157/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

Shortly after his remarks, Yemeni rebel media reported two US airstrikes on the island of Kamaran, off the coast of Hodeida.&nbsp;
Trump's warning comes amid heightened tensions with Iran. Trump recently escalated his rhetoric, stating that "there will be bombing" if Tehran fails to reach a new nuclear agreement.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-clock-is-ticking-trumps-plan-to-end-the-ukraine-war-8911413">The clock is ticking: Trump&rsquo;s plan to end the Ukraine war</a>
<h2>US-Houthi conflict</h2>
Since launching a military campaign on March 15, the US has carried out near-daily strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, aiming to halt their attacks on key maritime routes. On the first day of the offensive, American officials claimed to have eliminated senior Houthi leaders, while the rebels' health ministry reported 53 fatalities.&nbsp;
Despite this, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting US military vessels and Israel-linked shipping. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-faces-us-ban-again-but-trump-says-many-buyers-ready-8911380">TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready</a>
The Houthis began attacking vessels after the outbreak of the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. Their assaults have disrupted global trade, forcing ships to avoid the Suez Canal&mdash;a vital route which normally carries 12 per cent of the world's shipping traffic&mdash;and instead take a costly detour around the tip of Southern Africa. &nbsp;
"Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation," vowed Trump.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trump pledges ongoing strikes on Yemen's Houthis until they cease threats to global shipping, warning Iran of impending consequences if aggression persists.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 31)vowed that strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels will continue until they are no longer a threat to global shipping, warning both the group and their Iranian backers of "real pain" ahead. What did Trump say? In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at US ships, and we will stop shooting at you". "Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran," Trump warned. Also read | What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...' Trump also insisted that "relentless" US strikes had "decimated" the group over "past two weeks," adding, America "hit them every day and night — Harder and harder." Shortly after his remarks, Yemeni rebel media reported two US airstrikes on the island of Kamaran, off the coast of Hodeida. Trump's warning comes amid heightened tensions with Iran. Trump recently escalated his rhetoric, stating that "there will be bombing" if Tehran fails to reach a new nuclear agreement. Also read | The clock is ticking: Trump’s plan to end the Ukraine war US-Houthi conflict Since launching a military campaign on March 15, the US has carried out near-daily strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, aiming to halt their attacks on key maritime routes. On the first day of the offensive, American officials claimed to have eliminated senior Houthi leaders, while the rebels' health ministry reported 53 fatalities. Despite this, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting US military vessels and Israel-linked shipping. Also read | TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready The Houthis began attacking vessels after the outbreak of the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. Their assaults have disrupted global trade, forcing ships to avoid the Suez Canal—a vital route which normally carries 12 per cent of the world's shipping traffic—and instead take a costly detour around the tip of Southern Africa. "Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation," vowed Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump vows continued strikes on Yemen's Houthis, warns Iran 'real pain is yet to come'

