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Long-time stranded NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth has once again got delayed after SpaceX and NASA postponed the launch of a replacement crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday (March 12).
The ISS said that their return was delayed due to an unexpected technical problem.&nbsp;
William and Butch Wilmore have been stranded in space for nine months now after their trip aboard Boeing's faulty Starliner.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmores-return-cancelled-as-nasa-postpones-iss-mission-8848558">Sunita Williams stuck in space: NASA, SpaceX postpone rescue operation</a>
<h2>When are they coming back now?&nbsp;</h2>
NASA'S SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than 7:03 pm EDT on Friday (4.33 am IST on Saturday), according to the NASA website.
Now, the launch coverage will begin at 3 pm on March on NASA+. Further, docking is scheduled for 11:30 pm on Saturday (March 15).&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> now target the launch of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crew10?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crew10</a> mission for no earlier than 7:03pm ET on Friday, March 14, to the International Space Station. <a href="https://t.co/B9vkvcVbZ9">https://t.co/B9vkvcVbZ9</a>
&mdash; International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1900013375796764764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Moreover, the launch teams are also working to address a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A at NASA&rsquo;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/sunita-williams-returns-to-earth-physical-effects-to-expect-8844997">Sunita Williams to get 'baby feet' after returning to Earth. What does it mean?</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Why did they delay the return?</h2>
The mission managers decided to wave off the launch attempt on Thursday due to high winds and precipitation forecast in the flight path of Dragon.&nbsp;
"Crew-10 is the 10th crew rotation mission of SpaceX&rsquo;s human space transportation system and its 11th flight with crew aboard, including the Demo-2 test flight, to the space station through NASA&rsquo;s Commercial Crew Program," the NASA blog read.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-hopes-nasa-astronauts-sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmore-love-each-other-8830063">Trump calls Sunita Williams 'woman with wild hair', hopes she and Butch Wilmore 'love each other'</a>
Earlier, Williams and Butch Wilmore were due to spend only eight days on the ISS but have been stranded there after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was supposed to bring them back suffered propulsion problems.&nbsp;
Health concerns have been raised for Williams, as the human body is not built for spaceflight, with its microgravity conditions, exposure to high-energy radiation and other issues. As a result, trekking beyond the Earth's confines causes many physiological changes that affect an astronaut's health.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/usd-488-million-nasa-mission-launched-to-find-secrets-about-the-big-bang-and-study-sun-8847872">$488 million NASA mission launched to find secrets about the &lsquo;Big Bang&rsquo; and study the Sun</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World, trending: NASA'S SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than 7:03 pm EDT on Friday (4.33 am IST on Saturday), according to the NASA website.

Long-time stranded NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth has once again got delayed after SpaceX and NASA postponed the launch of a replacement crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday (March 12). The ISS said that their return was delayed due to an unexpected technical problem. William and Butch Wilmore have been stranded in space for nine months now after their trip aboard Boeing's faulty Starliner. Also read: Sunita Williams stuck in space: NASA, SpaceX postpone rescue operation When are they coming back now? NASA'S SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than 7:03 pm EDT on Friday (4.33 am IST on Saturday), according to the NASA website. Now, the launch coverage will begin at 3 pm on March on NASA+. Further, docking is scheduled for 11:30 pm on Saturday (March 15). .@NASA and @SpaceX now target the launch of the #Crew10 mission for no earlier than 7:03pm ET on Friday, March 14, to the International Space Station. https://t.co/B9vkvcVbZ9 — International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 13, 2025 Moreover, the launch teams are also working to address a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Also read: Sunita Williams to get 'baby feet' after returning to Earth. What does it mean? Why did they delay the return? The mission managers decided to wave off the launch attempt on Thursday due to high winds and precipitation forecast in the flight path of Dragon. "Crew-10 is the 10th crew rotation mission of SpaceX’s human space transportation system and its 11th flight with crew aboard, including the Demo-2 test flight, to the space station through NASA’s Commercial Crew Program," the NASA blog read. Also read: Trump calls Sunita Williams 'woman with wild hair', hopes she and Butch Wilmore 'love each other' Earlier, Williams and Butch Wilmore were due to spend only eight days on the ISS but have been stranded there after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was supposed to bring them back suffered propulsion problems. Health concerns have been raised for Williams, as the human body is not built for spaceflight, with its microgravity conditions, exposure to high-energy radiation and other issues. As a result, trekking beyond the Earth's confines causes many physiological changes that affect an astronaut's health. Also read: $488 million NASA mission launched to find secrets about the ‘Big Bang’ and study the Sun (With inputs from agencies)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will return to Earth on THIS date | Check here

A female American high school track runner was accused of misdemeanor assault and battery after a viral video showed her striking a competitor's head with her baton at a relay. According to the ABC news report, the victim ended up having a concussion. The girl facing charges was identified as Alaila Everett from Virginia. She is a senior student at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth.
The runner was taking part in the second leg of the 4x200-metre relay race when she hit her baton on another athlete, Kaelen Tucker. She can be seen in the video striking the baton on the other athlete's head. The whole incident took place on March 4, during the Virginia State High School League Championships at Liberty University in Lynchburg.
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There is literally a 0% CHANCE that this was an accident. At the state championships!! As a former sprinter and relay runner (4x100 and 4x200), I have NEVER seen someone start flailing outwardly with a baton. Ever. A baton, in proper form, swings up and down, with arms in&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/wPMu3EMWwS">https://t.co/wPMu3EMWwS</a> <a href="https://t.co/TiPJYiIn6a">pic.twitter.com/TiPJYiIn6a</a>
&mdash; Liberty Belle (@iLibertyBelle) <a href="https://twitter.com/iLibertyBelle/status/1899303196490670120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<h2>Case Details</h2>
On Wednesday (Mar 12), the commonwealth's attorney of Lynchburg city, Bethany Harrison, said a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery was issued against Everett in this matter.
Tucker is a junior student from Brookville High School.&nbsp;In the viral video, she stumbles and reaches off the track after being hit by the baton.
Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-farm-raid-exposes-over-150-homemade-bombs-largest-seizure-in-fbi-history-suspect-used-bidens-picture-for-target-practice-8582008">FBI seizes record cache of explosives in Virginia farm raid; suspect backed far-right</a>&nbsp;
After the hitting, she was taken to the medical care by personnel. She would later be treated for a concussion, she said according to a report in WVEC, an ABC affiliate in Hampton, Virginia.&nbsp;
She added, "I was so in disbelief. I didn't know what happened."
In an interview broadcast on US TV programme 'Good Morning America', Everett shared her point of view on the incident, insisting that the baton strike was an accident.
She said, "I would never do that on purpose, that's not in my character."
According to Everett's family, Tucker was too close to their daughter, which led to an accidental incident. This proximity led Everett to lose her balance and the baton to make contact with Tucker.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trending: Discover the shocking incident as a Virginia high school runner faces misdemeanor assault charges after a viral video shows her striking a competitor with a baton.

A female American high school track runner was accused of misdemeanor assault and battery after a viral video showed her striking a competitor's head with her baton at a relay. According to the ABC news report, the victim ended up having a concussion. The girl facing charges was identified as Alaila Everett from Virginia. She is a senior student at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth. The runner was taking part in the second leg of the 4x200-metre relay race when she hit her baton on another athlete, Kaelen Tucker. She can be seen in the video striking the baton on the other athlete's head. The whole incident took place on March 4, during the Virginia State High School League Championships at Liberty University in Lynchburg. There is literally a 0% CHANCE that this was an accident. At the state championships!! As a former sprinter and relay runner (4x100 and 4x200), I have NEVER seen someone start flailing outwardly with a baton. Ever. A baton, in proper form, swings up and down, with arms in… https://t.co/wPMu3EMWwS pic.twitter.com/TiPJYiIn6a — Liberty Belle (@iLibertyBelle) March 11, 2025 Also read| Driver in US' Virginia hides in storm drain after hit-and-run on highway Case Details On Wednesday (Mar 12), the commonwealth's attorney of Lynchburg city, Bethany Harrison, said a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery was issued against Everett in this matter. Tucker is a junior student from Brookville High School. In the viral video, she stumbles and reaches off the track after being hit by the baton. Also read|FBI seizes record cache of explosives in Virginia farm raid; suspect backed far-right After the hitting, she was taken to the medical care by personnel. She would later be treated for a concussion, she said according to a report in WVEC, an ABC affiliate in Hampton, Virginia. She added, "I was so in disbelief. I didn't know what happened." In an interview broadcast on US TV programme 'Good Morning America', Everett shared her point of view on the incident, insisting that the baton strike was an accident. She said, "I would never do that on purpose, that's not in my character." According to Everett's family, Tucker was too close to their daughter, which led to an accidental incident. This proximity led Everett to lose her balance and the baton to make contact with Tucker. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Virginia high school runner who hit her competitor with baton charged with assault

Merrachi, a Dutch modest clothing brand, has sparked controversy and anti-Muslim criticism in France after it featured the Eiffel Tower draped in an Islamic headscarf.
The animated video by the Merrachi was published on TikTok this week with the text: &ldquo;The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,&rdquo; hinting at a launch soon in the country.
The caption of the video said, &ldquo;Remember when they banned the hijab?&rdquo; referencing the restrictions on Islamic dress in France.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-germany-italy-back-arab-counterproposal-to-trumps-plan-to-take-over-gaza-8835213">Britain, France, Germany, Italy back Arab counterproposal to Trump's Gaza takeover plan</a>
The bio of the fashion brand, which primarily caters to Muslim consumers, says, &ldquo;We at MERRACHI shift the boundaries of fashion as we know them.&rdquo;
<h2>Clothing brand draws criticism</h2>
The video was criticised by far-right politicians, commentators and social media users for the deliberately &ldquo;provocative&rdquo; and &ldquo;intolerable&rdquo; advertisement that targeted a French symbol.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇫🇷 INACCEPTABLE ! La Tour Eiffel, symbole de la France, d&eacute;tourn&eacute;e par la marque Merrachi qui la couvre d&rsquo;un voile islamique dans une publicit&eacute; provocatrice. 👉 Une instrumentalisation id&eacute;ologique et commerciale qui heurte nos valeurs r&eacute;publicaines et notre patrimoine. <a href="https://t.co/A6GgVkWRPU">pic.twitter.com/A6GgVkWRPU</a>
&mdash; Lisette Pollet 🕊🎗️Ⓜ️ 🇫🇷 (@LisettePollet) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisettePollet/status/1899504665135403035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Lisette Pollet, an MP with the far-right National Rally, took to X to slam the brand saying, &ldquo;Unacceptable! The Eiffel Tower, symbol of France, has been hijacked by the Merrachi brand, which covers it with an Islamic veil in a provocative advertisement.&rdquo; She added that the ad offends the French &ldquo;republican values ​​and heritage&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paedophile-ex-surgeon-confesses-to-raping-sons-friends-at-his-home-during-frances-largest-child-sexual-abuse-trial-8833938">&lsquo;Paedophile&rsquo; ex-surgeon confesses to preying on son&rsquo;s friends during France&rsquo;s largest child sexual abuse trial</a>
&ldquo;This is a terrifying political project, an unacceptable provocation!&rdquo; wrote Jerome Buisson, a National Rally representative.
French economist and co-founder of the Citizen Political Movement Philippe Murer called for a ban on the brand stores, urging Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and the government to take action.
&ldquo;This is a deceptive and provocative message ("Paris is Muslim now, and we are proud"). But where you're wrong is that it's not the government that hates to see Merrachi arrive, but the French people,&rdquo; a user wrote on social media.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/wwii-bomb-discovered-near-paris-gare-du-nord-station-traffic-heavily-disrupted-at-frances-busiest-train-station-8830596">WWII bomb discovered near Paris Gare du Nord station; traffic 'heavily disrupted' at France's busiest train station</a>
&ldquo;For fear of appearing intolerant, we tolerate the intolerable... And meanwhile, little by little the bird builds its nest&hellip;,&rdquo; a user said.
Some users also saw the ad as a sign of the impending &ldquo;Islamist takeover&rdquo; of France, while some called for a ban on &ldquo;Muslim immigration.&rdquo;
On the other hand, some social media users praised the ad calling it &ldquo;creative&rdquo; and &ldquo;bold&rdquo; as its marketing approach challenges policies on Muslim women's religious practice in France.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharing-military-intelligence-with-ukraine-says-france-after-us-paused-intelligence-sharing-8828332">Sharing military intelligence with Ukraine, says France after US 'paused' intelligence sharing</a>
A user said, &ldquo;Bold move! Merrachi challenges fashion norms with creative marketing.&rdquo;
<h2>French restriction on Muslim clothing</h2>
The French government banned &ldquo;conspicuous&rdquo; religious symbols in state schools and hospitals in 2004. In 2010, a law was made prohibiting full-face veils (niqab) in public spaces. Recently in 2023, the government banned abayas, full-length dresses worn by some Muslim women, in schools. In the Summer Olympics in Paris, the athletes were barred from wearing the hijab.
(With inputs from agencies)

World |  Trending | The animated video by the Merrachi was published on TikTok this week with the text: “The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,” hinting at a launch soon in the country.

