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Israel on Thursday (Feb 13) warned that Hamas must release three live hostages under the Gaza ceasefire agreement or else it will get back to war in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The ceasefire "framework makes clear that three live hostages must be released by Hamas terrorists on Saturday", Israeli spokesman David Mencer told reporters. "If those three are not released, if Hamas does not return our hostages, by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end."
<h2>Hamas says committed to freeing Gaza hostages 'according to specified timetable'</h2>
Israel's warning came after the Palestinian militant group reaffirmed its commitment to releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza under a timeline set out in a ceasefire deal for the territory.
"Hamas confirms continuation in implementing the agreement in accordance with what was signed, including the exchange of prisoners (Israeli hostages) according to the specified timetable," the Islamist movement said in a statement.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-directs-jordan-king-to-ensure-hamas-understands-severity-of-situation-if-hostages-not-freed-8715592">Also read: Trump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands &lsquo;severity of situation&rsquo; if hostages not freed</a>
It described the ongoing talks in Cairo, aimed at resolving the stalemate in implementing the ceasefire agreement, as "positive" and productive.
The Palestinian militant group, on Monday (Feb 10), announced that it would postpone the next hostage-prisoner swap, scheduled on Saturday, indefinitely citing a series of violations of the ceasefire deal by Israel.
Following Hamas' announcement, US President Donald Trump said that "all hell" would break loose and he would further call an end to the truce deal if the hostages weren't released on Saturday. &nbsp;
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that his country would terminate the ceasefire agreement if Hamas failed to comply with the Saturday deadline for the next hostage-prisoner exchange.
Netanyahu added that Israel will resume &ldquo;intense fighting&rdquo; in Gaza if the Palestinian militant group doesn&rsquo;t release hostages by midday Saturday.
"The decision that I passed unanimously in the cabinet is this: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon - the ceasefire will be terminated, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," he said.
(With input from agencies)

World news: Palestinian militant group Hamas on Thursday said it was committed to carrying out the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza according to a timeline set out in a ceasefire deal for the territory.

Israel on Thursday (Feb 13) warned that Hamas must release three live hostages under the Gaza ceasefire agreement or else it will get back to war in the besieged Palestinian enclave. The ceasefire "framework makes clear that three live hostages must be released by Hamas terrorists on Saturday", Israeli spokesman David Mencer told reporters. "If those three are not released, if Hamas does not return our hostages, by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end." Hamas says committed to freeing Gaza hostages 'according to specified timetable' Israel's warning came after the Palestinian militant group reaffirmed its commitment to releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza under a timeline set out in a ceasefire deal for the territory. "Hamas confirms continuation in implementing the agreement in accordance with what was signed, including the exchange of prisoners (Israeli hostages) according to the specified timetable," the Islamist movement said in a statement. Also read: Trump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands ‘severity of situation’ if hostages not freed It described the ongoing talks in Cairo, aimed at resolving the stalemate in implementing the ceasefire agreement, as "positive" and productive. The Palestinian militant group, on Monday (Feb 10), announced that it would postpone the next hostage-prisoner swap, scheduled on Saturday, indefinitely citing a series of violations of the ceasefire deal by Israel. Following Hamas' announcement, US President Donald Trump said that "all hell" would break loose and he would further call an end to the truce deal if the hostages weren't released on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that his country would terminate the ceasefire agreement if Hamas failed to comply with the Saturday deadline for the next hostage-prisoner exchange. Netanyahu added that Israel will resume “intense fighting” in Gaza if the Palestinian militant group doesn’t release hostages by midday Saturday. "The decision that I passed unanimously in the cabinet is this: If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon - the ceasefire will be terminated, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated," he said. (With input from agencies)

Hamas says committed to freeing hostages 'according to specified timetable'

Former Google CEO warns that AI could be exploited by hostile nations like North Korea, Iran, and Russia to target and &ldquo;harm innocent people.&rdquo;
Eric Schmidt, who held senior posts at Google from 2001 to 2017, told BBC Radio 4&rsquo;s Today programme that those countries and terrorists could adopt and misuse the technology to develop weapons to create &ldquo;a bad biological attack from some evil person&rdquo;.
The tech billionaire said: &ldquo;The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI &ndash; I talk about extreme risk. Think about North Korea, Iran, or even Russia, who have some evil goal. This technology is fast enough for them to adopt that they could misuse it and do real harm.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mass-firings-begin-as-trump-and-musk-plan-to-shrink-us-federal-workforce-8718026">Mass firings begin as Trump and Musk plan to shrink US federal workforce</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Schmidt calls for govt oversight</h2>
Schmidt called for government oversight on private tech companies that are developing AI models but warned that over-regulation could stifle innovation.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really important that governments understand what we&rsquo;re doing and keep their eye on us,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;My experience with the tech leaders is that they do have an understanding of the impact they&rsquo;re having, but they might make a different values judgment than the government would make.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-detains-senior-security-official-accuses-him-of-spying-for-russia-8717935">Ukraine detains senior security official, accuses him of spying for Russia</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">&ldquo;Always worried about Osama bin Laden scenario&rdquo;</h2>
In reference to the head of the al-Qaida terrorist group who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Schmidt said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m always worried about the Osama bin Laden scenario, where you have some truly evil person who takes over some aspect of our modern life and uses it to harm innocent people.&rdquo;
Schmidt agreed with the US export controls introduced by former US president Joe Biden, which restricted the sale of the microchips that power the most advanced AI system to 18 countries to slow adversaries&rsquo; progress on AI research.
The former Google CEO was speaking from Paris, where the AI Action Summit finished with the US and UK refusing to sign the agreement.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: AI advancements raise concerns as former Google CEO warns against their exploitation by hostile countries, potentially leading to harm to innocent populations.

Former Google CEO warns that AI could be exploited by hostile nations like North Korea, Iran, and Russia to target and “harm innocent people.” Eric Schmidt, who held senior posts at Google from 2001 to 2017, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that those countries and terrorists could adopt and misuse the technology to develop weapons to create “a bad biological attack from some evil person”. The tech billionaire said: “The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI – I talk about extreme risk. Think about North Korea, Iran, or even Russia, who have some evil goal. This technology is fast enough for them to adopt that they could misuse it and do real harm.” Also read | Mass firings begin as Trump and Musk plan to shrink US federal workforce Schmidt calls for govt oversight Schmidt called for government oversight on private tech companies that are developing AI models but warned that over-regulation could stifle innovation. “It’s really important that governments understand what we’re doing and keep their eye on us,” he said. “My experience with the tech leaders is that they do have an understanding of the impact they’re having, but they might make a different values judgment than the government would make.” Also read | Ukraine detains senior security official, accuses him of spying for Russia “Always worried about Osama bin Laden scenario” In reference to the head of the al-Qaida terrorist group who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Schmidt said: “I’m always worried about the Osama bin Laden scenario, where you have some truly evil person who takes over some aspect of our modern life and uses it to harm innocent people.” Schmidt agreed with the US export controls introduced by former US president Joe Biden, which restricted the sale of the microchips that power the most advanced AI system to 18 countries to slow adversaries’ progress on AI research. The former Google CEO was speaking from Paris, where the AI Action Summit finished with the US and UK refusing to sign the agreement. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Google boss fears AI could ‘harm innocent people if it ends up in wrong hands’

Mass firings at US federal agencies have begun with terminations of probationary employees at the Department of Education and the Small Business Administration.
According to a CNN report citing federal employees and union sources, the firings mark the first under President Donald Trump's administration as Elon Musk&rsquo;s Department of Government Efficiency aims to cut the federal workforce. Until now, federal employees across government agencies have only been asked to go on paid leave.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-agencies-trump-musk-and-doge-have-been-trying-to-dismantle-and-downsize-heres-the-full-list-8714727">US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list</a>
This comes the same day a federal judge allowed the deferred resignation programme to go into effect. Around 75,000 federal employees accepted the administration&rsquo;s offer to leave their jobs in exchange for eight months' severance.
<h2>Scores of firings at the Department of Education</h2>
The Department of Education employees were informed of their termination through a letter stating, &ldquo;The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest,&rdquo; reported CNN.
The firings at the department have affected employees across the agency, including the general counsel&rsquo;s office, the Federal Student Aid office, and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, a union source told CNN.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-grants-musk-veto-power-over-federal-hirings-orders-agencies-to-comply-with-doge-directives-in-sweeping-executive-order-8712476">Trump grants Musk veto power over federal hirings, orders agencies to comply with DOGE directives</a>
A similar letter was sent to Small Business Administration employees on Tuesday (Feb 11), informing them of their termination.&nbsp;
On Friday (Feb 7) and Monday (Feb 10), probationary employees across the agency received an unsigned draft notice of termination, according to CNN. However, another email was sent advising employees that the draft notice &ldquo;was sent in error - and as such, it is not currently in effect.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-doge-clock-understanding-the-real-time-tracker-for-government-spending-cuts-8717614">What is DOGE Clock? Understanding the real-time tracker for government spending cuts</a>
&ldquo;If you are in receipt of the initial notice, your employment has not been terminated as was erroneously indicated in the initial notice,&rdquo; the email added.
The probation employees then received the termination notice the following day, according to the union representing the employees.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-staffer-mistakenly-given-edit-access-to-sensitive-treasury-data-8714741">&lsquo;Promptly corrected&rsquo;: Elon Musk&rsquo;s DOGE staffer was &lsquo;mistakenly&rsquo; given &lsquo;edit&rsquo; access to sensitive Treasury data</a>
The firings are part of the administration&rsquo;s plan to downsize the federal workforce. On Tuesday (Feb 11), Trump signed an executive order directing agency heads to start preparing for layoffs and expanding the role of the Department of Government Efficiency.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The firings mark the first under President Donald Trump's administration as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency aims to cut the federal workforce.

Mass firings at US federal agencies have begun with terminations of probationary employees at the Department of Education and the Small Business Administration. According to a CNN report citing federal employees and union sources, the firings mark the first under President Donald Trump's administration as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency aims to cut the federal workforce. Until now, federal employees across government agencies have only been asked to go on paid leave. Also read | US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list This comes the same day a federal judge allowed the deferred resignation programme to go into effect. Around 75,000 federal employees accepted the administration’s offer to leave their jobs in exchange for eight months' severance. Scores of firings at the Department of Education The Department of Education employees were informed of their termination through a letter stating, “The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest,” reported CNN. The firings at the department have affected employees across the agency, including the general counsel’s office, the Federal Student Aid office, and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, a union source told CNN. Also read | Trump grants Musk veto power over federal hirings, orders agencies to comply with DOGE directives A similar letter was sent to Small Business Administration employees on Tuesday (Feb 11), informing them of their termination. On Friday (Feb 7) and Monday (Feb 10), probationary employees across the agency received an unsigned draft notice of termination, according to CNN. However, another email was sent advising employees that the draft notice “was sent in error - and as such, it is not currently in effect.” Also read | What is DOGE Clock? Understanding the real-time tracker for government spending cuts “If you are in receipt of the initial notice, your employment has not been terminated as was erroneously indicated in the initial notice,” the email added. The probation employees then received the termination notice the following day, according to the union representing the employees. Also read | ‘Promptly corrected’: Elon Musk’s DOGE staffer was ‘mistakenly’ given ‘edit’ access to sensitive Treasury data The firings are part of the administration’s plan to downsize the federal workforce. On Tuesday (Feb 11), Trump signed an executive order directing agency heads to start preparing for layoffs and expanding the role of the Department of Government Efficiency. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass firings begin as Trump and Musk plan to shrink US federal workforce

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs ahead of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed his intention to impose the tariffs but didn't provide details on the plan or its target.
"Three great weeks, perhaps the best-ever, but today is the big one: Reciprocal tariffs. Make America Great Again!!!!." he wrote.
The move is aimed at matching the US' tariff rates on imports to the level that other countries impose on United States goods.
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113996410955252842/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

