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At the AI Action Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to an unexpected flaw in artificial intelligence. Beginning his address with a simple experiment, he said, &ldquo;If you upload your medical report to an AI app, it can explain in simple language, free of any jargon, what it means for your health.&rdquo; But then came the surprising part. &nbsp;
PM Modi pointed out, &ldquo;If you ask the same app to draw an image of someone writing with their left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with their right hand.&rdquo; The reason? AI is trained on datasets dominated by right-handed images. &nbsp;
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-be-careful-about-ai-biases-stresses-pm-modi-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8710575#google_vignette"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-be-careful-about-ai-biases-stresses-pm-modi-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8710575#google_vignette">'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris</a>
His statement highlights a deeper issue&mdash; despite AI&rsquo;s rapid progress, it still struggles with certain human features, especially hands. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-canadas-trudeau-smirk-at-pm-modi-during-his-speech-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8711096">WATCH | Did Canada's Trudeau smirk at PM Modi during his speech at AI Summit in Paris?</a>
PM Modi&rsquo;s observation underscores a critical aspect of AI development: bias in training data. If AI tools are learning from incomplete or skewed datasets, they will continue to produce flawed outputs. &nbsp;
As he emphasised, &ldquo;While the positive potential of AI is absolutely amazing, there are many biases that we need to think carefully about.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<h2>Why AI fails to get left-handed writing right</h2>
As per Abp news, AI-generated images have long faced issues with accuracy in human anatomy. Hands, in particular, remain a challenge. The reason lies in the quality and diversity of training data. Since right-handed writing is more common in datasets, AI models struggle to recognise and replicate left-handed writing correctly. &nbsp;
Take a look:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Modi - &ldquo;If you ask the AI app to draw an image of someone writing with their left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with the right hand.&rdquo; 🤯This blew my mind as I was not aware of this. How many of you knew this? <a href="https://t.co/OsBLm8SuQA">pic.twitter.com/OsBLm8SuQA</a>
&mdash; BALA (@erbmjha) <a href="https://twitter.com/erbmjha/status/1889270348874404262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Modi was absolutely right about the AI Bias in his speech at Paris AI summit I asked AI to Draw an image of man writing with left hand and surprisingly it gave me all the images of man writing with the right hand<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0EJRZiCMe">pic.twitter.com/M0EJRZiCMe</a>
&mdash; STAR Boy TARUN (@Starboy2079) <a href="https://twitter.com/Starboy2079/status/1889291695914627155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HUGE AMAZING 🚨 PM Modi Is Right! AI Apps can't draw a person writing with Left Hand 🔥🔥 PM Modi drew attention to this CURIOUS fact during the opening of his address at the AI Action Summit in Paris !! 😱 Entire World got to know about these amazing facts. <a href="https://t.co/IyPe3lPOT9">pic.twitter.com/IyPe3lPOT9</a>
&mdash; Avinash Kumar (@avinashak001) <a href="https://twitter.com/avinashak001/status/1889499566874992775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wanna know how AI bias works? Try this prompt on Groq, where I have tested it prompt: draw an image of a writer writing with the left-hand This was highlighted in Prime Minister Modi's speech during his visit to Paris. <a href="https://t.co/oJLIWXvY5l">pic.twitter.com/oJLIWXvY5l</a>
&mdash; Prashant - ai/acc | bringing spheron revolution (@prashant_xyz) <a href="https://twitter.com/prashant_xyz/status/1889633889397719446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-pm-emmanuel-macron-addresses-paris-ai-summit-8710983">'Need for rules, framework of trust' for AI development, says French PM Macron at AI Summit</a>
Even advanced AI tools often produce images with distorted or incorrect hand positioning. The problem isn&rsquo;t limited to hands&mdash;AI also struggles with details like ears and teeth, which frequently appear misshapen in generated images. &nbsp;
 (With inputs from agencies)

Trending | World| His statement highlights a deeper issue— despite AI’s rapid progress, it still struggles with certain human features, especially hands. 

At the AI Action Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to an unexpected flaw in artificial intelligence. Beginning his address with a simple experiment, he said, “If you upload your medical report to an AI app, it can explain in simple language, free of any jargon, what it means for your health.” But then came the surprising part. PM Modi pointed out, “If you ask the same app to draw an image of someone writing with their left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with their right hand.” The reason? AI is trained on datasets dominated by right-handed images. Also Read | 'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris His statement highlights a deeper issue— despite AI’s rapid progress, it still struggles with certain human features, especially hands. Also Read | WATCH | Did Canada's Trudeau smirk at PM Modi during his speech at AI Summit in Paris? PM Modi’s observation underscores a critical aspect of AI development: bias in training data. If AI tools are learning from incomplete or skewed datasets, they will continue to produce flawed outputs. As he emphasised, “While the positive potential of AI is absolutely amazing, there are many biases that we need to think carefully about.” Why AI fails to get left-handed writing right As per Abp news, AI-generated images have long faced issues with accuracy in human anatomy. Hands, in particular, remain a challenge. The reason lies in the quality and diversity of training data. Since right-handed writing is more common in datasets, AI models struggle to recognise and replicate left-handed writing correctly. Take a look: PM Modi - “If you ask the AI app to draw an image of someone writing with their left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with the right hand.” 🤯This blew my mind as I was not aware of this. How many of you knew this? pic.twitter.com/OsBLm8SuQA — BALA (@erbmjha) February 11, 2025 PM Modi was absolutely right about the AI Bias in his speech at Paris AI summit I asked AI to Draw an image of man writing with left hand and surprisingly it gave me all the images of man writing with the right hand@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/M0EJRZiCMe — STAR Boy TARUN (@Starboy2079) February 11, 2025 HUGE AMAZING 🚨 PM Modi Is Right! AI Apps can't draw a person writing with Left Hand 🔥🔥 PM Modi drew attention to this CURIOUS fact during the opening of his address at the AI Action Summit in Paris !! 😱 Entire World got to know about these amazing facts. pic.twitter.com/IyPe3lPOT9 — Avinash Kumar (@avinashak001) February 12, 2025 Wanna know how AI bias works? Try this prompt on Groq, where I have tested it prompt: draw an image of a writer writing with the left-hand This was highlighted in Prime Minister Modi's speech during his visit to Paris. pic.twitter.com/oJLIWXvY5l — Prashant - ai/acc | bringing spheron revolution (@prashant_xyz) February 12, 2025 Also Read | 'Need for rules, framework of trust' for AI development, says French PM Macron at AI Summit Even advanced AI tools often produce images with distorted or incorrect hand positioning. The problem isn’t limited to hands—AI also struggles with details like ears and teeth, which frequently appear misshapen in generated images. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi highlights AI’s blind spot: Why AI struggles to depict left-handed writing

Lynne Tracy, the United States ambassador to Moscow, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday (Feb 11), according to a report by the RIA state news agency. Their discussions focused on the functioning of Russian diplomatic institutions abroad, the RIA report said.
<h2>'Significant part of Ukraine wants to be Russia': Kremlin</h2>
On the same day, the Kremlin said that a "significant part" of Ukraine "wants to be Russia," following comments made by former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US President Donald Trump</a>. In an interview with Fox News which aired on Monday, Trump responded to a question on the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, saying, "(Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-may-be-russian-someday-says-trump-ahead-of-envoy-keith-kelloggs-meeting-with-zelensky-8710008" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: says it has &lsquo;no information&rsquo; on reports that Trump&rsquo;s Middle East envoy is in Moscow , says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky</a>
Reacting to these comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Trump's words "largely correspond" with the situation in Ukraine. He added, "The fact that a significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia, and has already, is a fact," referring to Moscow's 2022 annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
Peskov also added, "Any phenomenon can happen with a 50 per cent probability -- either yes or no."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltic-states-estonia-latvia-lithuania-cut-power-ties-with-russia-plug-into-european-power-grid-8705257" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: &lsquo;Freedom from threats, blackmail&rsquo;: Baltic states cut power ties with Russia, plug into European grid</a>
<h2>Kremlin says it has no information on US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow</h2>
Regarding reports circulating on Telegram about a possible visit to Moscow by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Peskov said that he had no information on the matter and that no meetings with Witkoff were scheduled.
Additionally, Peskov stressed that interactions between the Trump administration and Russian officials had increased at various levels. However, he clarified that there were no new developments regarding discussions on Ukraine.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes'&nbsp;in a jab at China&nbsp;at&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;Summit</a>
Trump has previously said that ending the conflict will be a key objective for the early months of his presidency.
Both sides have welcomed his focus on ending the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he is open to direct talks with Trump to explore a possible agreement. On Sunday, the New York Post reported that Trump had privately spoken with Putin about the Ukraine war.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Kremlin said that a "significant part" of Ukraine "wants to be Russia," following comments made by former US President Donald Trump. 

Lynne Tracy, the United States ambassador to Moscow, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday (Feb 11), according to a report by the RIA state news agency. Their discussions focused on the functioning of Russian diplomatic institutions abroad, the RIA report said. 'Significant part of Ukraine wants to be Russia': Kremlin On the same day, the Kremlin said that a "significant part" of Ukraine "wants to be Russia," following comments made by former US President Donald Trump. In an interview with Fox News which aired on Monday, Trump responded to a question on the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, saying, "(Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday." Also read: says it has ‘no information’ on reports that Trump’s Middle East envoy is in Moscow , says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky Reacting to these comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Trump's words "largely correspond" with the situation in Ukraine. He added, "The fact that a significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia, and has already, is a fact," referring to Moscow's 2022 annexation of four Ukrainian regions. Peskov also added, "Any phenomenon can happen with a 50 per cent probability -- either yes or no." Also read: ‘Freedom from threats, blackmail’: Baltic states cut power ties with Russia, plug into European grid Kremlin says it has no information on US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow Regarding reports circulating on Telegram about a possible visit to Moscow by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Peskov said that he had no information on the matter and that no meetings with Witkoff were scheduled. Additionally, Peskov stressed that interactions between the Trump administration and Russian officials had increased at various levels. However, he clarified that there were no new developments regarding discussions on Ukraine. Also read: 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit Trump has previously said that ending the conflict will be a key objective for the early months of his presidency. Both sides have welcomed his focus on ending the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he is open to direct talks with Trump to explore a possible agreement. On Sunday, the New York Post reported that Trump had privately spoken with Putin about the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies)

Top US, Russian officials meet hours after Trump says Ukraine 'may be Russian someday'

US President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat who served eight years in prison in a corruption case. Earlier also, his sentence was cut short by Trump during his first term.
"It&rsquo;s my honor to do it. I&rsquo;ve watched him. He was set up by a lot of bad people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, after signing his pardon.&nbsp;
Trump's decision has created diverse reactions. The supporters consider his original sentence excessive, whilst critics argue the pardon weakens anti-corruption efforts and might encourage official misconduct.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-grants-blanket-pardon-to-almost-all-involved-in-capitol-riots-8640896" rel="dofollow"> Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to?</a>
<h2>Who is Rod Blagojevich?&nbsp;</h2>
Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 for several corruption charges, including an attempt to sell the US Senate seat that Barack Obama vacated following his 2008 presidential elections.&nbsp;
After Barack Obama was elected as president in 2008, his Illinois Senate position became vacant. As a governor, Blagojevich had the authority to name a replacement.&nbsp;
Federal agents monitoring Blagojevich, recorded him discussing ways to profit from the appointment. He was heard describing the seat as "f***ing golden", pointing to its worth.&nbsp;
The investigators claimed that Blagojevich was seeking various benefits in exchange for the appointment.&nbsp;
In 2020, Trump commuted his sentence, calling it "unfair". "I've watched him he was set up by a lot of bad people, some of the same people I had to deal with."
Following this, Blagojevich appreciated Trump, calling himself a "Trumpocrat".&nbsp;
Trump and Blagojevich have crossed each other's paths before. They met when the former governor appeared as a contestant on &ldquo;Celebrity Apprentice.&rdquo;
Moreover, in 2021, Blagojevich said he was suing the state of Illinois in an attempt to run for office again.
Presidential pardons remove legal consequences, however, they do not establish the person as innocent, according to the legal authorities. The pardon does not affect Blagojevich's disbarment or his ban from the Illinois state office.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: "It’s my honor to do it. I’ve watched him. He was set up by a lot of bad people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, after signing his pardon. 