Merrachi, a Dutch modest clothing brand, has sparked controversy and anti-Muslim criticism in France after it featured the Eiffel Tower draped in an Islamic headscarf. The animated video by the Merrachi was published on TikTok this week with the text: “The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,” hinting at a launch soon in the country. The caption of the video said, “Remember when they banned the hijab?” referencing the restrictions on Islamic dress in France. Also read | Britain, France, Germany, Italy back Arab counterproposal to Trump's Gaza takeover plan The bio of the fashion brand, which primarily caters to Muslim consumers, says, “We at MERRACHI shift the boundaries of fashion as we know them.” Clothing brand draws criticism The video was criticised by far-right politicians, commentators and social media users for the deliberately “provocative” and “intolerable” advertisement that targeted a French symbol. 🇫🇷 INACCEPTABLE ! La Tour Eiffel, symbole de la France, détournée par la marque Merrachi qui la couvre d’un voile islamique dans une publicité provocatrice. 👉 Une instrumentalisation idéologique et commerciale qui heurte nos valeurs républicaines et notre patrimoine. pic.twitter.com/A6GgVkWRPU — Lisette Pollet 🕊🎗️Ⓜ️ 🇫🇷 (@LisettePollet) March 11, 2025 Lisette Pollet, an MP with the far-right National Rally, took to X to slam the brand saying, “Unacceptable! The Eiffel Tower, symbol of France, has been hijacked by the Merrachi brand, which covers it with an Islamic veil in a provocative advertisement.” She added that the ad offends the French “republican values and heritage”. Also read | ‘Paedophile’ ex-surgeon confesses to preying on son’s friends during France’s largest child sexual abuse trial “This is a terrifying political project, an unacceptable provocation!” wrote Jerome Buisson, a National Rally representative. French economist and co-founder of the Citizen Political Movement Philippe Murer called for a ban on the brand stores, urging Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and the government to take action. “This is a deceptive and provocative message ("Paris is Muslim now, and we are proud"). But where you're wrong is that it's not the government that hates to see Merrachi arrive, but the French people,” a user wrote on social media. Also read | WWII bomb discovered near Paris Gare du Nord station; traffic 'heavily disrupted' at France's busiest train station “For fear of appearing intolerant, we tolerate the intolerable... And meanwhile, little by little the bird builds its nest…,” a user said. Some users also saw the ad as a sign of the impending “Islamist takeover” of France, while some called for a ban on “Muslim immigration.” On the other hand, some social media users praised the ad calling it “creative” and “bold” as its marketing approach challenges policies on Muslim women's religious practice in France. Also read | Sharing military intelligence with Ukraine, says France after US 'paused' intelligence sharing A user said, “Bold move! Merrachi challenges fashion norms with creative marketing.” French restriction on Muslim clothing The French government banned “conspicuous” religious symbols in state schools and hospitals in 2004. In 2010, a law was made prohibiting full-face veils (niqab) in public spaces. Recently in 2023, the government banned abayas, full-length dresses worn by some Muslim women, in schools. In the Summer Olympics in Paris, the athletes were barred from wearing the hijab. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Clothing brand’s ad featuring Eiffel Tower in hijab sparks debate in France

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. A 10-year-old child was crushed to death in Michigan, United States, when his foster mother sat on his head and neck as punishment for "acting bad," till he stopped moving. The child&rsquo;s killer was charged with reckless homicide and has been sentenced to six years in prison, with one year of suspended probation.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
On April 25, 2024, Dakota Levi Stevens, a 10-year-old child, died after his foster mother, 48-year-old Jennifer Lee Wilson, sat on him as a punishment for him &ldquo;acting bad&rdquo;.&nbsp;
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Wilson admitted to laying on top of her ward. In a home ring camera footage of the incident, she can be heard saying &ldquo;I was laying on him, and he was acting bad&rdquo;.
As per reports, 30 minutes before emergency vehicles reached their home, the young boy ran to a neighbour's house asking her to adopt him and claimed that his foster parents hit him in the face.&nbsp;
Wilson brought Dakota home, but claimed that he was &ldquo;acting bad&rdquo; and that she was trying to stop him from leaving. As per a Fox5Atlanta report, she told police that &ldquo;he does not know if she tackled Dakota, or they fell to the ground, however her intention was to hold him&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-10-people-injured-as-escalator-glitch-throws-them-off-in-philippines-8849274">WATCH | 10 people injured as escalator glitch throws them off in Philippines</a>
The woman, who, as per reports, weighs over 150kg, sat on the young boy for around five minutes and only got off him after he stopped moving. When she rolled Dakota over, she noticed that his eyelids were pale, so she began to administer CPR.
Another foster child reportedly called emergency services. However, emergency personnel were unable to resuscitate the young boy.
He was found with bruising on his neck and chest and died two days after the incident. It was subsequently revealed that he died of mechanical asphyxia. A CT scan at the hospital showed severe swelling in Dakota&rsquo;s brain, which could be consistent with being deprived of oxygen for an extended time.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending world news: A tragic incident in Michigan saw a 10-year-old boy, Dakota Levi Stevens, die after his foster mother sat on his neck as punishment, leading her being charged for reckless homicide.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. A 10-year-old child was crushed to death in Michigan, United States, when his foster mother sat on his head and neck as punishment for "acting bad," till he stopped moving. The child’s killer was charged with reckless homicide and has been sentenced to six years in prison, with one year of suspended probation. What happened? On April 25, 2024, Dakota Levi Stevens, a 10-year-old child, died after his foster mother, 48-year-old Jennifer Lee Wilson, sat on him as a punishment for him “acting bad”. Also read | Want to slow your brain's ageing? Have children, says recent study Wilson admitted to laying on top of her ward. In a home ring camera footage of the incident, she can be heard saying “I was laying on him, and he was acting bad”. As per reports, 30 minutes before emergency vehicles reached their home, the young boy ran to a neighbour's house asking her to adopt him and claimed that his foster parents hit him in the face. Wilson brought Dakota home, but claimed that he was “acting bad” and that she was trying to stop him from leaving. As per a Fox5Atlanta report, she told police that “he does not know if she tackled Dakota, or they fell to the ground, however her intention was to hold him”. Also read | WATCH | 10 people injured as escalator glitch throws them off in Philippines The woman, who, as per reports, weighs over 150kg, sat on the young boy for around five minutes and only got off him after he stopped moving. When she rolled Dakota over, she noticed that his eyelids were pale, so she began to administer CPR. Another foster child reportedly called emergency services. However, emergency personnel were unable to resuscitate the young boy. He was found with bruising on his neck and chest and died two days after the incident. It was subsequently revealed that he died of mechanical asphyxia. A CT scan at the hospital showed severe swelling in Dakota’s brain, which could be consistent with being deprived of oxygen for an extended time. (With inputs from agencies)

Ten-year-old boy dies after foster mother sits on his neck as punishment, killer gets 6 years in jail

In the Philippines, 10 people were injured when an escalator went into the reverse direction, sending people in it back to the starting point at a train station. The technical glitch occurred at the Taft Ave station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) in the capital Manila, on March 8.
According to the viral CCTV footage, people were using the escalator when it abruptly paused and then began to operate backward.
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On March 8, 10 people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at a train station in the Philippines. CCTV footage from the Taft Avenue station shows packed escalator riders ascending before suddenly plummeting back down. <a href="https://t.co/vyeZYOLBYy">pic.twitter.com/vyeZYOLBYy</a>
&mdash; T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) <a href="https://twitter.com/tecas2000/status/1899852740156641647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Some passengers were tossed to the floor, and others are seen collapsing on each other. The primary drive chain of the motor-powered stairs was damaged, according to train management, who promised to pay for the wounded people's medical bills.
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"We apologise to our passengers and we are coordinating with those affected by the incident," stated Oscar Bongon, general manager of MRT-3. The repair work of the malfunctioned escalator began on Tuesday afternoon (March 11). The MRT-3 staff were repairing the escalator at Taft Avenue Station. They informed that the escalator was damaged and caused the malfunction.
<h2>Escalator malfunction cases</h2>
It is not just the Philippines that suffered escalator malfunction. In 2024, an escalator glitch occurred at U&ccedil;yol Metro Station in Anatolia, Izmir, Turkey that injured 11 people. The case has sparked serious safety issues across the globe.
Earlier in 2017, an escalator suddenly reversed direction and sent commuters backward at high speed at a shopping center in Hong Kong. This incident injured about 18 people and they suffered minor wounds. (With inputs from agencies)

World: Trending: Discover the shocking escalator glitch in Manila's MRT station that injured people. Learn how this viral incident unfolded and the immediate response from authorities.

In the Philippines, 10 people were injured when an escalator went into the reverse direction, sending people in it back to the starting point at a train station. The technical glitch occurred at the Taft Ave station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) in the capital Manila, on March 8. According to the viral CCTV footage, people were using the escalator when it abruptly paused and then began to operate backward. On March 8, 10 people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at a train station in the Philippines. CCTV footage from the Taft Avenue station shows packed escalator riders ascending before suddenly plummeting back down. pic.twitter.com/vyeZYOLBYy — T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 12, 2025 Also read| Philippines President Duterte: Will impose martial law if drug problem 'virulent' Some passengers were tossed to the floor, and others are seen collapsing on each other. The primary drive chain of the motor-powered stairs was damaged, according to train management, who promised to pay for the wounded people's medical bills. Also read | Watch: Swiss Olympian Fabian Boesch ascends escalator in a whole new way "We apologise to our passengers and we are coordinating with those affected by the incident," stated Oscar Bongon, general manager of MRT-3. The repair work of the malfunctioned escalator began on Tuesday afternoon (March 11). The MRT-3 staff were repairing the escalator at Taft Avenue Station. They informed that the escalator was damaged and caused the malfunction. Escalator malfunction cases It is not just the Philippines that suffered escalator malfunction. In 2024, an escalator glitch occurred at Uçyol Metro Station in Anatolia, Izmir, Turkey that injured 11 people. The case has sparked serious safety issues across the globe. Earlier in 2017, an escalator suddenly reversed direction and sent commuters backward at high speed at a shopping center in Hong Kong. This incident injured about 18 people and they suffered minor wounds. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | 10 people injured as escalator glitch throws them off in Philippines

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte said he was prepared to accept responsibility as the International Criminal Court took him into custody Wednesday to face charges over his war on drugs.
The ICC, based in The Hague, believes there are "reasonable grounds" to charge Duterte with murder as a crime against humanity, as an "indirect co-perpetrator" during the anti-drug campaign that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands.
"I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this," Duterte said in a video posted to his and a close advisor's Facebook pages.
"I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible," said the 79-year-old, the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC.
A spokesman confirmed Duterte was in court custody after he arrived in Rotterdam by private jet.
A vehicle thought to be carrying Duterte drove into the ICC detention centre in The Hague past a crowd of dozens of supporters, some shouting: "Bring him back" and waving national flags.
"There has been no due process," said caregiver Duds Quibin, 50. "This is kidnapping. They just put him on a plane and brought him here," he told AFP.
The centre, located close to the North Sea coast, offers each prisoner an individual cell equipped with a computer to work on their case, along with an outdoor exercise area.
Duterte will be held there until an initial court appearance, likely in the coming days.
Speaking to AFP outside the ICC, Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing victims of the drug war, said: "My clients are very thankful to God because their prayers have been answered."
"The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law," Andres added.
<h2>'Oppression and persecution'</h2>
Before her father's departure, the Philippines' Vice President Sara Duterte said he was being "forcibly taken to The Hague", labelling the transfer "oppression and persecution".
On Wednesday, she flew from Manila to be by his side.&nbsp;
A media relations officer for the vice president told AFP that she had since landed in Amsterdam and planned to hold a press conference at The Hague on Friday.
The one-time alliance between President Ferdinand Marcos and the Duterte family has exploded spectacularly since the 2022 presidential election, when Sara Duterte was Marcos's running mate.
She is currently facing a Senate trial on a number of charges, including corruption and an alleged assassination plot against Marcos.
At a church in the capital Manila, people whose family members were killed in the drug war welcomed the arrest.
"Duterte is fortunate, there's due process for him. There was no due process for my son" Angelito, said Emily Soriano at a press briefing organised by a local rights group.
Duterte "will be lying down on a good bed, my son is already rotting at the cemetery".
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the arrest as "a very important step towards seeking accountability for the thousands of victims of killings."
China, however, warned the ICC against "politicisation" and "double standards", saying it was "closely monitoring" Duterte's case.
The high-profile case comes with the ICC currently under sanctions from Donald Trump.
The US president is unhappy with the court, which was founded in 2002 to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said the fact that Duterte's arrest warrant had been carried out "is important to victims" and proof that "international law is not as weak as some may think".
<h2>'Davao Death Squad'</h2>
The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte's instructions.
But the tribunal claims jurisdiction over killings up to then, including ones in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor.
The ICC said in its arrest warrant there were "reasonable grounds to believe" at least 19 people had been murdered in the city by members of the "Davao Death Squad", headed by Duterte.
Additionally, at least 24 people were killed by Philippines police in various locations, judges believe.
On Sunday, Duterte lashed out, labelling ICC investigators "sons of whores" while also saying he would "accept" arrest.
Duterte is still hugely popular among many who supported his quick-fix solutions to crime, and he remains a potent political force.&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&nbsp;audience.

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte is in ICC custody facing charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial war on drugs campaign.

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte said he was prepared to accept responsibility as the International Criminal Court took him into custody Wednesday to face charges over his war on drugs. The ICC, based in The Hague, believes there are "reasonable grounds" to charge Duterte with murder as a crime against humanity, as an "indirect co-perpetrator" during the anti-drug campaign that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands. "I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this," Duterte said in a video posted to his and a close advisor's Facebook pages. "I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible," said the 79-year-old, the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC. A spokesman confirmed Duterte was in court custody after he arrived in Rotterdam by private jet. A vehicle thought to be carrying Duterte drove into the ICC detention centre in The Hague past a crowd of dozens of supporters, some shouting: "Bring him back" and waving national flags. "There has been no due process," said caregiver Duds Quibin, 50. "This is kidnapping. They just put him on a plane and brought him here," he told AFP. The centre, located close to the North Sea coast, offers each prisoner an individual cell equipped with a computer to work on their case, along with an outdoor exercise area. Duterte will be held there until an initial court appearance, likely in the coming days. Speaking to AFP outside the ICC, Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing victims of the drug war, said: "My clients are very thankful to God because their prayers have been answered." "The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law," Andres added. 'Oppression and persecution' Before her father's departure, the Philippines' Vice President Sara Duterte said he was being "forcibly taken to The Hague", labelling the transfer "oppression and persecution". On Wednesday, she flew from Manila to be by his side. A media relations officer for the vice president told AFP that she had since landed in Amsterdam and planned to hold a press conference at The Hague on Friday. The one-time alliance between President Ferdinand Marcos and the Duterte family has exploded spectacularly since the 2022 presidential election, when Sara Duterte was Marcos's running mate. She is currently facing a Senate trial on a number of charges, including corruption and an alleged assassination plot against Marcos. At a church in the capital Manila, people whose family members were killed in the drug war welcomed the arrest. "Duterte is fortunate, there's due process for him. There was no due process for my son" Angelito, said Emily Soriano at a press briefing organised by a local rights group. Duterte "will be lying down on a good bed, my son is already rotting at the cemetery". UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the arrest as "a very important step towards seeking accountability for the thousands of victims of killings." China, however, warned the ICC against "politicisation" and "double standards", saying it was "closely monitoring" Duterte's case. The high-profile case comes with the ICC currently under sanctions from Donald Trump. The US president is unhappy with the court, which was founded in 2002 to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said the fact that Duterte's arrest warrant had been carried out "is important to victims" and proof that "international law is not as weak as some may think". 'Davao Death Squad' The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte's instructions. But the tribunal claims jurisdiction over killings up to then, including ones in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor. The ICC said in its arrest warrant there were "reasonable grounds to believe" at least 19 people had been murdered in the city by members of the "Davao Death Squad", headed by Duterte. Additionally, at least 24 people were killed by Philippines police in various locations, judges believe. On Sunday, Duterte lashed out, labelling ICC investigators "sons of whores" while also saying he would "accept" arrest. Duterte is still hugely popular among many who supported his quick-fix solutions to crime, and he remains a potent political force. 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.