<h2>'An eye for an eye'</h2>
During the election campaign, Trump had promised, "An eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount."
For instance, if India levies a 25 per cent tariff on US automobile imports, Washington would respond by imposing a matching 25 per cent tariff on auto imports from New Delhi.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-to-meet-president-trump-tariffs-deportation-quad-on-modis-agenda-8716622">Also read: Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi&rsquo;s agenda</a>
"Trump's objective of implementing reciprocal tariffs is to ensure fair treatment for US exports, which could indirectly also address US trade imbalances with partner countries," analysts at Nomura said.
Since the time Trump took over the office for his second term as the US president, he has imposed tariffs on several countries, which include Canada, Mexico, and China.
Trump had recently also announced tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports beginning on March 12.
Along with this, he imposed 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China and also announced a 30-day hold on tariffs on goods from the neighbouring countries, Canada and Mexico.
PM Modi is on an official visit to the United States, where he is set to meet Donald Trump in the White House.
<h2>Tariffs likely on Modi&rsquo;s agenda</h2>
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt had on Wednesday (Feb 12) announced that the reciprocal tariffs aim to counter restrictions on US imports that the Trump administration considers unfair.
Trump has previously criticised India&rsquo;s trade policies, referring to the country as a "very big abuser" and urging it to purchase more US-made security equipment to establish a fairer trade balance.
However, analysts say that when Modi meets Trump, the Indian PM could point to recent unilateral steps that India has taken to lower the barriers to entry for US goods.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Since the time Trump took over the office for his second term as the US president, he has imposed tariffs on several countries, which include Canada, Mexico, and China.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs ahead of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed his intention to impose the tariffs but didn't provide details on the plan or its target. "Three great weeks, perhaps the best-ever, but today is the big one: Reciprocal tariffs. Make America Great Again!!!!." he wrote. The move is aimed at matching the US' tariff rates on imports to the level that other countries impose on United States goods. 'An eye for an eye' During the election campaign, Trump had promised, "An eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount." For instance, if India levies a 25 per cent tariff on US automobile imports, Washington would respond by imposing a matching 25 per cent tariff on auto imports from New Delhi. Also read: Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi’s agenda "Trump's objective of implementing reciprocal tariffs is to ensure fair treatment for US exports, which could indirectly also address US trade imbalances with partner countries," analysts at Nomura said. Since the time Trump took over the office for his second term as the US president, he has imposed tariffs on several countries, which include Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump had recently also announced tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports beginning on March 12. Along with this, he imposed 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China and also announced a 30-day hold on tariffs on goods from the neighbouring countries, Canada and Mexico. PM Modi is on an official visit to the United States, where he is set to meet Donald Trump in the White House. Tariffs likely on Modi’s agenda White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt had on Wednesday (Feb 12) announced that the reciprocal tariffs aim to counter restrictions on US imports that the Trump administration considers unfair. Trump has previously criticised India’s trade policies, referring to the country as a "very big abuser" and urging it to purchase more US-made security equipment to establish a fairer trade balance. However, analysts say that when Modi meets Trump, the Indian PM could point to recent unilateral steps that India has taken to lower the barriers to entry for US goods. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Today is a big one’: Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs’ post ahead of his meeting with PM Modi

A suspected gas explosion in a&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;department store killed at least four people and injured 26, authorities said on Thursday, with the force of the blast spraying large pieces of debris over the street below.
Rescuers were searching for survivors of the blast in the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in the city of Taichung, the National Fire Agency said.&nbsp;
The floor was closed for construction work at the time of the incident, the agency said.
A video posted on social media and verified by AFP showed the moment of the explosion, with cladding and other debris flying off the building and dust billowing from inside.
Liao Yu-fu, 26, told AFP he was woken up from a nap by the sound of the explosion and thought it was a "plane hitting a house".
"There was a vibration and even my bed was shaking," said Liao, who can see the department store from his home.
"The sound lasted for a long time and I was scared."
A woman who had been on the sixth floor of the store at the time said there was a "very loud vibration" and then debris began falling.&nbsp;
"At first, we thought it's an earthquake," the woman told local broadcaster TVBS.&nbsp;
"When I walked down the stairs, there was broken glass on every floor at the elevator entrance. Every floor is affected."
The blast killed four people and injured 26, the National Fire Agency said.&nbsp;
A person initially described as "without vital signs" had been revived and was added to the injury toll.&nbsp;
A family of seven from Macau was among the casualties after they were hit by falling debris as they left the department store, a hospital official told reporters.&nbsp;
Two grandparents died and the five others were injured, including a two-year-old child who suffered a severe head wound, the official said.
<h2>- 'Explosion is very serious' -</h2>
Images released by the National Fire Agency showed extensive damage inside the department store, with twisted metal hanging from the ceiling and covering the floor.
Floors nine to 12 were affected, the fire agency said.
More than 200 people were evacuated from the store, and six were rescued from elevators.
Taichung Mayor, Lu Shiow-yen, told reporters she had been working in the city government building next door when she felt a "vibration" at around 11:30 am.
"The explosion is very serious and the rescue is ongoing," Lu said.&nbsp;
The fire department sent 56 vehicles, 136 people, a dog, and a drone to carry out search and rescue efforts, the fire agency said.
Taichung Fire Bureau Chief Sun Fu-you told reporters the blast appeared to have been caused by gas, but it was unclear if it was related to the construction work.
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi president Richard Wu said the company was "very shocked and very sad" about the incident.&nbsp;
"We will do our best to take all responsibilities for the parts we are responsible for," Wu told reporters at the scene.
The fire agency urged people to stay away from the disaster site.
Lu said the explosion had affected a wide area, and at least one passerby was among the victims.
"There are many office buildings and homes in this area and we ask everyone to cooperate with the restrictions for your safety," Lu said.
The blast scattered large pieces of metal, cladding and debris over the footpath outside the department store and nearby streets.
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: Liao Yu-fu, 26, told AFP he was woken from a nap by the sound of the explosion and thought it was a "plane hitting a house". A suspected gas explosion in a Taiwan department store killed at least four people and injured 26.

A suspected gas explosion in a Taiwan department store killed at least four people and injured 26, authorities said on Thursday, with the force of the blast spraying large pieces of debris over the street below. Rescuers were searching for survivors of the blast in the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in the city of Taichung, the National Fire Agency said. The floor was closed for construction work at the time of the incident, the agency said. A video posted on social media and verified by AFP showed the moment of the explosion, with cladding and other debris flying off the building and dust billowing from inside. Liao Yu-fu, 26, told AFP he was woken up from a nap by the sound of the explosion and thought it was a "plane hitting a house". "There was a vibration and even my bed was shaking," said Liao, who can see the department store from his home. "The sound lasted for a long time and I was scared." A woman who had been on the sixth floor of the store at the time said there was a "very loud vibration" and then debris began falling. "At first, we thought it's an earthquake," the woman told local broadcaster TVBS. "When I walked down the stairs, there was broken glass on every floor at the elevator entrance. Every floor is affected." The blast killed four people and injured 26, the National Fire Agency said. A person initially described as "without vital signs" had been revived and was added to the injury toll. A family of seven from Macau was among the casualties after they were hit by falling debris as they left the department store, a hospital official told reporters. Two grandparents died and the five others were injured, including a two-year-old child who suffered a severe head wound, the official said. - 'Explosion is very serious' - Images released by the National Fire Agency showed extensive damage inside the department store, with twisted metal hanging from the ceiling and covering the floor. Floors nine to 12 were affected, the fire agency said. More than 200 people were evacuated from the store, and six were rescued from elevators. Taichung Mayor, Lu Shiow-yen, told reporters she had been working in the city government building next door when she felt a "vibration" at around 11:30 am. "The explosion is very serious and the rescue is ongoing," Lu said. The fire department sent 56 vehicles, 136 people, a dog, and a drone to carry out search and rescue efforts, the fire agency said. Taichung Fire Bureau Chief Sun Fu-you told reporters the blast appeared to have been caused by gas, but it was unclear if it was related to the construction work. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi president Richard Wu said the company was "very shocked and very sad" about the incident. "We will do our best to take all responsibilities for the parts we are responsible for," Wu told reporters at the scene. The fire agency urged people to stay away from the disaster site. Lu said the explosion had affected a wide area, and at least one passerby was among the victims. "There are many office buildings and homes in this area and we ask everyone to cooperate with the restrictions for your safety," Lu said. The blast scattered large pieces of metal, cladding and debris over the footpath outside the department store and nearby streets. 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.

Suspected gas explosion kills four at Taiwan department store

Ukraine&rsquo;s Security Service (SBU) arrested a high-ranking officer accusing "the rat" of working for Russia&rsquo;s Federal Security Service (FSB), the agency announced Wednesday (Feb 12).
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it had documented "14 episodes of the 'rat's' illegal activities," saying the man had headed the SBU's Anti-Terrorist Centre.
The suspect, identified as the head of the SBU&rsquo;s Anti-Terrorism Centre, was detained in a special operation led by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, who was involved in the investigation and apprehension.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-gas-explosion-kills-four-at-taiwan-department-store-8717933">Suspected gas explosion kills four at Taiwan department store</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What did Malyuk say?</h2>
Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the SBU, led the investigation and carried out the arrest himself, according to a statement from the agency, which said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been kept updated on the "complex" and "multi-step" operation.
"Using encrypted software bookmarks, we penetrated the traitor's gadgets&mdash;mobile terminals, computers," Malyuk was quoted as saying in the SBU's statement. "In the process of all this, we managed to qualitatively document the collection and transmission of relevant information by the traitor to the enemy."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-in-us-president-trump-to-host-dinner-for-indian-pm-at-white-house-full-schedule-8717362">Modi in US: President Trump to host dinner for Indian PM at White House | Full Schedule</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Malyuk grasps the alleged traitor by neck</h2>
A photo shows Malyuk grasping the alleged traitor by the neck, with visible bruising on the traitor's forehead.
In an accompanying video, Malyuk said the man had worked with the SBU since 2016 and that he was now being investigated for suspected high treason.
The SBU also claimed it had used the man to feed disinformation back to Russia.
"The self-purification of the SBU continues," said Malyuk. "No matter how the enemy tries to penetrate our ranks&mdash;he thinks he has all possible forms and methods of conspiracy&mdash;he will not be able to do it successfully. Because we detect, document, and detain them in a timely manner."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Ukraine's Security Service detains a top officer, alleging espionage for Russia's FSB, marking a significant development in their ongoing security efforts.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) arrested a high-ranking officer accusing "the rat" of working for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the agency announced Wednesday (Feb 12). The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it had documented "14 episodes of the 'rat's' illegal activities," saying the man had headed the SBU's Anti-Terrorist Centre. The suspect, identified as the head of the SBU’s Anti-Terrorism Centre, was detained in a special operation led by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, who was involved in the investigation and apprehension. Also read | Suspected gas explosion kills four at Taiwan department store What did Malyuk say? Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the SBU, led the investigation and carried out the arrest himself, according to a statement from the agency, which said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been kept updated on the "complex" and "multi-step" operation. "Using encrypted software bookmarks, we penetrated the traitor's gadgets—mobile terminals, computers," Malyuk was quoted as saying in the SBU's statement. "In the process of all this, we managed to qualitatively document the collection and transmission of relevant information by the traitor to the enemy." Also read | Modi in US: President Trump to host dinner for Indian PM at White House | Full Schedule Malyuk grasps the alleged traitor by neck A photo shows Malyuk grasping the alleged traitor by the neck, with visible bruising on the traitor's forehead. In an accompanying video, Malyuk said the man had worked with the SBU since 2016 and that he was now being investigated for suspected high treason. The SBU also claimed it had used the man to feed disinformation back to Russia. "The self-purification of the SBU continues," said Malyuk. "No matter how the enemy tries to penetrate our ranks—he thinks he has all possible forms and methods of conspiracy—he will not be able to do it successfully. Because we detect, document, and detain them in a timely manner." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine detains senior security official, accuses him of spying for Russia

A new digital tracker called the DOGE Clock has gained attention online for claiming to monitor taxpayers' savings under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Elon Musk. While the tracker displays over $32 billion in savings, it is not officially linked to the Donald Trump administration or the department itself.
<h2 class="p2">Purpose of the DOGE Clock</h2>
According to its official website, the DOGE Clock is designed to estimate and display the amount of taxpayer money saved through policy changes introduced by the Department of Government Efficiency. The tracker monitors key financial metrics, including total initiatives proposed by DOGE, overall savings achieved, projected taxpayer savings
Additionally, the tool features a countdown timer leading up to 4 July 2026, which may be linked to the organisation&rsquo;s goal of achieving $2 trillion in savings. However, the accuracy of this target has not been officially verified, as reported by Newsweek.
<h2 class="p2">Role of DOGE in Government Policy</h2>
The Department of Government Efficiency was created through an executive order issued by Donald Trump and has been a key focus of his second administration. Musk has been tasked with leading the initiative, which aims to reduce federal spending by proposing policy changes and efficiency measures.
Since its formation, DOGE has put forward multiple cost-cutting proposals. The department&rsquo;s policies are expected to contribute to the savings calculations displayed by the DOGE Clock, which will continue to update based on implemented reforms.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-us-visit-pm-modi-meets-tulsi-gabbard-trump-to-host-dinner-at-white-house-8717548">PM Modi's US Visit: PM Modi Meets Tulsi Gabbard, Trump To Host Dinner At White House</a>
Despite its focus on government savings, the DOGE Clock is not an official government tool. It is part of the Department of Government Efficiency Community Meme Project, a separate, community-driven initiative aimed at raising awareness about federal spending and regulation.
The project&rsquo;s website clarifies that all data displayed on the tracker is "not official" and describes it as a "meme project designed for educational and entertainment purposes." The website also states that the DOGE token associated with the tracker is not intended for financial or investment use.
While the DOGE Clock&rsquo;s figures are not government-certified, the initiative reflects broader public interest in monitoring federal expenditure and cost-cutting measures introduced under the Trump administration.
(With input from agencies)

The tracker monitors key financial metrics, including total initiatives proposed by DOGE, overall savings achieved, projected taxpayer savings