US President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat who served eight years in prison in a corruption case. Earlier also, his sentence was cut short by Trump during his first term. "It’s my honor to do it. I’ve watched him. He was set up by a lot of bad people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, after signing his pardon. Trump's decision has created diverse reactions. The supporters consider his original sentence excessive, whilst critics argue the pardon weakens anti-corruption efforts and might encourage official misconduct. Also read: Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to? Who is Rod Blagojevich? Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 for several corruption charges, including an attempt to sell the US Senate seat that Barack Obama vacated following his 2008 presidential elections. After Barack Obama was elected as president in 2008, his Illinois Senate position became vacant. As a governor, Blagojevich had the authority to name a replacement. Federal agents monitoring Blagojevich, recorded him discussing ways to profit from the appointment. He was heard describing the seat as "f***ing golden", pointing to its worth. The investigators claimed that Blagojevich was seeking various benefits in exchange for the appointment. In 2020, Trump commuted his sentence, calling it "unfair". "I've watched him he was set up by a lot of bad people, some of the same people I had to deal with." Following this, Blagojevich appreciated Trump, calling himself a "Trumpocrat". Trump and Blagojevich have crossed each other's paths before. They met when the former governor appeared as a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Moreover, in 2021, Blagojevich said he was suing the state of Illinois in an attempt to run for office again. Presidential pardons remove legal consequences, however, they do not establish the person as innocent, according to the legal authorities. The pardon does not affect Blagojevich's disbarment or his ban from the Illinois state office. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Rod Blagojevich? Former Illinois governor pardoned by Trump

President Donald Trump on Monday (February 10) signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to pause prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials while trying to win business in their countries.
The order is aimed at restoring American economic competitiveness by ordering "revised, reasonable enforcement guidelines for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977," according to a copy of a fact sheet seen by Reuters.
Trump signed the order in the Oval Office in front of reporters.
"So we'll sign this and it takes courage to sign it because you only get bad publicity when you sign," he said.
The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to pause enforcement of the FCPA until she issues revised enforcement guidance that promotes American competitiveness, the fact sheet said.
"Future FCPA investigations and enforcement actions will be governed by this new guidance and must be approved by the attorney general," the document said.
The White House argued that U.S. companies are harmed by FCPA "overenforcement because they are prohibited from engaging in practices common among international competitors, creating an uneven playing field," the fact sheet said.
The order mentions the need for strategic advantages in critical minerals, deepwater ports, and other key infrastructure or assets around the world to enhance U.S. national security.
In 2024, the Justice Department and the Securities Exchange Commission filed 26 FCPA-related enforcement actions, and at least 31 companies were under investigation by year end, the fact sheet said.
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 news: The White House argued that U.S. companies are harmed by FCPA "overenforcement because they are prohibited from engaging in practices common among international competitors, creating an uneven playing field," the fact sheet said.

President Donald Trump on Monday (February 10) signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to pause prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials while trying to win business in their countries. The order is aimed at restoring American economic competitiveness by ordering "revised, reasonable enforcement guidelines for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977," according to a copy of a fact sheet seen by Reuters. Trump signed the order in the Oval Office in front of reporters. "So we'll sign this and it takes courage to sign it because you only get bad publicity when you sign," he said. The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to pause enforcement of the FCPA until she issues revised enforcement guidance that promotes American competitiveness, the fact sheet said. "Future FCPA investigations and enforcement actions will be governed by this new guidance and must be approved by the attorney general," the document said. The White House argued that U.S. companies are harmed by FCPA "overenforcement because they are prohibited from engaging in practices common among international competitors, creating an uneven playing field," the fact sheet said. The order mentions the need for strategic advantages in critical minerals, deepwater ports, and other key infrastructure or assets around the world to enhance U.S. national security. In 2024, the Justice Department and the Securities Exchange Commission filed 26 FCPA-related enforcement actions, and at least 31 companies were under investigation by year end, the fact sheet said. 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.

Trump loosens enforcement of US law banning bribery of foreign officials

As the world leaders attended the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday (Feb 11) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Summit it seemed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was smirking at him. &nbsp;
PM Modi was speaking on the need for AI models to be efficient and sustainable in size.&nbsp;
He said that as India and France advance their partnership to AI, "it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-be-careful-about-ai-biases-stresses-pm-modi-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8710575" rel="dofollow">'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris</a>
"AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs, and resource requirements," he said.&nbsp;
PM Modi added that the human brain manages to compose poetry and design spaceships using less power than most light bulbs.
As he said this, it seemed like Canadian PM Trudeau smirked at PM Modi.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
As France and India advance our partnership... Sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient, sustainable in size, data needs, and resources requirements: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AISummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AISummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModiInFrance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModiInFrance</a> <a href="https://t.co/m0ql734BbY">pic.twitter.com/m0ql734BbY</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1889269980807803390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
PM Modi further said that AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about."
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681" rel="dofollow"> 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit</a>
PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders and "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust."
Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy.&nbsp;
"India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-meets-friend-emmanuel-macron-ahead-of-ai-summit-8709419" rel="dofollow"> Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit</a>
Amid the rift between India and Canada,&nbsp; Modi and Trudeau were seen sharing the stage together during the G20 Summit in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro.&nbsp;
All the world leaders were together for a group photo at the Museum of Modern Art. PM Modi was seen clasping former US President Joe Biden's hand. While, Trudeau was standing next to Biden.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-congratulates-jd-vance-for-us-election-win-great-great-victory-8710012" rel="dofollow">WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory'</a>
The tensions between the two countries have simmered since Canada alleged India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India, however, dismissed the accusation as "absurd".&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy. 

As the world leaders attended the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday (Feb 11) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Summit it seemed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was smirking at him. PM Modi was speaking on the need for AI models to be efficient and sustainable in size. He said that as India and France advance their partnership to AI, "it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future." Also read: 'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris "AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs, and resource requirements," he said. PM Modi added that the human brain manages to compose poetry and design spaceships using less power than most light bulbs. As he said this, it seemed like Canadian PM Trudeau smirked at PM Modi. As France and India advance our partnership... Sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient, sustainable in size, data needs, and resources requirements: PM Modi at #AISummit #PMModiInFrance pic.twitter.com/m0ql734BbY — WION (@WIONews) February 11, 2025 PM Modi further said that AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about." Also read: 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders and "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust." Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy. "India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit Amid the rift between India and Canada, Modi and Trudeau were seen sharing the stage together during the G20 Summit in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro. All the world leaders were together for a group photo at the Museum of Modern Art. PM Modi was seen clasping former US President Joe Biden's hand. While, Trudeau was standing next to Biden. Also read: WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory' The tensions between the two countries have simmered since Canada alleged India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India, however, dismissed the accusation as "absurd". (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Did Canada's Trudeau smirk at PM Modi during his speech at AI Summit in Paris?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 11) addressed the AI Action Summit in Paris and said that artificial intelligence can help transform the lives of millions by revamping agriculture, health, education etc.
He also emphasised the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that AI can make this journey "easier and faster".&nbsp;
He urged global cooperation, calling on nations to pool their resources and talent to harness the full potential of AI.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m70fozcd-dzse0azd-u1a2swxu">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity," says PM Modi at the AI Action Summit in Paris. (Source: DD) <a href="https://t.co/MOevbFZXm8">pic.twitter.com/MOevbFZXm8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1889249338519703839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-be-careful-about-ai-biases-stresses-pm-modi-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8710575">Also read: 'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris</a>
<h2>Here are PM Modi's top quotes&nbsp;</h2>
- &ldquo;Let me begin with a simple experiment. If you upload your medical report on an AI application, it can explain to you everything about your illness without any jargon. But if you ask the same app to draw an image of someone writing with their left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with their right hand."
- "AI is already reshaping our polity, economy, security, and even our society. AI is the code for humanity in this century. But it is very different from other technological milestones in human history. It is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed, and being adopted and deployed faster than ever before."
- "AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed and being adapted and deployed even faster. There is also a deep interdependence across borders. Therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust. But governance is not just about managing rifts and rivalries. It is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. So we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance..."
- "We must develop open source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data centres free from biases, we must democratise technology and create people centre applications. We must address concerns related to cyber security, disinformation and deepfakes. We must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful. Loss of jobs is AI's most feared disruption, but history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology, only its nature changes. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future."
- "Governance is also about ensuring access to all, especially in the Global South. It is where the capabilities are most lacking be it power, talent, or data for the financial resources. AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster. To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases..."
-"We are at the dawn of an AI age that will save the course of humanity. Some people worry about machines being superior in intelligence to humans but no one holds the key to our collective future and shares destiny other than us humans. That sense of responsibility must guide us."
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: PM Modi emphasized the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that AI can make this journey "easier and faster". 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 11) addressed the AI Action Summit in Paris and said that artificial intelligence can help transform the lives of millions by revamping agriculture, health, education etc. He also emphasised the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that AI can make this journey "easier and faster". He urged global cooperation, calling on nations to pool their resources and talent to harness the full potential of AI. #WATCH | "We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity," says PM Modi at the AI Action Summit in Paris. (Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/MOevbFZXm8 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2025 Also read: 'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris Here are PM Modi's top quotes - “Let me begin with a simple experiment. If you upload your medical report on an AI application, it can explain to you everything about your illness without any jargon. But if you ask the same app to draw an image of someone writing with their left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with their right hand." - "AI is already reshaping our polity, economy, security, and even our society. AI is the code for humanity in this century. But it is very different from other technological milestones in human history. It is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed, and being adopted and deployed faster than ever before." - "AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed and being adapted and deployed even faster. There is also a deep interdependence across borders. Therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust. But governance is not just about managing rifts and rivalries. It is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. So we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance..." - "We must develop open source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data centres free from biases, we must democratise technology and create people centre applications. We must address concerns related to cyber security, disinformation and deepfakes. We must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful. Loss of jobs is AI's most feared disruption, but history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology, only its nature changes. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future." - "Governance is also about ensuring access to all, especially in the Global South. It is where the capabilities are most lacking be it power, talent, or data for the financial resources. AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster. To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases..." -"We are at the dawn of an AI age that will save the course of humanity. Some people worry about machines being superior in intelligence to humans but no one holds the key to our collective future and shares destiny other than us humans. That sense of responsibility must guide us." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's top quotes at AI Action Summit in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (Feb 11) stressed the need for rules to govern artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at a summit in Paris, he said, "We need these rules for AI to move forward." His remarks appeared to challenge US Vice President JD Vance, who had earlier criticised excessive regulation. &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Macron calls for AI rules &nbsp;</h2>
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for rules to govern AI at a Paris summit. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in regulating AI. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-ai-summit-concludes-india-announced-as-next-host-us-warns-against-extensive-regulation-8711473#google_vignette">Action AI Summit in Paris concludes: India announced as next host, US warns against 'extensive regulation'</a>
<h2>US warns against over-regulation &nbsp;</h2>
Meanwhile US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that excessive regulation could harm the transformative sector. He said, "Excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative sector just as it's taking off.&nbsp;Speaking at the same event, he warned against tightening government control.
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respecting-truce-only-way-to-bring-hostages-back-hamas-warns-trump-after-us-presidents-ultimatum-8711876"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respecting-truce-only-way-to-bring-hostages-back-hamas-warns-trump-after-us-presidents-ultimatum-8711876">'Respecting truce only way to bring hostages back', Hamas warns Trump after US president's ultimatum</a>
<h2>EU announces AI investment &nbsp;</h2>
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed a plan to mobilise 200 billion euros for AI in Europe. The European Commission president said, "We aim to mobilise a total of 200 billion euros for AI investments in Europe." The EU will contribute 50 billion euros, with the rest coming from investors and industry. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681">'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit</a>
<h2>AI race still open &nbsp;</h2>
Von der Leyen stated that "the AI race is far from over." The EU plans to finance four AI gigafactories with 20 billion euros to support AI model development
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-us-russian-officials-meet-hours-after-trumps-ukraine-may-be-russian-someday-comments-8711289">Top US, Russian officials meet hours after Trump says Ukraine 'may be Russian someday'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

Macron is now delivering his keynote speech at the Paris AI summit.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (Feb 11) stressed the need for rules to govern artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at a summit in Paris, he said, "We need these rules for AI to move forward." His remarks appeared to challenge US Vice President JD Vance, who had earlier criticised excessive regulation. Macron calls for AI rules French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for rules to govern AI at a Paris summit. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in regulating AI. Also Read | Action AI Summit in Paris concludes: India announced as next host, US warns against 'extensive regulation' US warns against over-regulation Meanwhile US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that excessive regulation could harm the transformative sector. He said, "Excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative sector just as it's taking off. Speaking at the same event, he warned against tightening government control. Also Read | 'Respecting truce only way to bring hostages back', Hamas warns Trump after US president's ultimatum EU announces AI investment European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed a plan to mobilise 200 billion euros for AI in Europe. The European Commission president said, "We aim to mobilise a total of 200 billion euros for AI investments in Europe." The EU will contribute 50 billion euros, with the rest coming from investors and industry. Also Read | 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit AI race still open Von der Leyen stated that "the AI race is far from over." The EU plans to finance four AI gigafactories with 20 billion euros to support AI model development Also Read | Top US, Russian officials meet hours after Trump says Ukraine 'may be Russian someday' (With inputs from agencies)