Duterte accepts 'responsibility' as ICC takes him into custody over drug war charges

Israel has, for the first time, acknowledged "reasonable suspicion" that its soldiers used Palestinian civilians as human shields during operations in Gaza, launching an investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, on the other war front, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to treat captured Ukrainian soldiers as "terrorists," escalating tensions following US President Donald Trump's warning that he could "devastate" Russia.&nbsp;
In space news, NASA has delayed the Crew-10 mission, extending astronaut Sunita Williams' stay at the International Space Station.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
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Over 500 days into the Israel-Hamas war, and after numerous allegations of Palestinian civilians being used as human shields by its soldiers during operations in Gaza, Israel has finally launched an investigation into the reports.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wearing-military-fatigues-threatens-to-treat-ukrainian-pows-as-terrorists-after-trump-warns-russia-of-devastating-consequences-8848832" aria-label="Putin threatens to treat Ukrainian PoWs as 'terrorists' after Trump warns would 'devastate' Russia">Putin threatens to treat Ukrainian PoWs as 'terrorists' after Trump warns would 'devastate' Russia</a>
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Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s forces have captured hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, and the Russian president on Wednesday (March 12) threatened to treat the POW (Prisoners of War) &lsquo;as terrorists.&rsquo;
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmores-return-cancelled-as-nasa-postpones-iss-mission-8848558" aria-label="Sunita Williams' space stay extends as NASA again delays ISS mission meant to bring back stranded astronauts">Sunita Williams' space stay extends as NASA again delays ISS mission meant to bring back stranded astronauts</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/13/Hvc43SiQRutbTQThd3rH.png" alt=" This photo provided by NASA shows the four crew members of NASA&rsquo;s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, including NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, posing for a photo aboard the International Space Station on February 26, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX on Wednesday (Mar 12) called off the launch Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a last-minute technical issue.&nbsp;
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-jd-vances-socks-distracts-trump-during-meeting-with-irish-leader-whats-with-these-socks-8848630" aria-label="WATCH: JD Vance's socks distract Trump during meeting with Irish leader: 'What's with these socks'">WATCH: JD Vance's socks distract Trump during meeting with Irish leader: 'What's with these socks'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/13/ODUj4M9jqryIcU74ZayP.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump (C), with Vice President JD Vance (R), meets with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 12, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) " style="width: 1280px;">
United States President Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh when he got distracted by his deputy JD Vance's shamrock socks that he wore during an Oval Office meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Minister Miche&aacute;l Martin on Wednesday (Mar 12).&nbsp;
Watch | Pakistan train attack: High-level security meet in Balochistan over insurgent attack
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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.

Israel has, for the first time, acknowledged "reasonable suspicion" that its soldiers used Palestinian civilians as human shields during operations in Gaza, launching an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, on the other war front, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to treat captured Ukrainian soldiers as "terrorists," escalating tensions following US President Donald Trump's warning that he could "devastate" Russia. In space news, NASA has delayed the Crew-10 mission, extending astronaut Sunita Williams' stay at the International Space Station. Click on the headlines for more Israel, for the first time, accepts 'reasonable suspicion' over IDF's use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza Over 500 days into the Israel-Hamas war, and after numerous allegations of Palestinian civilians being used as human shields by its soldiers during operations in Gaza, Israel has finally launched an investigation into the reports. Putin threatens to treat Ukrainian PoWs as 'terrorists' after Trump warns would 'devastate' Russia Vladimir Putin’s forces have captured hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, and the Russian president on Wednesday (March 12) threatened to treat the POW (Prisoners of War) ‘as terrorists.’ Sunita Williams' space stay extends as NASA again delays ISS mission meant to bring back stranded astronauts The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX on Wednesday (Mar 12) called off the launch Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a last-minute technical issue. WATCH: JD Vance's socks distract Trump during meeting with Irish leader: 'What's with these socks' United States President Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh when he got distracted by his deputy JD Vance's shamrock socks that he wore during an Oval Office meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Minister Micheál Martin on Wednesday (Mar 12). Watch | Pakistan train attack: High-level security meet in Balochistan over insurgent attack

Morning News Brief: Sunita Williams' return delayed again; Putin threatens to treat captured Ukraine soldiers as 'terrorists,' and more

Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s forces have captured hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, and the Russian president on Wednesday (Mar 12) threatened to treat the POW (Prisoners of War) &lsquo;as terrorists.&rsquo;
On Wednesday, as Putin visited troops involved in the counteroffensive in the Kursk region, Russia&rsquo;s chief of general staff, Valery Gerasimov, claimed that around 430 Ukrainian troops had surrendered in the region, where Ukraine launched a surprise counteroffensive last summer.
Hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to 'devastate' Russia if the Kremlin doesn't accept his ceasefire deal, Putin was seen wearing military fatigues as he was debriefed by military officials.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-on-edge-of-losing-kursk-as-russia-claims-gains-in-region-after-taking-control-of-five-villages-8846861">Ukraine on edge of losing Kursk as Russia claims gains in region after taking control of five villages</a>
<h2>Ukrainian soldiers surrender</h2>
Speaking at a meeting with Putin in Kursk region, Gerasimov, the Russian chief of general staff, claimed that faced with the &ldquo;futility&rdquo; of further resistance, the Ukrainian military started surrendering.
He claimed 430 Ukrainian fighters were captured.
Putin, who appeared in military fatigues, responded coldly, saying that the prisoners would be &lsquo;treated as terrorists, in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.&rsquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-do-very-bad-things-for-russia-if-needed-trump-says-as-us-officials-en-route-to-moscow-for-ceasefire-talks-8848091">'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks</a>
<h2>Trump&rsquo;s threat</h2>
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump warned Moscow of &lsquo;devastating&rsquo; consequences if Putin refuses to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine.
Trump, discussing his team&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts, hinted at economic measures that could inflict severe damage on Russia. &ldquo;There are things that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace.&rdquo;
Pressed on specifics, he doubled down: &ldquo;In a financial sense, yes, we could do things that would be very bad for Russia, that would be devastating for Russia. But I don't want to do that.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-us-trust-russians-zelensky-expects-strong-action-from-us-if-moscow-rejects-30-day-ceasefire-8847565">'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire</a>
So far, the Kremlin has not formally responded. Moscow insists it will wait until US envoys present the plan directly to Russian officials.
&ldquo;We urge the Russians to sign on to this plan,&rdquo; White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters. &ldquo;We are at the 10th yard line and the president expects the Russians to help us run this into the end zone,&rdquo; she added.
Trump echoed this optimism, telling reporters during a meeting with Ireland's prime minister in the Oval Office, &ldquo;People are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia... And if we do, I think that would be 80 percent of the way to getting this horrible bloodbath finished.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World | Vladimir Putin threatens to classify captured Ukrainian POWs as 'terrorists' following the capture of soldiers in the Kursk region, escalating tensions further.

Vladimir Putin’s forces have captured hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, and the Russian president on Wednesday (Mar 12) threatened to treat the POW (Prisoners of War) ‘as terrorists.’ On Wednesday, as Putin visited troops involved in the counteroffensive in the Kursk region, Russia’s chief of general staff, Valery Gerasimov, claimed that around 430 Ukrainian troops had surrendered in the region, where Ukraine launched a surprise counteroffensive last summer. Hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to 'devastate' Russia if the Kremlin doesn't accept his ceasefire deal, Putin was seen wearing military fatigues as he was debriefed by military officials. Also read | Ukraine on edge of losing Kursk as Russia claims gains in region after taking control of five villages Ukrainian soldiers surrender Speaking at a meeting with Putin in Kursk region, Gerasimov, the Russian chief of general staff, claimed that faced with the “futility” of further resistance, the Ukrainian military started surrendering. He claimed 430 Ukrainian fighters were captured. Putin, who appeared in military fatigues, responded coldly, saying that the prisoners would be ‘treated as terrorists, in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.’ Also read | 'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks Trump’s threat Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump warned Moscow of ‘devastating’ consequences if Putin refuses to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump, discussing his team’s diplomatic efforts, hinted at economic measures that could inflict severe damage on Russia. “There are things that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense,” he said. “I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace.” Pressed on specifics, he doubled down: “In a financial sense, yes, we could do things that would be very bad for Russia, that would be devastating for Russia. But I don't want to do that.” Also read | 'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire So far, the Kremlin has not formally responded. Moscow insists it will wait until US envoys present the plan directly to Russian officials. “We urge the Russians to sign on to this plan,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “We are at the 10th yard line and the president expects the Russians to help us run this into the end zone,” she added. Trump echoed this optimism, telling reporters during a meeting with Ireland's prime minister in the Oval Office, “People are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia... And if we do, I think that would be 80 percent of the way to getting this horrible bloodbath finished.” (With inputs from agencies)

Putin threatens to treat Ukrainian PoWs as 'terrorists' after Trump warns of 'devastating' Russia

Israel has launched an investigation into reports of Palestinian civilians being used as 'human shields' by its soldiers during operations in Gaza,&nbsp;over 500 days into the Israel-Hamas war and after numerous allegations to this extent.
<h2>Israel acknowledges "reasonable suspicion"</h2>
This marks the first time that the Israeli military has acknowledged that there was a "reasonable suspicion" to believe that soldiers forced civilians to be unwilling participants in military operations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-an-agent-of-israel-israel-held-talks-with-white-house-following-us-hostage-envoys-tv-interview-8840721">'US not an agent...': Israel 'held talks' with White House over hostage envoy's TV interview</a>
Reports have suggested in the past that Israeli military personnel were forcing civilians to enter potentially booby-trapped houses and tunnels to ensure the troops' safety while putting the Gazans in danger.
&ldquo;In several cases, the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division opened investigations after reasonable suspicion arose regarding the use of Palestinians for military missions during the operations,&rdquo; said the IDF, as reported by CNN.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-strap-wounded-palestinian-on-hood-of-military-jeep-during-raid-in-west-bank-734251">Human shield? Israeli forces strap wounded Palestinian on hood of military vehicle during West Bank raid</a>
<h2>Who is under investigation?</h2>
According to the report, the IDF did not confirm the number of investigations or disclose the names of personnel being investigated. Instead, it said, &ldquo;Those investigations are still ongoing, and accordingly, other details cannot be provided at this time.&rdquo;
While the exact scope and scale of the alleged practice is not known, reports featuring testimonies of both soldiers and civilians suggest that it was widespread across the territory, especially northern Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beaten-spit-on-held-in-one-sq-metre-cell-israeli-hostages-painful-ordeal-reveals-they-knew-when-gaza-truce-failed-8847768">'Beaten, spat on, held in a sq metre cell': Hostage's painful ordeal reveals 'he knew' when Gaza truce failed</a>
<h2>What is the 'Mosquito protocol'?</h2>
In an interview with CNN last year, an Israeli soldier had fessed up to a practice commonly known as &ldquo;mosquito protocol&rdquo;.
The soldier revealed that his unit had forced a Palestinian man to enter a supposedly booby-trapped building ahead of the troops. He explained that if &ldquo;there are any booby traps, they (the civilian) will explode and not us&rdquo;.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks.&nbsp;In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

World | Israel investigates IDF's use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, marking a first acknowledgment of reasonable suspicion amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Israel has launched an investigation into reports of Palestinian civilians being used as 'human shields' by its soldiers during operations in Gaza, over 500 days into the Israel-Hamas war and after numerous allegations to this extent. Israel acknowledges "reasonable suspicion" This marks the first time that the Israeli military has acknowledged that there was a "reasonable suspicion" to believe that soldiers forced civilians to be unwilling participants in military operations. Also read | 'US not an agent...': Israel 'held talks' with White House over hostage envoy's TV interview Reports have suggested in the past that Israeli military personnel were forcing civilians to enter potentially booby-trapped houses and tunnels to ensure the troops' safety while putting the Gazans in danger. “In several cases, the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division opened investigations after reasonable suspicion arose regarding the use of Palestinians for military missions during the operations,” said the IDF, as reported by CNN. Also read | Human shield? Israeli forces strap wounded Palestinian on hood of military vehicle during West Bank raid Who is under investigation? According to the report, the IDF did not confirm the number of investigations or disclose the names of personnel being investigated. Instead, it said, “Those investigations are still ongoing, and accordingly, other details cannot be provided at this time.” While the exact scope and scale of the alleged practice is not known, reports featuring testimonies of both soldiers and civilians suggest that it was widespread across the territory, especially northern Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah. Also read | 'Beaten, spat on, held in a sq metre cell': Hostage's painful ordeal reveals 'he knew' when Gaza truce failed What is the 'Mosquito protocol'? In an interview with CNN last year, an Israeli soldier had fessed up to a practice commonly known as “mosquito protocol”. The soldier revealed that his unit had forced a Palestinian man to enter a supposedly booby-trapped building ahead of the troops. He explained that if “there are any booby traps, they (the civilian) will explode and not us”. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Israel, for the first time, 'accepts' use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, probe on: Report

US President Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh when he got distracted by his deputy JD Vance's shamrock socks that he wore during an Oval Office meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Miche&aacute;l Martin on Wednesday (Mar 12).&nbsp;
Trump was speaking about inflation, then all of a sudden, the vice president's shamrock-patterned socks grabbed his attention.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-country-to-soon-deliver-trumps-letter-to-iran-days-after-us-prez-hints-at-final-strokes-with-tehran-8846987">Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran</a>
"I have to just speak of inflation," Trump told reporters before pointing at Vance's feet.&nbsp;
"I love your socks," the president told Vance softly, further asking, "What's with these socks?"&nbsp;
Vance laughed, but Trump was finding it difficult to move one as he again said, "I'm trying to stay focused, but I'm very impressed with the VP's [socks]."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-do-very-bad-things-for-russia-if-needed-trump-says-as-us-officials-en-route-to-moscow-for-ceasefire-talks-8848091">'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks</a>
Vance was wearing white socks with green shamrock prints, possibly to honour his Irish guests at the White House or for the upcoming St Patrick's Day.&nbsp;
The socks were clearly visible as his pants got moved a bit up his shins when he sat.&nbsp;
Later, Vance took to his X account and shared a video with caption, "I knew he'd comment on these socks."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-meets-with-irish-prime-minister-micheal-martin-trump-tariff-eu-canada-slap-retaliatory-tariffs-8848063">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t be abused any longer&rsquo;: Trump vows to &lsquo;win financial battle&rsquo; as EU, Canada slap retaliatory tariffs</a>
Watch the video here:&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m86q4e5g-mp8fpe4k-vxxzw1gi">
I knew he'd comment on these socks 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/VNYxgF49Ti">https://t.co/VNYxgF49Ti</a>
&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1899905798593274270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Irish PM at the White House</h2>
Trump and Martin celebrated the enduring bond between America and Ireland at a Capitol luncheon. This annual event is held in honour of St Patrick&rsquo;s Day. The luncheon was graced with elements of Irish culture, including bagpipe musicians.&nbsp;
Trump took the opportunity to honour the significant contributions of the Irish-Americans to US history, emphasising those who fought in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-elon-musk-hand-us-president-donald-trump-a-tesla-ad-script-amid-stock-plunge-8847267">&lsquo;Safest, state-of-the-art, affordable&rsquo;: Did Elon Musk hand Trump a &lsquo;Tesla ad&rsquo; script amid stock plunge?</a>
But the visit was not everything the Irish leader would have hoped for as he got a dressing down from Trump on trade and tariffs.&nbsp;
"We do have a massive deficit with Ireland," the US president said in answer to the very first question he faced with Martin, before going on to lambast the European Union in general.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | Watch the viral moment as JD Vance shares the sock incident on social media, capturing the humorous side of international diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh when he got distracted by his deputy JD Vance's shamrock socks that he wore during an Oval Office meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin on Wednesday (Mar 12). Trump was speaking about inflation, then all of a sudden, the vice president's shamrock-patterned socks grabbed his attention. Also read: Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran "I have to just speak of inflation," Trump told reporters before pointing at Vance's feet. "I love your socks," the president told Vance softly, further asking, "What's with these socks?" Vance laughed, but Trump was finding it difficult to move one as he again said, "I'm trying to stay focused, but I'm very impressed with the VP's [socks]." Also read: 'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks Vance was wearing white socks with green shamrock prints, possibly to honour his Irish guests at the White House or for the upcoming St Patrick's Day. The socks were clearly visible as his pants got moved a bit up his shins when he sat. Later, Vance took to his X account and shared a video with caption, "I knew he'd comment on these socks." Also read: ‘Won’t be abused any longer’: Trump vows to ‘win financial battle’ as EU, Canada slap retaliatory tariffs Watch the video here: I knew he'd comment on these socks 🤣 https://t.co/VNYxgF49Ti — JD Vance (@JDVance) March 12, 2025 Irish PM at the White House Trump and Martin celebrated the enduring bond between America and Ireland at a Capitol luncheon. This annual event is held in honour of St Patrick’s Day. The luncheon was graced with elements of Irish culture, including bagpipe musicians. Trump took the opportunity to honour the significant contributions of the Irish-Americans to US history, emphasising those who fought in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Also read: ‘Safest, state-of-the-art, affordable’: Did Elon Musk hand Trump a ‘Tesla ad’ script amid stock plunge? But the visit was not everything the Irish leader would have hoped for as he got a dressing down from Trump on trade and tariffs. "We do have a massive deficit with Ireland," the US president said in answer to the very first question he faced with Martin, before going on to lambast the European Union in general. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: JD Vance's socks distract Trump during meeting with Irish leader: 'What's with these socks?'