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday (Mar 31) that he wants to see Russian President Vladimir Putin "make a deal" to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. While speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that he would impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil, if needed.&nbsp;
"I want to see him make a deal, so that we stop Russian soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers and other people from being killed," Trump said,&nbsp;
"I want to make sure that he follows through, and I think he will. I don't want to go secondary tariffs on his oil. But I think, you know, it's something I would do if I thought he wasn't doing the job. I did it with Venezuela," he added.&nbsp;
In his recent interview with NBC News, Trump said that if Russia and the US were unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and he thinks it was Russia's fault, he would put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-giuffre-who-accused-prince-andrew-of-sexual-assault-has-four-days-to-live-8911631">Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has 'four days to live': Here's what happened</a>
<h2>What did Kremlin say&nbsp;</h2>
The Kremlin has responded to Trump's recent remarks about being "very angry" and "pissed off" with the Russian president when he talked about Putin's stance on putting Ukraine under a "temporary administration".&nbsp;
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the issue on Monday as he said that some of the wordings were paraphrased rather than direct quotes. He said that "several various statements" were made. Peskov said that Moscow continues working with Washington on rebuilding bilateral ties as well as peace in Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-clock-is-ticking-trumps-plan-to-end-the-ukraine-war-8911413">The clock is ticking: Trump&rsquo;s plan to end the Ukraine war</a>
During a regular conference call, Peskov said, "We continue to work with the American side, first of all, on building our bilateral relations, which suffered enormous damage during the previous administration."&nbsp;
"We are also working on implementing some ideas related to the Ukrainian settlement. The work is underway, so far there are no specifics that we would have to inform you about," he added.&nbsp;
Putin was still open to speaking to Trump, he also said, further adding that there was no phone call scheduled between the two leaders, but that one could be "organised promptly".&nbsp;
In March, Putin rejected a US proposal of an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, upping his rhetoric on Moscow wanting to install new leadership in Ukraine.&nbsp;
Trump also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and expressed his frustration with Kyiv regarding the rare earth minerals deal.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-nasa-boeing-to-be-blamed-for-sunita-williams-butch-willmores-extended-space-stay-astronauts-respond-8911400">Are NASA, Boeing to be blamed for Sunita Williams &amp; Butch Willmore&rsquo;s extended space stay? Astronauts respond</a>
<h2>What does the EU want?&nbsp;</h2>
Recently, the European foreign ministers have slammed Russia for delaying a ceasefire in Ukraine. Peskov said it would be "a drawn-out process".&nbsp;
Kaja Kallas, who is the European Union's foreign policy chief, said on Monday: "Russia is playing games and not really wanting peace. So our question is, how can we put more pressure on Russia."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-earthquake-india-hands-over-50-tons-of-relief-material-as-death-toll-surpasses-2000-8911391">Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000</a>
Kallas was attending an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Madrid along with ministers from other EU nations, including Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who said that there should be some kind of deadline for Russia to accept a ceasefire deal.&nbsp;
French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot also chimed in as he said that Russia owed a clear response to the US on whether it wants to go on a peace path at all.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | During a regular conference call, Peskov said, 'We continue to work with the American side, first of all, on building our bilateral relations'

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday (Mar 31) that he wants to see Russian President Vladimir Putin "make a deal" to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. While speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that he would impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil, if needed. "I want to see him make a deal, so that we stop Russian soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers and other people from being killed," Trump said, "I want to make sure that he follows through, and I think he will. I don't want to go secondary tariffs on his oil. But I think, you know, it's something I would do if I thought he wasn't doing the job. I did it with Venezuela," he added. In his recent interview with NBC News, Trump said that if Russia and the US were unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and he thinks it was Russia's fault, he would put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia. Also read: Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has 'four days to live': Here's what happened What did Kremlin say The Kremlin has responded to Trump's recent remarks about being "very angry" and "pissed off" with the Russian president when he talked about Putin's stance on putting Ukraine under a "temporary administration". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the issue on Monday as he said that some of the wordings were paraphrased rather than direct quotes. He said that "several various statements" were made. Peskov said that Moscow continues working with Washington on rebuilding bilateral ties as well as peace in Ukraine. Also read: The clock is ticking: Trump’s plan to end the Ukraine war During a regular conference call, Peskov said, "We continue to work with the American side, first of all, on building our bilateral relations, which suffered enormous damage during the previous administration." "We are also working on implementing some ideas related to the Ukrainian settlement. The work is underway, so far there are no specifics that we would have to inform you about," he added. Putin was still open to speaking to Trump, he also said, further adding that there was no phone call scheduled between the two leaders, but that one could be "organised promptly". In March, Putin rejected a US proposal of an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, upping his rhetoric on Moscow wanting to install new leadership in Ukraine. Trump also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and expressed his frustration with Kyiv regarding the rare earth minerals deal. Also read: Are NASA, Boeing to be blamed for Sunita Williams & Butch Willmore’s extended space stay? Astronauts respond What does the EU want? Recently, the European foreign ministers have slammed Russia for delaying a ceasefire in Ukraine. Peskov said it would be "a drawn-out process". Kaja Kallas, who is the European Union's foreign policy chief, said on Monday: "Russia is playing games and not really wanting peace. So our question is, how can we put more pressure on Russia." Also read: Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000 Kallas was attending an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Madrid along with ministers from other EU nations, including Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who said that there should be some kind of deadline for Russia to accept a ceasefire deal. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot also chimed in as he said that Russia owed a clear response to the US on whether it wants to go on a peace path at all. (With inputs from agencies)

What does Trump want from Putin? US prez comments on Ukraine peace deal, says, 'It's something I would do if...'