Need for rules for AI development, says French PM Macron at AI Summit

Donald Trump's Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday (Feb 10) ordered the US Army to rename Fort Liberty to its previous name, Fort Bragg. In a video on X, Hegseth announced the decision that comes with a twist.&nbsp;
Hegseth announced that Fort Liberty, the North Carolina military installation formerly known as Fort Bragg, would be renamed Fort Roland L. Bragg. But what's the twist?
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-may-be-russian-someday-says-trump-ahead-of-envoy-keith-kelloggs-meeting-with-zelensky-8710008">Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky</a>
<h2>Fort Bragg twist</h2>
The original Fort Bragg was named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg in 1918. This was renamed Fort Liberty in 2023 as part of a larger Department of Defense effort to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations, in response to the 2020 George Floyd protests.&nbsp;
Hegseth's directive reintroduces the Bragg name, this time commemorating a figure emblematic of American bravery and sacrifice.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/straws-are-just-the-beginning-trump-signs-order-bringing-back-plastic-straws-says-paper-ones-explode-8709849">&lsquo;Straws are just the beginning&rsquo;: Trump signs order bringing back plastic straws, says paper ones &lsquo;explode&rsquo;</a>
The change, as per Fox News, restores the iconic "Fort Bragg" name but shifts its tribute from a Confederate general to a celebrated World War II hero. &nbsp;
Speaking aboard a US Air Force C-17 en route to Stuttgart, Germany, Hegseth signed a memo finalising the renaming, stating, "That's right. Bragg is back."
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Bragg is back! I just signed a memorandum reversing the naming of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. <a href="https://t.co/EGgZNHK72x">pic.twitter.com/EGgZNHK72x</a>
&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1889119135759585562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
The name honours Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, who earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his valiant efforts during the Battle of the Bulge, including a daring rescue of a fellow soldier using an enemy ambulance under heavy fire. &nbsp;
<h2>Fort Bragg: History</h2>
Home to the renowned 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Fort Bragg is one of the largest in the world.&nbsp;
"The directive honours the personal courage and selfless service of all those who have trained to fight and win our nation's wars, including PFC. Bragg, and is in keeping with the installation's esteemed and storied history," the memo stated. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-falls-in-line-with-trumps-order-changes-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-8709246">Google falls in line with Trump&rsquo;s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Broader renaming efforts</h2>
Fort Liberty was one of several military bases being renamed. Other changes included Fort Benning which became Fort Moore, after Vietnam War commander Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, and Fort Hood being renamed Fort Cavazos, honouring Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Discover how Pete Hegseth's decision to rename Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg introduces a unique twist honoring WWII hero Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, shifting historical focus.

Donald Trump's Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday (Feb 10) ordered the US Army to rename Fort Liberty to its previous name, Fort Bragg. In a video on X, Hegseth announced the decision that comes with a twist. Hegseth announced that Fort Liberty, the North Carolina military installation formerly known as Fort Bragg, would be renamed Fort Roland L. Bragg. But what's the twist? Also read | Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky Fort Bragg twist The original Fort Bragg was named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg in 1918. This was renamed Fort Liberty in 2023 as part of a larger Department of Defense effort to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations, in response to the 2020 George Floyd protests. Hegseth's directive reintroduces the Bragg name, this time commemorating a figure emblematic of American bravery and sacrifice. Also read | ‘Straws are just the beginning’: Trump signs order bringing back plastic straws, says paper ones ‘explode’ The change, as per Fox News, restores the iconic "Fort Bragg" name but shifts its tribute from a Confederate general to a celebrated World War II hero. Speaking aboard a US Air Force C-17 en route to Stuttgart, Germany, Hegseth signed a memo finalising the renaming, stating, "That's right. Bragg is back." Bragg is back! I just signed a memorandum reversing the naming of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. pic.twitter.com/EGgZNHK72x — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) February 11, 2025 The name honours Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, who earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his valiant efforts during the Battle of the Bulge, including a daring rescue of a fellow soldier using an enemy ambulance under heavy fire. Fort Bragg: History Home to the renowned 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Fort Bragg is one of the largest in the world. "The directive honours the personal courage and selfless service of all those who have trained to fight and win our nation's wars, including PFC. Bragg, and is in keeping with the installation's esteemed and storied history," the memo stated. Also read | Google falls in line with Trump’s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ Broader renaming efforts Fort Liberty was one of several military bases being renamed. Other changes included Fort Benning which became Fort Moore, after Vietnam War commander Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, and Fort Hood being renamed Fort Cavazos, honouring Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general. (With inputs from agencies)

Pete Hegseth renames Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg, but with a twist

A Chinese man collapsed after experiencing a heart attack at a railway station in Hunan province on February 4. When people and medical staff approached him and brought him back to consciousness, all they hear was the man saying he needs to rush back to work.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-who-rammed-down-35-people-in-november-sentenced-to-death-8572687">Chinese man who rammed down 35 people sentenced to death</a>
The man in his 40s was standing in a queue to board a train when he suddenly collapsed, The South China Morning Post reported. A few doctors and railway staff ran to him and provided emergency medical care after which he gained his senses 20 minutes after the collapse.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-arrested-for-flying-drone-over-us-military-base-783463">Chinese man arrested for flying drone over US military base</a>
The fist sentence the man said after gaining consciousness was, "I need to take the high-speed train to go to work." He added that he does not want to go to the hospital. A doctor present at the site urged him to visit the hospital saying he might have suffered some injuries due to the fall, but the man denied. However, after being insisted by people present there, he agreed to board an ambulance for further examination.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-scams-over-63-hotels-for-free-stay-using-dead-cockroaches-used-condoms-arrested-780416">Chinese man scams over 63 hotels for free stay using dead cockroaches &amp; used condoms, arrested</a>
As the video of the incident circulated on the social media platform in China, netizens shared their surprised reactions.&nbsp;
Oh dear, he woke up and the first thing he thought of was to make money. I am so moved!" one internet user wrote.&nbsp;
Meanwhile another said, "He is not alone in this society. Most of us have to bear high burdens, from house loans to kids' education. It is not easy for everyone."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-gets-23-teeth-extracted-and-12-implants-done-in-one-day-dies-of-heart-attack-757797">Chinese man gets 23 teeth extracted and 12 implants fixed in a day, dies of heart attack</a>
China is facing high unemployment rate and several reports have emerged claiming overwork across the country. As per the SCMP, the unemployment rate in the country for those aged 16 to 24 reached 17.1% in October 2024 and 16.1% in November 2024, a small decline of about 1 per cent
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | The timely intervention by the medical team was instrumental in the patient regaining consciousness, highlighting the importance of quick medical attention in emergencies.

A Chinese man collapsed after experiencing a heart attack at a railway station in Hunan province on February 4. When people and medical staff approached him and brought him back to consciousness, all they hear was the man saying he needs to rush back to work. Also read: Chinese man who rammed down 35 people sentenced to death The man in his 40s was standing in a queue to board a train when he suddenly collapsed, The South China Morning Post reported. A few doctors and railway staff ran to him and provided emergency medical care after which he gained his senses 20 minutes after the collapse. Also read: Chinese man arrested for flying drone over US military base The fist sentence the man said after gaining consciousness was, "I need to take the high-speed train to go to work." He added that he does not want to go to the hospital. A doctor present at the site urged him to visit the hospital saying he might have suffered some injuries due to the fall, but the man denied. However, after being insisted by people present there, he agreed to board an ambulance for further examination. Also read: Chinese man scams over 63 hotels for free stay using dead cockroaches & used condoms, arrested As the video of the incident circulated on the social media platform in China, netizens shared their surprised reactions. Oh dear, he woke up and the first thing he thought of was to make money. I am so moved!" one internet user wrote. Meanwhile another said, "He is not alone in this society. Most of us have to bear high burdens, from house loans to kids' education. It is not easy for everyone." Also read: Chinese man gets 23 teeth extracted and 12 implants fixed in a day, dies of heart attack China is facing high unemployment rate and several reports have emerged claiming overwork across the country. As per the SCMP, the unemployment rate in the country for those aged 16 to 24 reached 17.1% in October 2024 and 16.1% in November 2024, a small decline of about 1 per cent (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese man collapses at railway station, says 'I need to rush to work' after gaining consciousness

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday (Feb 11) delivered a keynote address at the Paris AI summit, marking his first foreign trip since taking office as vice president.
In his speech, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-congratulates-jd-vance-for-us-election-win-great-great-victory-8710012">US Vice President</a> warned against "excessive regulation" of artificial intelligence, warning both European allies and rivals like China against tightening governments' grip.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-be-careful-about-ai-biases-stresses-pm-modi-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8710575" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Need to be careful about AI biases', stresses PM Modi at AI Summit in Paris</a>
"America wants to partner with all of you. We want to embark on the AI revolution before us with the spirit of openness and collaboration. But to create that kind of trust, we need international regulatory regimes that fosters the creation of AI technology rather than strangles it, and we need our European friends in particular, to look to this new frontier with optimism, rather than trepidation," Vance told global leaders and tech industry chiefs.
"However, the Trump administration is troubled by reports that some foreign governments are considering tightening the screws on US tech companies with international footprints. America cannot and will not accept that, and we think it&rsquo;s a terrible mistake, not just for the United States of America, but for your own countries," he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-meets-friend-emmanuel-macron-ahead-of-ai-summit-8709419" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit</a>
In what could be considered a thinly veiled jibe at China, Vance said, "Partnering with them means chaining your nation to an authoritarian master that seeks to infiltrate, dig in and seize your information infrastructure," Vance said, pointing to "cheap tech... heavily subsidised and exported by authoritarian regimes".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-offers-to-buy-openai-for-nearly-100bn-sam-altman-says-would-rather-buy-twitter-for-8709155">Elon Musk offers to buy OpenAI for nearly $100bn, Sam Altman says would rather buy 'Twitter' for...</a>
Earlier on Monday night, JD Vance stirred controversy when he reportedly stormed out of a dinner with heads of state when the Chinese vice-premier &ldquo;started singing the praises of trade and the UN&rdquo;, Telegraph UK reported citing a French journalist present at the site.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: In his speech, the US Vice President warned against "excessive regulation" of artificial intelligence, warning both European allies and rivals like China against tightening governments' grip.

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday (Feb 11) delivered a keynote address at the Paris AI summit, marking his first foreign trip since taking office as vice president. In his speech, the US Vice President warned against "excessive regulation" of artificial intelligence, warning both European allies and rivals like China against tightening governments' grip. Also read: 'Need to be careful about AI biases', stresses PM Modi at AI Summit in Paris "America wants to partner with all of you. We want to embark on the AI revolution before us with the spirit of openness and collaboration. But to create that kind of trust, we need international regulatory regimes that fosters the creation of AI technology rather than strangles it, and we need our European friends in particular, to look to this new frontier with optimism, rather than trepidation," Vance told global leaders and tech industry chiefs. "However, the Trump administration is troubled by reports that some foreign governments are considering tightening the screws on US tech companies with international footprints. America cannot and will not accept that, and we think it’s a terrible mistake, not just for the United States of America, but for your own countries," he added. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit In what could be considered a thinly veiled jibe at China, Vance said, "Partnering with them means chaining your nation to an authoritarian master that seeks to infiltrate, dig in and seize your information infrastructure," Vance said, pointing to "cheap tech... heavily subsidised and exported by authoritarian regimes". Also read: Elon Musk offers to buy OpenAI for nearly $100bn, Sam Altman says would rather buy 'Twitter' for... Earlier on Monday night, JD Vance stirred controversy when he reportedly stormed out of a dinner with heads of state when the Chinese vice-premier “started singing the praises of trade and the UN”, Telegraph UK reported citing a French journalist present at the site. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 11) said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the polity, economy, security and society, further stressing that there are "biases we need to think about."
AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about", PM Modi said while speaking at the Action AI Summit in Paris.&nbsp;
PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust."
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681" rel="dofollow"> 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit</a>
He added that the governance is not just about managing rifts and rivalries "it is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. So we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance."
PM Modi said he was grateful to his "friend" and French President Emmanuel Macron for hosting the Paris AI Action Summit and for inviting him to co-chair it.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-congratulates-jd-vance-for-us-election-win-great-great-victory-8710012" rel="dofollow">WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory'</a>
<h2>'India leads in AI adoption'</h2>
Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy.&nbsp;
"India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-meets-friend-emmanuel-macron-ahead-of-ai-summit-8709419" rel="dofollow">Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit</a>
<h2>'Global South must have unrestricted access to AI'</h2>
The Indian PM highlighted the need for an open-source AI for transparency and said that countries in the Global South must have unrestricted access to the technology.
It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster, he stressed.
"To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases," PM Modi said at the Action AI Summit.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pm-modis-us-visit-trumps-top-economic-adviser-calls-indias-tariffs-enormously-high-8708633" rel="dofollow">Ahead of PM Modi&rsquo;s US visit, Trump&rsquo;s top economic adviser calls India&rsquo;s tariffs &lsquo;enormously high&rsquo;</a>
Moreover, PM Modi is likely to discuss key deals with French President Emmanuel Macron, including the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about", PM Modi said while speaking at the Action AI Summit in Paris. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 11) said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the polity, economy, security and society, further stressing that there are "biases we need to think about." AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about", PM Modi said while speaking at the Action AI Summit in Paris. PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust." Also read: 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit He added that the governance is not just about managing rifts and rivalries "it is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. So we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance." PM Modi said he was grateful to his "friend" and French President Emmanuel Macron for hosting the Paris AI Action Summit and for inviting him to co-chair it. Also read: WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory' 'India leads in AI adoption' Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy. "India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit 'Global South must have unrestricted access to AI' The Indian PM highlighted the need for an open-source AI for transparency and said that countries in the Global South must have unrestricted access to the technology. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster, he stressed. "To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases," PM Modi said at the Action AI Summit. Also read: Ahead of PM Modi’s US visit, Trump’s top economic adviser calls India’s tariffs ‘enormously high’ Moreover, PM Modi is likely to discuss key deals with French President Emmanuel Macron, including the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines. (With inputs from agencies)