Russia claimed to have made sweeping gains in its Kursk region in the past 24 hours, taking back control of five villages previously held by Ukrainian troops, the Russian military said on Wednesday.
Moscow's forces have also entered Sudzha, the largest town that fell under Kyiv's control, and were conducting "assault operations" there, the state news agency TASS reported.
Kyiv launched its surprise assault on the Kursk region in August, but has steadily lost ground as Moscow deployed thousands of reinforcements, including North Korean soldiers.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-do-very-bad-things-for-russia-if-needed-trump-says-as-us-officials-en-route-to-moscow-for-ceasefire-talks-8848091">'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says as US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks</a>
Ukraine now risks losing its grip on the border region entirely, ceding dozens of square kilometres of territory in the past six days, according to military bloggers.
Russian army units "liberated the settlements of Kazachya Loknya, 1st Knyazhy, 2nd Knyazhy, Zamostye and Mirny" in the Kursk region, all on the outskirts of Sudzha, the Russian defence ministry said Wednesday.
"The information provided by our military shows that our troops are successfully advancing in the Kursk Region, liberating areas that were under the control of the militants. The dynamic is good," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
A video shared by Russian news outlets on Wednesday purported to show Russian troops waving a flag in the centre of Sudzha, which Kyiv captured shortly after its offensive began.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-us-trust-russians-zelensky-expects-strong-action-from-us-if-moscow-rejects-30-day-ceasefire-8847565">'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire</a>
Kursk was one of Kyiv's few bargaining chips in swapping land with Russia, which has seized and occupied around a fifth of Ukraine since it took Crimea in 2014 and launched its full-scale assault in February 2022.
In a village east of the fighting, a Ukrainian attack on an agricultural plant killed four people, acting Kursk region governor Alexander Khinshtein said Wednesday.
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: Moscow forces have also entered Sudzha, the largest town that fell under Kyiv's control, and were conducting "assault operations" there, the state TASS news agency reported.

Russia claimed to have made sweeping gains in its Kursk region in the past 24 hours, taking back control of five villages previously held by Ukrainian troops, the Russian military said on Wednesday. Moscow's forces have also entered Sudzha, the largest town that fell under Kyiv's control, and were conducting "assault operations" there, the state news agency TASS reported. Kyiv launched its surprise assault on the Kursk region in August, but has steadily lost ground as Moscow deployed thousands of reinforcements, including North Korean soldiers. Also read: 'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says as US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks Ukraine now risks losing its grip on the border region entirely, ceding dozens of square kilometres of territory in the past six days, according to military bloggers. Russian army units "liberated the settlements of Kazachya Loknya, 1st Knyazhy, 2nd Knyazhy, Zamostye and Mirny" in the Kursk region, all on the outskirts of Sudzha, the Russian defence ministry said Wednesday. "The information provided by our military shows that our troops are successfully advancing in the Kursk Region, liberating areas that were under the control of the militants. The dynamic is good," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. A video shared by Russian news outlets on Wednesday purported to show Russian troops waving a flag in the centre of Sudzha, which Kyiv captured shortly after its offensive began. Also read: 'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire Kursk was one of Kyiv's few bargaining chips in swapping land with Russia, which has seized and occupied around a fifth of Ukraine since it took Crimea in 2014 and launched its full-scale assault in February 2022. In a village east of the fighting, a Ukrainian attack on an agricultural plant killed four people, acting Kursk region governor Alexander Khinshtein said Wednesday. 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.

Ukraine on edge of losing Kursk as Russia claims gains in region after taking control of five villages

Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-khamenei-condemns-bullying-after-us-president-donald-trumps-military-action-threat-against-iran-8835094">Khamenei</a>, dismissed recent threats from the United States as "unwise" following a letter from US President Donald Trump urging negotiations and warning of possible military action if Iran refuses.
Speaking during a meeting with students on Wednesday (March 12), Khamenei criticised the US, saying, "The US is threatening militarism. In my opinion, this threat is unwise. Iran is capable of retaliating and will definitely inflict a blow."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-khamenei-condemns-bullying-after-us-president-donald-trumps-military-action-threat-against-iran-8835094">&lsquo;They aim at domination&rsquo;: Khamenei condemns &lsquo;bullying&rsquo; after Trump&rsquo;s military action threat against Iran</a>
<h2>'Not seeking nuclear weapons'</h2>
Khamenei also spoke on concerns about Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions, saying that the country neither possesses nor seeks nuclear weapons.
"Regarding nuclear weapons, it is said that we will not let Iran obtain nuclear weapons. If we wanted to make nuclear weapons, America could not stop us. The fact that we do not have nuclear weapons and are not seeking nuclear weapons is because we ourselves do not want them," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-strokes-trump-hints-at-final-moments-with-iran-after-his-letter-to-khamenei-gets-lost-in-mail-8832335">'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail'</a>
<h2>'No benefit in negotiations'</h2>
The Iranian leader voiced scepticism about negotiations with the US, arguing that talks would not lead to the lifting of sanctions.
"If the goal of the negotiation is to lift sanctions, negotiating with this American government will not lift sanctions, meaning it will not remove sanctions and will make the sanctions knot tighter," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-ukraine-is-yesterdays-afghan-did-irans-khamenei-predict-us-treatment-of-zelensky-3-years-back-8769497">'Today&rsquo;s Ukraine is yesterday&rsquo;s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;back?</a>
Khamenei's comments came as Tehran confirmed receiving the letter from US President Donald Trump given by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates.
Trump last Friday said that he had sent a letter to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-warns-his-government-against-negotiating-with-us-says-it-would-be-unwise-8698844">Iran's Khamenei warns his government against negotiating with US, says it would be 'unwise'</a>
"I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon."
But Iran's mission to the United Nations told AFP that they did not receive such a letter.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Khamenei criticised the US, saying, "The US is threatening militarism. In my opinion, this threat is unwise. Iran is capable of retaliating and will definitely inflict a blow."

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed recent threats from the United States as "unwise" following a letter from US President Donald Trump urging negotiations and warning of possible military action if Iran refuses. Speaking during a meeting with students on Wednesday (March 12), Khamenei criticised the US, saying, "The US is threatening militarism. In my opinion, this threat is unwise. Iran is capable of retaliating and will definitely inflict a blow." Also read: ‘They aim at domination’: Khamenei condemns ‘bullying’ after Trump’s military action threat against Iran 'Not seeking nuclear weapons' Khamenei also spoke on concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying that the country neither possesses nor seeks nuclear weapons. "Regarding nuclear weapons, it is said that we will not let Iran obtain nuclear weapons. If we wanted to make nuclear weapons, America could not stop us. The fact that we do not have nuclear weapons and are not seeking nuclear weapons is because we ourselves do not want them," he said. Also read: 'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail' 'No benefit in negotiations' The Iranian leader voiced scepticism about negotiations with the US, arguing that talks would not lead to the lifting of sanctions. "If the goal of the negotiation is to lift sanctions, negotiating with this American government will not lift sanctions, meaning it will not remove sanctions and will make the sanctions knot tighter," he added. Also read: 'Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky 3 years back? Khamenei's comments came as Tehran confirmed receiving the letter from US President Donald Trump given by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates. Trump last Friday said that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme. Also read: Iran's Khamenei warns his government against negotiating with US, says it would be 'unwise' "I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon." But Iran's mission to the United Nations told AFP that they did not receive such a letter. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Iran will retaliate’: Khamenei warns Trump against making ‘unwise’ threats, says ‘will inflict a blow’

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 12) stressed that the "people are going to Russia" to have a discussion on a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which was backed by Ukraine.&nbsp;
During his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Trump was asked about the progress on the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal.&nbsp;
The US president said that the US has &ldquo;people going to Russia right now, as we speak,&rdquo; as he said, &ldquo;hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-us-trust-russians-zelensky-expects-strong-action-from-us-if-moscow-rejects-30-day-ceasefire-8847565">'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire</a>
He further stressed the scale of killings and devastation caused by the war as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, explaining why the war needs to be stopped now.&nbsp;
When asked about what the US could do to pressure Russia into the ceasefire, Trump said that he hoped "it is not going to be necessary", slamming previous presidents for their record of dealing with Russia.
&ldquo;What I did to Russia was very tough, the toughest ever,&rdquo; he said, explaining his criticism of the Nord Stream pipeline.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-four-killed-in-russian-strike-at-ukraines-odesa-port-8847023">Kyiv: Four killed in Russian strike at Ukraine&rsquo;s Odesa port</a>
&ldquo;They never took anything from me. They took them from Obama and Bush, and they took from sleeping Joe Biden. With Biden, they wanted to take the whole country, but I think I&rsquo;ve stopped that, but we&rsquo;ll see,&rdquo; Trump said.
However, as he talks further, Trump said that if needed, "there are things you can do that wouldn&rsquo;t be pleasant in a financial sense,&rdquo; and would be &ldquo;very bad for Russia.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We could do things very bad for Russia. Would be devastating for Russia. But I don&rsquo;t want to do that because I want to see peace,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-discuss-taking-over-canada-rubio-says-talks-at-g7-will-focus-on-ukraine-8847203">Will not discuss &lsquo;taking over Canada&rsquo;: Rubio says talks at G7 will focus on Ukraine</a>
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called Tuesday's talks with the US in Jeddah "constructive", saying that he wants to use a potential 30-day ceasefire with Russia as a chance to forge a permanent peace plan.
&ldquo;We want to end this war,&rdquo; he said, adding that &ldquo;everyone&rdquo; will have to be part of a union to convince Russia to accept a peace deal.
&ldquo;Everything depends on whether Russia is willing to do so, to install a truce, or if it is willing to continue killing people,&rdquo; Zelensky added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-lays-down-three-maximalist-demands-before-ending-russia-ukraine-war-report-8845351">Putin lays down THREE 'maximalist' demands for ending Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;war:&nbsp;Report</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The US president said that the US has “people going to Russia right now, as we speak,” as he said, “hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia.”

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 12) stressed that the "people are going to Russia" to have a discussion on a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which was backed by Ukraine. During his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Trump was asked about the progress on the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal. The US president said that the US has “people going to Russia right now, as we speak,” as he said, “hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia.” Also read: 'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire He further stressed the scale of killings and devastation caused by the war as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, explaining why the war needs to be stopped now. When asked about what the US could do to pressure Russia into the ceasefire, Trump said that he hoped "it is not going to be necessary", slamming previous presidents for their record of dealing with Russia. “What I did to Russia was very tough, the toughest ever,” he said, explaining his criticism of the Nord Stream pipeline. Also read:Kyiv: Four killed in Russian strike at Ukraine’s Odesa port “They never took anything from me. They took them from Obama and Bush, and they took from sleeping Joe Biden. With Biden, they wanted to take the whole country, but I think I’ve stopped that, but we’ll see,” Trump said. However, as he talks further, Trump said that if needed, "there are things you can do that wouldn’t be pleasant in a financial sense,” and would be “very bad for Russia.” “We could do things very bad for Russia. Would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that because I want to see peace,” he said. Also read: Will not discuss ‘taking over Canada’: Rubio says talks at G7 will focus on Ukraine Earlier in the day, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called Tuesday's talks with the US in Jeddah "constructive", saying that he wants to use a potential 30-day ceasefire with Russia as a chance to forge a permanent peace plan. “We want to end this war,” he said, adding that “everyone” will have to be part of a union to convince Russia to accept a peace deal. “Everything depends on whether Russia is willing to do so, to install a truce, or if it is willing to continue killing people,” Zelensky added. Also read: Putin lays down THREE 'maximalist' demands for ending Russia-Ukraine war: Report (With inputs from agencies)

'Can do very bad things for Russia if needed': Trump says US officials en route to Moscow for ceasefire talks

President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 12) defended his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, insisting that it would bring fairness to US trade. His comments came as major trade partners including the&nbsp;EU and Canada announced retaliatory measures against the new US tariffs.
"We've been abused for a long time and we will be abused no longer," Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Miche&aacute;l Martin.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-country-to-soon-deliver-trumps-letter-to-iran-days-after-us-prez-hints-at-final-strokes-with-tehran-8846987">Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran</a>
Shortly after the meeting began, Trump, without being asked, brought up the issue of tariffs, particularly the concept of reciprocal tariffs. "I don't know why people get upset about that," he said. "There's nothing more fair than that."
<h2>US to respond to EU tariffs</h2>
Trump also pledged that the US would respond to the European Union&rsquo;s decision to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of American goods from 1 April. The EU's move was a direct response to the new US steel and aluminum tariffs.
"Of course we'll respond," Trump said during the meeting with Martin, held on the same day the US tariffs officially took effect.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/until-threat-is-gone-for-good-canada-hits-us-with-207-bn-tariffs-over-unjustified-steel-levies-8847776">&lsquo;Until threat is gone for good&rsquo;: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over &lsquo;unjustified&rsquo; steel levies</a>
At one point, he argued that the EU had been created to "take advantage of the United States." However, he added that he had "great respect" for Ireland and other nations that had attracted US-owned companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
"The United States shouldn't let it happen," he added.
Trump went on to criticise past US leaders for allowing such trade imbalances, saying, "We had stupid leaders. We had leaders that didn't have a clue. Let's say they weren't business people. They didn't have a clue what was happening."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-trump-trade-war-european-union-slaps-283b-in-tariffs-on-us-goods-after-trumps-metal-duties-8847083">&lsquo;Bad for business, worse for consumers&rsquo;: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump&rsquo;s metal duties</a>
<h2>Clash with Canada over electricity tariffs</h2>
Trump also commented on the recent tariff dispute with Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had announced a plan to impose a 25% tariff on electricity supplied to certain US states, although the move was later suspended.
In response, the Trump administration had threatened to raise US tariffs on Canadian steel and metal imports to 50%.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-helping-us-slams-india-for-150-tariff-on-american-alcohol-says-trump-believes-in-reciprocity-8846649">'Not helping': US slams India for 150% tariff on American alcohol, says 'Trump believes in reciprocity'</a>
"[We] let them know what we were going to be doing. They dropped it immediately," Trump explained. "I'm glad. Playing with electricity affects people's lives," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "We've been abused for a long time and we will be abused no longer," US President Donald Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 12) defended his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, insisting that it would bring fairness to US trade. His comments came as major trade partners including the EU and Canada announced retaliatory measures against the new US tariffs. "We've been abused for a long time and we will be abused no longer," Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Also read: Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran Shortly after the meeting began, Trump, without being asked, brought up the issue of tariffs, particularly the concept of reciprocal tariffs. "I don't know why people get upset about that," he said. "There's nothing more fair than that." US to respond to EU tariffs Trump also pledged that the US would respond to the European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of American goods from 1 April. The EU's move was a direct response to the new US steel and aluminum tariffs. "Of course we'll respond," Trump said during the meeting with Martin, held on the same day the US tariffs officially took effect. Also read: ‘Until threat is gone for good’: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over ‘unjustified’ steel levies At one point, he argued that the EU had been created to "take advantage of the United States." However, he added that he had "great respect" for Ireland and other nations that had attracted US-owned companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. "The United States shouldn't let it happen," he added. Trump went on to criticise past US leaders for allowing such trade imbalances, saying, "We had stupid leaders. We had leaders that didn't have a clue. Let's say they weren't business people. They didn't have a clue what was happening." Also read: ‘Bad for business, worse for consumers’: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump’s metal duties Clash with Canada over electricity tariffs Trump also commented on the recent tariff dispute with Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had announced a plan to impose a 25% tariff on electricity supplied to certain US states, although the move was later suspended. In response, the Trump administration had threatened to raise US tariffs on Canadian steel and metal imports to 50%. Also read: 'Not helping': US slams India for 150% tariff on American alcohol, says 'Trump believes in reciprocity' "[We] let them know what we were going to be doing. They dropped it immediately," Trump explained. "I'm glad. Playing with electricity affects people's lives," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Won’t be abused any longer’: Trump vows to ‘win financial battle’ as EU, Canada slap retaliatory tariffs