A new digital tracker called the DOGE Clock has gained attention online for claiming to monitor taxpayers' savings under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Elon Musk. While the tracker displays over $32 billion in savings, it is not officially linked to the Donald Trump administration or the department itself. Purpose of the DOGE Clock According to its official website, the DOGE Clock is designed to estimate and display the amount of taxpayer money saved through policy changes introduced by the Department of Government Efficiency. The tracker monitors key financial metrics, including total initiatives proposed by DOGE, overall savings achieved, projected taxpayer savings Additionally, the tool features a countdown timer leading up to 4 July 2026, which may be linked to the organisation’s goal of achieving $2 trillion in savings. However, the accuracy of this target has not been officially verified, as reported by Newsweek. Role of DOGE in Government Policy The Department of Government Efficiency was created through an executive order issued by Donald Trump and has been a key focus of his second administration. Musk has been tasked with leading the initiative, which aims to reduce federal spending by proposing policy changes and efficiency measures. Since its formation, DOGE has put forward multiple cost-cutting proposals. The department’s policies are expected to contribute to the savings calculations displayed by the DOGE Clock, which will continue to update based on implemented reforms. Also read: PM Modi's US Visit: PM Modi Meets Tulsi Gabbard, Trump To Host Dinner At White House Despite its focus on government savings, the DOGE Clock is not an official government tool. It is part of the Department of Government Efficiency Community Meme Project, a separate, community-driven initiative aimed at raising awareness about federal spending and regulation. The project’s website clarifies that all data displayed on the tracker is "not official" and describes it as a "meme project designed for educational and entertainment purposes." The website also states that the DOGE token associated with the tracker is not intended for financial or investment use. While the DOGE Clock’s figures are not government-certified, the initiative reflects broader public interest in monitoring federal expenditure and cost-cutting measures introduced under the Trump administration. (With input from agencies)

What is DOGE Clock? Understanding the real-time tracker for government spending cuts

More than 250 people rescued from online scam centres in Myanmar were handed over to Thailand on Wednesday, a senior Thai army official said, following a series of crackdowns on the illegal operations.
Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar's borderlands and are staffed by foreigners who are often trafficked and forced to work, swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars.
The group released on Wednesday had been working at a scam centre in Kyauk Khet, a village in Kayin state along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a Myanmar insurgent group that controls the area.
After being taken by boat across a small border river, they were dropped off in Phop Phra, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Mae Sot on the Thai side of the border, an AFP journalist saw.
"There are currently 261 (people), but the final number is yet to be confirmed," said Natthakorn Rueantip, an army commander in Mae Sot.
Cyberscam compounds often lure people from the region with promises of high-paying jobs but then effectively hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud.
In an effort to curb the illicit enterprises &ndash; which have also been linked to drug smuggling and gambling &ndash; authorities and militia groups in Myanmar and Thailand have made a show of raiding the centres before releasing and repatriating the foreigners inside.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-kills-power-to-myanmars-billion-dollar-fraud-networks-8693341">Thailand kills power to Myanmar&rsquo;s billion-dollar fraud networks</a>
Thai officials said the Kyauk Khet centre first appeared on the other side of the Moei River in 2019 and is still under construction.
A Thai border official said that the compound is run by Chinese nationals but that the workers were smuggled in from all over the world.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that the compounds are now running on generators since Thailand cut off electricity and fuel supplies starting last week.
In contrast to Kyauk Khet, Shwe Kokko, one of the most notorious scam compounds almost 50 kilometres to the north on the Myanmar side, is a gleaming built-up city.
Security has been tightened in the area, with several Thai military checkpoints and signs warning of Thais and foreigners being "deceived" into working illegally online.
The proliferation of so-called "scam cities" has caused a storm on Chinese social media, with netizens calling Thailand a "dangerous place".
Last week, Chinese and Thai media reported that 61 people, including 39 from China, were released from a Myanmar scam compound and handed over to Thai authorities.
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 | Cyberscam compounds often lure people from the region with promises of high-paying jobs but then effectively hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud.

More than 250 people rescued from online scam centres in Myanmar were handed over to Thailand on Wednesday, a senior Thai army official said, following a series of crackdowns on the illegal operations. Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar's borderlands and are staffed by foreigners who are often trafficked and forced to work, swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars. The group released on Wednesday had been working at a scam centre in Kyauk Khet, a village in Kayin state along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a Myanmar insurgent group that controls the area. After being taken by boat across a small border river, they were dropped off in Phop Phra, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Mae Sot on the Thai side of the border, an AFP journalist saw. "There are currently 261 (people), but the final number is yet to be confirmed," said Natthakorn Rueantip, an army commander in Mae Sot. Cyberscam compounds often lure people from the region with promises of high-paying jobs but then effectively hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud. In an effort to curb the illicit enterprises – which have also been linked to drug smuggling and gambling – authorities and militia groups in Myanmar and Thailand have made a show of raiding the centres before releasing and repatriating the foreigners inside. Also read | Thailand kills power to Myanmar’s billion-dollar fraud networks Thai officials said the Kyauk Khet centre first appeared on the other side of the Moei River in 2019 and is still under construction. A Thai border official said that the compound is run by Chinese nationals but that the workers were smuggled in from all over the world. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that the compounds are now running on generators since Thailand cut off electricity and fuel supplies starting last week. In contrast to Kyauk Khet, Shwe Kokko, one of the most notorious scam compounds almost 50 kilometres to the north on the Myanmar side, is a gleaming built-up city. Security has been tightened in the area, with several Thai military checkpoints and signs warning of Thais and foreigners being "deceived" into working illegally online. The proliferation of so-called "scam cities" has caused a storm on Chinese social media, with netizens calling Thailand a "dangerous place". Last week, Chinese and Thai media reported that 61 people, including 39 from China, were released from a Myanmar scam compound and handed over to Thai authorities. 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.

Over 250 people rescued from Myanmar scam centre released at Thai border

One person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday, a Taliban government spokesman said.
"The suicide attacker wanted to enter the ministry and one of the mujahideen (security forces) shot him and then in the result of the explosion another person near him was killed and three injured," interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told AFP.
Violence has waned in Afghanistan since the Taliban surged back to power and ended their insurgency in 2021, but the Islamic State (IS) group frequently stages gun and bomb attacks challenging their rule.
A doctor from Kabul's Emergency Hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "five to six injured have been brought" to the facility after the blast.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Thursday's attack.
However, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed the Taliban government's minister for refugees, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, inside his Kabul office in December.
On Wednesday, the group also claimed an attack on a north Afghanistan bank that killed eight people, saying it had targeted Taliban government employees collecting their salaries.
Six civilians were also killed in an IS-claimed attack in 2023 that took place near the Taliban government's heavily fortified foreign ministry.
The Taliban government has declared security its highest priority since returning to power and analysts say they have had some success quashing IS with a sweeping crackdown.
However, the group remains active, targeting Taliban officials, visitors from abroad and foreign diplomats.
There are often discrepancies between the casualty tolls given by Taliban authorities and those reported by officials on the ground, and attack sites are routinely shut down by security forces.
The Islamic State group's regional chapter in Afghanistan, known as Islamic State Khorasan, was founded in 2015.
It came to global prominence by bombing America's chaotic evacuation from Kabul airport in August 2021, killing some 170 Afghans alongside 13 US troops.
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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. 
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WORLD | A doctor from Kabul's Emergency Hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "five to six injured have been brought" to the facility after the blast.

One person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday, a Taliban government spokesman said. "The suicide attacker wanted to enter the ministry and one of the mujahideen (security forces) shot him and then in the result of the explosion another person near him was killed and three injured," interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told AFP. Violence has waned in Afghanistan since the Taliban surged back to power and ended their insurgency in 2021, but the Islamic State (IS) group frequently stages gun and bomb attacks challenging their rule. A doctor from Kabul's Emergency Hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "five to six injured have been brought" to the facility after the blast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Thursday's attack. However, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed the Taliban government's minister for refugees, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, inside his Kabul office in December. On Wednesday, the group also claimed an attack on a north Afghanistan bank that killed eight people, saying it had targeted Taliban government employees collecting their salaries. Six civilians were also killed in an IS-claimed attack in 2023 that took place near the Taliban government's heavily fortified foreign ministry. The Taliban government has declared security its highest priority since returning to power and analysts say they have had some success quashing IS with a sweeping crackdown. However, the group remains active, targeting Taliban officials, visitors from abroad and foreign diplomats. There are often discrepancies between the casualty tolls given by Taliban authorities and those reported by officials on the ground, and attack sites are routinely shut down by security forces. The Islamic State group's regional chapter in Afghanistan, known as Islamic State Khorasan, was founded in 2015. It came to global prominence by bombing America's chaotic evacuation from Kabul airport in August 2021, killing some 170 Afghans alongside 13 US troops. 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.

One killed three wounded in suicide attack on Afghan ministry

A vehicle rammed into a crowd in Munich, Germany, wounding at least 28 people, said the police officials on Thursday (Feb 13).
"At the moment there are 20 injured, several of them seriously and some of them in a life-threatening condition," fire service spokesman Bernhard Peschke told AFP.
Police released a statement on X stating that "several people were injured" after "a car drove into a group of people" in the centre of the Bavarian state capital.
In a later update, the police said that "the driver of the vehicle has been detained and does not present a danger".
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m739wncy-a2aclzhy-rkzmws1x">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: MUNICH ATTACK&mdash;DRIVER BELIEVED TO BE YOUNG MAN 🚨 A Mini accelerated into a crowd near the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, injuring at least 15. The driver, a young man, has been arrested. Police are investigating whether it was intentional or an accident. The area is locked&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/WNt1HKAJ2G">pic.twitter.com/WNt1HKAJ2G</a>
&mdash; GeniusRogueX 🏴&zwj;☠️ (@GeniusRogueX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeniusRogueX/status/1889987999187829068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
"One person is lying on the street and a young man has been taken away by the police. People are sitting on the ground, crying and trembling," a reporter for the local BR broadcaster wrote in a post on X.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-to-meet-president-trump-tariffs-deportation-quad-on-modis-agenda-8716622">Also read: Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi&rsquo;s agenda</a>
<h2>'Suspected attack'</h2>
The driver of a car that drove into a crowd in the southern German city of Munich, appears to have acted intentionally, said the head of the regional government.
"I must tell you it looks like this was an attack," Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder told reporters.
The man has been identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, said the police spokesman.
<h2>Scholz says Afghan suspect must be punished and deported</h2>
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the driver must be punished to the full extent of the law and then expelled from his country.
"What has happened is awful," Scholz told reporters. "From my point of view it is quite clear, this attacker cannot count on any mercy, he must be punished and he must leave the country."
He then took to his X handle and wrote, "We are shocked by a terrible attack in Munich," he posted on social media platform X. "The perpetrator must feel the full force of the law."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m73fzfju-44dujgnd-9cc900ok">
Ein furchtbarer Anschlag in M&uuml;nchen ersch&uuml;ttert uns. Ein afghanischer T&auml;ter ist in eine Demonstration gerast. Es gibt viele Verletzte, einige sehr schwer verletzt. Unsere Gedanken sind bei den Opfern und ihren Angeh&ouml;rigen. Der T&auml;ter muss die volle H&auml;rte des Rechtsstaats sp&uuml;ren.
&mdash; Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1890037789040967993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
Notably, the city is preparing to host the Munich Security Conference, which will be attended by high-profile guests, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;
A large-scale police operation was underway near the central train station.
The incident affected a group of people participating in a demonstration linked to a strike organized by the Verdi union, according to news agency Reuters reports.
The union said that they had no information about it.
The incident took place around 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) from the security conference venue.
This also comes 10 days before Germans are set to vote in a key election scheduled on February 23.
Munich police spokesman Thomas Schelshorn told reporters at the scene that "the circumstances around the incident and how it happened are still being investigated".
As per local media reports, a Mini Cooper, drove into a group of striking workers from the Verdi union and that ambulances had rushed to the scene.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Munich police said on social media platform X that "several people were injured" after "a car drove into a group of people" in the centre of the Bavarian state capital.