'Need to be careful about AI biases': PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris

Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (Feb 11) accused the opposition of what he called "malicious" actions which he said led to his controversial decision to declare martial law in the country.&nbsp;
Speaking at a Constitutional Court hearing, Yoon argued that the opposition's refusal to applaud him or shake his hand exposed their alleged intent to "destroy" his government.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-investigators-recomment-insurrection-and-abuse-of-power-charges-against-impeached-president-yoon-suk-yeol-8645767">South Korea investigators recommend 'insurrection and abuse of power' charges against Yoon</a>
<h2>Yoon's martial law hearing</h2>
At Tuesday's hearing, which, as per AFP, could be one of the last before a ruling, Yoon complained that the South Korean opposition had failed to grant him the due respect, leading to his actions.
He defended his move as necessary to "safeguard constitutional order" from what he described as "anti-state elements."
However, much of his testimony focused on perceived slights by opposition lawmakers. &nbsp;
"No matter how much they dislike me, it is the basic principle of dialogue and compromise to listen to me and give me a round of applause for my budget speech in parliament," said the embattled leader.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-yoon-denies-ordering-military-to-drag-out-lawmakers-in-martial-law-bid-8639839">South Korea's Yoon denies ordering military to 'drag out' lawmakers in martial law bid</a>
He said that opposition lawmakers "didn't even enter the main hall, and I had to give a speech to a half-empty parliament". This, he said, was "deeply malicious" and a precursor to the "opposition's intent to destroy my government".
He also accused opposition MPs of "turning their heads away" during another parliamentary address. They "turned their heads away&hellip; and refused to shake hands," he said. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-suspended-president-yoon-suk-yeol-to-attend-impeachment-hearing-appear-in-constitutional-court-8639155">South Korea's suspended President Yoon to attend impeachment hearing, appear in constitutional court</a>
<h2>Yoon's martial law bid</h2>
On December 3, Yoon in a dramatic move temporarily suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, plunging the nation into political chaos. The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only six hours, as opposition lawmakers defied military presence to vote it down. This led to Yoon's impeachment and eventual arrest in January on charges of insurrection&mdash;making him the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol blamed the opposition's alleged malicious actions for his martial law decision.

Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (Feb 11) accused the opposition of what he called "malicious" actions which he said led to his controversial decision to declare martial law in the country. Speaking at a Constitutional Court hearing, Yoon argued that the opposition's refusal to applaud him or shake his hand exposed their alleged intent to "destroy" his government. Also read | South Korea investigators recommend 'insurrection and abuse of power' charges against Yoon Yoon's martial law hearing At Tuesday's hearing, which, as per AFP, could be one of the last before a ruling, Yoon complained that the South Korean opposition had failed to grant him the due respect, leading to his actions. He defended his move as necessary to "safeguard constitutional order" from what he described as "anti-state elements." However, much of his testimony focused on perceived slights by opposition lawmakers. "No matter how much they dislike me, it is the basic principle of dialogue and compromise to listen to me and give me a round of applause for my budget speech in parliament," said the embattled leader. Also read | South Korea's Yoon denies ordering military to 'drag out' lawmakers in martial law bid He said that opposition lawmakers "didn't even enter the main hall, and I had to give a speech to a half-empty parliament". This, he said, was "deeply malicious" and a precursor to the "opposition's intent to destroy my government". He also accused opposition MPs of "turning their heads away" during another parliamentary address. They "turned their heads away… and refused to shake hands," he said. Also read | South Korea's suspended President Yoon to attend impeachment hearing, appear in constitutional court Yoon's martial law bid On December 3, Yoon in a dramatic move temporarily suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, plunging the nation into political chaos. The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only six hours, as opposition lawmakers defied military presence to vote it down. This led to Yoon's impeachment and eventual arrest in January on charges of insurrection—making him the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspended South Korean President Yoon, in court, blames 'malicious' opposition for martial law

A British family rented a holiday house in Northern Ireland for a week, but when they reached the place, they were met with bloodstained furniture and a room full of sex toys. When they contacted the booking platform Vrbo, they were told that the problem was "minor".&nbsp;
A man (name not disclosed for privacy purposes) booked the five bedrooms of the house to stay with his wife and their four children, along with their extended family, The Guardian reported. They paid over $370 per night for the stay.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-man-arrested-by-us-immigration-authorities-over-sexual-assault-charges-8703439">Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges</a>
The man claimed he and his family were met with a bloodstained mattress, unsecured medication and a master bedroom full of sex toys and bondage gear. His five-year-old son was the first who, in the excitement of exploration, opened the cabinet in the master bedroom where the sex toys and medication were found.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-tortured-executed-own-fighters-over-same-sex-relations-secret-documents-reveal-report-8694251">Hamas 'tortured, executed' own fighters over same-sex relations, secret documents reveal: Report</a>
&ldquo;We quickly moved the children into the kitchen, where we found an open bottle of nicotine vape liquid on a worktop, and checked the other bedside cabinet and wardrobe. These contained even more items including ropes, whips, penis enlargers, handcuffs and open tubes of lubricant," the man told The Guardian.&nbsp;
The house was not even cleaned after the previous guest's visit as mouldy food was present there.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/study-reveals-octopuses-may-have-oldest-known-sex-chromosomes-8689841">Study reveals octopuses may have oldest known sex chromosomes</a>
The man sent a mail to Vrbo with an attachment of photographs of the house with pills and sex toys. The platform told him to raise the complaint with the host instead. In a call recording, a customer service agent of the platform claimed the health and safety implications of the incident were "minor", hence the man does not qualify for a refund.&nbsp;
The man then contacted the host. But instead of acknowledging the issue, the host told the man that he and his family would be accused of damaging the property if he proceeded to obtain a refund. The man then asked about the uncleaned rooms to which the host said the cleaning was not done because the police had shot dead his dog who escaped and bit someone.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-become-first-country-to-ban-ai-tools-creating-child-sexual-abuse-images-what-all-does-it-include-8683920">UK to become first country to ban AI tools creating child sexual abuse images. What all does it include?</a>
Vrbo then offered his family a hotel nearby till the house was cleaned, but he refused. He then paid $2,470 for an Airbnb property.&nbsp;
Vrbo refunded the cost of the original booking a month after the incident but the man claimed the promised compensation was still due and the property is still listed on the platform.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Vrbo refused to publish my review, yet allowed the owner to post a zero star rating of me,&rdquo; the man said, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-senator-introduces-bill-banning-men-from-masturbating-and-casual-sex-unless-its-to-fertilise-an-embryo-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-seemingly-bizzare-legislation-8677562">US Senator introduces bill banning men from masturbating and casual sex, unless it is to 'fertilise an embryo'. Here's all you need to know</a>
&ldquo;The extent of what we found in that house was surreal and we felt trapped by the lack of support. I was forced to spend hours during the first three days of the holiday stuck on the phone &ndash; mostly on hold &ndash; to Vrbo, the host and my bank. The experience completely ruined our trip," he added.&nbsp;
The platform offered compensation amounting to around $1,230 to the man after being reached by the British newspaper.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | The man claimed he and his family were met with bloodstained mattress, unsecured medication and a master bedroom full of sex toys and bondage gear. 

A British family rented a holiday house in Northern Ireland for a week, but when they reached the place, they were met with bloodstained furniture and a room full of sex toys. When they contacted the booking platform Vrbo, they were told that the problem was "minor". A man (name not disclosed for privacy purposes) booked the five bedrooms of the house to stay with his wife and their four children, along with their extended family, The Guardian reported. They paid over $370 per night for the stay. Also read: Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges The man claimed he and his family were met with a bloodstained mattress, unsecured medication and a master bedroom full of sex toys and bondage gear. His five-year-old son was the first who, in the excitement of exploration, opened the cabinet in the master bedroom where the sex toys and medication were found. Also read: Hamas 'tortured, executed' own fighters over same-sex relations, secret documents reveal: Report “We quickly moved the children into the kitchen, where we found an open bottle of nicotine vape liquid on a worktop, and checked the other bedside cabinet and wardrobe. These contained even more items including ropes, whips, penis enlargers, handcuffs and open tubes of lubricant," the man told The Guardian. The house was not even cleaned after the previous guest's visit as mouldy food was present there. Also read: Study reveals octopuses may have oldest known sex chromosomes The man sent a mail to Vrbo with an attachment of photographs of the house with pills and sex toys. The platform told him to raise the complaint with the host instead. In a call recording, a customer service agent of the platform claimed the health and safety implications of the incident were "minor", hence the man does not qualify for a refund. The man then contacted the host. But instead of acknowledging the issue, the host told the man that he and his family would be accused of damaging the property if he proceeded to obtain a refund. The man then asked about the uncleaned rooms to which the host said the cleaning was not done because the police had shot dead his dog who escaped and bit someone. Also read: UK to become first country to ban AI tools creating child sexual abuse images. What all does it include? Vrbo then offered his family a hotel nearby till the house was cleaned, but he refused. He then paid $2,470 for an Airbnb property. Vrbo refunded the cost of the original booking a month after the incident but the man claimed the promised compensation was still due and the property is still listed on the platform. “Vrbo refused to publish my review, yet allowed the owner to post a zero star rating of me,” the man said, The Guardian reported. Also read: US Senator introduces bill banning men from masturbating and casual sex, unless it is to 'fertilise an embryo'. Here's all you need to know “The extent of what we found in that house was surreal and we felt trapped by the lack of support. I was forced to spend hours during the first three days of the holiday stuck on the phone – mostly on hold – to Vrbo, the host and my bank. The experience completely ruined our trip," he added. The platform offered compensation amounting to around $1,230 to the man after being reached by the British newspaper. (With inputs from agencies)

Bloodstained bed and room full of sex toys: British family shares 'surreal' trip experience

The union representing staff at the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued the acting head of the agency, as the Trump administration ordered all work at the watchdog to cease on Monday.
CFPB staff were told that the agency's Washington headquarters would be shuttered and that they should not show up for work.
The National Treasury Employees Union brought two court cases against acting CFPB director Russell Vought, accusing him of trying to shut down the agency -- which was created by Congress -- and of giving the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to employees' personal information.&nbsp;
Vought's actions reflected "an unlawful attempt to thwart Congress's decision to create the CFPB to protect American consumers," they argued in one of the suits.&nbsp;
The CFPB was created in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis and serves as a watchdog over a variety of US consumer issues ranging from mortgages to credit cards to debt collection.
Republicans have long accused the independent agency of overreach, with some of Trump's most ardent supporters -- including tech billionaire Musk -- calling for its closure.
In an email to staff on Monday, a copy of which was shared with AFP, Vought said the agency's Washington office would be closed this week, and told employees not to show up.
"Please do not perform any work tasks," said Vought, the new director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, and a key architect of the conservative plan known as Project 2025 to reform the federal government.
Vought added that staff would need to seek written permission from him before doing any urgent work going forward, and should otherwise "stand down from performing any work task."
<h2>'Weaponisation' </h2>
The CFPB says it has saved consumers more than $21 billion, with its enforcement actions against businesses bringing in most of that money.&nbsp;
The White House, however, accused it of unfair conduct.
The CFPB "has long functioned as another woke, weaponized arm of the bureaucracy that leverages its power against certain industries and individuals disfavoured by so-called 'elites,'" the White House said in a statement published Monday.
"Under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, the weaponization ends right now," it added.&nbsp;
The decision to pause all work at CFPB and close down its offices appears to be an attempt to curtail its oversight powers without shuttering it entirely -- something that would require congressional approval.
"Congress built the CFPB, and no one other than Congress -- not the president, not Musk, not Vought -- can shut it down," Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who helped create the agency, said in a video message.
In a separate statement, Democrats including Warren announced plans for a protest outside the CFPB's Washington offices for Monday, to "sound the alarm" against Musk and Vought's "attempt to kill" the agency.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

The Trump administration halts operations at the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, sparking legal action by the staff union against acting director Russell Vought.