Canada has announced additional tariffs on US goods worth $20.7 billion to counter US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium.
In other news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised that he does not trust Russia despite agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire proposal by the US.
Meanwhile, Iran has received the letter given by US President Donald Trump, delivered by a UAE official days after Trump hinted at 'final strokes' with Tehran.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/until-threat-is-gone-for-good-canada-hits-us-with-207-bn-tariffs-over-unjustified-steel-levies-8847776">'Until threat is gone for good': Canada hits US with $20.7 bn tariffs over 'unjustified' steel levies</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/11/xGtn1pzIR3kuzTM3BASQ.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Canada has announced fresh tariffs on American products worth $20.7 billion in response to US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. The retaliatory measures, which come into effect on Thursday, target a range of goods, including computers and sports equipment.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-us-trust-russians-zelensky-expects-strong-action-from-us-if-moscow-rejects-30-day-ceasefire-8847565">'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/17/tNCauX3opsOWkLWCfO3E.png" alt=" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph: (AFP) ">
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that he does not trust Russia despite agreeing to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-country-to-soon-deliver-trumps-letter-to-iran-days-after-us-prez-hints-at-final-strokes-with-tehran-8846987">Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/12/Aew3HUu6f9POipE8hK8u.png" alt=" Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Iran has received the letter given by US President Donald Trump by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, Iran&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-discuss-taking-over-canada-rubio-says-talks-at-g7-will-focus-on-ukraine-8847203">Will not discuss &lsquo;taking over Canada&rsquo;: Rubio says talks at G7 will focus on Ukraine</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/12/hrMAe1rYUEB9M0FLO6PI.jpg" alt=" US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media during a refueling stop at Shannon Airport in Shannon, Ireland, March 12, 2025, as he travels from talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia to attending a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Canada. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Following taunts by United States President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not raise Canada&rsquo;s sovereignty while visiting Quebec later on Wednesday (Mar 12) for the G7 talks, hinting that the talks would be focused on the Ukraine conflict.
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Canadians visiting the United States for more than 30 days will be required to register with authorities starting 11 April, according to a notice in the US federal register on Wednesday (12 March). The change comes at a time of growing trade tensions between the two countries.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beaten-spit-on-held-in-one-sq-metre-cell-israeli-hostages-painful-ordeal-reveals-they-knew-when-gaza-truce-failed-8847768">'Beaten, spit on, held in a sq metre cell': Hostage's painful ordeal reveals 'they knew' when Gaza truce failed</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/19/S10ABwFqGmEdFYl9te09.png" alt=" Family members, friends and supporters of Israelis and other nationalities who were taken hostage on October 7 march after they began a few days march towards Jerusalem, on a road between Latrun and Jerusalem Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Freed Israeli hostage Omer Wenkert said on Wednesday (March 12) that he always knew when Israel-Hamas were not on the same track and the ceasefire between them had fallen through, or a senior Hamas operative was killed, because the Palestinian militant group would take it out on him.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-are-bla-everything-you-need-to-know-about-baloch-militant-group-that-hijacked-pakistani-train-8847668">Who are Baloch Liberation Army? Here's all you need to know about militant group that hijacked Pakistani train</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/12/7Yvmk5eZ45aTVjMp4mVF.jpg" alt=" A soldier works to evacuate freed train passengers following a security operation against armed militants who ambushed the train in the remote mountainous area, in Mach, southwestern Balochistan province on March 11, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the separatist group, hijacked the passenger train Jaffar Express in Pakistan&rsquo;s Balochistan province on Tuesday (Mar 11).&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missing-university-student-sudiksha-konankis-hometown-sheriff-names-person-of-interest-8846953">Missing university student Sudiksha Konanki&rsquo;s hometown sheriff names person of interest</a>
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The hometown sheriff&rsquo;s department has named a person of interest in the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki during her vacation in the Dominican Republic.
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Late Korean actress Kim Sae Ron is back in the news. Months after her tragic death, reports seem to suggest she had given a statement about being in a long-term relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. The statement comes on the heels of Kim Sae Ron&rsquo;s aunt exposing their relationship, claiming the Queen of Tears actor began secretly dating her niece, who would have been a minor then.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2025-indian-batters-fall-behind-foreigners-at-own-home-in-terms-of-scoring-runs-numbers-dont-lie-8847098">EXCLUSIVE | '688 RUNS': In WPL 2025, Indian women outscored by foreigners at own home? Numbers don&rsquo;t lie</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/12/pL3avqzWitf3km5hJbuA.png" alt=" Indian batters fall behind foreigners in terms of scoring runs in WPL 2025 Photograph: (BCCI) ">
The Women's Premier League (WPL) season 3 regular season is over with Delhi Capitals making it to the finals directly while Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants set to play an eliminator. Now that the Indian women cricketers have had enough exposure of playing in big games, the question arises - how did the Indian batters perform in comparison to their foreign counterparts?
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Stay ahead with our curated list of top global stories, bringing you insightful analysis and diverse perspectives on the key events shaping our world right now.

Canada has announced additional tariffs on US goods worth $20.7 billion to counter US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. In other news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised that he does not trust Russia despite agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire proposal by the US. Meanwhile, Iran has received the letter given by US President Donald Trump, delivered by a UAE official days after Trump hinted at 'final strokes' with Tehran. Click on the headlines for more 'Until threat is gone for good': Canada hits US with $20.7 bn tariffs over 'unjustified' steel levies Canada has announced fresh tariffs on American products worth $20.7 billion in response to US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. The retaliatory measures, which come into effect on Thursday, target a range of goods, including computers and sports equipment. 'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that he does not trust Russia despite agreeing to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran Iran has received the letter given by US President Donald Trump by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Will not discuss ‘taking over Canada’: Rubio says talks at G7 will focus on Ukraine Following taunts by United States President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not raise Canada’s sovereignty while visiting Quebec later on Wednesday (Mar 12) for the G7 talks, hinting that the talks would be focused on the Ukraine conflict. Register or 'be treated as criminal': 900,000 'snowbird' Canadians face new US travel restrictions amid trade war Canadians visiting the United States for more than 30 days will be required to register with authorities starting 11 April, according to a notice in the US federal register on Wednesday (12 March). The change comes at a time of growing trade tensions between the two countries. 'Beaten, spit on, held in a sq metre cell': Hostage's painful ordeal reveals 'they knew' when Gaza truce failed Freed Israeli hostage Omer Wenkert said on Wednesday (March 12) that he always knew when Israel-Hamas were not on the same track and the ceasefire between them had fallen through, or a senior Hamas operative was killed, because the Palestinian militant group would take it out on him. Who are Baloch Liberation Army? Here's all you need to know about militant group that hijacked Pakistani train Militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the separatist group, hijacked the passenger train Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday (Mar 11). Missing university student Sudiksha Konanki’s hometown sheriff names person of interest The hometown sheriff’s department has named a person of interest in the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki during her vacation in the Dominican Republic. Boycott Kim Soo Hyun? Fans call out actor’s old problematic posts as news of relationship with Kim Sae Ron surfaces Late Korean actress Kim Sae Ron is back in the news. Months after her tragic death, reports seem to suggest she had given a statement about being in a long-term relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. The statement comes on the heels of Kim Sae Ron’s aunt exposing their relationship, claiming the Queen of Tears actor began secretly dating her niece, who would have been a minor then. EXCLUSIVE | '688 RUNS': In WPL 2025, Indian women outscored by foreigners at own home? Numbers don’t lie The Women's Premier League (WPL) season 3 regular season is over with Delhi Capitals making it to the finals directly while Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants set to play an eliminator. Now that the Indian women cricketers have had enough exposure of playing in big games, the question arises - how did the Indian batters perform in comparison to their foreign counterparts?

Top 10 world news: Canada hits US with retaliatory tariffs; Zelensky 'doesn't trust' Russia, and more

The detained captain of a cargo ship which struck a tanker chartered by the US military is a Russian national, the owners of the container vessel said Wednesday, as questions lingered over the cause of the rare North Sea crash.
Monday's collision triggered huge fires aboard the two ships, which were still burning two days later although they had been greatly reduced by a huge firefighting effort.
Investigations are continuing into how the Portuguese-flagged Solong cargo ship ran into the US-flagged Stena Immaculate which was anchored about 13 miles (20 kilometres) off the coast of the northeastern UK port of Hull.
UK police on Tuesday arrested the captain of the Solong, owned by German company Ernst Russ, on suspicion of manslaughter after the crash left one crew member missing, presumed dead.
"Ernst Russ confirms that the master is a Russian national," the Germany-based company said in a statement to AFP. "The rest of the crew are a mix of Russian and Filipino nationals."
The detained 59-year-old "remains in our custody having been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter", Humberside police said Wednesday.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-sea-collision-no-sodium-cyanide-containers-on-vessel-that-crashed-into-oil-tanker-confirms-owner-8843755">North Sea collision: Man arrested on suspicion of gross negligence; no sodium cyanide containers on vessel</a>
The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday that Irish officials had found the Solong's emergency steering compass was deficient during a routine safety check last year.
It was one of 10 deficiencies noted in the inspection carried out when the ship visited Dublin in July 2024.&nbsp;
Something went "terribly wrong" for the crash to happen but that there was "no evidence" of foul play, UK undersecretary for transport Mike Kane told MPs on Tuesday.
At least one tank containing some of the 220,000 barrels of jet fuel on board the Stena Immaculate was "ruptured", according to the tanker's US-based operator Crowley. That sparked concerns for the surrounding environment and wildlife.
But there were "no further reports of pollution to the sea" following the "initial incident", Virginia McVea, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Wednesday.
<h2>'Narrowly averted'</h2>
Environmental campaign group Greenpeace, which had raised the alarm at the potential fallout in the wildlife rich Humber estuary, said an "environmental disaster may have been narrowly averted".
"Though an incident of this scale is rare, any such accident has the potential to become an environmental disaster," said Paul Johnston from the Greenpeace Research Laboratories.
Aerial AFP images on Tuesday showed a gaping gash in the middle of the 140-metre-long (460 foot) tanker, and smoke billowing from the Solong, which was reduced to an almost burnt-out wreck.&nbsp;
There were "no visible flames on board" the tanker as of Wednesday morning, according to the Coastguard.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-sea-collision-accident-between-oil-tanker-and-cargo-ship-injures-32-8840457">North Sea collision between oil tanker and' cargo ship carrying cyanide injures 32</a>
The Solong, which had been drifting southwards was "being held in a safe position off shore", McVea said, adding the fires on the cargo ship had "greatly reduced".
Maritime expert Abdul Khalique told AFP such a collision between an anchored ship and another on a "routine" journey was "very rare".
"It's still not known why was MV Solong unable to take action to avoid collision," said Khalique, head of the Maritime Centre at Liverpool John Moores University.
The vessel missed "multiple opportunities" to change course, he said, adding the full reasons for the crash would only emerge after the investigation.
The Stena Immaculate was on a short-term US military charter with Military Sealift Command, according to a spokesperson for the command, which operates civilian-crewed ships for the US Defense Department.
According to data collected by website VesselFinder, the impact of the crash displaced the tanker by "more than 400 metres".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Monday's collision triggered huge fires aboard the two ships, which were still burning two days later, although they had been greatly reduced by a huge firefighting effort.