A vehicle rammed into a crowd in Munich, Germany, wounding at least 28 people, said the police officials on Thursday (Feb 13). "At the moment there are 20 injured, several of them seriously and some of them in a life-threatening condition," fire service spokesman Bernhard Peschke told AFP. Police released a statement on X stating that "several people were injured" after "a car drove into a group of people" in the centre of the Bavarian state capital. In a later update, the police said that "the driver of the vehicle has been detained and does not present a danger". #BREAKING: MUNICH ATTACK—DRIVER BELIEVED TO BE YOUNG MAN 🚨 A Mini accelerated into a crowd near the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, injuring at least 15. The driver, a young man, has been arrested. Police are investigating whether it was intentional or an accident. The area is locked… pic.twitter.com/WNt1HKAJ2G — GeniusRogueX 🏴‍☠️ (@GeniusRogueX) February 13, 2025 "One person is lying on the street and a young man has been taken away by the police. People are sitting on the ground, crying and trembling," a reporter for the local BR broadcaster wrote in a post on X. Also read: Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi’s agenda 'Suspected attack' The driver of a car that drove into a crowd in the southern German city of Munich, appears to have acted intentionally, said the head of the regional government. "I must tell you it looks like this was an attack," Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder told reporters. The man has been identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, said the police spokesman. Scholz says Afghan suspect must be punished and deported German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the driver must be punished to the full extent of the law and then expelled from his country. "What has happened is awful," Scholz told reporters. "From my point of view it is quite clear, this attacker cannot count on any mercy, he must be punished and he must leave the country." He then took to his X handle and wrote, "We are shocked by a terrible attack in Munich," he posted on social media platform X. "The perpetrator must feel the full force of the law." Ein furchtbarer Anschlag in München erschüttert uns. Ein afghanischer Täter ist in eine Demonstration gerast. Es gibt viele Verletzte, einige sehr schwer verletzt. Unsere Gedanken sind bei den Opfern und ihren Angehörigen. Der Täter muss die volle Härte des Rechtsstaats spüren. — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) February 13, 2025 Notably, the city is preparing to host the Munich Security Conference, which will be attended by high-profile guests, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A large-scale police operation was underway near the central train station. The incident affected a group of people participating in a demonstration linked to a strike organized by the Verdi union, according to news agency Reuters reports. The union said that they had no information about it. The incident took place around 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) from the security conference venue. This also comes 10 days before Germans are set to vote in a key election scheduled on February 23. Munich police spokesman Thomas Schelshorn told reporters at the scene that "the circumstances around the incident and how it happened are still being investigated". As per local media reports, a Mini Cooper, drove into a group of striking workers from the Verdi union and that ambulances had rushed to the scene. (With inputs from agencies)

Scholz says Afghan suspect in 'awful' Munich car attack must be punished and deported

Elon Musk, leading the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) under US President Donald Trump, urged that America should "delete entire agencies" as part of an effort to cut government spending by the US administration. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call on Thursday (Feb 12), the tech mogul talked about bureaucracy, AI, and US foreign policy, etc.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-to-pay-donald-trump-10-million-to-settle-twitter-ban-lawsuit-report-8715849">Elon Musk&rsquo;s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report</a>
"We really have here rule of the bureaucracy as opposed to rule of the people&mdash;democracy," Musk said in the summit. He was seen wearing a t-shirt that has "Tech Support" written on it. Jokingly referring to himself as the "tech support" of the White House, Musk called for the removal of agencies and called them "weed".&nbsp;
"If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back," the SpaceX chief said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-agencies-trump-musk-and-doge-have-been-trying-to-dismantle-and-downsize-heres-the-full-list-8714727">US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list</a>
This comes after Musk got the power to choose brains for the Trump administration and got access to the sensitive federal database. The X owner has further supported Trump's decision to dismantle the USAID (US Agency for International Development).
"A lot of attention has been on USAID, for example," Musk said, adding, "There's like the national endowment for Democracy. But I'm like, 'Okay, well, how much democracy have they achieved lately?"
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-staffer-mistakenly-given-edit-access-to-sensitive-treasury-data-8714741">&lsquo;Promptly corrected&rsquo;: Elon Musk&rsquo;s DOGE staffer was &lsquo;mistakenly&rsquo; given &lsquo;edit&rsquo; access to sensitive Treasury data</a>
Musk claimed that under Trump, the US is &ldquo;less interested in interfering with the affairs of other countries". He said there are times when the US "has been kind of pushy in international affairs, which may resonate with some members of the audience".&nbsp;
&ldquo;Basically, America should mind its own business, rather than push for regime change all over the place,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-elon-musks-son-captures-the-hearts-of-netizens-as-he-accompanies-father-to-oval-office-8714268">Watch | Elon Musk's son captures the hearts of netizens as he accompanies father to Oval Office</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | The remark comes after Musk received the power to choose brains for the Trump administration and got access to the sensitive federal database.

Elon Musk, leading the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) under US President Donald Trump, urged that America should "delete entire agencies" as part of an effort to cut government spending by the US administration. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call on Thursday (Feb 12), the tech mogul talked about bureaucracy, AI, and US foreign policy, etc. Also read: Elon Musk’s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report "We really have here rule of the bureaucracy as opposed to rule of the people—democracy," Musk said in the summit. He was seen wearing a t-shirt that has "Tech Support" written on it. Jokingly referring to himself as the "tech support" of the White House, Musk called for the removal of agencies and called them "weed". "If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back," the SpaceX chief said. Also read: US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list This comes after Musk got the power to choose brains for the Trump administration and got access to the sensitive federal database. The X owner has further supported Trump's decision to dismantle the USAID (US Agency for International Development). "A lot of attention has been on USAID, for example," Musk said, adding, "There's like the national endowment for Democracy. But I'm like, 'Okay, well, how much democracy have they achieved lately?" Also read: ‘Promptly corrected’: Elon Musk’s DOGE staffer was ‘mistakenly’ given ‘edit’ access to sensitive Treasury data Musk claimed that under Trump, the US is “less interested in interfering with the affairs of other countries". He said there are times when the US "has been kind of pushy in international affairs, which may resonate with some members of the audience". “Basically, America should mind its own business, rather than push for regime change all over the place,” he added. Also read: Watch | Elon Musk's son captures the hearts of netizens as he accompanies father to Oval Office (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk wants removal of entire US agencies, calls them ‘weed’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, following a two-day visit to France where he and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit.
During his two-day US visit, Modi is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump, making him the fourth foreign leader to visit the president following his inauguration on January 20.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-to-meet-president-trump-tariffs-deportation-quad-on-modis-agenda-8716622">Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi&rsquo;s agenda</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Modi in US: Full schedule</h2>
1600 Hrs EST (02:30 AM IST) - PM Modi to arrive at the White House&nbsp;
1605 - 1650 Hrs EST (02:35- 3:20 AM IST) - Bilateral meeting
1710 - 1740 Hrs EST (03:40 AM-04:10 AM IST)- Press statements by PM Modi and Trump
1740 - 1840 Hrs EST (04:10 AM-05:10 AM) - Dinner hosted by President Trump
These timings are subject to change based on real-time developments
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-stay-at-worlds-most-exlusive-hotel-the-blair-house-that-once-hosted-abraham-lincoln-modi-in-us-8716416">In US, PM Modi to stay at 'world's most exclusive' hotel that once hosted Abraham Lincoln</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Significance of Modi-Trump meeting</h2>
During his visit to the US, PM Modi will hold high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump in the face of concerns in New Delhi over Washington's new "America First" trade agenda as well as its policy on immigration.
The Indian PM is staying at the Blair House, the US presidential guest house, in the heart of the American capital city.
In their meeting, the two leaders are likely to broadly focus on ramping up India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defence, technology, and immigration.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-madhubani-of-bihar-to-crafts-of-rajasthan-indian-pm-narendra-modis-timeless-gifts-for-emmanuel-macron-and-jd-vance-8715971">From Madhubani to Rajasthani crafts: Narendra Modi's 'timeless' gifts for Macron and Vance's kids</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">PM Modi meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard</h2>
PM Modi held one-on-one interaction with Tulsi Gabbard, who was appointed the director of national intelligence. The Republican-controlled US Senate voted 52 to 48 to confirm Gabbard on Wednesday as Trump's choice to lead the country's intelligence services.
PM Modi wrote, "Met USA&rsquo;s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she&rsquo;s always been a strong votary."
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Prime Minister Modi lands in Washington D.C. after a productive visit to France, where he and President Macron led the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit discussions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, following a two-day visit to France where he and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit. During his two-day US visit, Modi is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump, making him the fourth foreign leader to visit the president following his inauguration on January 20. Also read | Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi’s agenda Modi in US: Full schedule 1600 Hrs EST (02:30 AM IST) - PM Modi to arrive at the White House 1605 - 1650 Hrs EST (02:35- 3:20 AM IST) - Bilateral meeting 1710 - 1740 Hrs EST (03:40 AM-04:10 AM IST)- Press statements by PM Modi and Trump 1740 - 1840 Hrs EST (04:10 AM-05:10 AM) - Dinner hosted by President Trump These timings are subject to change based on real-time developments Also read | In US, PM Modi to stay at 'world's most exclusive' hotel that once hosted Abraham Lincoln Significance of Modi-Trump meeting During his visit to the US, PM Modi will hold high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump in the face of concerns in New Delhi over Washington's new "America First" trade agenda as well as its policy on immigration. The Indian PM is staying at the Blair House, the US presidential guest house, in the heart of the American capital city. In their meeting, the two leaders are likely to broadly focus on ramping up India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defence, technology, and immigration. Also read | From Madhubani to Rajasthani crafts: Narendra Modi's 'timeless' gifts for Macron and Vance's kids PM Modi meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard PM Modi held one-on-one interaction with Tulsi Gabbard, who was appointed the director of national intelligence. The Republican-controlled US Senate voted 52 to 48 to confirm Gabbard on Wednesday as Trump's choice to lead the country's intelligence services. PM Modi wrote, "Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary." (With inputs from agencies)

Modi in US: President Trump to host dinner for Indian PM at White House | Full Schedule

The year 2024 was the deadliest for journalists in recent history, with at least 124 reporters killed and Israel responsible for nearly 70&nbsp;per cent of that total, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday (Feb 12).
The uptick in killings, a 22 per cent increase over 2023, reflects "surging levels of international conflict, political unrest and criminality worldwide," the CPJ said.&nbsp;
It was the deadliest year for reporters and media workers since CPJ began keeping records more than three decades ago, with journalists murdered across 18 different countries, it said.&nbsp;
A total of 85 journalists died in the Israeli-Hamas war, "all at the hands of the Israeli military," the CPJ said, adding that 82 of them were Palestinians.&nbsp;
Sudan and Pakistan recorded the&nbsp;second-highest number of journalists and media workers killed, with six each. 
In Mexico, which has a reputation as one of the most dangerous countries for reporters, five were killed, with CPJ reporting it had found "persistent flaws" in Mexico's mechanisms for protecting journalists.&nbsp;
And in Haiti, where two reporters were murdered, widespread violence and political instability have sown so much chaos that "gangs now openly claim responsibility for journalist killings," the report said.&nbsp;
Other deaths took place in countries such as Myanmar, Mozambique, India and Iraq.&nbsp;
"Today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ's history," said the group's CEO Jodie Ginsberg. 
"The war in Gaza is unprecedented in its impact on journalists and demonstrates a major deterioration in global norms on protecting journalists," she said.
CPJ, which has kept records on journalist killings since 1992, said that 24 of the reporters were deliberately killed because of their work in 2024. 
Freelancers, the report said, were among the most vulnerable because of their lack of resources, and accounted for 43 of the killings in 2024.
The year 2025 is not looking any more promising, with six journalists already killed in the first weeks of the year, CPJ said.

World | The alarming increase in journalist killings across countries emphasises the ongoing challenges faced by media workers in dangerous regions

The year 2024 was the deadliest for journalists in recent history, with at least 124 reporters killed and Israel responsible for nearly 70 per cent of that total, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday (Feb 12). The uptick in killings, a 22 per cent increase over 2023, reflects "surging levels of international conflict, political unrest and criminality worldwide," the CPJ said. It was the deadliest year for reporters and media workers since CPJ began keeping records more than three decades ago, with journalists murdered across 18 different countries, it said. A total of 85 journalists died in the Israeli-Hamas war, "all at the hands of the Israeli military," the CPJ said, adding that 82 of them were Palestinians. Sudan and Pakistan recorded the second-highest number of journalists and media workers killed, with six each. In Mexico, which has a reputation as one of the most dangerous countries for reporters, five were killed, with CPJ reporting it had found "persistent flaws" in Mexico's mechanisms for protecting journalists. And in Haiti, where two reporters were murdered, widespread violence and political instability have sown so much chaos that "gangs now openly claim responsibility for journalist killings," the report said. Other deaths took place in countries such as Myanmar, Mozambique, India and Iraq. "Today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ's history," said the group's CEO Jodie Ginsberg. "The war in Gaza is unprecedented in its impact on journalists and demonstrates a major deterioration in global norms on protecting journalists," she said. CPJ, which has kept records on journalist killings since 1992, said that 24 of the reporters were deliberately killed because of their work in 2024. Freelancers, the report said, were among the most vulnerable because of their lack of resources, and accounted for 43 of the killings in 2024. The year 2025 is not looking any more promising, with six journalists already killed in the first weeks of the year, CPJ said.

124 journalists killed in 2024, the deadliest year for reporters: CPJ

The US has agreed to release Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national accused of being a cybercrime kingpin, as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia that freed Marc Fogel, an.official said on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Vinnik operated BTC-e, once one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He was arrested in 2017 in a small beachside village in northern Greece and detained at Washington's request on suspicion of laundering $4 billion through the exchange. 
The prisoner swap marks a rare diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-to-meet-president-trump-tariffs-deportation-quad-on-modis-agenda-8716622">Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi&rsquo;s agenda</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">US authorities linked Vinnik to failure of Mt. Gox</h2>
US authorities alleged that Alexander Vinnik was involved in the infamous 2014 hack of Mt. Gox, a Japanese Bitcoin exchange that ultimately went bankrupt. According to the Justice Department, Vinnik acquired funds stolen from Mt. Gox and then laundered them through his own cryptocurrency exchanges, BTC-e and Tradehill, based in San Francisco.
Vinnik was initially extradited to France and later to the US, where he pleaded guilty in May 2024 to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/124-journalists-killed-in-deadliest-year-for-reporters-cpj-8716544">124 journalists killed in deadliest year for reporters: CPJ</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">BTC-e facilitated over $9bn in transactions in 2011-2017</h2>
Vinnik was facing up to 20 years in prison. According to the court records, he was set to be sentenced in January but a US federal judge in November agreed to postpone the sentencing until June, in a brief order that did not cite the reason for the delay.
The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California revealed that BTC-e, operated by Alexander Vinnik, facilitated over $9 billion in transactions between 2011 and 2017, catering to more than a million users worldwide, including many in the United States, before being dismantled following Vinnik's arrest.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-stay-at-worlds-most-exlusive-hotel-the-blair-house-that-once-hosted-abraham-lincoln-modi-in-us-8716416">In US, PM Modi to stay at 'world's most exclusive' hotel that once hosted Abraham Lincoln</a>
"BTC-e was one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities," the attorney's office said last year. 
It added that the exchange received criminal proceeds from numerous hacking incidents, ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics rings, and Vinnik ran it "with the intent to promote these unlawful activities".
Court records indicate that US District Judge Susan Illston arranged a Tuesday afternoon status conference regarding Vinnik's case, though the meeting's specifics remain undisclosed.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: The US has agreed to release Russian national Alexander Vinnik in a prisoner swap with Russia, securing the freedom of American Marc Fogel, an official announced.