Virginia Giuffre, a woman who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault and a victim of the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, claimed that she had four days to live after a car accident. Giuffre was trafficked by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell between 2000 and 2002, forced into sexual encounters with powerful men.&nbsp;
In a post on social media on Sunday, Giuffre wrote, "This year has been the worst start to a new year &hellip; I won't bore anyone with the details, but I think it important to note that when a school bus driver comes at you driving 110km as we were slowing for a turn no matter what your car is made of it might as well be a tin can."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-clock-is-ticking-trumps-plan-to-end-the-ukraine-war-8911413">The clock is ticking: Trump&rsquo;s plan to end the Ukraine war</a>
As mentioned in media reports, Western Australia police said on Tuesday they had no record of an incident involving a bus and car in recent weeks. However, another social media post from four weeks ago suggests Giuffre was in Perth in early March.&nbsp;
"I've gone into kidney renal failure, they've given me four days to live, transferring me to a specialist hospital in urology. I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time, but you know what they say about wishes. S**t in one hand and wish in the other &amp; I guarantee it's still going to be s**t at the end of the day," she said in the post in which she also attached a photograph of herself lying in a hospital bed with a head injury.&nbsp;
She added, "Thank you all for being the wonderful people of the world and for being a great part of my life."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-earthquake-india-hands-over-50-tons-of-relief-material-as-death-toll-surpasses-2000-8911391">Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000</a>
<h2>Here's what her father said</h2>
Her father, Sky Roberts, commented on the post. He said, "Virginia my daughter, I love you and [am] praying for you to get the correct treatment to live a long and healthy life."&nbsp;
"If there is anything in this world I can do to help you, please let me know. My spirit with you now and holding your hand," he added.&nbsp;
In a statement, a spokesperson for Giuffre told Sky's US partner network, "Virginia has been in a serious accident and is receiving medical care in the hospital. She greatly appreciates the support and well wishes people are sending."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-nasa-boeing-to-be-blamed-for-sunita-williams-butch-willmores-extended-space-stay-astronauts-respond-8911400">Are NASA, Boeing to be blamed for Sunita Williams &amp; Butch Willmore&rsquo;s extended space stay? Astronauts respond</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Giuffre's case agianst Prince Andrew&nbsp;</h2>
Giuffre accused and sued Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. The scandal forced the Royal Family to strip him of his military titles in 2022 and shuffled off into retirement. The prince, who denied the allegations, avoided trial by paying a multimillion-dollar settlement in March 2022.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-faces-us-ban-again-but-trump-says-many-buyers-ready-8911380">TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready</a>
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World News | Trending news | Western Australia police said on Tuesday they had no record of an incident involving a bus and car in recent weeks

Virginia Giuffre, a woman who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault and a victim of the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, claimed that she had four days to live after a car accident. Giuffre was trafficked by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell between 2000 and 2002, forced into sexual encounters with powerful men. In a post on social media on Sunday, Giuffre wrote, "This year has been the worst start to a new year … I won't bore anyone with the details, but I think it important to note that when a school bus driver comes at you driving 110km as we were slowing for a turn no matter what your car is made of it might as well be a tin can." Also read: The clock is ticking: Trump’s plan to end the Ukraine war As mentioned in media reports, Western Australia police said on Tuesday they had no record of an incident involving a bus and car in recent weeks. However, another social media post from four weeks ago suggests Giuffre was in Perth in early March. "I've gone into kidney renal failure, they've given me four days to live, transferring me to a specialist hospital in urology. I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time, but you know what they say about wishes. S**t in one hand and wish in the other & I guarantee it's still going to be s**t at the end of the day," she said in the post in which she also attached a photograph of herself lying in a hospital bed with a head injury. She added, "Thank you all for being the wonderful people of the world and for being a great part of my life." Also read: Myanmar earthquake: India hands over 50 tonnes of relief material as death toll surpasses 2,000 Here's what her father said Her father, Sky Roberts, commented on the post. He said, "Virginia my daughter, I love you and [am] praying for you to get the correct treatment to live a long and healthy life." "If there is anything in this world I can do to help you, please let me know. My spirit with you now and holding your hand," he added. In a statement, a spokesperson for Giuffre told Sky's US partner network, "Virginia has been in a serious accident and is receiving medical care in the hospital. She greatly appreciates the support and well wishes people are sending." Also read: Are NASA, Boeing to be blamed for Sunita Williams & Butch Willmore’s extended space stay? Astronauts respond Giuffre's case agianst Prince Andrew Giuffre accused and sued Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. The scandal forced the Royal Family to strip him of his military titles in 2022 and shuffled off into retirement. The prince, who denied the allegations, avoided trial by paying a multimillion-dollar settlement in March 2022. Also read: TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready (With inputs from agencies)

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has 'four days to live': Here's what happened