The detained captain of a cargo ship which struck a tanker chartered by the US military is a Russian national, the owners of the container vessel said Wednesday, as questions lingered over the cause of the rare North Sea crash. Monday's collision triggered huge fires aboard the two ships, which were still burning two days later although they had been greatly reduced by a huge firefighting effort. Investigations are continuing into how the Portuguese-flagged Solong cargo ship ran into the US-flagged Stena Immaculate which was anchored about 13 miles (20 kilometres) off the coast of the northeastern UK port of Hull. UK police on Tuesday arrested the captain of the Solong, owned by German company Ernst Russ, on suspicion of manslaughter after the crash left one crew member missing, presumed dead. "Ernst Russ confirms that the master is a Russian national," the Germany-based company said in a statement to AFP. "The rest of the crew are a mix of Russian and Filipino nationals." The detained 59-year-old "remains in our custody having been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter", Humberside police said Wednesday. Also read | North Sea collision: Man arrested on suspicion of gross negligence; no sodium cyanide containers on vessel The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday that Irish officials had found the Solong's emergency steering compass was deficient during a routine safety check last year. It was one of 10 deficiencies noted in the inspection carried out when the ship visited Dublin in July 2024. Something went "terribly wrong" for the crash to happen but that there was "no evidence" of foul play, UK undersecretary for transport Mike Kane told MPs on Tuesday. At least one tank containing some of the 220,000 barrels of jet fuel on board the Stena Immaculate was "ruptured", according to the tanker's US-based operator Crowley. That sparked concerns for the surrounding environment and wildlife. But there were "no further reports of pollution to the sea" following the "initial incident", Virginia McVea, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Wednesday. 'Narrowly averted' Environmental campaign group Greenpeace, which had raised the alarm at the potential fallout in the wildlife rich Humber estuary, said an "environmental disaster may have been narrowly averted". "Though an incident of this scale is rare, any such accident has the potential to become an environmental disaster," said Paul Johnston from the Greenpeace Research Laboratories. Aerial AFP images on Tuesday showed a gaping gash in the middle of the 140-metre-long (460 foot) tanker, and smoke billowing from the Solong, which was reduced to an almost burnt-out wreck. There were "no visible flames on board" the tanker as of Wednesday morning, according to the Coastguard. Also read | North Sea collision between oil tanker and' cargo ship carrying cyanide injures 32 The Solong, which had been drifting southwards was "being held in a safe position off shore", McVea said, adding the fires on the cargo ship had "greatly reduced". Maritime expert Abdul Khalique told AFP such a collision between an anchored ship and another on a "routine" journey was "very rare". "It's still not known why was MV Solong unable to take action to avoid collision," said Khalique, head of the Maritime Centre at Liverpool John Moores University. The vessel missed "multiple opportunities" to change course, he said, adding the full reasons for the crash would only emerge after the investigation. The Stena Immaculate was on a short-term US military charter with Military Sealift Command, according to a spokesperson for the command, which operates civilian-crewed ships for the US Defense Department. According to data collected by website VesselFinder, the impact of the crash displaced the tanker by "more than 400 metres". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Sea collision: Arrested captain of cargo ship that hit oil tanker is Russian national

Iran has received the letter given by US President Donald Trump by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, Iran&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that an Arab intermediary will deliver Trump's letter to Tehran.&nbsp;
The letter was given to Gargash by Trump&rsquo;s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who was in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Axios reported.
Gargash met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi today, Iranian state media said. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei did not give further details about their meeting.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-tells-trump-do-whatever-damn-thing-you-want-rejects-negotiations-if-conducted-under-orders-or-threats-8845447">Iran President tells Trump 'do whatever damn thing you want,' rejects negotiations conducted under orders or threats</a>
Trump last Friday said that he had sent a letter to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme.&nbsp;
"I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon."
But Iran's mission to the United Nations told AFP that they did not receive such a letter.&nbsp;
A day after Trump informed about his letter, Khamenei in a speech, said that Iran would not negotiate with "bullying powers".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wont-negotiate-under-intimidation-as-donald-trump-ramps-up-pressure-8839146">Iran won't negotiate under 'intimidation' as Donald Trump ramps up pressure</a>
<h2>Closed-door UNSC meeting</h2>
Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council has been requested, "which is a completely new procedure and surprising, and questions the goodwill of the countries requesting this meeting."
The meeting had been requested by France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, Britain, and the US as Tehran's nuclear programme edges close to weapons-grade uranium.
"We have always been ready to negotiate on the nuclear issue from an equal position, and we have also negotiated on the JCPOA, and negotiations are ongoing," Araghchi added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-reverses-course-on-canada-tariffs-markets-react-8845110">Trump's reverses course on Canada tariffs, markets react</a>
<h2>'Something going to happen very soon'</h2>
Moreover, after revealing the letter, Trump also said that action against Iran could be imminent, suggesting that "something is going to happen very soon."
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "There will be some interesting days ahead, that's all I can tell you." He did not provide specific details.
"We&rsquo;re down to final strokes with Iran. That&rsquo;s going to be an interesting time, and we&rsquo;ll see what happens," he said.
Repeating his stance on Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We&rsquo;re down to final moments. We&rsquo;re at the final moments. We can&rsquo;t let them have a nuclear weapon."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-strokes-trump-hints-at-final-moments-with-iran-after-his-letter-to-khamenei-gets-lost-in-mail-8832335">'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi did not specify which Arab country would act as the intermediary or provide details about what is there in the letter.

Iran has received the letter given by US President Donald Trump by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that an Arab intermediary will deliver Trump's letter to Tehran. The letter was given to Gargash by Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who was in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Axios reported. Gargash met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi today, Iranian state media said. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei did not give further details about their meeting. Also read: Iran President tells Trump 'do whatever damn thing you want,' rejects negotiations conducted under orders or threats Trump last Friday said that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme. "I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon." But Iran's mission to the United Nations told AFP that they did not receive such a letter. A day after Trump informed about his letter, Khamenei in a speech, said that Iran would not negotiate with "bullying powers". Also read: Iran won't negotiate under 'intimidation' as Donald Trump ramps up pressure Closed-door UNSC meeting Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council has been requested, "which is a completely new procedure and surprising, and questions the goodwill of the countries requesting this meeting." The meeting had been requested by France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, Britain, and the US as Tehran's nuclear programme edges close to weapons-grade uranium. "We have always been ready to negotiate on the nuclear issue from an equal position, and we have also negotiated on the JCPOA, and negotiations are ongoing," Araghchi added. Also read: Trump's reverses course on Canada tariffs, markets react 'Something going to happen very soon' Moreover, after revealing the letter, Trump also said that action against Iran could be imminent, suggesting that "something is going to happen very soon." Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "There will be some interesting days ahead, that's all I can tell you." He did not provide specific details. "We’re down to final strokes with Iran. That’s going to be an interesting time, and we’ll see what happens," he said. Repeating his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We’re down to final moments. We’re at the final moments. We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon." Also read: 'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail' (With inputs from agencies)

Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran

Canada has announced fresh tariffs on American products worth $20.7 billion in response to US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. The retaliatory measures, which come into effect on Thursday, target a range of goods, including computers and sports equipment.
Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc described the US tariffs as "unjustified and unreasonable," adding that Canada&rsquo;s retaliation was necessary to defend its industries. The move follows President Donald Trump&rsquo;s decision to impose a 25% duty on Canadian steel and aluminum exports.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-trump-trade-war-european-union-slaps-283b-in-tariffs-on-us-goods-after-trumps-metal-duties-8847083">&lsquo;Bad for business, worse for consumers&rsquo;: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump&rsquo;s metal duties</a>
<h2>Ontario Premier meets Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney</h2>
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal advocate for Canada&rsquo;s response to Trump's tariffs, met with Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney to discuss the situation.
"This morning, I met with Mark Carney, Canada&rsquo;s incoming prime minister for a positive and productive discussion. We agreed on the need to stand firm and strong in the face of President Trump&rsquo;s threats, including additional retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which will raise costs for American businesses and families," Ford said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/register-or-be-treated-as-criminal-900000-snowbird-canadians-face-new-us-travel-restrictions-amid-trade-war-8847588">Register or 'be treated as criminal': 900,000 'snowbird' Canadians face new US travel restrictions amid trade war</a>
He added, "Team Canada has risen to the challenge and proven that no one should ever underestimate the strength and resilience of the Canadian people. Together, we will get through this more united than ever before."
Ford also affirmed Canada&rsquo;s determination to resist US pressure. "Canada won&rsquo;t relent until the threat of tariffs is gone for good. I look forward to sitting down with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and members of the Trump administration&rsquo;s economic team tomorrow," he said.
<h2>Talks on trade and electricity exports</h2>
Ford said that Secretary Lutnick had reached out to discuss the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly in light of Ontario&rsquo;s 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-justin-trudeau-bursts-into-tears-during-press-briefing-says-he-put-canadians-first-amid-trade-war-with-trump-8835918">Video: Justin Trudeau bursts into tears at farewell address, says he 'put Canadians first' amid trade war with Trump</a>
"Facing the cost of Ontario&rsquo;s 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports, Secretary Lutnick extended an olive branch to start a conversation about the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Over the coming weeks and months, I&rsquo;m going to work with Secretary Lutnick, our federal partners and every premier in good faith toward a free trade deal that&rsquo;s fair for both countries," Ford said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-are-bla-everything-you-need-to-know-about-baloch-militant-group-that-hijacked-pakistani-train-8847668">Who are Baloch Liberation Army? Here's all you need to know about militant group that hijacked Pakistani train</a>
<h2>EU joins the fight with $28.3 billion tariffs</h2>
In a separate but related development, the European Union has announced new tariffs on $28.3 billion worth of US goods in retaliation for America&rsquo;s latest metal tariffs.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc described the US tariffs as "unjustified and unreasonable," adding that Canada’s retaliation was necessary to defend its industries.

Canada has announced fresh tariffs on American products worth $20.7 billion in response to US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. The retaliatory measures, which come into effect on Thursday, target a range of goods, including computers and sports equipment. Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc described the US tariffs as "unjustified and unreasonable," adding that Canada’s retaliation was necessary to defend its industries. The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% duty on Canadian steel and aluminum exports. Also read: ‘Bad for business, worse for consumers’: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump’s metal duties Ontario Premier meets Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal advocate for Canada’s response to Trump's tariffs, met with Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney to discuss the situation. "This morning, I met with Mark Carney, Canada’s incoming prime minister for a positive and productive discussion. We agreed on the need to stand firm and strong in the face of President Trump’s threats, including additional retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which will raise costs for American businesses and families," Ford said. Also read: Register or 'be treated as criminal': 900,000 'snowbird' Canadians face new US travel restrictions amid trade war He added, "Team Canada has risen to the challenge and proven that no one should ever underestimate the strength and resilience of the Canadian people. Together, we will get through this more united than ever before." Ford also affirmed Canada’s determination to resist US pressure. "Canada won’t relent until the threat of tariffs is gone for good. I look forward to sitting down with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and members of the Trump administration’s economic team tomorrow," he said. Talks on trade and electricity exports Ford said that Secretary Lutnick had reached out to discuss the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly in light of Ontario’s 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US. Also read: Video: Justin Trudeau bursts into tears at farewell address, says he 'put Canadians first' amid trade war with Trump "Facing the cost of Ontario’s 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports, Secretary Lutnick extended an olive branch to start a conversation about the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Over the coming weeks and months, I’m going to work with Secretary Lutnick, our federal partners and every premier in good faith toward a free trade deal that’s fair for both countries," Ford said. Also read: Who are Baloch Liberation Army? Here's all you need to know about militant group that hijacked Pakistani train EU joins the fight with $28.3 billion tariffs In a separate but related development, the European Union has announced new tariffs on $28.3 billion worth of US goods in retaliation for America’s latest metal tariffs. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Until threat is gone for good’: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over ‘unjustified’ steel levies

China has unveiled 'Manus' a new AI assistant after DeepSeek. It is a new high-powered AI technology that is making a buzz in the market. It is making people curious about its services and can outshine the AI DeepSeek, which earlier this year fazed the global tech industry with its pro-level chatbot.
Manus is more advanced than a chatbot with more personalised results. It takes more autonomous action. Chinese company Butterfly Effect launched 'Manus' last week on Mar 6, 2025.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-korea-banned-new-downloads-of-deepseek-8729491">Why South Korea banned new downloads of DeepSeek?</a>
This AI agent generally considered more progressive than a basic chatbot, can do anything from examining the stock exchanges and personal reservations to creating a personalised travel itinerary for a trip with simple responses from users, its website says.
<h2>New invention</h2>
The 'Manus' word is dereived from the Latin motto "Mens et Manus," which translates to "mind and hand," highlighting the combination of knowledge and practical application.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-deepseek-shakes-up-ai-economics-8773236">China's DeepSeek shakes up AI economics</a>
In an online viral video, co-founder Yichao "Peak" Ji praised 'Manus' as "the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration, and potentially a peek into AGI." He expressed that it works to think the way humans do.
<h2>Functions of Manus</h2>
Manus works in the cloud, let users continue work even if a user disconnects. This ensures uninterrupted success on long-term events. Not like other ordinary AI apps, it actively searches the web, drives with websites, and shows its operations live. This helps users see how the AI collects and processes information.
The AI combines all relevant data and makes new roadmaps with links, maps, and travel options. Manus is currently accessible only by invitation and has quickly gained fame, with its official Discord server now boasting over 170,000 members.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Manus is more advanced than a chatbot with more personalized results. It takes more autonomous action. Chinese company Butterfly Effect launched 'Manus' last week on Mar 6, 2025.

China has unveiled 'Manus' a new AI assistant after DeepSeek. It is a new high-powered AI technology that is making a buzz in the market. It is making people curious about its services and can outshine the AI DeepSeek, which earlier this year fazed the global tech industry with its pro-level chatbot. Manus is more advanced than a chatbot with more personalised results. It takes more autonomous action. Chinese company Butterfly Effect launched 'Manus' last week on Mar 6, 2025. Also read | Why South Korea banned new downloads of DeepSeek? This AI agent generally considered more progressive than a basic chatbot, can do anything from examining the stock exchanges and personal reservations to creating a personalised travel itinerary for a trip with simple responses from users, its website says. New invention The 'Manus' word is dereived from the Latin motto "Mens et Manus," which translates to "mind and hand," highlighting the combination of knowledge and practical application. Also read | China's DeepSeek shakes up AI economics In an online viral video, co-founder Yichao "Peak" Ji praised 'Manus' as "the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration, and potentially a peek into AGI." He expressed that it works to think the way humans do. Functions of Manus Manus works in the cloud, let users continue work even if a user disconnects. This ensures uninterrupted success on long-term events. Not like other ordinary AI apps, it actively searches the web, drives with websites, and shows its operations live. This helps users see how the AI collects and processes information. The AI combines all relevant data and makes new roadmaps with links, maps, and travel options. Manus is currently accessible only by invitation and has quickly gained fame, with its official Discord server now boasting over 170,000 members. (With inputs from agencies)

What is ‘Manus’? China’s new AI assistant app after DeepSeek

Freed Israeli hostage Omer Wenkert said on Wednesday (March 12) that he always 'knew' when Israel-Hamas peace talks were not on track and the ceasefire between them had fallen through, or a senior Hamas operative was killed, because the Palestinian militant group would take it out on him.&nbsp;
Wenkert said he could understand what was happening, although all the hostages were cut off from the outside world during their hundreds of days of captivity.&nbsp;
"Every deal that fell through would bring up a lot of frustration, rage, and anger,&rdquo; Wenkert said, highlighting the painful ordeal of hostages in an interview with Channel 12 news.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-to-hand-over-bodies-of-four-slain-israeli-hostages-tonight-without-public-ceremony-confirms-netanyahu-8759720">Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu</a>
&ldquo;Not to mention when one of their fathers was killed, or their families, or when their senior officials were assassinated. You feel it. You know exactly what happened," he said.&nbsp;
He further explained that in such cases, Hamas militants used to beat them, spat on them, and forced them to do strenuous physical exercise.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I was very weak physically,&rdquo; he said, adding that his captors&rsquo; goal was &ldquo;humiliation.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-negotiations-with-hamas-helping-israel-because-were-talking-about-israeli-hostages-8829353">Trump says direct talks with Hamas helping Israel: 'We&rsquo;re talking about Israeli hostages'</a>
<h2>'I wet my pants'</h2>
Wenkert, in an interview, shared his day-by-day timeline in captivity, starting with the day he was taken hostage while he was driving down to the Nova music festival with his best friend Kim Damti.
Wenkert initially thought that &ldquo;there was a group of three or four terrorists, and in a moment the IDF will come and take them out. You don&rsquo;t consider the possibility they will reach Re&rsquo;im; it&rsquo;s almost five kilometres from the border. And then the shooting started.&rdquo;
&ldquo;What I remember is that the last time I saw on my watch was 7:29 a.m. and the same second I read that, someone says, &lsquo;Get in, get in. There are terrorists.&rsquo; I hear, &lsquo;Allahu Akbar,&rsquo; a grenade strike inside the shelter and everyone gets down. Explosion," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-offers-flexibility-in-gaza-negotiations-pressures-israel-to-move-forward-8839816">'Continues to renege'; Hamas accuses Israel of backtracking on Gaza truce deal</a>
Wenkert said one of the terrorists told him he would not shoot him. He then understood he was being kidnapped. &ldquo;I saw them coming toward me, I wet my pants.&rdquo;
Wenkert continued to explain the treatment he faced by the Hamas group and said that the captors told him he would be released in a day or two afterward the first ceasefire-hostage deal. However, the ceasefire ended, and he was transferred to a one-square-metre cell.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-multiple-meetings-with-us-on-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8836747">Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US on Gaza ceasefire deal</a>
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: "Every deal that fell through would bring up a lot of frustration, rage and anger,” Wenkert highlighted the painful ordeal of hostages in an interview with Channel 12 news.

