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The European Union is considering a new level of ties with Canada, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing that Ottawa become the bloc’s first “associate member”. During her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on Wednesday (Sep 16), Von der Leyen made the offer to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying she wanted to work towards “opening the door” for Canada.Carney, who received a standing ovation from European lawmakers, has been pushing for a “unique alliance” with the EU as relations between Canada and the United States come under increasing strain.<h2>Beyond trade, towards an alliance</h2>The proposed arrangement would build on the existing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which removes tariffs on 99 per cent of goods exports between Canada and the EU. Von der Leyen said Brussels wanted to take the relationship further.“We will move from CETA to an Alliance for the Future to create a common prosperity and economic security space,” she said.The expanded cooperation could cover advanced manufacturing, technology, defence production, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security.Von der Leyen also stressed that the initiative was based on shared political values.“Above all, dear Mark, Europe and Canada believe in democracy,” she said.<h2>Canada-EU ties deepen amid US tensions</h2>The proposal comes as Canada faces an intensifying trade dispute with the US. Trade talks between Ottawa and Washington collapsed last month, followed by new tariff measures. US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly spoken about Canada becoming the “51st state”, adding to tensions between the two neighbours.Von der Leyen avoided naming Trump directly while stressing that the proposed partnership was not aimed at another country.“This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength,” she said.Carney is due to address the European Parliament on Thursday (Sep 17).<h2>Security also on the agenda</h2>Von der Leyen separately proposed a European Security Council involving partners including Canada, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.“This is even more urgent now, given the nature and scale of the risks at play,” she said.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed Canada become the bloc’s first ‘associate member’, seeking closer ties with Ottawa amid worsening Canada-US trade tensions and shared security concerns.

The European Union is considering a new level of ties with Canada, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing that Ottawa become the bloc’s first “associate member”. During her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on Wednesday (Sep 16), Von der Leyen made the offer to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying she wanted to work towards “opening the door” for Canada. Carney, who received a standing ovation from European lawmakers, has been pushing for a “unique alliance” with the EU as relations between Canada and the United States come under increasing strain. Beyond trade, towards an alliance The proposed arrangement would build on the existing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which removes tariffs on 99 per cent of goods exports between Canada and the EU. Von der Leyen said Brussels wanted to take the relationship further. “We will move from CETA to an Alliance for the Future to create a common prosperity and economic security space,” she said. The expanded cooperation could cover advanced manufacturing, technology, defence production, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security. Von der Leyen also stressed that the initiative was based on shared political values. “Above all, dear Mark, Europe and Canada believe in democracy,” she said. Canada-EU ties deepen amid US tensions The proposal comes as Canada faces an intensifying trade dispute with the US. Trade talks between Ottawa and Washington collapsed last month, followed by new tariff measures. US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly spoken about Canada becoming the “51st state”, adding to tensions between the two neighbours. Von der Leyen avoided naming Trump directly while stressing that the proposed partnership was not aimed at another country. “This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength,” she said. Carney is due to address the European Parliament on Thursday (Sep 17). Security also on the agenda Von der Leyen separately proposed a European Security Council involving partners including Canada, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. “This is even more urgent now, given the nature and scale of the risks at play,” she said.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed Canada become the bloc’s first ‘associate member’, seeking closer ties with Ottawa amid worsening Canada-US trade tensions and shared security concerns.

Canada to become EU’s first ‘associate member’? Von der Leyen proposes move amid US tensions