The union representing staff at the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued the acting head of the agency, as the Trump administration ordered all work at the watchdog to cease on Monday. CFPB staff were told that the agency's Washington headquarters would be shuttered and that they should not show up for work. The National Treasury Employees Union brought two court cases against acting CFPB director Russell Vought, accusing him of trying to shut down the agency -- which was created by Congress -- and of giving the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to employees' personal information. Vought's actions reflected "an unlawful attempt to thwart Congress's decision to create the CFPB to protect American consumers," they argued in one of the suits. The CFPB was created in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis and serves as a watchdog over a variety of US consumer issues ranging from mortgages to credit cards to debt collection. Republicans have long accused the independent agency of overreach, with some of Trump's most ardent supporters -- including tech billionaire Musk -- calling for its closure. In an email to staff on Monday, a copy of which was shared with AFP, Vought said the agency's Washington office would be closed this week, and told employees not to show up. "Please do not perform any work tasks," said Vought, the new director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, and a key architect of the conservative plan known as Project 2025 to reform the federal government. Vought added that staff would need to seek written permission from him before doing any urgent work going forward, and should otherwise "stand down from performing any work task." 'Weaponisation' The CFPB says it has saved consumers more than $21 billion, with its enforcement actions against businesses bringing in most of that money. The White House, however, accused it of unfair conduct. The CFPB "has long functioned as another woke, weaponized arm of the bureaucracy that leverages its power against certain industries and individuals disfavoured by so-called 'elites,'" the White House said in a statement published Monday. "Under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, the weaponization ends right now," it added. The decision to pause all work at CFPB and close down its offices appears to be an attempt to curtail its oversight powers without shuttering it entirely -- something that would require congressional approval. "Congress built the CFPB, and no one other than Congress -- not the president, not Musk, not Vought -- can shut it down," Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who helped create the agency, said in a video message. In a separate statement, Democrats including Warren announced plans for a protest outside the CFPB's Washington offices for Monday, to "sound the alarm" against Musk and Vought's "attempt to kill" the agency. 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.

'Please do not...': Trump 2.0 orders work pause at US consumer protection agency

At least five people were killed and seven were injured, on Tuesday (Feb 11), when a suicide bomber laden with explosives, detonated outside a bank in northeastern Afghanistan, said the police.
The explosion occurred at 8:35 a.m. (0405 GMT) near the Kabul Bank branch in Kunduz province, claiming the lives of the bank's security guard and four others including civilians and Taliban security forces.
The seven people wounded in the blast targeted a queue who was waiting to collect their salaries from the bank in the city of Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province.&nbsp;
"A suicide bomber, who had improvised explosive devices, detonated himself," said Jumadin Khaksar, police spokesman for Kunduz province.
He said that civil servants, civilians and members of the Taliban security forces were among those killed.&nbsp;
"The Kunduz Province Police Command is working with relevant organisations to find the perpetrators of the incident and bring them to justice."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-in-farewell-foreign-policy-speech-slams-president-elect-donald-trump-claims-america-stronger-on-world-stage-8619679">Also read: Joe Biden in farewell foreign policy speech slams Trump, defends Afghanistan withdrawal</a>
In March 2024, a suicide bomber killed at least three people when he exploded a bomb outside a bank in the southern city of Kandahar, in an attack whose responsibility was claimed by the regional chapter of the Islamic State (IS).
No outfit has yet claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack.
The number of explosions and suicide attacks has witnessed a significant declined since the Taliban ended their insurgency after seizing power in August 2021, ousting the US-backed government.
However, several groups, including IS, still remain a threat.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: In March 2024, a suicide bomber killed at least three people when he exploded a bomb outside a bank in the southern city of Kandahar, in an attack whose responsibility was claimed by the regional chapter of the Islamic State (IS).

At least five people were killed and seven were injured, on Tuesday (Feb 11), when a suicide bomber laden with explosives, detonated outside a bank in northeastern Afghanistan, said the police. The explosion occurred at 8:35 a.m. (0405 GMT) near the Kabul Bank branch in Kunduz province, claiming the lives of the bank's security guard and four others including civilians and Taliban security forces. The seven people wounded in the blast targeted a queue who was waiting to collect their salaries from the bank in the city of Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province. "A suicide bomber, who had improvised explosive devices, detonated himself," said Jumadin Khaksar, police spokesman for Kunduz province. He said that civil servants, civilians and members of the Taliban security forces were among those killed. "The Kunduz Province Police Command is working with relevant organisations to find the perpetrators of the incident and bring them to justice." Also read: Joe Biden in farewell foreign policy speech slams Trump, defends Afghanistan withdrawal In March 2024, a suicide bomber killed at least three people when he exploded a bomb outside a bank in the southern city of Kandahar, in an attack whose responsibility was claimed by the regional chapter of the Islamic State (IS). No outfit has yet claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack. The number of explosions and suicide attacks has witnessed a significant declined since the Taliban ended their insurgency after seizing power in August 2021, ousting the US-backed government. However, several groups, including IS, still remain a threat. (With inputs from agencies)

Suicide bomber kills five outside bank in Afghanistan: Police

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in France for the &nbsp;Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit, met with US Vice President JD Vance during a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;
During their meeting, on the sidelines of the state dinner, PM Modi congratulated Vance on his recent electoral victory.
The footage of the warm interaction between the Indian prime minister and the top leader of the Trump administration was shared on his official X handle where PM Modi could be seen shaking hands with Vance and saying, "Congratulations. Great, great victory."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7069ucr-dyjnjceu-urehfuf0">
Welcome to Paris, my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a>! Nice to meet you dear <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Vance! Welcome to all our partners for the AI Action Summit. Let&rsquo;s get to work! <a href="https://t.co/yatkrVYv9x">pic.twitter.com/yatkrVYv9x</a>
&mdash; Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1889090732293505294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also shared pictures of the moment on social media. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President JD Vance," it wrote.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m70694lq-m4th3lxw-us4e5w1z">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> interacts with President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> and USA <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JDVance</a> in Paris. <a href="https://t.co/FFBLCRvRoM">pic.twitter.com/FFBLCRvRoM</a>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1889046564154355733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>PM Modi's schedule</h2>
PM Modi and Macron will also travel to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate an Indian Consulate and visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries including France, to harness energy for the global good.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leaves-for-france-us-visit-have-very-warm-recollection-of-working-together-in-trumps-first-term-8706633">Also read: PM Modi embarks on key visit to France, US; 'Have very warm recollection of working together in Trump&rsquo;s first term&rsquo;</a>
The Indian prime minister will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
From France, PM Modi will then proceed on a two-day visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump.
This will be the first meeting between the two leaders after President Trump assumed office for his second term in January.
"Over the next few days, I will be in France and USA to take part in various programmes. In France, I will be taking part in the AI Action Summit, where India is the co-chair. I will be holding talks with President Emmanuel Macron towards strengthening India-France relations. We will also be going to Marseille to inaugurate a Consulate there," PM Modi wrote in his official X handle.
"In Washington DC, I look forward to meeting POTUS Donald Trump. This visit will further cement India-USA friendship and boost ties in diverse sectors. I warmly recall working with President Trump during his first term and I am sure our talks will build on the ground covered then," he wrote in a separate post.
Previously, PM Modi visited the United States in June 2017 and hosted Trump for a state visit to India in February 2020.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also shared pictures of the moment on social media. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President JD Vance."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in France for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit, met with US Vice President JD Vance during a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. During their meeting, on the sidelines of the state dinner, PM Modi congratulated Vance on his recent electoral victory. The footage of the warm interaction between the Indian prime minister and the top leader of the Trump administration was shared on his official X handle where PM Modi could be seen shaking hands with Vance and saying, "Congratulations. Great, great victory." Welcome to Paris, my friend @NarendraModi! Nice to meet you dear @VP Vance! Welcome to all our partners for the AI Action Summit. Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/yatkrVYv9x — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 10, 2025 The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also shared pictures of the moment on social media. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President JD Vance," it wrote. PM @narendramodi interacts with President @EmmanuelMacron and USA @VP @JDVance in Paris. pic.twitter.com/FFBLCRvRoM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 10, 2025 PM Modi's schedule PM Modi and Macron will also travel to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate an Indian Consulate and visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries including France, to harness energy for the global good. Also read: PM Modi embarks on key visit to France, US; 'Have very warm recollection of working together in Trump’s first term’ The Indian prime minister will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery. From France, PM Modi will then proceed on a two-day visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders after President Trump assumed office for his second term in January. "Over the next few days, I will be in France and USA to take part in various programmes. In France, I will be taking part in the AI Action Summit, where India is the co-chair. I will be holding talks with President Emmanuel Macron towards strengthening India-France relations. We will also be going to Marseille to inaugurate a Consulate there," PM Modi wrote in his official X handle. "In Washington DC, I look forward to meeting POTUS Donald Trump. This visit will further cement India-USA friendship and boost ties in diverse sectors. I warmly recall working with President Trump during his first term and I am sure our talks will build on the ground covered then," he wrote in a separate post. Previously, PM Modi visited the United States in June 2017 and hosted Trump for a state visit to India in February 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory'

US President Donald Trump endorsed the idea that Ukraine "may be Russian someday", in an interview on Monday (Feb 10). Trump's statement came ahead of the meeting of US Vice President JD Vance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week.&nbsp;
"They may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday," Trump said in an interview with Fox News.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-ready-to-talk-putin-if-us-europe-assure-they-wont-abandon-ukraine-8707810">&lsquo;Give security guarantees&rsquo;: Zelensky ready to talk if US, Europe assure they &lsquo;won&rsquo;t abandon&rsquo; Ukraine</a>
The US president even emphasised getting a return on investment with the aid the US sent to Ukraine.&nbsp;
"We are going to have all this money in there, and I say I want it back. And I told them that I want the equivalent, like $500 billion worth of rare earth," Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-preparing-for-war-not-peace-or-negotiations-zelensky-claims-8703418">'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims</a>
"And they have essentially agreed to do that, so at least we don't feel stupid," Trump added.&nbsp;
Trump further announced that his Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg will soon be dispatched to the country. Kellogg has been tasked with drawing up a proposal to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Zelensky has demanded a strong security guarantee from the US before agreeing on any proposal to end the war.
WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-punishes-ukraine-in-kursk-america-snubs-nuclear-zelensky-8700537">Russia punishes Ukraine in Kursk, America snubs nuclear Zelensky</a>
Kellogg would arrive in Ukraine on February 20, without detailing where in the country he would visit, AFP reported.&nbsp;
Zelensky called for "real peace and effective security guarantees" for Ukraine ahead of Kellogg's visit.
"Security of people, security of our state, security of economic relations and, of course, our resource sustainability: not only for Ukraine, but for the entire free world," the Ukrainian president said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-preparing-for-war-not-peace-or-negotiations-zelensky-claims-8703418">'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | US President Donald Trump recently suggested in a Fox News interview that Ukraine could potentially become part of Russia in the future, stirring significant global reactions.