The US has agreed to release Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national accused of being a cybercrime kingpin, as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia that freed Marc Fogel, an.official said on Wednesday (Feb 12). Vinnik operated BTC-e, once one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He was arrested in 2017 in a small beachside village in northern Greece and detained at Washington's request on suspicion of laundering $4 billion through the exchange. The prisoner swap marks a rare diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations. Also read | Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi’s agenda US authorities linked Vinnik to failure of Mt. Gox US authorities alleged that Alexander Vinnik was involved in the infamous 2014 hack of Mt. Gox, a Japanese Bitcoin exchange that ultimately went bankrupt. According to the Justice Department, Vinnik acquired funds stolen from Mt. Gox and then laundered them through his own cryptocurrency exchanges, BTC-e and Tradehill, based in San Francisco. Vinnik was initially extradited to France and later to the US, where he pleaded guilty in May 2024 to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Also read | 124 journalists killed in deadliest year for reporters: CPJ BTC-e facilitated over $9bn in transactions in 2011-2017 Vinnik was facing up to 20 years in prison. According to the court records, he was set to be sentenced in January but a US federal judge in November agreed to postpone the sentencing until June, in a brief order that did not cite the reason for the delay. The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California revealed that BTC-e, operated by Alexander Vinnik, facilitated over $9 billion in transactions between 2011 and 2017, catering to more than a million users worldwide, including many in the United States, before being dismantled following Vinnik's arrest. Also read | In US, PM Modi to stay at 'world's most exclusive' hotel that once hosted Abraham Lincoln "BTC-e was one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities," the attorney's office said last year. It added that the exchange received criminal proceeds from numerous hacking incidents, ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics rings, and Vinnik ran it "with the intent to promote these unlawful activities". Court records indicate that US District Judge Susan Illston arranged a Tuesday afternoon status conference regarding Vinnik's case, though the meeting's specifics remain undisclosed. (With inputs from agencies)

US releases Alexander Vinnik in prisoner exchange with Russia. Who is he?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly integrated into various aspects of our lives in the past few years. A testimony this is that many youngsters in China are taking the help of AI for their mental health. Youth in the country are now having "therapy sessions" with the latest Chinese AI platform DeepSeek, without the doubt of being judged.
Ever since the emergence of DeepSeek in January, a 28-year-old Chinese woman&nbsp; is using the platform to get her mental state on track after an exhausting day filled with sorrow and dilemmas, the BBC said in a report. The woman, who recently lost her grandmother, went to the chatbot to feel better about her life and the response she received brought her to tears.&nbsp;
"DeepSeek has been such an amazing counsellor. It has helped me look at things from different perspectives and does a better job than the paid counselling services I have tried," she told BBC.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-push-to-ban-deepseek-americans-could-face-20-years-in-prison-or-1-mn-fine-for-downloading-app-8697172">US lawmakers push to ban DeepSeek; Americans could face 20 years in prison or $1 mn fine for downloading app</a>
AI has debuted in general people's lives quite swiftly, as from writing reports and Excel formulas to planning trips, workouts and learning new skills, it can do all for you.&nbsp;
But in China, youngsters are using it as a metal health tool, something not generally expected from AI.&nbsp;
As per experts, the sluggish economy, high unemployment, and Covid lockdowns have played an immense role in the uncertainly for young Chinese regarding their future.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-south-korea-to-india-eight-countries-that-banned-use-of-chinese-ai-deepseek-over-security-concerns-8694361">From South Korea to India, eight countries that banned use of Chinese AI DeepSeek over security concerns</a>
When the woman used DeepSeek for the first time, she asked the AI to write a tribute to her late grandmother.&nbsp;
In further conversation, she said, "You write so well, it makes me feel lost. I feel I'm in an existential crisis."
The chatbot gave a poetic response saying, "Remember that all these words that make you shiver merely echo those that have long existed in your soul."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-finance-ministry-bans-employees-from-using-chatgpt-deepseek-report-8692452">Indian Finance Ministry bans employees from using ChatGPT, DeepSeek: Report</a>
"I am but the occasional valley you've passed through, that allows you to hear the weight of your own voice," it added.&nbsp;
The woman told the BCC, "I don't know why I teared up reading this. Perhaps because it's been a long, long time since I received such comfort in real life.
"I have been so weighed down by distant dreams and the endlessness of work that I have long forgotten my own voice and soul. Thank you, AI."
<h2>What is DeepSeek?&nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-bans-employees-from-using-deepseek-over-potential-security-risks-8679250">US Congress bans employees from using DeepSeek over potential security risks</a>
The Chinese-made model DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, the chief of AI-driven quant hedge fund High-Flyer.&nbsp;
The company has been developing AI models that are open source, which means the developer community at large can inspect and improve the software.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic of discussion among tech moguls and political summits across the world. But some youth of China are much focused of using AI for their mental health.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly integrated into various aspects of our lives in the past few years. A testimony this is that many youngsters in China are taking the help of AI for their mental health. Youth in the country are now having "therapy sessions" with the latest Chinese AI platform DeepSeek, without the doubt of being judged. Ever since the emergence of DeepSeek in January, a 28-year-old Chinese woman is using the platform to get her mental state on track after an exhausting day filled with sorrow and dilemmas, the BBC said in a report. The woman, who recently lost her grandmother, went to the chatbot to feel better about her life and the response she received brought her to tears. "DeepSeek has been such an amazing counsellor. It has helped me look at things from different perspectives and does a better job than the paid counselling services I have tried," she told BBC. Also read: US lawmakers push to ban DeepSeek; Americans could face 20 years in prison or $1 mn fine for downloading app AI has debuted in general people's lives quite swiftly, as from writing reports and Excel formulas to planning trips, workouts and learning new skills, it can do all for you. But in China, youngsters are using it as a metal health tool, something not generally expected from AI. As per experts, the sluggish economy, high unemployment, and Covid lockdowns have played an immense role in the uncertainly for young Chinese regarding their future. Also read: From South Korea to India, eight countries that banned use of Chinese AI DeepSeek over security concerns When the woman used DeepSeek for the first time, she asked the AI to write a tribute to her late grandmother. In further conversation, she said, "You write so well, it makes me feel lost. I feel I'm in an existential crisis." The chatbot gave a poetic response saying, "Remember that all these words that make you shiver merely echo those that have long existed in your soul." Also read: Indian Finance Ministry bans employees from using ChatGPT, DeepSeek: Report "I am but the occasional valley you've passed through, that allows you to hear the weight of your own voice," it added. The woman told the BCC, "I don't know why I teared up reading this. Perhaps because it's been a long, long time since I received such comfort in real life. "I have been so weighed down by distant dreams and the endlessness of work that I have long forgotten my own voice and soul. Thank you, AI." What is DeepSeek? Also read: US Congress bans employees from using DeepSeek over potential security risks The Chinese-made model DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, the chief of AI-driven quant hedge fund High-Flyer. The company has been developing AI models that are open source, which means the developer community at large can inspect and improve the software. (With inputs from agencies)

AI for therapy? Chinese youth find in DeepSeek a gem for mental peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US on Thursday (Feb 13), is a landmark moment in the growing partnership between the two nations.&nbsp;
As the fourth foreign leader to be welcomed to the White House since President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, Modi's "official working visit" underscores the significance of this bilateral relationship.
What's more, this visit sets a new precedent as the earliest meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and a US President in recent history.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-stay-at-worlds-most-exlusive-hotel-the-blair-house-that-once-hosted-abraham-lincoln-modi-in-us-8716416">In US, PM Modi to stay at 'world's most exclusive' hotel that once hosted Abraham Lincoln</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Tariffs likely on Modi&rsquo;s agenda</h2>
Trump has promised to announce further tariffs later this week, and though he hasn&rsquo;t specified which countries or sectors might be targeted, India is expected to be affected.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that the US is expected to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries with unfair trade practices, including India. These tariffs aim to counter restrictions on US imports that the Trump administration considers unfair.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-madhubani-of-bihar-to-crafts-of-rajasthan-indian-pm-narendra-modis-timeless-gifts-for-emmanuel-macron-and-jd-vance-8715971">From Madhubani to Rajasthani crafts: Narendra Modi's 'timeless' gifts for Macron and Vance's kids</a>
Trump has already imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports on top of existing tariffs and has introduced a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. But when Modi meets Trump, the Indian PM could point to recent unilateral steps that India has taken to lower the barriers to entry for US goods, say analysts.
<h2 dir="ltr">Modi&rsquo;s plan for deportation</h2>
Over 100 Indian illegal immigrants were deported from the United States on a military aircraft in handcuffs and leg restraints earlier this month which triggered an uproar in the parliament during the ongoing Budget Session, prompting questions about the Standard Operation Procedures.
India&rsquo;s foreign minister, S Jaishankar, said that the use of restraints was part of the US&rsquo;s deportation policy, adding that &ldquo;it is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Our focus should be on a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry while taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travellers,&rdquo; said Jaishankar.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-lands-in-us-for-a-2-day-visit-meets-us-intelligence-chief-tulsi-gabbard-8715830">PM Modi lands in US, meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">&lsquo;Commitment to QUAD&rsquo;</h2>
Modi is only the fourth world leader to meet US President Trump since his re-election, after conflict-engaged Israel, Jordan and Japan, its ally in the Asia Pacific. Modi being invited this early in Trump&rsquo;s term shows how important the US president considers ties with India.
The Modi-Trump conversation on a phone call on January 27 also &ldquo;emphasised their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership&rdquo;, a US government statement said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-personally-escorts-modi-to-airport-how-indo-french-ties-boosted-in-two-days-of-indian-pms-visit-8715323">Macron escorts Modi to airport: How Indo-French ties got a boost from Indian PM&rsquo;s visit</a>
The Trump administration has made it clear that the Indo-Pacific region is a top priority, and that's largely due to the rising competition with China, according to former US diplomat Danilowicz.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US marks a pivotal step in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, highlighting a new era of collaboration between both nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US on Thursday (Feb 13), is a landmark moment in the growing partnership between the two nations. As the fourth foreign leader to be welcomed to the White House since President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, Modi's "official working visit" underscores the significance of this bilateral relationship. What's more, this visit sets a new precedent as the earliest meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and a US President in recent history. Also read | In US, PM Modi to stay at 'world's most exclusive' hotel that once hosted Abraham Lincoln Tariffs likely on Modi’s agenda Trump has promised to announce further tariffs later this week, and though he hasn’t specified which countries or sectors might be targeted, India is expected to be affected. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that the US is expected to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries with unfair trade practices, including India. These tariffs aim to counter restrictions on US imports that the Trump administration considers unfair. Also read | From Madhubani to Rajasthani crafts: Narendra Modi's 'timeless' gifts for Macron and Vance's kids Trump has already imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports on top of existing tariffs and has introduced a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. But when Modi meets Trump, the Indian PM could point to recent unilateral steps that India has taken to lower the barriers to entry for US goods, say analysts. Modi’s plan for deportation Over 100 Indian illegal immigrants were deported from the United States on a military aircraft in handcuffs and leg restraints earlier this month which triggered an uproar in the parliament during the ongoing Budget Session, prompting questions about the Standard Operation Procedures. India’s foreign minister, S Jaishankar, said that the use of restraints was part of the US’s deportation policy, adding that “it is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad”. “Our focus should be on a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry while taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travellers,” said Jaishankar. Also read | PM Modi lands in US, meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard ‘Commitment to QUAD’ Modi is only the fourth world leader to meet US President Trump since his re-election, after conflict-engaged Israel, Jordan and Japan, its ally in the Asia Pacific. Modi being invited this early in Trump’s term shows how important the US president considers ties with India. The Modi-Trump conversation on a phone call on January 27 also “emphasised their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership”, a US government statement said. Also read | Macron escorts Modi to airport: How Indo-French ties got a boost from Indian PM’s visit The Trump administration has made it clear that the Indo-Pacific region is a top priority, and that's largely due to the rising competition with China, according to former US diplomat Danilowicz. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi’s agenda