After their extended nine months stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore opened up about their time in space for the first time.
In a Fox News interview that aired on Monday (Mar 31), Williams and Willmore revealed the reason behind their delay on their flight back home.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-president-donald-trump-pay-out-of-his-pocket-to-nasa-astronauts-sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmore-for-staying-overtime-in-space-heres-what-he-said-8879824">Will Trump pay out of his pocket to Sunita Williams for staying overtime in space? Here's what he said</a>
<h2>Who is to blame?</h2>
Opening about the failure of the Boeing spacecraft, Willmore said that everyone, including himself, was responsible for their unplanned stay at the ISS.
&ldquo;&lsquo;They&rsquo; failed you. Who? Who&rsquo;s &lsquo;they&rsquo;?" he asked. &ldquo;There are many questions that, as the commander of CFT, I didn&rsquo;t ask, so I&rsquo;m culpable... I'll admit that to the nation.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/whats-next-for-sunita-williams-on-earth-after-nine-month-stay-in-space-8870467">What&rsquo;s next for Sunita Williams on Earth after nine-month stay in Space?</a>
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s things that I did not ask that I should have asked. I didn&rsquo;t know at the time that I needed to ask them, but, in hindsight&hellip; some of the signals were there,&rdquo; he added.
When asked whether Boeing and NASA were at fault, Willmore responded, &ldquo;Sure. Everybody has a piece in this because it did not come off. There were some shortcomings in tests and shortcomings in preparations that we did not foresee.&rdquo;
Wilmore added that he did not &ldquo;want to point fingers&rdquo; and instead wants to &ldquo;look forward&rdquo; and learn from mistakes.
<h2>Were they &lsquo;abandoned&rsquo; or &lsquo;stuck&rsquo;?</h2>
The duo also talked about claims that they were &ldquo;abandoned&rdquo; or &ldquo;stuck&rdquo; in space.
&ldquo;Okay, in certain respects, we were stuck. In certain respects, maybe we were stranded,&rdquo; he said, adding that they did not arrive on the Earth as per the plan.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-why-donald-trump-didnt-invite-sunita-williams-to-white-house-8870155">Here's why Donald Trump didn't invite Sunita Williams to White House</a>
The astronaut then mentioned they were not stuck as they were &ldquo;prepared and trained&rdquo; for this.
The pair said that despite their recent challenging journey to space, they would like to return to space again in future.
Williams and Willmore also expressed their gratitude to US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for ensuring their safe return to Earth.
&ldquo;Our situation, I think I mentioned before, maybe wasn't the perfect situation, but allowed a lot of people, including the President and Elon, to look at what's going on on the International Space Station, take it very seriously and understand that our involvement as a country, as a space-faring nation, is really important throughout the world.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/president-murmu-to-pm-modi-india-celebrates-sunita-williams-return-to-earth-8868510">President Murmu to PM Modi&mdash; India celebrates Sunita Williams&rsquo; return to Earth</a>
<h2>Extended stay in space</h2>
Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore embarked on a 10-day mission aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, 2024. However, they were unable to return after the spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions during its approach and docking manoeuvres.
Following an extensive investigation on the ground by NASA and Boeing, the spacecraft was deemed too risky to carry the astronauts back home, resulting in their unexpected extended stay at the space station.
The duo finally returned to Earth on March 18 after their extended nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Williams and Willmore also expressed their gratitude to US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for ensuring their safe return to Earth.