US President Donald Trump endorsed the idea that Ukraine "may be Russian someday", in an interview on Monday (Feb 10). Trump's statement came ahead of the meeting of US Vice President JD Vance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week. "They may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. Also read: ‘Give security guarantees’: Zelensky ready to talk if US, Europe assure they ‘won’t abandon’ Ukraine The US president even emphasised getting a return on investment with the aid the US sent to Ukraine. "We are going to have all this money in there, and I say I want it back. And I told them that I want the equivalent, like $500 billion worth of rare earth," Trump said. Also read: 'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims "And they have essentially agreed to do that, so at least we don't feel stupid," Trump added. Trump further announced that his Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg will soon be dispatched to the country. Kellogg has been tasked with drawing up a proposal to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelensky has demanded a strong security guarantee from the US before agreeing on any proposal to end the war. WATCH: Russia punishes Ukraine in Kursk, America snubs nuclear Zelensky Kellogg would arrive in Ukraine on February 20, without detailing where in the country he would visit, AFP reported. Zelensky called for "real peace and effective security guarantees" for Ukraine ahead of Kellogg's visit. "Security of people, security of our state, security of economic relations and, of course, our resource sustainability: not only for Ukraine, but for the entire free world," the Ukrainian president said. Also read: 'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky

JFK assassination files: Sixty-one years after the assassination of US president John F. Kennedy, the FBI has 'discovered' 2,400 previously concealed records relating to the former president's killing, suggest reports.
This revelation follows US President Donald Trump's order demanding the release of all JFK assassination records.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-full-and-complete-release-of-john-f-kennedy-robert-f-kennedy-and-martin-luther-king-jr-assassination-files-everything-will-be-revealed-8648595">Trump orders 'full and complete release' of JFK assassination files: 'Everything will be revealed'</a>
Citing sources in the know, Axios reports that these thousands of pages worth of records were never shared with the board tasked with reviewing and disclosing the JFK assassination files.
<h2>Closely held secrets</h2>
As per the report, the existence of these clandestine records was disclosed to the White House on Friday (Feb 7) as Lora Shiao, the Director of National Intelligence, submitted the agency's plan to disclose the assassination records.
The discovery of these documents is likely to raise questions on how information on the closely scrutinised event in US history managed to stay a secret for over six decades.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-heroic-about-it-jfks-grandson-slams-trumps-decision-to-declassify-assassination-records-8650450">'Nothing heroic about it': JFK's grandson slams Trump's decision to declassify assassination records</a>
<h2>'This is huge'</h2>
Applauding the revelation, Jefferson Morley, an expert on the assassination and vice president of the nonpartisan Mary Ferrell Foundation, the nation's largest source of online records of Kennedy's killing, said: "This is huge".
"The FBI is finally saying, 'Let's respond to the president's order,' instead of keeping the secrecy going," he added.
<h2>Why does this matter?</h2>
The remaining records, whose content is still not disclosed, can potentially shed light on whether JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was a lone wolf or part of a broader conspiracy, say experts.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-hell-will-break-out-unless-israeli-hostages-are-released-on-saturday-feb-15-israel-hamas-war-gaza-war-8709085">Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15</a>
Additionally, these records could have relevance in a 2022 lawsuit alleging that federal agencies had more documents relating to the assassination that were kept hidden from the national archives. The lawsuit filed by the Mary Ferrell Foundation against the Biden administration in 2022 alleges that the documents include Jailhouse recordings of mobster Carlos Marcello, who claimed he was involved in the assassination, among other things. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World and Trending news | Know about the unprecedented discovery of hidden JFK assassination records, unearthed by the FBI 61 years after the tragic killing.

JFK assassination files: Sixty-one years after the assassination of US president John F. Kennedy, the FBI has 'discovered' 2,400 previously concealed records relating to the former president's killing, suggest reports. This revelation follows US President Donald Trump's order demanding the release of all JFK assassination records. Also read | Trump orders 'full and complete release' of JFK assassination files: 'Everything will be revealed' Citing sources in the know, Axios reports that these thousands of pages worth of records were never shared with the board tasked with reviewing and disclosing the JFK assassination files. Closely held secrets As per the report, the existence of these clandestine records was disclosed to the White House on Friday (Feb 7) as Lora Shiao, the Director of National Intelligence, submitted the agency's plan to disclose the assassination records. The discovery of these documents is likely to raise questions on how information on the closely scrutinised event in US history managed to stay a secret for over six decades. Also read | 'Nothing heroic about it': JFK's grandson slams Trump's decision to declassify assassination records 'This is huge' Applauding the revelation, Jefferson Morley, an expert on the assassination and vice president of the nonpartisan Mary Ferrell Foundation, the nation's largest source of online records of Kennedy's killing, said: "This is huge". "The FBI is finally saying, 'Let's respond to the president's order,' instead of keeping the secrecy going," he added. Why does this matter? The remaining records, whose content is still not disclosed, can potentially shed light on whether JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was a lone wolf or part of a broader conspiracy, say experts. Also read | Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15 Additionally, these records could have relevance in a 2022 lawsuit alleging that federal agencies had more documents relating to the assassination that were kept hidden from the national archives. The lawsuit filed by the Mary Ferrell Foundation against the Biden administration in 2022 alleges that the documents include Jailhouse recordings of mobster Carlos Marcello, who claimed he was involved in the assassination, among other things. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI 'discovers' 2,400 hidden JFK assassination files 61 years after his killing

Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday (Feb 10) to bring back plastic straws, ending the use of paper straws.
The US president has ordered federal agencies and departments to stop purchasing paper straws and make sure they aren&rsquo;t offered in their buildings.
<h2>Paper straws &lsquo;don't work&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a ridiculous situation. We&rsquo;re going back to plastic straws,&rdquo; Trump told reporters at the White House as he signed the order. He added that paper straws &ldquo;don&rsquo;t work&rdquo;, saying &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-falls-in-line-with-trumps-order-changes-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-8709246">Google falls in line with Trump&rsquo;s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo;</a>
The order rolls back the policy to phase out the use of all single-use plastic products by 2032 put in place under former president Joe Biden&rsquo;s administration.
&ldquo;The irrational campaign against plastic straws has forced Americans to use nonfunctional paper straws. This ends under President Trump,&rdquo; the White House said in a statement.
&ldquo;Paper straws are more expensive than plastic straws,&rdquo; it added. &ldquo;Paper straws are not the eco-friendly alternative they claim to be &ndash; studies have shown that producing paper straws can have a larger carbon footprint and require more water than plastic straws. Paper straws often come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the environmental argument for their use.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-orders-to-impose-tariffs-on-steel-aluminium-8709152">Trump signs executive orders to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium</a>
<h2>Trump brushes aside environmental concerns</h2>
Plastic straws have been considered harmful to the oceans and marine life. However, the president said that he thinks &ldquo;it&rsquo;s OK&rdquo; to continue using plastic straws. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think that plastic is going to affect the shark very much as they&rsquo;re ... munching their way through the ocean,&rdquo; he said at a White House on Monday (Feb 10).
White House staff secretary Will Scharf said that paper straws have cost the government and private industry &ldquo;an absolute tonne of money and left consumers all over the country wildly dissatisfied with their straws.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-hell-will-break-out-unless-israeli-hostages-are-released-on-saturday-feb-15-israel-hamas-war-gaza-war-8709085">Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15</a>
"It really is something that affects ordinary Americans in their everyday lives," Scharf said.
As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 85 per cent of single-use plastic products for food and beverage containers end up in landfills. According to a study by the World Wildlife Fund, at least 100,000 marine animals die due to plastic pollution every year.
Apart from marine life, microplastics are also found in human bodies, water, and even air, which significantly impact health.
<h2>&lsquo;Back to Plastic&rsquo;</h2>
The plastic manufacturing industry is praising the president&rsquo;s decision, according to The Guardian report.
Watch | Trump signs new tariff orders, to impose 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium imports
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1102_SUMIT_STEEL_830AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1102_SUMIT_STEEL_830AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=274&amp;tags=Trump signs new tariff orders" title="Trump signs new tariff orders, to impose 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium imports" id="PL_iframe_block-m704y1we-zjskq9be-glbx2pya"></iframe>
&ldquo;Straws are just the beginning,&rdquo; president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association Matt Seaholm said in a statement. &ldquo;&lsquo;Back to Plastic&rsquo; is a movement we should all get behind.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | White House staff secretary Will Scharf said that paper straws have cost the government and private industry “an absolute tonne of money and left consumers all over the country wildly dissatisfied with their straws.”

Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday (Feb 10) to bring back plastic straws, ending the use of paper straws. The US president has ordered federal agencies and departments to stop purchasing paper straws and make sure they aren’t offered in their buildings. Paper straws ‘don't work’ “It’s a ridiculous situation. We’re going back to plastic straws,” Trump told reporters at the White House as he signed the order. He added that paper straws “don’t work”, saying “I’ve had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode.” Also read | Google falls in line with Trump’s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ The order rolls back the policy to phase out the use of all single-use plastic products by 2032 put in place under former president Joe Biden’s administration. “The irrational campaign against plastic straws has forced Americans to use nonfunctional paper straws. This ends under President Trump,” the White House said in a statement. “Paper straws are more expensive than plastic straws,” it added. “Paper straws are not the eco-friendly alternative they claim to be – studies have shown that producing paper straws can have a larger carbon footprint and require more water than plastic straws. Paper straws often come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the environmental argument for their use.” Also read | Trump signs executive orders to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium Trump brushes aside environmental concerns Plastic straws have been considered harmful to the oceans and marine life. However, the president said that he thinks “it’s OK” to continue using plastic straws. “I don’t think that plastic is going to affect the shark very much as they’re ... munching their way through the ocean,” he said at a White House on Monday (Feb 10). White House staff secretary Will Scharf said that paper straws have cost the government and private industry “an absolute tonne of money and left consumers all over the country wildly dissatisfied with their straws.” Also read | Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15 "It really is something that affects ordinary Americans in their everyday lives," Scharf said. As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 85 per cent of single-use plastic products for food and beverage containers end up in landfills. According to a study by the World Wildlife Fund, at least 100,000 marine animals die due to plastic pollution every year. Apart from marine life, microplastics are also found in human bodies, water, and even air, which significantly impact health. ‘Back to Plastic’ The plastic manufacturing industry is praising the president’s decision, according to The Guardian report. Watch | Trump signs new tariff orders, to impose 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium imports “Straws are just the beginning,” president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association Matt Seaholm said in a statement. “‘Back to Plastic’ is a movement we should all get behind.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Straws are just the beginning’: Trump signs order bringing back plastic straws, says paper ones ‘explode’

Prosecutors in the trial of the man accused of attacking Salman Rushdie told jurors Monday that the author came "dangerously close" to dying in a frenzied assault that left him blind in one eye.
Hadi Matar, a 27-year-old Lebanese-American who said "free Palestine" as he entered court, is charged with attempted murder and assault over the August 12, 2022 attack at an arts event in western New York state.
Matar is accused of stabbing Rushdie about 10 times with a knife, leaving him in grave condition and without sight in his right eye, and also slashing another speaker at the gathering.
Prosecutor District Attorney Jason Schmidt told how Rushdie, who has faced death threats since the release of his 1988 novel "The Satanic Verses," had just taken his seat in the amphitheater in front of about 1,000 people.
"A young medium-build man wearing a dark coloured facemask... appeared from the rear of the theater," Schmidt said. "Once on the stage, he rapidly accelerated into a full-out run."
"(Matar) forcefully and efficiently and with speed plunged the knife into Mr Rushdie over and over and over again... swinging, slashing into Mr Rushdie's head, neck, abdomen, upper thigh."
Schmidt said Rushdie, an Indian-born British and American citizen, raised his hands to defend himself but remained seated after several blows landed.
<h2>Blood, screaming</h2>
"The Satanic Verses" was declared blasphemous by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who issued a fatwa, or religious edict, in 1989 calling on Muslims anywhere in the world to kill Rushdie.
Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite militant organization Hezbollah endorsed the fatwa, the FBI has said, and Matar faces a separate prosecution in federal court on terrorism charges.
Matar, who wore a blue shirt and frequently conferred with his five-strong legal team in the ornate courtroom Monday, previously told the New York Post that he had only read two pages of Rushdie's novel but believed the author had "attacked Islam."
New York-based Rushdie, now 77, suffered multiple stab wounds before bystanders subdued the attacker, later identified by police as Matar.
Venue employee Deborah Moore Kushmaul said she picked up the discarded knife, which she indicated had a six-inch blade, and gave it to police.
"I could see blood, I could see (bystanders) piling on. Our audience, many of whom were elderly, were screaming," she said. &nbsp;
"My main concern was seeing all the bags that there might be a bomb, that there might be another attacker."&nbsp;
Matar came "dangerously close" to killing Rushdie, Schmidt said, reporting that the author was stabbed through the right eye with such ferocity that it severed the optical nerve.
Rushdie's Adam's apple was also partially lacerated, and his liver and small bowel penetrated.
"His blood pressure was low -- he lost so much blood," said the prosecutor.
Rushdie was not in court Monday but is expected to testify at the trial.
<h2>Life under fatwa </h2>
One of Matar's lawyers, Lynn Schaffer, said in an opening argument punctuated with Super Bowl references and bouts of coughing that prosecutors would seek to present the case as "straightforward -- open and shut."
"Pay attention to the assumptions that the police witnesses make... how does that color the way they investigate this case?" she said. "They assume things about Mr Matar that affect the way they investigate."
A large media presence has gathered in the small lakefront resort town of Mayville near the Canadian border to follow the trial.
Matar's defense team sought a delay in the case as his primary lawyer has been hospitalized, but judge David Foley denied the request.
Matar's side also sought to have the trial moved from Mayville, near where Rushdie was attacked, arguing a fair trial with local jurors was impossible.
Rushdie lived in seclusion in London for a decade after the fatwa, but for the past 20 years -- until the attack -- he lived relatively normally in New York.
Last year, he published a memoir called "Knife" in which he recounted the near-death experience.
"Why didn't I fight? Why didn't I run? I just stood there," Rushdie wrote.
Iran has denied any link to the attacker -- but said only Rushdie was to blame for the incident.
The case continues Tuesday.
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.