In the wake of US President Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland, some Danes have directed their attention towards California, offering to buy the golden state and infuse it with a Nordic vibe and universal health care.
A satirical website has launched a petition for Denmark to buy America's most populous state, with more than 200,000 people signing up to the idea so far.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secy-of-state-marco-rubio-says-trumps-intent-to-buy-greenland-not-a-joke-denmark-says-not-for-sale-8678844">US Secy of State Marco Rubio says Trump's intent to buy Greenland 'not a joke,' Denmark says 'not for sale</a>
Mocking Trump's favourite slogan, the tongue-in-cheek petition urges Denmark to "M&aring;ke Calif&oslash;rnia Great &AElig;gain", rewriting the phrase with letters from the Danish alphabet.
"Let's buy California from Donald Trump!" the site Denmarkification.com says, in a nod to "Californication", a word the Red Hot Chili Peppers band immortalised with its 1990s hit song.
"Let's be honest -- Trump isn't exactly California's biggest fan. He's called it 'the most ruined state in the Union' and has feuded with its leaders for years."
"We're pretty sure he'd be willing to part with it for the right price," it says.
"We'll send our bestest negotiators -- Lego executives and the cast of Borgen," it mused, referring to the Denmark-based global toy behemoth and the Danish-produced drama series.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mob-attacks-udayagiri-police-station-over-social-media-post-in-indias-mysore-8716504">Mob attacks police station over social media post in India's Mysore</a>
"We'll bring hygge to Hollywood, bike lanes to Beverly Hills, and organic sm&oslash;rrebr&oslash;d to every street corner. Rule of law, universal health care and fact based politics might apply."
"Hygge" is a word in Danish that describes a cosy atmosphere while "smorrebrod" is a multi-ingredient sandwich ubiquitous in the Nordic country and its neighbours.&nbsp;
Why would the Scandinavian country want the US state? For its sunny climate, tech industry and wealth of avocados, the site says.
And of course, Disneyland, which it proposes renaming "Hans Christian Andersenland", in reference to Denmark's famed fairy tale writer.&nbsp;
"Mickey Mouse in a Viking helmet? Yes, please."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-us-will-get-greenland-calls-denmark-pm-mette-frederiksen-8655480">Trump confident US will 'get Greenland,' calls Denmark's refusal 'very unfriendly'</a>
<h2>'Absurd'</h2>
Whether Americans would want to offload the state is not much of a concern.
"Let's face it -&ndash; when has that ever stopped him? If Trump wants to sell California, he'll sell California."
On Wednesday at 16:45 am (1545 GMT), almost 218,000 people had signed the petition, which aims to gather 500,000 signatures.
The idea behind the campaign was "simply to show just how totally absurd Trump's plans for Greenland are," the French-Swiss creator of the petition, Xavier Dutoit, told AFP.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-phone-call-danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-greenland-8652658">Donald Trump's 'horrendous' phone call with Danish PM over Greenland triggers 'crisis mode'</a>
"My offer to President Trump is the following: if he stops this neo-colonial madness, I'll end the campaign."
Most of those visiting the website in the past 24 hours were Americans, Danes and Dutch, he said.
Since late December, Trump has repeatedly reiterated his desire to take over Greenland, the vast Arctic island rich in natural resources.
Greenland's leaders, backed by the Danish government, have insisted it is not for sale.
Local Greenland elections are scheduled for March 11. Amid concern over possible election interference, the Greenlandic parliament last week adopted a law banning anonymous or foreign donations to political parties.&nbsp;
<div class="post-content">
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. 
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WORLD | TRENDING | Mocking Trump's favourite slogan, the tongue-in-cheek petition urges Denmark to "Måke Califørnia Great Ægain", rewriting the phrase with letters from the Danish alphabet.

In the wake of US President Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland, some Danes have directed their attention towards California, offering to buy the golden state and infuse it with a Nordic vibe and universal health care. A satirical website has launched a petition for Denmark to buy America's most populous state, with more than 200,000 people signing up to the idea so far. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Also read: US Secy of State Marco Rubio says Trump's intent to buy Greenland 'not a joke,' Denmark says 'not for sale Mocking Trump's favourite slogan, the tongue-in-cheek petition urges Denmark to "Måke Califørnia Great Ægain", rewriting the phrase with letters from the Danish alphabet. "Let's buy California from Donald Trump!" the site Denmarkification.com says, in a nod to "Californication", a word the Red Hot Chili Peppers band immortalised with its 1990s hit song. "Let's be honest -- Trump isn't exactly California's biggest fan. He's called it 'the most ruined state in the Union' and has feuded with its leaders for years." "We're pretty sure he'd be willing to part with it for the right price," it says. "We'll send our bestest negotiators -- Lego executives and the cast of Borgen," it mused, referring to the Denmark-based global toy behemoth and the Danish-produced drama series. Also read: Mob attacks police station over social media post in India's Mysore "We'll bring hygge to Hollywood, bike lanes to Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød to every street corner. Rule of law, universal health care and fact based politics might apply." "Hygge" is a word in Danish that describes a cosy atmosphere while "smorrebrod" is a multi-ingredient sandwich ubiquitous in the Nordic country and its neighbours. Why would the Scandinavian country want the US state? For its sunny climate, tech industry and wealth of avocados, the site says. And of course, Disneyland, which it proposes renaming "Hans Christian Andersenland", in reference to Denmark's famed fairy tale writer. "Mickey Mouse in a Viking helmet? Yes, please." Also read: Trump confident US will 'get Greenland,' calls Denmark's refusal 'very unfriendly' 'Absurd' Whether Americans would want to offload the state is not much of a concern. "Let's face it -– when has that ever stopped him? If Trump wants to sell California, he'll sell California." On Wednesday at 16:45 am (1545 GMT), almost 218,000 people had signed the petition, which aims to gather 500,000 signatures. The idea behind the campaign was "simply to show just how totally absurd Trump's plans for Greenland are," the French-Swiss creator of the petition, Xavier Dutoit, told AFP. Also read: Donald Trump's 'horrendous' phone call with Danish PM over Greenland triggers 'crisis mode' "My offer to President Trump is the following: if he stops this neo-colonial madness, I'll end the campaign." Most of those visiting the website in the past 24 hours were Americans, Danes and Dutch, he said. Since late December, Trump has repeatedly reiterated his desire to take over Greenland, the vast Arctic island rich in natural resources. Greenland's leaders, backed by the Danish government, have insisted it is not for sale. Local Greenland elections are scheduled for March 11. Amid concern over possible election interference, the Greenlandic parliament last week adopted a law banning anonymous or foreign donations to political parties. 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.

'Let's buy California from Donald Trump!' Danes want America's most populous state

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday (February 12) that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic and the Trump administration does not see NATO membership for Kyiv as part of a solution to the war triggered by Russia's invasion.
Speaking at a meeting of Ukraine's military allies at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth delivered the clearest and bluntest public statement so far on the new US administration's approach to the nearly three-year-old war.
He also told Washington's NATO allies that they would have to step up and assume greater responsibility for Europe's security.
"We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine&rsquo;s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective," Hegseth told the meeting of more than 40 countries allied to Ukraine.
"Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering," he added.
Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 and then backed pro-Russian separatists in an armed insurgency against Kyiv's forces in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine.
Moscow currently controls about 20 per cent of Ukraine's territory, mainly in the east and south.
Hegseth said any durable peace must include "robust security guarantees to ensure that the war will not begin again."
But, he said, "the United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement."
Instead, security guarantees should be backed by "capable European and non-European troops," the Pentagon chief said.
"If these troops are deployed as peacekeepers to Ukraine at any point, they should be deployed as part of a non-NATO mission and they should not be covered under Article 5," he said, referring to the alliance's mutual defense clause.
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.

Hegseth emphasizes that NATO membership for Ukraine is not a feasible solution, urging allies to take more responsibility for Europe's security amid the war.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday (February 12) that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic and the Trump administration does not see NATO membership for Kyiv as part of a solution to the war triggered by Russia's invasion. Speaking at a meeting of Ukraine's military allies at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth delivered the clearest and bluntest public statement so far on the new US administration's approach to the nearly three-year-old war. He also told Washington's NATO allies that they would have to step up and assume greater responsibility for Europe's security. "We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective," Hegseth told the meeting of more than 40 countries allied to Ukraine. "Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering," he added. Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 and then backed pro-Russian separatists in an armed insurgency against Kyiv's forces in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. Moscow currently controls about 20 per cent of Ukraine's territory, mainly in the east and south. Hegseth said any durable peace must include "robust security guarantees to ensure that the war will not begin again." But, he said, "the United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement." Instead, security guarantees should be backed by "capable European and non-European troops," the Pentagon chief said. "If these troops are deployed as peacekeepers to Ukraine at any point, they should be deployed as part of a non-NATO mission and they should not be covered under Article 5," he said, referring to the alliance's mutual defense clause. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Defense Secretary Hegseth says Ukraine's pre-2014 borders goal is 'unrealistic'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly appointed US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday (Feb 12) during his visit to the US.&nbsp;
US President Donald Trump said he is "okay" with the demand of Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep Ukraine out of NATO.&nbsp;
In Afghanistan, ISKP, the Khorasan Province chapter of the Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (Feb 11) bombing outside a bank in Kunduz that killed eight people.
Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-lands-in-us-for-a-two-day-visit-meets-us-intelligence-chief-tulsi-gabbard-8715830">PM Modi lands in Washington DC, meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard</a> <img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/13/dxNbm8vyoRbxc1BooBeb.png" alt=" PM Modi with Tulsi Gabbard. Photograph: (@narendramodi/X) ">
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the United States on Wednesday as he began his two-day visit, during which he will meet with US President Donald Trump.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-okay-with-russian-president-vladimir-putins-demand-to-keep-ukraine-out-of-nato-8715816">Trump 'okay' with Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/13/pbGWsnk7ZESXs4W2Emnt.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump speaks after Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 12, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Feb 12) said that he is willing to stand with Russia's demand to keep Ukraine out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-kunduz-suicide-bombing-islamic-state-khorasan-claims-responsibility-says-taliban-workers-were-target-8715825">Afghanistan Kunduz Suicide Bombing: Islamic State Khorasan claims responsibility, Taliban workers were target</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/13/bggeaUnQFt0DanmQE0Ms.png" alt=" On Tuesday, a suicide bomber attacked the front of a bank in the Northern Afghanistan city of Kunduz. Initial reports suggested that five people have been killed in the attack, however on Wednesday, the nation's interior ministry raised the toll to eight. Photograph: (X/Raad_Pak) " style="width: 1280px;">
ISKP, the Khorasan Province chapter of the Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (Feb 11) bombing outside a bank in Afghanistan's Kunduz that killed eight people.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-to-pay-donald-trump-10-million-to-settle-twitter-ban-lawsuit-report-8715849">Elon Musk&rsquo;s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/13/JhUjnGIOkmZht9CCBgOP.png" alt=" File Photo: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, X-Twitter Photograph: (WION Web Team) ">
Elon Musk's social media platform will pay US President Donald Trump $10 million to settle an old lawsuit from 'Twitter' days.
Trump orders US agencies to plan for 'large-scale' staff cuts
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Good Morning! Start your day with top news from across the world.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly appointed US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday (Feb 12) during his visit to the US. US President Donald Trump said he is "okay" with the demand of Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep Ukraine out of NATO. In Afghanistan, ISKP, the Khorasan Province chapter of the Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (Feb 11) bombing outside a bank in Kunduz that killed eight people. Click on the headlines to read more PM Modi lands in Washington DC, meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the United States on Wednesday as he began his two-day visit, during which he will meet with US President Donald Trump. Trump 'okay' with Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Feb 12) said that he is willing to stand with Russia's demand to keep Ukraine out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Afghanistan Kunduz Suicide Bombing: Islamic State Khorasan claims responsibility, Taliban workers were target ISKP, the Khorasan Province chapter of the Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (Feb 11) bombing outside a bank in Afghanistan's Kunduz that killed eight people. Elon Musk’s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report Elon Musk's social media platform will pay US President Donald Trump $10 million to settle an old lawsuit from 'Twitter' days. Trump orders US agencies to plan for 'large-scale' staff cuts

Morning news brief: PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard; Trump 'okay' with keeping Ukraine out of NATO, and more