Freed Israeli hostage Omer Wenkert said on Wednesday (March 12) that he always 'knew' when Israel-Hamas peace talks were not on track and the ceasefire between them had fallen through, or a senior Hamas operative was killed, because the Palestinian militant group would take it out on him. Wenkert said he could understand what was happening, although all the hostages were cut off from the outside world during their hundreds of days of captivity. "Every deal that fell through would bring up a lot of frustration, rage, and anger,” Wenkert said, highlighting the painful ordeal of hostages in an interview with Channel 12 news. Also read: Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu “Not to mention when one of their fathers was killed, or their families, or when their senior officials were assassinated. You feel it. You know exactly what happened," he said. He further explained that in such cases, Hamas militants used to beat them, spat on them, and forced them to do strenuous physical exercise. “I was very weak physically,” he said, adding that his captors’ goal was “humiliation.” Also read: Trump says direct talks with Hamas helping Israel: 'We’re talking about Israeli hostages' 'I wet my pants' Wenkert, in an interview, shared his day-by-day timeline in captivity, starting with the day he was taken hostage while he was driving down to the Nova music festival with his best friend Kim Damti. Wenkert initially thought that “there was a group of three or four terrorists, and in a moment the IDF will come and take them out. You don’t consider the possibility they will reach Re’im; it’s almost five kilometres from the border. And then the shooting started.” “What I remember is that the last time I saw on my watch was 7:29 a.m. and the same second I read that, someone says, ‘Get in, get in. There are terrorists.’ I hear, ‘Allahu Akbar,’ a grenade strike inside the shelter and everyone gets down. Explosion," he added. Also read: 'Continues to renege'; Hamas accuses Israel of backtracking on Gaza truce deal Wenkert said one of the terrorists told him he would not shoot him. He then understood he was being kidnapped. “I saw them coming toward me, I wet my pants.” Wenkert continued to explain the treatment he faced by the Hamas group and said that the captors told him he would be released in a day or two afterward the first ceasefire-hostage deal. However, the ceasefire ended, and he was transferred to a one-square-metre cell. Also read: Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US on Gaza ceasefire deal (With inputs from agencies)

'Beaten, spat on, held in a sq metre cell': Hostage's painful ordeal reveals 'he knew' when Gaza truce failed

Canadians visiting the United States for more than 30 days will be required to register with authorities starting 11 April, according to a notice in the US federal register on Wednesday (12 March). The change comes at a time of growing trade tensions between the two countries.
The new requirement enforces an existing law that has not been consistently applied to Canadians crossing into the US by land. The law states that foreign nationals aged 14 or older who are not already registered must complete registration and undergo fingerprinting if they intend to stay in the US for over 30 days.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-trump-trade-war-european-union-slaps-283b-in-tariffs-on-us-goods-after-trumps-metal-duties-8847083">&lsquo;Bad for business, worse for consumers&rsquo;: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump&rsquo;s metal duties</a>
Although this rule has existed for some time, US media reports suggest that Canadian nationals were often exempt from enforcement. However, on his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order making it clear that all previously unregistered foreign visitors must now comply. The order also stated that failing to do so would be "treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority."
<h2>Impact on Canadian travellers</h2>
The change is expected to affect the estimated 900,000 Canadians, often referred to as "snowbirds," who spend winters in southern US states such as Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million people will be impacted by the updated registration rules.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-helping-us-slams-india-for-150-tariff-on-american-alcohol-says-trump-believes-in-reciprocity-8846649">'Not helping': US slams India for 150% tariff on American alcohol, says 'Trump believes in reciprocity'</a>
<h2>Trade disputes between the US and Canada</h2>
The announcement follows escalating trade disputes between the two nations. Earlier this month, the Trump administration imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian imports, though some goods were temporarily exempted. Then, on Tuesday, Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, doubling the previous rates. This came after Ontario responded to the initial tariffs by imposing additional charges on electricity exports to the US.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-elect-mark-carney-vows-maximum-impact-us-tariffs-response-8844505">'Until Americans show us respect': Canada PM-elect Carney vows 'maximum impact' response to US tariffs</a>
Adding to tensions, the Trump administration recently extended the registration requirement to undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older. Those who fail to register and submit fingerprints now face the risk of criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly made remarks suggesting Canada should become the 51st US state, a comment seen by some Canadians as a veiled threat of annexation.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-shut-off-electricity-completely-ontarios-doug-ford-warns-us-after-trump-doubles-tariffs-8844381">'Will shut off electricity completely': Ontario&rsquo;s Doug Ford warns US after Trump doubles tariffs</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The change is expected to affect the estimated 900,000 Canadians, often referred to as "snowbirds," who spend winters in southern US states such as Florida, Texas, and South Carolina.

Canadians visiting the United States for more than 30 days will be required to register with authorities starting 11 April, according to a notice in the US federal register on Wednesday (12 March). The change comes at a time of growing trade tensions between the two countries. The new requirement enforces an existing law that has not been consistently applied to Canadians crossing into the US by land. The law states that foreign nationals aged 14 or older who are not already registered must complete registration and undergo fingerprinting if they intend to stay in the US for over 30 days. Also read: ‘Bad for business, worse for consumers’: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump’s metal duties Although this rule has existed for some time, US media reports suggest that Canadian nationals were often exempt from enforcement. However, on his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order making it clear that all previously unregistered foreign visitors must now comply. The order also stated that failing to do so would be "treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority." Impact on Canadian travellers The change is expected to affect the estimated 900,000 Canadians, often referred to as "snowbirds," who spend winters in southern US states such as Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million people will be impacted by the updated registration rules. Also read: 'Not helping': US slams India for 150% tariff on American alcohol, says 'Trump believes in reciprocity' Trade disputes between the US and Canada The announcement follows escalating trade disputes between the two nations. Earlier this month, the Trump administration imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian imports, though some goods were temporarily exempted. Then, on Tuesday, Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, doubling the previous rates. This came after Ontario responded to the initial tariffs by imposing additional charges on electricity exports to the US. Also read: 'Until Americans show us respect': Canada PM-elect Carney vows 'maximum impact' response to US tariffs Adding to tensions, the Trump administration recently extended the registration requirement to undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older. Those who fail to register and submit fingerprints now face the risk of criminal prosecution. Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly made remarks suggesting Canada should become the 51st US state, a comment seen by some Canadians as a veiled threat of annexation. Also read: 'Will shut off electricity completely': Ontario’s Doug Ford warns US after Trump doubles tariffs (With inputs from agencies)

Register or ‘be treated as criminal’: 900,000 ‘snowbird’ Canadians face new US travel restrictions amid trade war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that he does not trust Russia despite agreeing to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.&nbsp;
While addressing the press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said "I have emphasised this many times, none of us trust the Russians."&nbsp;
He further said that he expects "strong measures" should be taken from the US if Russia rejects Washington's proposal.&nbsp;
"I understand that we can count on strong steps. I don't know the details yet but we are talking about sanctions (against Russia) and strengthening Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-massive-drone-strike-at-moscow-as-zelensky-prepares-to-talk-truce-with-us-in-saudi-arabia-8841823">Ukraine launches 'massive' drone strike at Moscow as Zelensky prepares to talk truce with US in Saudi Arabia</a>
Stressing his call to "fight for independence", the Ukrainian president said that he refuses to recognise any Russian occupied territories in Ukraine.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We are not going to recognise that the territories occupied by the Russian territory. The fact is, our people were fighting for it. Our heroes fought for that, [it] wounded, killed many of them. No one forgets about that,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-rubio-says-no-military-solution-to-ukraine-conflict-8841369">Zelensky meets Saudi crown prince in Jeddah; Rubio says 'no military solution' to Ukraine conflict</a>
<h2>'Important red line'</h2>
The Ukrainian president said that this is the "most important red line", adding. "We will never let anyone forget about this crime against Ukraine."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-in-progress-zelenskys-closest-aide-shares-picture-with-us-delegation-as-talks-continue-in-riyadh-8843972">Ukraine backs US proposal for 30-day ceasefire, Washington restores military aid, intel sharing</a>
<h2>'Everything depends on Russia'</h2>
The Ukrainian president called yesterday's talks with the US in Jeddah "constructive", saying that he wants to use a potential 30-day ceasefire with Russia as a chance to forge a permanent peace plan.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We want to end this war,&rdquo; he said, adding that &ldquo;everyone&rdquo; will have to be part of a union to convince Russia to accept a peace deal.
&ldquo;Everything depends on whether Russia is willing to do so, to install a truce, or if it is willing to continue killing people,&rdquo; Zelensky added.
Earlier, Russia said that they were waiting to be briefed by American officials before commenting on the ceasefire proposal.&nbsp;
The US has said that they would be talking to Moscow on Wednesday.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-lays-down-three-maximalist-demands-before-ending-russia-ukraine-war-report-8845351">Putin lays down THREE 'maximalist' demands for ending Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;war:&nbsp;Report</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Stressing his call to "fight for independence", the Ukrainian president said that he refuses to recognise any Russian occupied territories in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that he does not trust Russia despite agreeing to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. While addressing the press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said "I have emphasised this many times, none of us trust the Russians." He further said that he expects "strong measures" should be taken from the US if Russia rejects Washington's proposal. "I understand that we can count on strong steps. I don't know the details yet but we are talking about sanctions (against Russia) and strengthening Ukraine," Zelensky said. Also read: Ukraine launches 'massive' drone strike at Moscow as Zelensky prepares to talk truce with US in Saudi Arabia Stressing his call to "fight for independence", the Ukrainian president said that he refuses to recognise any Russian occupied territories in Ukraine. “We are not going to recognise that the territories occupied by the Russian territory. The fact is, our people were fighting for it. Our heroes fought for that, [it] wounded, killed many of them. No one forgets about that,” he said. Also read: Zelensky meets Saudi crown prince in Jeddah; Rubio says 'no military solution' to Ukraine conflict 'Important red line' The Ukrainian president said that this is the "most important red line", adding. "We will never let anyone forget about this crime against Ukraine." Also read: Ukraine backs US proposal for 30-day ceasefire, Washington restores military aid, intel sharing 'Everything depends on Russia' The Ukrainian president called yesterday's talks with the US in Jeddah "constructive", saying that he wants to use a potential 30-day ceasefire with Russia as a chance to forge a permanent peace plan. “We want to end this war,” he said, adding that “everyone” will have to be part of a union to convince Russia to accept a peace deal. “Everything depends on whether Russia is willing to do so, to install a truce, or if it is willing to continue killing people,” Zelensky added. Earlier, Russia said that they were waiting to be briefed by American officials before commenting on the ceasefire proposal. The US has said that they would be talking to Moscow on Wednesday. Also read: Putin lays down THREE 'maximalist' demands for ending Russia-Ukraine war: Report (With inputs from agencies)

'None of us trust Russians': Zelensky expects 'strong' action from US if Moscow rejects 30-day ceasefire

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> was handed a pre-written sales pitch by Elon Musk during a Tesla-buying event at the White House on Tuesday, a move widely seen as an effort to promote the electric car company amid growing backlash against Musk&rsquo;s role in a controversial government restructuring.
<h2>'They gave me notes'</h2>
Photographers captured Trump holding note cards detailing the price and specifications of various Tesla models as he inspected the vehicles on display. The president openly admitted the words were not his own. &ldquo;They gave me notes,&rdquo; he said, shuffling through the papers before stepping into one of the cars.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-musk-wants-to-target-waste-in-medicare-social-security-heres-why-they-matter-to-millions-8846765">&lsquo;Ponzi scheme?&rsquo; Musk wants to target &lsquo;waste&rsquo; in Medicare, Social Security - Here&rsquo;s why they matter to millions</a>
Photos of the document revealed phrases such as &ldquo;SAFEST car,&rdquo; &ldquo;state of the art,&rdquo; and &ldquo;affordable,&rdquo; suggesting Musk had provided Trump with a script to bolster Tesla&rsquo;s image.
The publicity stunt, which critics likened to an unpaid "Tesla advert," followed a sharp 15% drop in Tesla&rsquo;s stock on Monday, the steepest decline in five years. The plunge has been largely attributed to Musk&rsquo;s ties to Trump and the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
<h2>Musk is &lsquo;putting it on the line&rsquo;&nbsp;in order to help our nation: Trump</h2>
Trump, hoping to demonstrate support for his billionaire ally, praised Musk as a &ldquo;truly great American.&rdquo; He appeared unconcerned about using his position to promote Tesla, writing on Truth Social, &ldquo;Elon Musk is &lsquo;putting it on the line&rsquo; in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-to-buy-tesla-to-support-elon-musks-baby-amid-boycotts-crashing-stocks-8842869">Trump plans to buy Tesla to support Elon Musk&rsquo;s &lsquo;baby&rsquo; amid boycotts, crashing stocks</a>
He went on to accuse political opponents of unfairly targeting Musk and Tesla. &ldquo;But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World&rsquo;s great automakers, and Elon&rsquo;s &lsquo;baby,&rsquo; in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for.&rdquo;
While Trump ultimately did not follow the script word for word, he enthusiastically took on the role of car salesman, sitting behind the wheel of a Tesla as he praised its features.
<h2>Trump's tariffs' effect on Tesla</h2>
However, despite his promotional efforts, Trump&rsquo;s policies have so far hindered electric vehicle sales. He revoked a 2021 order by former president Joe Biden that aimed for half of all car sales to be electric by 2030 and froze unspent government funds for EV charging stations.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-buys-new-tesla-says-didnt-ask-elon-musk-for-discount-8845897">WATCH: Trump buys new Tesla, says didn't ask Musk for discount; 'Get in, patriots'</a>
Additionally, Trump&rsquo;s tariff policies could negatively impact Tesla. In January, Tesla&rsquo;s chief financial officer, Vaibhav Taneja, warned that tariffs on parts sourced from Canada and Mexico could affect the company&rsquo;s profitability.
Beyond Tesla, Musk&rsquo;s other ventures have also faced setbacks. SpaceX has suffered two consecutive failures in launching its Starship rocket, while its social media platform, X, experienced a widespread outage on Monday.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Photographers captured Trump holding note cards detailing the price and specifications of various Tesla models as he inspected the vehicles on display.