World | Prosecutors in the trial of Salman Rushdie's attacker revealed the author was "dangerously close" to death after being stabbed multiple times, suffering serious injuries.

Prosecutors in the trial of the man accused of attacking Salman Rushdie told jurors Monday that the author came "dangerously close" to dying in a frenzied assault that left him blind in one eye. Hadi Matar, a 27-year-old Lebanese-American who said "free Palestine" as he entered court, is charged with attempted murder and assault over the August 12, 2022 attack at an arts event in western New York state. Matar is accused of stabbing Rushdie about 10 times with a knife, leaving him in grave condition and without sight in his right eye, and also slashing another speaker at the gathering. Prosecutor District Attorney Jason Schmidt told how Rushdie, who has faced death threats since the release of his 1988 novel "The Satanic Verses," had just taken his seat in the amphitheater in front of about 1,000 people. "A young medium-build man wearing a dark coloured facemask... appeared from the rear of the theater," Schmidt said. "Once on the stage, he rapidly accelerated into a full-out run." "(Matar) forcefully and efficiently and with speed plunged the knife into Mr Rushdie over and over and over again... swinging, slashing into Mr Rushdie's head, neck, abdomen, upper thigh." Schmidt said Rushdie, an Indian-born British and American citizen, raised his hands to defend himself but remained seated after several blows landed. Blood, screaming "The Satanic Verses" was declared blasphemous by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who issued a fatwa, or religious edict, in 1989 calling on Muslims anywhere in the world to kill Rushdie. Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite militant organization Hezbollah endorsed the fatwa, the FBI has said, and Matar faces a separate prosecution in federal court on terrorism charges. Matar, who wore a blue shirt and frequently conferred with his five-strong legal team in the ornate courtroom Monday, previously told the New York Post that he had only read two pages of Rushdie's novel but believed the author had "attacked Islam." New York-based Rushdie, now 77, suffered multiple stab wounds before bystanders subdued the attacker, later identified by police as Matar. Venue employee Deborah Moore Kushmaul said she picked up the discarded knife, which she indicated had a six-inch blade, and gave it to police. "I could see blood, I could see (bystanders) piling on. Our audience, many of whom were elderly, were screaming," she said. "My main concern was seeing all the bags that there might be a bomb, that there might be another attacker." Matar came "dangerously close" to killing Rushdie, Schmidt said, reporting that the author was stabbed through the right eye with such ferocity that it severed the optical nerve. Rushdie's Adam's apple was also partially lacerated, and his liver and small bowel penetrated. "His blood pressure was low -- he lost so much blood," said the prosecutor. Rushdie was not in court Monday but is expected to testify at the trial. Life under fatwa One of Matar's lawyers, Lynn Schaffer, said in an opening argument punctuated with Super Bowl references and bouts of coughing that prosecutors would seek to present the case as "straightforward -- open and shut." "Pay attention to the assumptions that the police witnesses make... how does that color the way they investigate this case?" she said. "They assume things about Mr Matar that affect the way they investigate." A large media presence has gathered in the small lakefront resort town of Mayville near the Canadian border to follow the trial. Matar's defense team sought a delay in the case as his primary lawyer has been hospitalized, but judge David Foley denied the request. Matar's side also sought to have the trial moved from Mayville, near where Rushdie was attacked, arguing a fair trial with local jurors was impossible. Rushdie lived in seclusion in London for a decade after the fatwa, but for the past 20 years -- until the attack -- he lived relatively normally in New York. Last year, he published a memoir called "Knife" in which he recounted the near-death experience. "Why didn't I fight? Why didn't I run? I just stood there," Rushdie wrote. Iran has denied any link to the attacker -- but said only Rushdie was to blame for the incident. The case continues Tuesday. 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.

Salman Rushdie's attacker came 'dangerously close' to killing Satanic Verses author: Prosecutor

After US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Labour government in the United Kingdom (UK) led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-600-arrested-for-working-illegally-in-uk-8705813">Keir Starmer</a> has launched mass raids across the country on people working illegally. Being described as a "UK-wide blitz", the crackdown has reached Indian restaurants, nail bars, car wash areas, and all the other places where Indian migrants are employed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-man-arrested-by-us-immigration-authorities-over-sexual-assault-charges-8703439">Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges</a>
The process is being overseen by the British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Her office said in a statement that although her team responds to illegal workers across all sectors, a great proportion of such scenarios occurred last month at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industries. The office said that one visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, in January led to seven arrests and four detentions.&nbsp;
"The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken," Cooper said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/policy-to-execute-immigration-laws-against-removable-aliens-us-embassy-on-deportation-of-indian-immigrants-8696201">'Policy to execute immigration laws against removable aliens': US Embassy defends deportation of Indians</a>
"Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy," she further added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dumbest-immigration-policy-in-the-world-jd-vance-slams-birthright-citizenship-in-first-interview-as-us-vp-8656473">'Dumbest immigration policy': JD Vance slams birthright citizenship in first interview as US vice president</a>
Notably, the Starmer cabinet is under pressure to prove his government is tough on illegal immigration. The UK is using bespoke charter flights to deport "immigration offenders" across the globe. In four of the biggest migrant return flights in the UK's history, the country deported more than 800 people.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-breaks-down-in-tears-over-trumps-immigration-crackdown-deletes-video-later-8659468">'My people are getting attacked' Selena Gomez breaks down in tears over Trump's immigration crackdown</a>
In a "show, not tell strategy," Starmer is recording the deportation of these flights in Trump-style TV footage. People deported onboard these flights are being called criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder. 
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | INDIA NEWS | After US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Labour government in the United Kingdom (UK) led by Keir Starmer has launched mass raids across the country on people working illegally. 

After US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Labour government in the United Kingdom (UK) led by Keir Starmer has launched mass raids across the country on people working illegally. Being described as a "UK-wide blitz", the crackdown has reached Indian restaurants, nail bars, car wash areas, and all the other places where Indian migrants are employed. Also read: Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges The process is being overseen by the British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Her office said in a statement that although her team responds to illegal workers across all sectors, a great proportion of such scenarios occurred last month at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industries. The office said that one visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, in January led to seven arrests and four detentions. "The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken," Cooper said. Also read: 'Policy to execute immigration laws against removable aliens': US Embassy defends deportation of Indians "Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy," she further added. Also read: 'Dumbest immigration policy': JD Vance slams birthright citizenship in first interview as US vice president Notably, the Starmer cabinet is under pressure to prove his government is tough on illegal immigration. The UK is using bespoke charter flights to deport "immigration offenders" across the globe. In four of the biggest migrant return flights in the UK's history, the country deported more than 800 people. Also read: 'My people are getting attacked' Selena Gomez breaks down in tears over Trump's immigration crackdown In a "show, not tell strategy," Starmer is recording the deportation of these flights in Trump-style TV footage. People deported onboard these flights are being called criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.  (With inputs from agencies)

'UK-wide blitz': Starmer targets Indian restaurants in Trump-style crackdown on illegal immigration

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan is the first person to be hit with travel and economic sanctions authorised by US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The sanction targets Khan for his investigation into US citizens and US allies, the news agency reported.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-retaliates-to-icc-arrest-warrant-against-putin-puts-its-prosecutor-karim-khan-on-wanted-list-594264">Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list</a>
Khan's name was revealed on Monday (Feb 10) in an annexe to an executive order signed by the US president last week. The sanctions further bar Khan, a British national, and his family from visiting the US. His US assets also get frozen under the sanctions.&nbsp;
The ICC slammed the sanctions and pledged to stand by its staff. It said it would continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world in all situations before it.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com">Karim Khan becomes first 'target' by Trump's sanctions on ICC for investigations against US and allies</a>
<h2>'Illegitimate and baseless actions'</h2>
Trump has previously accused the ICC of &ldquo;illegitimate and baseless actions&rdquo; targeting the US and its long-term ally Israel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-attacks-on-un-peacekeepers-could-be-war-crime-whats-united-nations-interim-force-in-lebanon-767239">Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon?</a>
The American president said that the ICC had "abused its power" by issuing a warrant against Netanyahu, whom Trump met recently.
This came after the body issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleging war crimes.&nbsp;
The warrants accuse the duo of crimes against humanity citing Israeli action in Gaza.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-accused-of-crimes-against-humanity-hamas-of-war-crimes-reveals-un-investigation-731043">UN probe accuses Israel of crimes against humanity, Hamas of war crimes</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | The announcement came as part of a broader initiative under an executive order signed by the US president, aiming to impose targeted sanctions on specific individuals.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan is the first person to be hit with travel and economic sanctions authorised by US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The sanction targets Khan for his investigation into US citizens and US allies, the news agency reported. Also read: Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list Khan's name was revealed on Monday (Feb 10) in an annexe to an executive order signed by the US president last week. The sanctions further bar Khan, a British national, and his family from visiting the US. His US assets also get frozen under the sanctions. The ICC slammed the sanctions and pledged to stand by its staff. It said it would continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world in all situations before it. Also read: Karim Khan becomes first 'target' by Trump's sanctions on ICC for investigations against US and allies 'Illegitimate and baseless actions' Trump has previously accused the ICC of “illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the US and its long-term ally Israel. Also read: Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon? The American president said that the ICC had "abused its power" by issuing a warrant against Netanyahu, whom Trump met recently. This came after the body issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleging war crimes. The warrants accuse the duo of crimes against humanity citing Israeli action in Gaza. Also read: UN probe accuses Israel of crimes against humanity, Hamas of war crimes (With inputs from agencies)

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan first to be hit with sanctions, White House confirms

US President Donald Trump said on Monday (Feb 10) that he does not see Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-talked-to-putin-says-russian-president-wants-to-see-people-stop-dying-in-ukraine-war-report-8703614">JD Vance</a> as his successor. Trump said it is "too early" to make such an endorsement and he and his team are "just starting". Trump made the statement ahead of the Super Bowl. This comes after Trump's multiple statements hinting at his desire to run for a third term.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-to-attend-ai-summit-in-paris-8689858">US Vice President JD Vance to attend AI summit in Paris</a>
In an interview, a Fox News journalist asked Trump, "Do you view Vice President JD Vance as your successor, the Republican nominee in 2028?"&nbsp;
Trump replied, "No, but he is very capable. I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far I think he is doing a fantastic job. It's too early. We're just starting."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dumbest-immigration-policy-in-the-world-jd-vance-slams-birthright-citizenship-in-first-interview-as-us-vp-8656473">'Dumbest immigration policy': JD Vance slams birthright citizenship in first interview as US vice president</a>
Trump has previously said he would bring constitutional amendments to run for the third time for the post of the US president.&nbsp;
The 22nd Amendment of the American Constitution does not allow one to become the US president more than twice. Trump first served after winning the 2016 elections and now in 2024.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, JD Vance is being seen as the next face for the Republicans for the 2028 presidential run, as per numerous reports by US media outlets.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-washington-church-jd-vance-melania-trump-8642362">WATCH | Donald Trump, JD Vance attend interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral with family</a>
As per a recent survey of GOP voters by McLaughlin &amp; Associates, around 27 per cent of those who polled want Vance to run for president in 2028.
Just after taking office in January 2025, Vance was asked if he desired to run for the role in 2028. Vance said, &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll see what happens come 2028."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-tells-who-shouldnt-be-pardoned-as-fate-of-jan-6-rioters-hangs-in-balance-8612830">JD Vance tells &lsquo;who shouldn&rsquo;t be pardoned&rsquo; as fate of Jan 6 rioters hangs in balance</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | In an interview, a Fox News journalist asked Trump, "Do you view Vice President JD Vance as your successor, the Republican nominee in 2028?" 