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Feb 12) wasted no time in pointing fingers at his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, for last month's unexpected rise in inflation.
Attempting to shift political blame to Biden early in his second term, Trump posted on his Truth Social account: "BIDEN INFLATION UP!"
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-to-pay-donald-trump-10-million-to-settle-twitter-ban-lawsuit-report-8715849">Elon Musk&rsquo;s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report</a>
<h2>US inflation</h2>
Fresh data from the Labour Department showed that the consumer price index (CPI) climbed 3.0 per cent in January compared to a year ago, slightly above economists' estimates. Core inflation also edged up to 3.3 per cent over the past 12 months.
Shortly after the numbers were released, Trump took to Truth Social to vent. "BIDEN INFLATION UP!" he declared, even though 12 days of the month in question fell under his own administration.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-okay-with-russian-president-vladimir-putins-demand-to-keep-ukraine-out-of-nato-8715816">Trump 'okay' with Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO</a>
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down, telling reporters, "It's far worse than I think anybody anticipated because unfortunately, the previous administration was not transparent in where the economy truly was."
<h2>Inflation woes&nbsp;</h2>
As per the data, inflation increased by 0.5 per cent in January from a month earlier, while core inflation rose by 0.4 per cent.&nbsp;
Trump made inflation a key talking point during his campaign, relentlessly criticising Biden's economic policies. Now, with inflation ticking up under his watch, he faces the challenge of proving he can rein it in.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-grants-musk-veto-power-over-federal-hirings-orders-agencies-to-comply-with-doge-directives-in-sweeping-executive-order-8712476">Trump grants Musk veto power over federal hirings, orders agencies to comply with DOGE directives</a>
As per AFP, essential items saw notable price jumps with the cost of eggs, hit by an avian flu outbreak, spiking more than 15 per cent in the biggest monthly surge since June 2015. Gasoline prices also climbed, alongside other everyday expenses that carry political weight.
Slamming Trump on his campaign promises vs the reality, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said: "President Trump campaigned on lowering costs for working families but today's inflation data highlights how he is failing to deliver on that promise".
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Know how US President Donald Trump shifted blame to Joe Biden for the January inflation surge, labelling it as Biden Inflation, amid rising economic challenges.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Feb 12) wasted no time in pointing fingers at his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, for last month's unexpected rise in inflation. Attempting to shift political blame to Biden early in his second term, Trump posted on his Truth Social account: "BIDEN INFLATION UP!" Also read | Elon Musk’s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report US inflation Fresh data from the Labour Department showed that the consumer price index (CPI) climbed 3.0 per cent in January compared to a year ago, slightly above economists' estimates. Core inflation also edged up to 3.3 per cent over the past 12 months. Shortly after the numbers were released, Trump took to Truth Social to vent. "BIDEN INFLATION UP!" he declared, even though 12 days of the month in question fell under his own administration. Also read | Trump 'okay' with Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down, telling reporters, "It's far worse than I think anybody anticipated because unfortunately, the previous administration was not transparent in where the economy truly was." Inflation woes As per the data, inflation increased by 0.5 per cent in January from a month earlier, while core inflation rose by 0.4 per cent. Trump made inflation a key talking point during his campaign, relentlessly criticising Biden's economic policies. Now, with inflation ticking up under his watch, he faces the challenge of proving he can rein it in. Also read | Trump grants Musk veto power over federal hirings, orders agencies to comply with DOGE directives As per AFP, essential items saw notable price jumps with the cost of eggs, hit by an avian flu outbreak, spiking more than 15 per cent in the biggest monthly surge since June 2015. Gasoline prices also climbed, alongside other everyday expenses that carry political weight. Slamming Trump on his campaign promises vs the reality, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said: "President Trump campaigned on lowering costs for working families but today's inflation data highlights how he is failing to deliver on that promise". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump dodges blame, points finger at Biden for inflation surge in January, labels it 'Biden Inflation'

Elon Musk's social media platform will pay US President Donald Trump $10 million to settle an old lawsuit from 'Twitter' days.
The $10 million is a settlement over Twitter (now X) banning Trump after the mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, suggested a Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-okay-with-russian-president-vladimir-putins-demand-to-keep-ukraine-out-of-nato-8715816">Trump 'okay' with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO</a>
<h2>The Trump-Twitter lawsuit</h2>
On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters in the infamous Capitol riots led an insurrection seeking to overturn the Republican's defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 US Elections. Over 140 police officers were injured at the hands of Trump supporters wielding flagpoles, baseball bats, hockey sticks and other makeshift weapons along with tasers and canisters of bear spray.&nbsp;
The insurrection happened after a speech in which Trump made false claims about election fraud. At the time, amid concerns that he would promote further violence with bogus claims of voter fraud, Twitter, along with other social media platforms, removed Trump. This led to Trump launching his own social media platform, 'Truth Social'.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-grants-musk-veto-power-over-federal-hirings-orders-agencies-to-comply-with-doge-directives-in-sweeping-executive-order-8712476">Trump grants Musk veto power over federal hirings, orders agencies to comply with DOGE directives</a>
<h2>Musk buys Twitter</h2>
Elon Musk, who in 2022 bought Twitter and renamed it X, reinstated Trump's account and emerged as a vocal supporter. During the recent presidential election, he openly backed Trump, who has since rewarded him with a role leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.&nbsp;
Subsequently, in 2022, Elon Musk purchased Twitter, renaming it X. The SpaceX CEO then reinstated Trump to the platform and went on to become a major Trump supporter in the 2024 US Election race.
X has yet to comment on the settlement publicly.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-elon-musks-son-captures-the-hearts-of-netizens-as-he-accompanies-father-to-oval-office-8714268">Watch | Elon Musk's son captures the hearts of netizens as he accompanies father to Oval Office</a>
<h2>Meta paid even more settlement to Trump</h2>
Trump's grievances with social media didn&rsquo;t stop with Twitter. In January, Meta&mdash;the parent company of Facebook and Instagram&mdash;agreed to pay him $25 million to settle a similar lawsuit over censoring after the Capitol riot. News agency AFP reports that a company spokesperson has confirmed the settlement news.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | The settlement follows Trump's removal from Twitter over incitement concerns after the Jan 6 Capitol riots, leading him to launch Truth Social.

Elon Musk's social media platform will pay US President Donald Trump $10 million to settle an old lawsuit from 'Twitter' days. The $10 million is a settlement over Twitter (now X) banning Trump after the mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, suggested a Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday (Feb 12). Also read | Trump 'okay' with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO The Trump-Twitter lawsuit On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters in the infamous Capitol riots led an insurrection seeking to overturn the Republican's defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 US Elections. Over 140 police officers were injured at the hands of Trump supporters wielding flagpoles, baseball bats, hockey sticks and other makeshift weapons along with tasers and canisters of bear spray. The insurrection happened after a speech in which Trump made false claims about election fraud. At the time, amid concerns that he would promote further violence with bogus claims of voter fraud, Twitter, along with other social media platforms, removed Trump. This led to Trump launching his own social media platform, 'Truth Social'. Also read | Trump grants Musk veto power over federal hirings, orders agencies to comply with DOGE directives Musk buys Twitter Elon Musk, who in 2022 bought Twitter and renamed it X, reinstated Trump's account and emerged as a vocal supporter. During the recent presidential election, he openly backed Trump, who has since rewarded him with a role leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Subsequently, in 2022, Elon Musk purchased Twitter, renaming it X. The SpaceX CEO then reinstated Trump to the platform and went on to become a major Trump supporter in the 2024 US Election race. X has yet to comment on the settlement publicly. Also read | Watch | Elon Musk's son captures the hearts of netizens as he accompanies father to Oval Office Meta paid even more settlement to Trump Trump's grievances with social media didn’t stop with Twitter. In January, Meta—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—agreed to pay him $25 million to settle a similar lawsuit over censoring after the Capitol riot. News agency AFP reports that a company spokesperson has confirmed the settlement news. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk’s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report

PM Modi Meets Tulsi Gabbard: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the United States on Wednesday as he began his visit, during which he will meet with US President Donald Trump. After landing, PM Modi posted on X that he is looking forward to meeting Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-us-visit-indian-premier-to-meet-dear-friend-us-president-donald-trump-amid-tariff-threats-and-mass-deportations-8715277" aria-label="PM Modi&rsquo;s US visit: Indian premier to meet &lsquo;dear friend&rsquo; Trump amid tariff threats, mass&nbsp;deportations">PM Modi&rsquo;s US visit: Indian premier to meet &lsquo;dear friend&rsquo; Trump amid tariff threats, mass&nbsp;deportations</a>
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India's Ambassador to the US, and other officials welcomed PM Modi at the airport. He was also received by the Indian diaspora in Washington DC. People of the Indian community were gathered outside Blair House to welcome PM Modi.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/modi-led-indian-govt-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-to-introduce-new-income-tax-bill-2025-in-parliament-what-to-expect-8714586" aria-label="Indian govt to introduce new Income Tax Bill 2025 in Parliament - What to expect?">Indian govt to introduce new Income Tax Bill 2025 in Parliament - What to expect?</a>&nbsp;
"Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them," PM Modi said.&nbsp;
This is PM Modi's first visit to the US after Trump assumed office for the second term. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations. "Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet," the India PM said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-criticises-freebies-says-people-not-willing-to-work-8715261" aria-label="Supreme court criticises freebies, says people not willing to work">Supreme court criticises freebies, says people not willing to work</a>&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m72p0iee-5bk4badj-majhvcln">
Landed in Washington DC a short while ago. Looking forward to meeting <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> Donald Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/dDMun17fPq">pic.twitter.com/dDMun17fPq</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1889827328647372915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m72p0zlu-iip5vmoa-4izqwsy5">
A warm reception in the winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them. <a href="https://t.co/H1LXWafTC2">pic.twitter.com/H1LXWafTC2</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1889835452850643077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp;</h2>
PM Modi held one-on-one interaction with Tulsi Gabbard, who was appointed the director of national intelligence. The Republican-controlled US Senate voted 52 to 48 to confirm Gabbard on Wednesday as Trump's choice to lead the country's intelligence services.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oman-to-host-indian-ocean-conference-from-feb-16-17th-8714733" aria-label="Oman to host Indian Ocean Conference from Feb 16-17th">Oman to host Indian Ocean Conference from Feb 16-17th</a>
PM Modi wrote, "Met USA&rsquo;s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she&rsquo;s always been a strong votary."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m72p1ihu-gxpktcgr-w7zsg1ib">
Met USA&rsquo;s Director of National Intelligence, <a href="https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TulsiGabbard</a> in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she&rsquo;s always been a strong votary. <a href="https://t.co/w2bhsh8CKF">pic.twitter.com/w2bhsh8CKF</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1889846510726283412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | India News | Modi's visit includes a meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, newly confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, to discuss strengthening the India-USA friendship.

PM Modi Meets Tulsi Gabbard: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the United States on Wednesday as he began his visit, during which he will meet with US President Donald Trump. After landing, PM Modi posted on X that he is looking forward to meeting Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Also read: PM Modi’s US visit: Indian premier to meet ‘dear friend’ Trump amid tariff threats, mass deportations Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India's Ambassador to the US, and other officials welcomed PM Modi at the airport. He was also received by the Indian diaspora in Washington DC. People of the Indian community were gathered outside Blair House to welcome PM Modi. Also read: Indian govt to introduce new Income Tax Bill 2025 in Parliament - What to expect? "Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them," PM Modi said. This is PM Modi's first visit to the US after Trump assumed office for the second term. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations. "Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet," the India PM said. Also read: Supreme court criticises freebies, says people not willing to work Landed in Washington DC a short while ago. Looking forward to meeting @POTUS Donald Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet.… pic.twitter.com/dDMun17fPq — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025 A warm reception in the winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them. pic.twitter.com/H1LXWafTC2 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025 PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard PM Modi held one-on-one interaction with Tulsi Gabbard, who was appointed the director of national intelligence. The Republican-controlled US Senate voted 52 to 48 to confirm Gabbard on Wednesday as Trump's choice to lead the country's intelligence services. Also read: Oman to host Indian Ocean Conference from Feb 16-17th PM Modi wrote, "Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary." Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary. pic.twitter.com/w2bhsh8CKF — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025 (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi lands in US, meets US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Feb 12) said that he is willing to stand with Russia's demand to keep Ukraine out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). "They've been saying that for a long time, that Ukraine cannot go into NATO, and I&rsquo;m OK with that," Trump said while speaking to the reporters.&nbsp;
This statement came just a few hours after Trump held a "lengthy and highly productive" telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "immediately" open channels of negotiations to end the Ukraine war. Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-us-visit-indian-premier-to-meet-dear-friend-us-president-donald-trump-amid-tariff-threats-and-mass-deportations-8715277" aria-label="PM Modi&rsquo;s US visit: Indian premier to meet &lsquo;dear friend&rsquo; Trump amid tariff threats, mass&nbsp;deportations">PM Modi&rsquo;s US visit: Indian premier to meet &lsquo;dear friend&rsquo; Trump amid tariff threats, mass&nbsp;deportations</a>&nbsp;
The call was the first known conversation between the presidents since Trump's new term began last month. The conversation took place after Trump's keenness to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;
While mentioning NATO, Trump said, "I don't think it's practical to have it, personally. I know that our new Secretary of Defense, who is excellent, made a statement today saying that he thinks it's unlikely or impractical".&nbsp;
"I think probably that's true. I think long before President Putin, they said there's no way they'd allow that. This has been going on for many, many years. They've been saying that for a long time, that Ukraine cannot go into NATO, and I'm okay with that," Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-release-russian-crypto-kingpin-vinnik-in-exchange-for-marc-fogel-8715636" aria-label="US to release Russian crypto kingpin Vinnik in exchange for Marc Fogel">US to release Russian crypto kingpin Vinnik in exchange for Marc Fogel</a>
On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, "We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects."&nbsp;
"We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other's Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now," Trump wrote as he also spoke with Zelensky after Putin's call.&nbsp;
Also read: T<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-directs-jordan-king-to-ensure-hamas-understands-severity-of-situation-if-hostages-not-freed-8715592" aria-label="Trump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands &lsquo;severity of situation&rsquo; if hostages not freed">rump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands &lsquo;severity of situation&rsquo; if hostages not freed</a>
The phone call with Trump came after Zelensky told his people that he had "very substantive negotiations" with the US president and treasury secretary on Wednesday. In a video address, Zelensky informed that his conversation with Trump was "long and detailed". He also briefed Ukrainians on in-person talks with Scott Bessent, who is the new treasury secretary and was sent to Kyiv by Trump on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Russia has demanded that Kyiv cede more land, withdraw troops and drop its NATO bid. Putin last year said that as soon as Kyiv formally declares the abandonment of its NATO plans, "we will instantly, that very second, order a ceasefire and begin negotiations".&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calling-zelensky-right-now-trump-putin-hold-90-minute-call-agree-to-start-negotiations-immediately-8715576" aria-label="&lsquo;Zelensky, Putin want to make PEACE&rsquo;: Trump holds call with Ukraine,&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;leaders">&lsquo;Zelensky, Putin want to make PEACE&rsquo;: Trump holds call with Ukraine,&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;leaders</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Trump and Putin to meet&nbsp;</h2>
Trump also revealed that he is expected to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks. The Kremlin said the call lasted nearly one-and-a-half hours.&nbsp;
Putin and Trump had agreed that the "time has come to work together" and that the Russian leader has invited his US counterpart to Moscow, it said, further adding that Trump had previously promised to end the Ukraine war "within 24 hours" before taking office on January 20.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Trump's remarks followed a productive call with Putin, aiming to open negotiations to end the Ukraine war, emphasising cooperation between the US and Russia.