After their extended nine months stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore opened up about their time in space for the first time. In a Fox News interview that aired on Monday (Mar 31), Williams and Willmore revealed the reason behind their delay on their flight back home. Also read | Will Trump pay out of his pocket to Sunita Williams for staying overtime in space? Here's what he said Who is to blame? Opening about the failure of the Boeing spacecraft, Willmore said that everyone, including himself, was responsible for their unplanned stay at the ISS. “‘They’ failed you. Who? Who’s ‘they’?" he asked. “There are many questions that, as the commander of CFT, I didn’t ask, so I’m culpable... I'll admit that to the nation.” Also read | What’s next for Sunita Williams on Earth after nine-month stay in Space? “There’s things that I did not ask that I should have asked. I didn’t know at the time that I needed to ask them, but, in hindsight… some of the signals were there,” he added. When asked whether Boeing and NASA were at fault, Willmore responded, “Sure. Everybody has a piece in this because it did not come off. There were some shortcomings in tests and shortcomings in preparations that we did not foresee.” Wilmore added that he did not “want to point fingers” and instead wants to “look forward” and learn from mistakes. Were they ‘abandoned’ or ‘stuck’? The duo also talked about claims that they were “abandoned” or “stuck” in space. “Okay, in certain respects, we were stuck. In certain respects, maybe we were stranded,” he said, adding that they did not arrive on the Earth as per the plan. Also read | Here's why Donald Trump didn't invite Sunita Williams to White House The astronaut then mentioned they were not stuck as they were “prepared and trained” for this. The pair said that despite their recent challenging journey to space, they would like to return to space again in future. Williams and Willmore also expressed their gratitude to US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for ensuring their safe return to Earth. “Our situation, I think I mentioned before, maybe wasn't the perfect situation, but allowed a lot of people, including the President and Elon, to look at what's going on on the International Space Station, take it very seriously and understand that our involvement as a country, as a space-faring nation, is really important throughout the world.” Also read | President Murmu to PM Modi— India celebrates Sunita Williams’ return to Earth Extended stay in space Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore embarked on a 10-day mission aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, 2024. However, they were unable to return after the spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions during its approach and docking manoeuvres. Following an extensive investigation on the ground by NASA and Boeing, the spacecraft was deemed too risky to carry the astronauts back home, resulting in their unexpected extended stay at the space station. The duo finally returned to Earth on March 18 after their extended nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS). (With inputs from agencies)

Are NASA, Boeing to be blamed for Sunita Williams & Butch Willmore’s extended space stay? Astronauts respond

US President Donald Trump again downplayed risks that TikTok is in danger of being banned in the United States, saying he remains confident of finding a buyer for the app's US business by a Friday deadline.
The hugely popular video-sharing app, which has over 170 million American users, is under threat from a law that passed overwhelmingly last year and orders TikTok to split from its Chinese owner, ByteDance or face a ban in the United States.
Motivated by widespread belief in Washington that TikTok is ultimately controlled by the Chinese government, the law took effect on January 19, one day before Trump's inauguration.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-backfire-elon-musk-slams-marine-le-pen-election-ban-as-abuse-of-power-compare-it-to-trump-trials-8911192">&lsquo;This will backfire&rsquo;: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as &lsquo;abuse of power&rsquo;, compares it to Trump trials</a>
But the Republican president quickly announced a delay that has allowed it to continue to operate; that delay is set to expire on April 5.
"We have a lot of potential buyers. There's tremendous interest in TikTok," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One late Sunday.
"We have a lot of people that want to buy TikTok. We're dealing with China also on it, because they may have something to do with it," he said, adding "I'd like to see TikTok remain alive."
Any deal to divest TikTok from ByteDance will require the approval of Beijing, and Trump has said he may offer to reduce tariffs on China as a way to get Beijing's approval for the sale.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-zelensky-of-trying-to-back-out-of-rare-earth-deal-8910941">'He&rsquo;s got big, big problems': Trump accuses Zelensky of trying to 'back out' of rare earth deal</a>
Trump, though he supported a ban in his first term, has lately become the app's greatest defender, seeing it as a reason more young voters supported him in November's election.
One of his major political donors, billionaire Jeff Yass, is also a major stakeholder in parent company ByteDance.
<h2>ByteDance on board?</h2>
Several proposals for TikTok's US business have emerged since the law began to make its way through Congress last year.
But according to The New York Times, citing people involved in coming up with a solution, the most likely fix would see existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company.
Additional US investors would be brought on to reduce the proportion of Chinese investors. Trump at one point said the US government could also take a stake through a newly announced national sovereign fund.
Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities told AFP that he believed cloud company Oracle would "play a major role" in such a deal and that "ByteDance will still control and own the algorithm" and have board seats.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-missiles-in-ready-to-launch-mode-in-underground-facilities-as-trump-warns-of-militant-action-8908602">Iran's missiles in ready-to-launch mode in underground facilities as Trump warns of military action</a>
Much of TikTok's US activity is already housed on Oracle servers, and the company's executive chairman, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally who was also floated as a buyer of TikTok's US activity in Trump's first term.
The arrangement would go against the spirit of the law, which is in part based on the premise that TikTok's algorithm can be weaponized by the Chinese against US interests.
But University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias said he did not expect opposition in the Republican-led Congress or if Trump ordered another extension to the sale deadline.
"Lawmakers have expressed little opposition to Trump's actions (including ones) which federal judges have ruled violate the Constitution or congressionally-passed statutes," he said.
Other proposals include an initiative called "The People's Bid for TikTok," launched by real estate and sports tycoon Frank McCourt's Project Liberty initiative.
Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity recently expressed interest in buying TikTok, as did a joint venture involving YouTube mega-celebrity MrBeast.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/green-light-on-yemen-raid-snl-mocks-trump-administration-signal-chat-leak-scandal-watch-8908044">&lsquo;Green light on Yemen raid!&rsquo; SNL mocks Trump administration Signal chat leak scandal | WATCH</a>
When the last deadline passed, in January, TikTok temporarily shut down in the United States, to the dismay of millions of users.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