US President Donald Trump was handed a pre-written sales pitch by Elon Musk during a Tesla-buying event at the White House on Tuesday, a move widely seen as an effort to promote the electric car company amid growing backlash against Musk’s role in a controversial government restructuring. 'They gave me notes' Photographers captured Trump holding note cards detailing the price and specifications of various Tesla models as he inspected the vehicles on display. The president openly admitted the words were not his own. “They gave me notes,” he said, shuffling through the papers before stepping into one of the cars. Also read: ‘Ponzi scheme?’ Musk wants to target ‘waste’ in Medicare, Social Security - Here’s why they matter to millions Photos of the document revealed phrases such as “SAFEST car,” “state of the art,” and “affordable,” suggesting Musk had provided Trump with a script to bolster Tesla’s image. The publicity stunt, which critics likened to an unpaid "Tesla advert," followed a sharp 15% drop in Tesla’s stock on Monday, the steepest decline in five years. The plunge has been largely attributed to Musk’s ties to Trump and the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our nation: Trump Trump, hoping to demonstrate support for his billionaire ally, praised Musk as a “truly great American.” He appeared unconcerned about using his position to promote Tesla, writing on Truth Social, “Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” Also read: Trump plans to buy Tesla to support Elon Musk’s ‘baby’ amid boycotts, crashing stocks He went on to accuse political opponents of unfairly targeting Musk and Tesla. “But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World’s great automakers, and Elon’s ‘baby,’ in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for.” While Trump ultimately did not follow the script word for word, he enthusiastically took on the role of car salesman, sitting behind the wheel of a Tesla as he praised its features. Trump's tariffs' effect on Tesla However, despite his promotional efforts, Trump’s policies have so far hindered electric vehicle sales. He revoked a 2021 order by former president Joe Biden that aimed for half of all car sales to be electric by 2030 and froze unspent government funds for EV charging stations. Also read: WATCH: Trump buys new Tesla, says didn't ask Musk for discount; 'Get in, patriots' Additionally, Trump’s tariff policies could negatively impact Tesla. In January, Tesla’s chief financial officer, Vaibhav Taneja, warned that tariffs on parts sourced from Canada and Mexico could affect the company’s profitability. Beyond Tesla, Musk’s other ventures have also faced setbacks. SpaceX has suffered two consecutive failures in launching its Starship rocket, while its social media platform, X, experienced a widespread outage on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Safest, state-of-the-art, affordable’: Did Elon Musk hand Trump a ‘Tesla ad’ script amid stock plunge?

Following taunts by United States President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not raise Canada&rsquo;s sovereignty while visiting Quebec later on Wednesday (Mar 12) for the G7 talks, hinting that the talks would be focused on the Ukraine conflict.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to be focused in the G7 and all of those things,&rdquo; he told reporters on a refueling stop in Ireland on his way to Saudi Arabia for the G7 talks.
Mentioning the war in Ukraine, he added, &ldquo;That&rsquo;s what the meeting is about. This isn&rsquo;t a meeting about how we&rsquo;re going to take over Canada.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-rubio-says-no-military-solution-to-ukraine-conflict-8841369">Zelensky meets Saudi crown prince in Jeddah; Rubio says 'no military solution' to Ukraine conflict</a>
Talking about Trump&rsquo;s idea that Canada should become the 51st state of the US from &ldquo;an economic standpoint&rdquo;, he said, &ldquo;[The president] said that if they became the 51st state, we wouldn't have to worry about the border and fentanyl coming across, because now we will be able to manage that,&rdquo; Rubio said.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s made an argument that it's their interest to do so. Obviously, the Canadians don&rsquo;t agree,&rdquo; he said.
<h2>US has &lsquo;vested interest&rsquo; in Ukraine&rsquo;s security</h2>
Rubio also said that a minerals deal would give the US a &ldquo;vested interest&rdquo; in Ukraine&rsquo;s security. However, he did not promise any formal guarantees.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-says-us-hostage-envoys-direct-meeting-with-hamas-hasnt-borne-fruit-8841077">Rubio says US hostage envoy&rsquo;s direct meeting with Hamas &lsquo;hasn&rsquo;t borne fruit&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t couch it as a security guarantee, but certainly, if the United States has a vested economic interest that&rsquo;s generating revenue for our people as well as for the people of Ukraine, we&rsquo;d have a vested interest in protecting it,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Certainly one of the things that provides for Ukraine&rsquo;s long-term prosperity and security is vibrant economic growth and development,&rdquo; Rubio added.
According to him, a growing economy &ldquo;gives them a tremendous amount of leverage and power and the ability to fund their own defences.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-zelensky-us-us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-russia-ukraine-war-us-ukraine-talks-mineral-deal-us-aid-8840748">From US aid to mineral deal: Much at stake as Zelensky, Rubio arrive in Saudi for crucial US-Ukraine talks</a>
On Tuesday (Mar 11), Ukraine officials agreed to have talks on a 30-day ceasefire with Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz. Both sides also agreed to sign a minerals deal as soon as possible, giving the US access to Ukraine&rsquo;s natural resources.
<h2>US to initiate contact with Russia</h2>
Rubio added that Washington was initiating contact with Moscow on Wednesday (Mar 12) for their response.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what we want to know &ndash; if they&rsquo;re prepared to do it unconditionally,&rdquo; Rubio said of Russia&rsquo;s response.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-heads-to-saudi-arabia-to-gauge-if-ukraine-has-shifted-8837686">Rubio heads to Saudi Arabia to gauge if Ukraine has shifted</a>
&ldquo;If the response is, &lsquo;yes&rsquo;, then we know we&rsquo;ve made real progress, and there&rsquo;s a real chance of peace. If their response is &lsquo;no&rsquo;, it would be highly unfortunate, and it&rsquo;ll make their intentions clear.&rdquo;
Rubio also said that Europeans would have to be involved if the talks make any progress, as Russia is keen to end European sanctions.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Mentioning the war in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, “That’s what the meeting is about. This isn’t a meeting about how we’re going to take over Canada.”

Following taunts by United States President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not raise Canada’s sovereignty while visiting Quebec later on Wednesday (Mar 12) for the G7 talks, hinting that the talks would be focused on the Ukraine conflict. “We’re going to be focused in the G7 and all of those things,” he told reporters on a refueling stop in Ireland on his way to Saudi Arabia for the G7 talks. Mentioning the war in Ukraine, he added, “That’s what the meeting is about. This isn’t a meeting about how we’re going to take over Canada.” Also read | Zelensky meets Saudi crown prince in Jeddah; Rubio says 'no military solution' to Ukraine conflict Talking about Trump’s idea that Canada should become the 51st state of the US from “an economic standpoint”, he said, “[The president] said that if they became the 51st state, we wouldn't have to worry about the border and fentanyl coming across, because now we will be able to manage that,” Rubio said. “He’s made an argument that it's their interest to do so. Obviously, the Canadians don’t agree,” he said. US has ‘vested interest’ in Ukraine’s security Rubio also said that a minerals deal would give the US a “vested interest” in Ukraine’s security. However, he did not promise any formal guarantees. Also read | Rubio says US hostage envoy’s direct meeting with Hamas ‘hasn’t borne fruit’ “I wouldn’t couch it as a security guarantee, but certainly, if the United States has a vested economic interest that’s generating revenue for our people as well as for the people of Ukraine, we’d have a vested interest in protecting it,” he said. “Certainly one of the things that provides for Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security is vibrant economic growth and development,” Rubio added. According to him, a growing economy “gives them a tremendous amount of leverage and power and the ability to fund their own defences.” Also read | From US aid to mineral deal: Much at stake as Zelensky, Rubio arrive in Saudi for crucial US-Ukraine talks On Tuesday (Mar 11), Ukraine officials agreed to have talks on a 30-day ceasefire with Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz. Both sides also agreed to sign a minerals deal as soon as possible, giving the US access to Ukraine’s natural resources. US to initiate contact with Russia Rubio added that Washington was initiating contact with Moscow on Wednesday (Mar 12) for their response. “That’s what we want to know – if they’re prepared to do it unconditionally,” Rubio said of Russia’s response. Also read | Rubio heads to Saudi Arabia to gauge if Ukraine has shifted “If the response is, ‘yes’, then we know we’ve made real progress, and there’s a real chance of peace. If their response is ‘no’, it would be highly unfortunate, and it’ll make their intentions clear.” Rubio also said that Europeans would have to be involved if the talks make any progress, as Russia is keen to end European sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Will not discuss ‘taking over Canada’: Rubio says talks at G7 will focus on Ukraine

A Russian ballistic missile strike overnight on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed four people and damaged a Barbados-flagged cargo ship, Ukrainian authorities said Wednesday.
The attack late Tuesday came as Ukraine endorsed an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and agreed to immediate negotiations with Russia.
Ukrainian officials said the attack occurred as the cargo ship was being loaded with a grain consignment intended to be sent to Algeria.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-air-attack-on-kyiv-hours-after-ukraine-backs-30-day-ceasefire-8844832">Russia launches air attack on Kyiv hours after Ukraine backs 30-day ceasefire</a>
"Unfortunately, four people died -- citizens of Syria. The youngest victim was 18, the oldest was 24 years old. Two more people were wounded -- a Ukrainian and a Syrian," Oleksiy Kuleba, vice prime minister for reconstruction wrote on social media.
"Russia is attacking Ukraine's infrastructure, including ports that are involved in ensuring the world's food security," he added.
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-lays-down-three-maximalist-demands-before-ending-russia-ukraine-war-report-8845351">Putin lays down THREE 'maximalist' demands for ending Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;war:&nbsp;Report</a>
Separately, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region said a 47-year-old woman was killed during a Russian missile attack on the central city of Kryvyi Rig, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian air force said that in total Russia had launched three missiles at the war-battered country overnight as well as 133 drones of various types, including the Iranian-designed Shahed-type attack drone.
Its air defence units shot down 98 of the drones, the air force 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.

World: Russian missile strike in Odesa killed four and damaged a cargo ship, highlighting the ongoing conflict and its impact on global food security.

A Russian ballistic missile strike overnight on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed four people and damaged a Barbados-flagged cargo ship, Ukrainian authorities said Wednesday. The attack late Tuesday came as Ukraine endorsed an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and agreed to immediate negotiations with Russia. Ukrainian officials said the attack occurred as the cargo ship was being loaded with a grain consignment intended to be sent to Algeria. Also read | Russia launches air attack on Kyiv hours after Ukraine backs 30-day ceasefire "Unfortunately, four people died -- citizens of Syria. The youngest victim was 18, the oldest was 24 years old. Two more people were wounded -- a Ukrainian and a Syrian," Oleksiy Kuleba, vice prime minister for reconstruction wrote on social media. "Russia is attacking Ukraine's infrastructure, including ports that are involved in ensuring the world's food security," he added. Also read |Putin lays down THREE 'maximalist' demands for ending Russia-Ukraine war: Report Separately, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region said a 47-year-old woman was killed during a Russian missile attack on the central city of Kryvyi Rig, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian air force said that in total Russia had launched three missiles at the war-battered country overnight as well as 133 drones of various types, including the Iranian-designed Shahed-type attack drone. Its air defence units shot down 98 of the drones, the air force 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.

Kyiv: Four killed in Russian strike at Ukraine’s Odesa port

In Texas, United States, a father has been jailed for ordering his eight-year-old adopted daughter to jump on a trampoline until she died. According to the Mirror, the father is identified as Daniel Schwarz and his daughter as Jaylin Schwarz.&nbsp;
She passed away due to dehydration after having been made to jump on a trampoline in the daytime heat as a punishment.
Daniel was found guilty of manslaughter for his role in the death of his adopted daughter Jaylin in Odessa, Texas. He was sent to jail for 18 years. The girl's mother, Ashley Schwarz, was found guilty of capital murder on May 1, 2023. She was given three life sentences.
<h2>Adoption of Jaylin Schwarz</h2>
The parents adopted the girl on August 29, 2020, and were her legal guardians at the time of her death. Odessa Police reacted to an urgent call and found Jaylin Schwarz dead at the scene.
Jaylin had been punished by his adopted father. She was not allowed to eat or drink water. She was forced to jump non-stop on a trampoline. Odessa Police found that Jaylin died of dehydration in 43C heat.
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-jocelyn-nungaray-trump-renames-wildlife-refuge-after-murdered-12-year-old-texas-girl-8791559">Who was Jocelyn Nungaray? Trump renames wildlife refuge after murdered 12-year-old Texas girl</a>
The Ector County District Attorney said in his remarks, "Investigators later discovered that Daniel and his wife, Ashley, had forced their daughter to jump on a trampoline for an extended period without food or water as a form of punishment." &nbsp;
He added, "The trampoline's surface temperature was approximately 110 degrees at the time. This outcome is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors and the Odessa Police Department in seeking justice.&rdquo;
<h2>Victim's family remarks</h2>
During Schwarz&rsquo;s trial, Jaylin's family statements explained, "Her father showed no emotion during his daughter&rsquo;s funeral."
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-us-measles-death-since-2015-reported-in-texas-8760463">First US Measles death since 2015 reported in Texas</a>
The victim's siblings also told the court during the trial that it was common for them to be forced to jump on the trampoline for hours as a punishment.
Jaylin and her sibling Jade were given to the couple after Ashley Schwarz's step-sister Alysha Anderton lost custody due to a battle with addiction.
Alysha told the news channel KOSA, "What upsets me the most is that I never got to see her alive again. When they took them, I never got to say goodbye." She added, "That's not fair to me."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Read the tragic case of Jaylin Schwarz, an eight-year-old girl in Texas who died of dehydration after being forced by her father to jump on a hot trampoline as punishment.

In Texas, United States, a father has been jailed for ordering his eight-year-old adopted daughter to jump on a trampoline until she died. According to the Mirror, the father is identified as Daniel Schwarz and his daughter as Jaylin Schwarz. She passed away due to dehydration after having been made to jump on a trampoline in the daytime heat as a punishment. Daniel was found guilty of manslaughter for his role in the death of his adopted daughter Jaylin in Odessa, Texas. He was sent to jail for 18 years. The girl's mother, Ashley Schwarz, was found guilty of capital murder on May 1, 2023. She was given three life sentences. Adoption of Jaylin Schwarz The parents adopted the girl on August 29, 2020, and were her legal guardians at the time of her death. Odessa Police reacted to an urgent call and found Jaylin Schwarz dead at the scene. Jaylin had been punished by his adopted father. She was not allowed to eat or drink water. She was forced to jump non-stop on a trampoline. Odessa Police found that Jaylin died of dehydration in 43C heat. Read more | Who was Jocelyn Nungaray? Trump renames wildlife refuge after murdered 12-year-old Texas girl The Ector County District Attorney said in his remarks, "Investigators later discovered that Daniel and his wife, Ashley, had forced their daughter to jump on a trampoline for an extended period without food or water as a form of punishment." He added, "The trampoline's surface temperature was approximately 110 degrees at the time. This outcome is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors and the Odessa Police Department in seeking justice.” Victim's family remarks During Schwarz’s trial, Jaylin's family statements explained, "Her father showed no emotion during his daughter’s funeral." Read more | First US Measles death since 2015 reported in Texas The victim's siblings also told the court during the trial that it was common for them to be forced to jump on the trampoline for hours as a punishment. Jaylin and her sibling Jade were given to the couple after Ashley Schwarz's step-sister Alysha Anderton lost custody due to a battle with addiction. Alysha told the news channel KOSA, "What upsets me the most is that I never got to see her alive again. When they took them, I never got to say goodbye." She added, "That's not fair to me." (With inputs from agencies)

Father sentenced to jail for death of daughter he forced to jump on trampoline in extreme heat

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