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Feb 12) said that he is willing to stand with Russia's demand to keep Ukraine out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). "They've been saying that for a long time, that Ukraine cannot go into NATO, and I’m OK with that," Trump said while speaking to the reporters. This statement came just a few hours after Trump held a "lengthy and highly productive" telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "immediately" open channels of negotiations to end the Ukraine war. Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone. Also read: PM Modi’s US visit: Indian premier to meet ‘dear friend’ Trump amid tariff threats, mass deportations The call was the first known conversation between the presidents since Trump's new term began last month. The conversation took place after Trump's keenness to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While mentioning NATO, Trump said, "I don't think it's practical to have it, personally. I know that our new Secretary of Defense, who is excellent, made a statement today saying that he thinks it's unlikely or impractical". "I think probably that's true. I think long before President Putin, they said there's no way they'd allow that. This has been going on for many, many years. They've been saying that for a long time, that Ukraine cannot go into NATO, and I'm okay with that," Trump said. Also read: US to release Russian crypto kingpin Vinnik in exchange for Marc Fogel On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, "We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects." "We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other's Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now," Trump wrote as he also spoke with Zelensky after Putin's call. Also read: Trump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands ‘severity of situation’ if hostages not freed The phone call with Trump came after Zelensky told his people that he had "very substantive negotiations" with the US president and treasury secretary on Wednesday. In a video address, Zelensky informed that his conversation with Trump was "long and detailed". He also briefed Ukrainians on in-person talks with Scott Bessent, who is the new treasury secretary and was sent to Kyiv by Trump on Tuesday. Russia has demanded that Kyiv cede more land, withdraw troops and drop its NATO bid. Putin last year said that as soon as Kyiv formally declares the abandonment of its NATO plans, "we will instantly, that very second, order a ceasefire and begin negotiations". Also read: ‘Zelensky, Putin want to make PEACE’: Trump holds call with Ukraine, Russian leaders Trump and Putin to meet Trump also revealed that he is expected to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks. The Kremlin said the call lasted nearly one-and-a-half hours. Putin and Trump had agreed that the "time has come to work together" and that the Russian leader has invited his US counterpart to Moscow, it said, further adding that Trump had previously promised to end the Ukraine war "within 24 hours" before taking office on January 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 'okay' with Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO

The foreign ministers of France, Germany and Spain insisted on Wednesday that any peace deal in Ukraine could not be achieved without the involvement of Kyiv and its European partners.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calling-zelensky-right-now-trump-putin-hold-90-minute-call-agree-to-start-negotiations-immediately-8715576">'No more lives should be lost': Trump holds call with Putin, Zelensky to start 'negotiations&nbsp;immediately'</a>
"There will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine without the participation of Europeans," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told a foreign ministers' meeting in Paris, while his German and Spanish counterparts added that no decisions could be taken without Ukraine. &nbsp; The ministers spoke shortly after US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to immediately start talks to end the Ukraine war.
&nbsp;

World: "There will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine without the participation of Europeans," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told a foreign ministers' meeting in Paris.

The foreign ministers of France, Germany and Spain insisted on Wednesday that any peace deal in Ukraine could not be achieved without the involvement of Kyiv and its European partners. Also read: 'No more lives should be lost': Trump holds call with Putin, Zelensky to start 'negotiations immediately' "There will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine without the participation of Europeans," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told a foreign ministers' meeting in Paris, while his German and Spanish counterparts added that no decisions could be taken without Ukraine. The ministers spoke shortly after US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to immediately start talks to end the Ukraine war.

‘No just and lasting peace’: No Ukraine deal without Ukraine and Europeans, say EU FMs

The United States is releasing Russian cryptocurrency kingpin Alexander Vinnik as part of an exchange deal that saw Moscow free US teacher Marc Fogel a day earlier, a White House official said Wednesday.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, replied "yes" when asked if US authorities had released or would be releasing Vinnik in exchange for Fogel.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin confirmed the two sides had agreed to the "release of Fogel and one Russian citizen, who is held in detention in the United States," but did not identify him.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-marc-fogel-russia-releases-imprisoned-american-teacher-us-calls-it-step-to-end-ukraine-war-8714360">Who is Marc Fogel? Russia releases imprisoned American teacher; US calls it step to &lsquo;end Ukraine war&rsquo;</a>
Vinnik pleaded guilty in May 2024 to "conspiracy to commit money laundering related to his role in operating the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e from 2011 to 2017," according to the US Justice Department.
US President Donald Trump's government has hailed the prisoner exchange as a positive sign for diplomacy between the two countries and for possible negotiations over an end to the Ukraine war.
"President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President's advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine," US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-detainee-marc-fogel-meets-donald-trump-after-release-from-russia-8714261">American detainee Marc Fogel meets Donald Trump after release from Russia</a>
On Wednesday, US Middle East envoy Witkoff hailed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) "instrumental" role in securing Fogel's release.
"He has a very strong friendship with President Trump," he said of the 39-year-old de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. "Behind the scenes, he was encouraging and pushing and looking for the right result."
On the Russian side, Witkoff said a man he named only as Kirill also played an "important" role.
"There's a gentleman from Russia, his name is Kirill, and he had a lot to do with this. He was important, he was an important interlocutor bridging the two sides," said the US envoy, offering no further details on the man's identity.
Vinnik was extradited to the United States from Greece in August 2022, hours after he had been released from a French jail.
He was the operator of BTC-e, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges that processed more than $9 billion in transactions, according to US court documents.
US authorities say the exchange was "one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, replied "yes" when asked if US authorities had released or would be releasing Vinnik in exchange for Fogel.

The United States is releasing Russian cryptocurrency kingpin Alexander Vinnik as part of an exchange deal that saw Moscow free US teacher Marc Fogel a day earlier, a White House official said Wednesday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, replied "yes" when asked if US authorities had released or would be releasing Vinnik in exchange for Fogel. Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin confirmed the two sides had agreed to the "release of Fogel and one Russian citizen, who is held in detention in the United States," but did not identify him. Also read: Who is Marc Fogel? Russia releases imprisoned American teacher; US calls it step to ‘end Ukraine war’ Vinnik pleaded guilty in May 2024 to "conspiracy to commit money laundering related to his role in operating the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e from 2011 to 2017," according to the US Justice Department. US President Donald Trump's government has hailed the prisoner exchange as a positive sign for diplomacy between the two countries and for possible negotiations over an end to the Ukraine war. "President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President's advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine," US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement. Also read: American detainee Marc Fogel meets Donald Trump after release from Russia On Wednesday, US Middle East envoy Witkoff hailed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) "instrumental" role in securing Fogel's release. "He has a very strong friendship with President Trump," he said of the 39-year-old de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. "Behind the scenes, he was encouraging and pushing and looking for the right result." On the Russian side, Witkoff said a man he named only as Kirill also played an "important" role. "There's a gentleman from Russia, his name is Kirill, and he had a lot to do with this. He was important, he was an important interlocutor bridging the two sides," said the US envoy, offering no further details on the man's identity. Vinnik was extradited to the United States from Greece in August 2022, hours after he had been released from a French jail. He was the operator of BTC-e, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges that processed more than $9 billion in transactions, according to US court documents. US authorities say the exchange was "one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US to release Russian crypto kingpin Vinnik in exchange for Marc Fogel

US President Donald Trump asked Jordan's King Abdullah to ensure that Hamas understands the severity of the situation if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages, including Americans by Saturday.&nbsp;
Trump and Abdullah met at the White House on Tuesday (February 11) and held a warm and productive meeting.&nbsp;
While discussing the Gaza situation, Trump said, "Hamas must release all hostages, including all Americans, by Saturday, and asked for the King&rsquo;s assistance in ensuring that Hamas, as well as the leaders of the region, understand the severity of the situation."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-above-that-trump-insists-gaza-takeover-as-jordan-king-opposes-plan-of-displacing-palestinians-at-us-meet-8713211">Trump meets Jordan's King Abdullah, reiterates proposal to take control of Gaza</a>
The Jordan King thanked Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and a temporary pause in hostilities.&nbsp;
"The President affirmed the strength of relations between the United States and Jordan, and thanked His Majesty for the Kingdom&rsquo;s longstanding commitment to promoting and advancing regional peace," the White House said in a statement.
The two leaders also discussed Trump's goal of ensuring that Gaza is rebuilt beautifully after the conflict ends.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-control-gaza-palestinians-will-be-living-beautifully-elsewhere-says-trump-as-he-meets-jordan-king-8712212">'US will control Gaza, Palestinians will be living beautifully elsewhere,' says Trump as he meets&nbsp;Jordan&nbsp;king</a>
They further provided options for the people of Gaza that "allow them to live in security and dignity, and free of Hamas&rsquo;s tyranny."
Moreover, during the meeting, King Abdullah said, &ldquo;One of the things we can do right away&rdquo; is bring 2,000 children who are in a &ldquo;very ill state&rdquo; to Jordan as quickly as possible."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-accept-american-and-israeli-threats-hamas-warns-trump-netanyahu-over-gaza-ceasefire-ultimatum-8715064">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t accept American and Israeli threats&rsquo;: Hamas warns Trump, Netanyahu over Gaza ceasefire ultimatum</a>
In response to the offer, Trump said, "That's a really beautiful gesture."
&ldquo;The president is looking at Egypt coming to present their plan, we will be in Saudi Arabia to discuss how we can work with the president and with the United States,&rdquo; the King said.
This comes as Trump pushed his suggestion of relocating all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighbouring Jordan and Egypt to transform Gaza into a luxury destination. The US president had proposed turning the territory into a high-end "Riviera."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-reconstruction-needs-at-least-usd-53-billion-un-says-8712066">Gaza reconstruction needs at least USD 53 billion, UN says</a>
Revealing more about his plan, the US president said that he would not personally develop property in Gaza. "Palestinians will live safely in another location that is not Gaza. We will run Gaza very properly, we&rsquo;re not going to buy it," Trump said.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Jordan King Abdullah thanked Donald Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and a temporary pause in hostilities.

US President Donald Trump asked Jordan's King Abdullah to ensure that Hamas understands the severity of the situation if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages, including Americans by Saturday. Trump and Abdullah met at the White House on Tuesday (February 11) and held a warm and productive meeting. While discussing the Gaza situation, Trump said, "Hamas must release all hostages, including all Americans, by Saturday, and asked for the King’s assistance in ensuring that Hamas, as well as the leaders of the region, understand the severity of the situation." Also read: Trump meets Jordan's King Abdullah, reiterates proposal to take control of Gaza The Jordan King thanked Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and a temporary pause in hostilities. "The President affirmed the strength of relations between the United States and Jordan, and thanked His Majesty for the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to promoting and advancing regional peace," the White House said in a statement. The two leaders also discussed Trump's goal of ensuring that Gaza is rebuilt beautifully after the conflict ends. Also read: 'US will control Gaza, Palestinians will be living beautifully elsewhere,' says Trump as he meets Jordan king They further provided options for the people of Gaza that "allow them to live in security and dignity, and free of Hamas’s tyranny." Moreover, during the meeting, King Abdullah said, “One of the things we can do right away” is bring 2,000 children who are in a “very ill state” to Jordan as quickly as possible." Also read: ‘Won’t accept American and Israeli threats’: Hamas warns Trump, Netanyahu over Gaza ceasefire ultimatum In response to the offer, Trump said, "That's a really beautiful gesture." “The president is looking at Egypt coming to present their plan, we will be in Saudi Arabia to discuss how we can work with the president and with the United States,” the King said. This comes as Trump pushed his suggestion of relocating all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighbouring Jordan and Egypt to transform Gaza into a luxury destination. The US president had proposed turning the territory into a high-end "Riviera." Also read: Gaza reconstruction needs at least USD 53 billion, UN says Revealing more about his plan, the US president said that he would not personally develop property in Gaza. "Palestinians will live safely in another location that is not Gaza. We will run Gaza very properly, we’re not going to buy it," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands ‘severity of situation’ if hostages not freed

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