US President Donald Trump said on Monday (Feb 10) that he does not see Vice President JD Vance as his successor. Trump said it is "too early" to make such an endorsement and he and his team are "just starting". Trump made the statement ahead of the Super Bowl. This comes after Trump's multiple statements hinting at his desire to run for a third term. Also read: US Vice President JD Vance to attend AI summit in Paris In an interview, a Fox News journalist asked Trump, "Do you view Vice President JD Vance as your successor, the Republican nominee in 2028?" Trump replied, "No, but he is very capable. I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far I think he is doing a fantastic job. It's too early. We're just starting." Also read: 'Dumbest immigration policy': JD Vance slams birthright citizenship in first interview as US vice president Trump has previously said he would bring constitutional amendments to run for the third time for the post of the US president. The 22nd Amendment of the American Constitution does not allow one to become the US president more than twice. Trump first served after winning the 2016 elections and now in 2024. Meanwhile, JD Vance is being seen as the next face for the Republicans for the 2028 presidential run, as per numerous reports by US media outlets. Also read: WATCH | Donald Trump, JD Vance attend interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral with family As per a recent survey of GOP voters by McLaughlin & Associates, around 27 per cent of those who polled want Vance to run for president in 2028. Just after taking office in January 2025, Vance was asked if he desired to run for the role in 2028. Vance said, “We’ll see what happens come 2028." Also read: JD Vance tells ‘who shouldn’t be pardoned’ as fate of Jan 6 rioters hangs in balance (With inputs from agencies)

'You have lot of very capable people': Trump denies endorsing JD Vance for 2028 presidential run as GOP candidate

At least one person has been reported dead and three injured after two private jets collided in the US on Monday (Feb 10).&nbsp;
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning for Hamas saying "all hell" will break loose unless all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are released by Saturday (Feb 15).&nbsp;
Furthermore, Google changed the name of Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; on Monday (Feb 10) for those using its Maps application in the United States.
Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-dead-three-injured-after-two-private-jets-collide-at-scottsdale-airport-in-us-arizona-airport-crash-airplane-accident-plane-crash-8709058">At least one dead, three injured after two private jets collide at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona. Watch video</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/11/JCAclToTbN9rFPznpwxx.png" alt=" At least one dead, three injured after two private jets collide in Arizona Photograph: (X/donniefitz2) " style="width: 1280px;">
At least one person was killed as two private jets collided in yet another incident in the US on Monday (Feb 10). The latest in a string of aircraft collisions happened at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona around 2:30 pm local time (9:30 PM GMT) when a business jet smashed into another plane after landing at the US airport, said authorities.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-hell-will-break-out-unless-israeli-hostages-are-released-on-saturday-feb-15-israel-hamas-war-gaza-war-8709085">Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/06/BDCSrrVWY3z2Rok2Demc.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (AFP) ">
US President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum on Monday (Feb 10), warning that "all hell" will break loose unless all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are released by Saturday (Feb 15).&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-falls-in-line-with-trumps-order-changes-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-8709246">Google falls in line with Trump&rsquo;s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo;</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/11/9HcQTw250qN0aVcFzSwE.jpg" alt=" Google has officially updated the name of &lsquo;Gulf of Mexico&rsquo; to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; in the US. Photograph: (Google/AFP) ">Google fell in line with Donald Trump&rsquo;s executive order by changing the name of Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; on Monday (Feb 10) for those using its Maps application in the United States.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transgenders-people-with-history-of-gender-dysphoria-can-no-longer-join-us-military-defense-secretary-hegseth-memo-enforces-trumps-order-8709166">Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military, Hegseth memo enforces Trump's order</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/11/tjHRoyFCldFKkkXRmgUn.png" alt=" File Photo: Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump Photograph: (Combination created using images from Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
Transgender people can no longer join the US army. United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week issued a memo preventing transgenders from joining the US military and halting gender transition for those already enrolled.
Donald trump warns 'All Hell' will break loose if Gaza hostages not returned<video width="1280" height="720" controls="controls">
<source src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-warns-all-hell-will-break-loose-if-gaza-hostages-not-returned-8709245"></video>
&nbsp;

Good morning! Here are the top news from across the world to start your day with. 

At least one person has been reported dead and three injured after two private jets collided in the US on Monday (Feb 10). Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning for Hamas saying "all hell" will break loose unless all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are released by Saturday (Feb 15). Furthermore, Google changed the name of Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ on Monday (Feb 10) for those using its Maps application in the United States. Click on the headlines to read more At least one dead, three injured after two private jets collide at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona. Watch video At least one person was killed as two private jets collided in yet another incident in the US on Monday (Feb 10). The latest in a string of aircraft collisions happened at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona around 2:30 pm local time (9:30 PM GMT) when a business jet smashed into another plane after landing at the US airport, said authorities. Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15 US President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum on Monday (Feb 10), warning that "all hell" will break loose unless all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are released by Saturday (Feb 15). Google falls in line with Trump’s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ Google fell in line with Donald Trump’s executive order by changing the name of Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ on Monday (Feb 10) for those using its Maps application in the United States. Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military, Hegseth memo enforces Trump's order Transgender people can no longer join the US army. United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week issued a memo preventing transgenders from joining the US military and halting gender transition for those already enrolled. Donald trump warns 'All Hell' will break loose if Gaza hostages not returned

Morning news brief: One killed after two private jets collide in US's Arizona; Trump's stark warning to Hamas, and more

Transgender people can no longer join the US army. United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week issued a memo preventing transgender from joining the US military and halting gender transition for those already enrolled.
The memo was issued on February 7 but became public on Monday (Feb 10) as part of a court case challenging US President Donald Trump's order barring military service for transgender personnel.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-falls-in-line-with-trumps-order-changes-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-8709246">Google falls in line with Trump&rsquo;s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Anti-trans memo</h2>
In the February 7 memo, Hegseth ordered: "Effective immediately, all new accessions for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are paused".
Additionally, it instructs that "all unscheduled, scheduled or planned medical procedures associated with affirming or facilitating a gender transition for service members are paused".
While the memo did not specify if any action will be taken against transgender personnel already in the military, it cited Trump's executive order, which said: "Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-hell-will-break-out-unless-israeli-hostages-are-released-on-saturday-feb-15-israel-hamas-war-gaza-war-8709085">Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15</a>
<h2>US and transgender military personnel</h2>
As per AFP, transgender individuals in the US military have faced a roller coaster of changing policies over the years.&nbsp;
During Barack Obama's second term in office, the US military lifted a ban on&nbsp;transgender&nbsp;troops in 2016. It allowed trans troops already serving to continue to do so. It further stated that transgender recruits will be accepted by July 1, 2017.
After Trump came to power, he postponed that date to 2018.&nbsp;
Despite a lengthy legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court, in April 2019, transgender personnel were once again banned.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-transgenders-woe-as-passport-process-gets-complicated-for-them-amid-trumps-new-policy-8703305">Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy</a>
In 2021, Trump's successor, the 46th President of the United States Joe Biden, lifted the restrictions, saying all Americans qualified to serve should be able to do so.&nbsp;
Now, back in power, Trump has once again banned trans individuals from the US military. This is in line with his anti-DEI stance that in less than one month of Trump 2.0 has led to a blitz of orders against 'racist/sexist DEI nonsense'.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Explore how a memo by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth enforces Trump's order, preventing transgender enlistment and halting gender transition procedures in the US military.

Transgender people can no longer join the US army. United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week issued a memo preventing transgender from joining the US military and halting gender transition for those already enrolled. The memo was issued on February 7 but became public on Monday (Feb 10) as part of a court case challenging US President Donald Trump's order barring military service for transgender personnel. Also read | Google falls in line with Trump’s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ Anti-trans memo In the February 7 memo, Hegseth ordered: "Effective immediately, all new accessions for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are paused". Additionally, it instructs that "all unscheduled, scheduled or planned medical procedures associated with affirming or facilitating a gender transition for service members are paused". While the memo did not specify if any action will be taken against transgender personnel already in the military, it cited Trump's executive order, which said: "Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service." Also read | Trump warns Hamas 'all hell' will break loose unless Israeli hostages are released on Feb 15 US and transgender military personnel As per AFP, transgender individuals in the US military have faced a roller coaster of changing policies over the years. During Barack Obama's second term in office, the US military lifted a ban on transgender troops in 2016. It allowed trans troops already serving to continue to do so. It further stated that transgender recruits will be accepted by July 1, 2017. After Trump came to power, he postponed that date to 2018. Despite a lengthy legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court, in April 2019, transgender personnel were once again banned. Also read | Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy In 2021, Trump's successor, the 46th President of the United States Joe Biden, lifted the restrictions, saying all Americans qualified to serve should be able to do so. Now, back in power, Trump has once again banned trans individuals from the US military. This is in line with his anti-DEI stance that in less than one month of Trump 2.0 has led to a blitz of orders against 'racist/sexist DEI nonsense'. (With inputs from agencies)

Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military: Hegseth memo

Google fell in line with Donald Trump&rsquo;s executive order by changing the name of Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; on Monday (Feb 10) for those using its Maps application in the United States.
<h2>Google announces change of name</h2>
In a blog post, the tech giant wrote it has officially updated the name of &lsquo;Gulf of Mexico&rsquo; to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; in the US.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-officially-renames-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-in-us-will-it-catch-on-internationally-8652331">Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally?</a>
&ldquo;People using Maps in the U.S. will see &lsquo;Gulf of America,&rsquo; and people in Mexico will see &lsquo;Gulf of Mexico.&rsquo; Everyone else will see both names,&rdquo; Google wrote.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Image shared by Google." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/11/FbFuJy5omkmltSpOsWuA.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Image shared by Google. Photograph: (https://blog.google/)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;Earlier on January 27, Google stated in an X post, &ldquo;We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.&rdquo;
Google said that the change of name aligns with the the Geographic Names Information System, the official US government geographic designations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-maps-to-rename-gulf-of-mexico-as-gulf-of-america-for-us-users-8662129">Google Maps to rename Gulf of Mexico as &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; for US users</a>
<h2>Glitch in the (gulf) matrix?</h2>
Some social media users have reported seeing a glitch in Google maps while viewing the gulf. A user from Kentuckey shared a video where the map shows the name &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo; when it is zoomed out. However, it changed to &lsquo;Gulf of Mexico&rsquo; when he zooms in.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Google can&rsquo;t decide if it&rsquo;s the Gulf of America or the Gulf of Mexico,&rdquo; the user wrote on X.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-of-america-or-gulf-of-mexico-how-google-deals-with-controversial-geography-8675623">'Gulf of America' or 'Gulf of Mexico': How Google deals with controversial geography</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Google can&rsquo;t decide if it&rsquo;s the Gulf of America or the Gulf of Mexico <a href="https://t.co/SB91o9qYSW">pic.twitter.com/SB91o9qYSW</a>
&mdash; greg (@greg16676935420) <a href="https://twitter.com/greg16676935420/status/1889077495896645759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

<h2>Trump's orders on renaming locations spark controversy</h2>
The Trump administration&rsquo;s Interior Department announced on Friday (Jan 24) that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The move was authorised by President Donald Trump.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is not the only executive order that Trump has signed. Trump has also signed an order to revert the name of the highest peak in the US, Denali, back to its former moniker Mt. McKinley.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-to-write-to-google-for-changing-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-on-its-maps-8669763">Mexico to write to Google for changing Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' on its maps</a>
In 2015, then-president Barack Obama officially renamed the Alaska mountain to Denali, the name used by the natives for centuries.&nbsp;
Trump&rsquo;s renaming of the peak has sparked a backlash from the Indigenous groups in Alaska while changing the name of the gulf has drawn diplomatic tensions with Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump by suggesting to call the United States &ldquo;Mexican America,&rdquo; pointing to an older map before one-third of her country was seized by the US in 1848.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | “People using Maps in the U.S. will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names,” Google wrote.

Google fell in line with Donald Trump’s executive order by changing the name of Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ on Monday (Feb 10) for those using its Maps application in the United States. Google announces change of name In a blog post, the tech giant wrote it has officially updated the name of ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ in the US. Also read | Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally? “People using Maps in the U.S. will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names,” Google wrote. Image shared by Google. Photograph: (https://blog.google/) Earlier on January 27, Google stated in an X post, “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.” Google said that the change of name aligns with the the Geographic Names Information System, the official US government geographic designations. Also read | Google Maps to rename Gulf of Mexico as ‘Gulf of America’ for US users Glitch in the (gulf) matrix? Some social media users have reported seeing a glitch in Google maps while viewing the gulf. A user from Kentuckey shared a video where the map shows the name ‘Gulf of America’ when it is zoomed out. However, it changed to ‘Gulf of Mexico’ when he zooms in. “Google can’t decide if it’s the Gulf of America or the Gulf of Mexico,” the user wrote on X. Also read | 'Gulf of America' or 'Gulf of Mexico': How Google deals with controversial geography Google can’t decide if it’s the Gulf of America or the Gulf of Mexico pic.twitter.com/SB91o9qYSW — greg (@greg16676935420) February 10, 2025 Trump's orders on renaming locations spark controversy The Trump administration’s Interior Department announced on Friday (Jan 24) that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The move was authorised by President Donald Trump. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is not the only executive order that Trump has signed. Trump has also signed an order to revert the name of the highest peak in the US, Denali, back to its former moniker Mt. McKinley. Also read | Mexico to write to Google for changing Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' on its maps In 2015, then-president Barack Obama officially renamed the Alaska mountain to Denali, the name used by the natives for centuries. Trump’s renaming of the peak has sparked a backlash from the Indigenous groups in Alaska while changing the name of the gulf has drawn diplomatic tensions with Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump by suggesting to call the United States “Mexican America,” pointing to an older map before one-third of her country was seized by the US in 1848. (With inputs from agencies)

Google falls in line with Trump’s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’

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