World: The hugely popular video-sharing app, which has over 170 million American users, is under threat from a law that passed overwhelmingly last year and orders TikTok to split from its Chinese owner ByteDance or face a ban in the United States.

US President Donald Trump again downplayed risks that TikTok is in danger of being banned in the United States, saying he remains confident of finding a buyer for the app's US business by a Friday deadline. The hugely popular video-sharing app, which has over 170 million American users, is under threat from a law that passed overwhelmingly last year and orders TikTok to split from its Chinese owner, ByteDance or face a ban in the United States. Motivated by widespread belief in Washington that TikTok is ultimately controlled by the Chinese government, the law took effect on January 19, one day before Trump's inauguration. Also read: ‘This will backfire’: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as ‘abuse of power’, compares it to Trump trials But the Republican president quickly announced a delay that has allowed it to continue to operate; that delay is set to expire on April 5. "We have a lot of potential buyers. There's tremendous interest in TikTok," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One late Sunday. "We have a lot of people that want to buy TikTok. We're dealing with China also on it, because they may have something to do with it," he said, adding "I'd like to see TikTok remain alive." Any deal to divest TikTok from ByteDance will require the approval of Beijing, and Trump has said he may offer to reduce tariffs on China as a way to get Beijing's approval for the sale. Also read: 'He’s got big, big problems': Trump accuses Zelensky of trying to 'back out' of rare earth deal Trump, though he supported a ban in his first term, has lately become the app's greatest defender, seeing it as a reason more young voters supported him in November's election. One of his major political donors, billionaire Jeff Yass, is also a major stakeholder in parent company ByteDance. ByteDance on board? Several proposals for TikTok's US business have emerged since the law began to make its way through Congress last year. But according to The New York Times, citing people involved in coming up with a solution, the most likely fix would see existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company. Additional US investors would be brought on to reduce the proportion of Chinese investors. Trump at one point said the US government could also take a stake through a newly announced national sovereign fund. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities told AFP that he believed cloud company Oracle would "play a major role" in such a deal and that "ByteDance will still control and own the algorithm" and have board seats. Also read: Iran's missiles in ready-to-launch mode in underground facilities as Trump warns of military action Much of TikTok's US activity is already housed on Oracle servers, and the company's executive chairman, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally who was also floated as a buyer of TikTok's US activity in Trump's first term. The arrangement would go against the spirit of the law, which is in part based on the premise that TikTok's algorithm can be weaponized by the Chinese against US interests. But University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias said he did not expect opposition in the Republican-led Congress or if Trump ordered another extension to the sale deadline. "Lawmakers have expressed little opposition to Trump's actions (including ones) which federal judges have ruled violate the Constitution or congressionally-passed statutes," he said. Other proposals include an initiative called "The People's Bid for TikTok," launched by real estate and sports tycoon Frank McCourt's Project Liberty initiative. Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity recently expressed interest in buying TikTok, as did a joint venture involving YouTube mega-celebrity MrBeast. Also read: ‘Green light on Yemen raid!’ SNL mocks Trump administration Signal chat leak scandal | WATCH When the last deadline passed, in January, TikTok temporarily shut down in the United States, to the dismay of millions of users. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

TikTok faces US ban again but Trump says 'many' buyers ready

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong's police chief and five other officials over human rights concerns after China clamped down in the financial hub.
The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law.
The sanctions mark a rare action invoking human rights by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has described China as an adversary but has shown no reluctance to ally with autocrats.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-backfire-elon-musk-slams-marine-le-pen-election-ban-as-abuse-of-power-compare-it-to-trump-trials-8911192">&lsquo;This will backfire&rsquo;: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as &lsquo;abuse of power&rsquo;, compares it to Trump trials</a>
The sanctions "demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to hold to account those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of protected rights and freedoms or who commit acts of transnational repression on US soil or against US persons," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
Other officials targeted in the latest sanctions include Paul Lam, the city's secretary of justice.
Hong Kong's top official, Chief Executive John Lee, is already under US sanctions.
The officials were targeted in line with a US law that champions Hong Kong democracy.
The State Department also pointed to some of the officials' roles in efforts to "intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists" who fled overseas, including one US citizen and four US residents.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-zelensky-of-trying-to-back-out-of-rare-earth-deal-8910941">'He&rsquo;s got big, big problems': Trump accuses Zelensky of trying to 'back out' of rare earth deal</a>
Rubio has been outspoken on China's human rights record dating back to his time as a senator.
Rubio earlier also imposed sanctions on officials in Thailand over their deportations back to China of members of the Uyghur minority.
Beijing promised a separate system to Hong Kong when Britain handed over the financial hub in 1997.
China then cracked down hard against dissent, imposing a draconian national security law, after massive and at times destructive protests in favor of democracy swept the city in 2019.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong's police chief and five other officials over human rights concerns after China clamped down in the financial hub. The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law. The sanctions mark a rare action invoking human rights by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has described China as an adversary but has shown no reluctance to ally with autocrats. Also read: ‘This will backfire’: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as ‘abuse of power’, compares it to Trump trials The sanctions "demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to hold to account those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of protected rights and freedoms or who commit acts of transnational repression on US soil or against US persons," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. Other officials targeted in the latest sanctions include Paul Lam, the city's secretary of justice. Hong Kong's top official, Chief Executive John Lee, is already under US sanctions. The officials were targeted in line with a US law that champions Hong Kong democracy. The State Department also pointed to some of the officials' roles in efforts to "intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists" who fled overseas, including one US citizen and four US residents. Also read: 'He’s got big, big problems': Trump accuses Zelensky of trying to 'back out' of rare earth deal Rubio has been outspoken on China's human rights record dating back to his time as a senator. Rubio earlier also imposed sanctions on officials in Thailand over their deportations back to China of members of the Uyghur minority. Beijing promised a separate system to Hong Kong when Britain handed over the financial hub in 1997. China then cracked down hard against dissent, imposing a draconian national security law, after massive and at times destructive protests in favor of democracy swept the city in 2019. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US sanctions Hong Kong police chief and top officials over human rights crackdown

Israeli police on Monday arrested two of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s senior aides as part of the widening "Qatargate" scandal, just hours before Netanyahu was questioned by investigators over the matter.
Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein were detained as suspects in the case, which centres on alleged financial ties between Qatar and Netanyahu&rsquo;s inner circle. The arrests came shortly after Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara instructed police to summon the prime minister for testimony.
Netanyahu, who had been attending a court hearing for his ongoing corruption trial in Tel Aviv, abruptly left the courtroom and headed to his office, where he was questioned by the Lahav 433 major crimes unit.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-hamas-leaders-gaza-ceasefire-eid-al-fitr-8907209">'Lay down arms and leave': Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders way out of Gaza, but with one condition</a>
According to Israeli media, the prime minister was questioned as someone with knowledge of the affair, not as a suspect. However, investigators may decide to summon him again under caution, depending on the outcome of his initial testimony.
A police source told the Kan public broadcaster that Netanyahu was offered a choice of dates but opted to appear the same day, even if it meant interrupting his own trial. &ldquo;He chose to come today and stop the hearing of his case in court,&rdquo; the source said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-lebanon-benjamin-netanyahu-hezbollah-beirut-8901664">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t allow any fire&rsquo;: Netanyahu warns of strikes &lsquo;everywhere in Lebanon&rsquo; after hitting Beirut</a>
<h2>What is Qatargate?</h2>
The Qatargate investigation revolves around allegations that Netanyahu&rsquo;s former spokesman, Eli Feldstein, worked for Qatar while serving in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office. 
Feldstein is accused of harming national security by leaking classified IDF documents and allegedly feeding pro-Qatar stories to Israeli journalists via an international PR firm contracted by Doha.
The probe, launched in February, is being led by Israel&rsquo;s Lahav 433 crime unit and the Shin Bet internal security agency. It focuses on suspected Qatari payments made to individuals in Netanyahu&rsquo;s close circle between May 2022 and October 2024.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-bombing-like-never-before-trump-threatens-iran-with-strikes-tariffs-over-nuclear-deal-refusal-8907621">'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal</a>
Feldstein and Urich were questioned earlier this month on suspicion of fraud, bribery, money laundering, and contact with a foreign agent. A gag order prevents the release of further details.
On Monday, police also summoned a journalist for testimony, which reportedly turned into questioning under caution. Hebrew media said the reporter is suspected of contact with a foreign agent, although law enforcement has not confirmed this publicly.
Feldstein and Urich&rsquo;s lawyer, Amit Hadad, who also represents Netanyahu, left the courtroom during the prime minister&rsquo;s trial to assist the arrested aides.
Critics of the government claim Netanyahu is trying to block the investigation, especially after it emerged that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who is leading the inquiry, is being dismissed by Netanyahu&rsquo;s government. Bar has alleged his removal is politically motivated.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-missiles-in-ready-to-launch-mode-in-underground-facilities-as-trump-warns-of-militant-action-8908602">Iran's missiles in ready-to-launch mode in underground facilities as Trump warns of military action</a>
Netanyahu, for his part, has condemned the case as a &ldquo;witch hunt,&rdquo; and the accused aides have denied all wrongdoing.
The scandal dates back to November last year, when reports surfaced that Urich and another top aide, Yisrael Einhorn, had done PR work for Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup through Einhorn&rsquo;s firm, Perception. Einhorn, now based in Serbia as an adviser to President Aleksandar Vučić, has yet to be questioned by Israeli authorities due to difficulties in reaching him abroad.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Qatargate investigation revolves around allegations that Netanyahu’s former spokesman, Eli Feldstein, worked for Qatar while serving in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Israeli police on Monday arrested two of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s senior aides as part of the widening "Qatargate" scandal, just hours before Netanyahu was questioned by investigators over the matter. Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein were detained as suspects in the case, which centres on alleged financial ties between Qatar and Netanyahu’s inner circle. The arrests came shortly after Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara instructed police to summon the prime minister for testimony. Netanyahu, who had been attending a court hearing for his ongoing corruption trial in Tel Aviv, abruptly left the courtroom and headed to his office, where he was questioned by the Lahav 433 major crimes unit. Also read: 'Lay down arms and leave': Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders way out of Gaza, but with one condition According to Israeli media, the prime minister was questioned as someone with knowledge of the affair, not as a suspect. However, investigators may decide to summon him again under caution, depending on the outcome of his initial testimony. A police source told the Kan public broadcaster that Netanyahu was offered a choice of dates but opted to appear the same day, even if it meant interrupting his own trial. “He chose to come today and stop the hearing of his case in court,” the source said. Also read: ‘Won’t allow any fire’: Netanyahu warns of strikes ‘everywhere in Lebanon’ after hitting Beirut What is Qatargate? The Qatargate investigation revolves around allegations that Netanyahu’s former spokesman, Eli Feldstein, worked for Qatar while serving in the Prime Minister’s Office. Feldstein is accused of harming national security by leaking classified IDF documents and allegedly feeding pro-Qatar stories to Israeli journalists via an international PR firm contracted by Doha. The probe, launched in February, is being led by Israel’s Lahav 433 crime unit and the Shin Bet internal security agency. It focuses on suspected Qatari payments made to individuals in Netanyahu’s close circle between May 2022 and October 2024. Also read: 'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal Feldstein and Urich were questioned earlier this month on suspicion of fraud, bribery, money laundering, and contact with a foreign agent. A gag order prevents the release of further details. On Monday, police also summoned a journalist for testimony, which reportedly turned into questioning under caution. Hebrew media said the reporter is suspected of contact with a foreign agent, although law enforcement has not confirmed this publicly. Feldstein and Urich’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, who also represents Netanyahu, left the courtroom during the prime minister’s trial to assist the arrested aides. Critics of the government claim Netanyahu is trying to block the investigation, especially after it emerged that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who is leading the inquiry, is being dismissed by Netanyahu’s government. Bar has alleged his removal is politically motivated. Also read: Iran's missiles in ready-to-launch mode in underground facilities as Trump warns of military action Netanyahu, for his part, has condemned the case as a “witch hunt,” and the accused aides have denied all wrongdoing. The scandal dates back to November last year, when reports surfaced that Urich and another top aide, Yisrael Einhorn, had done PR work for Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup through Einhorn’s firm, Perception. Einhorn, now based in Serbia as an adviser to President Aleksandar Vučić, has yet to be questioned by Israeli authorities due to difficulties in reaching him abroad. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Qatargate? Netanyahu questioned, two top aides arrested as probe deepens

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news