The global economic landscape continues to be dominated by the United States and China, with the two countries maintaining a substantial lead over other major economies in terms of nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections for 2026, the United States is expected to remain the world's largest economy, with a nominal GDP of approximately $32.38 trillion. China ranks second with an estimated GDP of $20.85 trillion, followed by Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.<h3>United States leads global economy</h3>The United States tops the ranking with a projected nominal GDP of $32.38 trillion. Its economy remains significantly larger than that of China, the world's second-largest economy. China's projected GDP stands at around $20.85 trillion, while Germany is expected to rank third with approximately $5.45 trillion.<h3>Japan and UK complete top five</h3>Japan is projected to have a nominal GDP of around $4.38 trillion, placing it fourth globally. The United Kingdom follows closely in fifth place, with an estimated GDP of $4.26 trillion. The figures highlight the continued economic weight of the world's major developed economies, even as emerging markets expand their share of global output.<h3>India among world's biggest economies</h3>India is projected to have a nominal GDP of approximately $4.15 trillion in 2026, placing it sixth among the world's largest economies.India has been among the fastest-growing major economies in recent years, with strong domestic demand and investment contributing to its economic expansion. France ranks seventh with an estimated GDP of $3.21 trillion, followed by Italy at approximately $2.42 trillion. Canada is placed ninth, with a projected GDP of around $2.23 trillion.<h3>Russia and Brazil</h3>Russia and Brazil round out the group of major economies, although their precise positions can vary depending on the source, exchange-rate movements and the timing of economic estimates. Nominal GDP measures the value of goods and services produced by an economy at current prices and exchange rates. Unlike purchasing power parity (PPP), it does not adjust for differences in the cost of living between countries. The rankings can therefore shift as currencies fluctuate and economic forecasts are revised. Nevertheless, the 2026 projections underscore the continued dominance of the US and China while highlighting India's growing position among the world's largest economies.

The US is projected to remain the world's largest economy in 2026 with a nominal GDP of $32.38 trillion, followed by China at $20.85 trillion. Germany, Japan and the UK complete the top five, while India ranks sixth with an estimated GDP of $4.15 trillion.

The global economic landscape continues to be dominated by the United States and China, with the two countries maintaining a substantial lead over other major economies in terms of nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections for 2026, the United States is expected to remain the world's largest economy, with a nominal GDP of approximately $32.38 trillion. China ranks second with an estimated GDP of $20.85 trillion, followed by Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. United States leads global economy The United States tops the ranking with a projected nominal GDP of $32.38 trillion. Its economy remains significantly larger than that of China, the world's second-largest economy. China's projected GDP stands at around $20.85 trillion, while Germany is expected to rank third with approximately $5.45 trillion. Japan and UK complete top five Japan is projected to have a nominal GDP of around $4.38 trillion, placing it fourth globally. The United Kingdom follows closely in fifth place, with an estimated GDP of $4.26 trillion. The figures highlight the continued economic weight of the world's major developed economies, even as emerging markets expand their share of global output. India among world's biggest economies India is projected to have a nominal GDP of approximately $4.15 trillion in 2026, placing it sixth among the world's largest economies. India has been among the fastest-growing major economies in recent years, with strong domestic demand and investment contributing to its economic expansion. France ranks seventh with an estimated GDP of $3.21 trillion, followed by Italy at approximately $2.42 trillion. Canada is placed ninth, with a projected GDP of around $2.23 trillion. Russia and Brazil Russia and Brazil round out the group of major economies, although their precise positions can vary depending on the source, exchange-rate movements and the timing of economic estimates. Nominal GDP measures the value of goods and services produced by an economy at current prices and exchange rates. Unlike purchasing power parity (PPP), it does not adjust for differences in the cost of living between countries. The rankings can therefore shift as currencies fluctuate and economic forecasts are revised. Nevertheless, the 2026 projections underscore the continued dominance of the US and China while highlighting India's growing position among the world's largest economies.

The US is projected to remain the world's largest economy in 2026 with a nominal GDP of $32.38 trillion, followed by China at $20.85 trillion. Germany, Japan and the UK complete the top five, while India ranks sixth with an estimated GDP of $4.15 trillion.

US, China dominate global economy: Where does India rank among the world's biggest economies?

The Indian government has designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).&nbsp;The Union Home Affairs Ministry, in a gazette notification issued on Wednesday, invoked Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA to add the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) to the First Schedule of the law. The schedule lists organisations designated as terrorist outfits.&nbsp;The notification referred to several criminal cases involving alleged members of the SBN. These cases have been registered under laws including the UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Information Technology Act and Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.

The Centre has declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the UAPA and added it to the Act’s First Schedule.

The Indian government has designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Union Home Affairs Ministry, in a gazette notification issued on Wednesday, invoked Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA to add the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) to the First Schedule of the law. The schedule lists organisations designated as terrorist outfits. The notification referred to several criminal cases involving alleged members of the SBN. These cases have been registered under laws including the UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Information Technology Act and Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.

The Centre has declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the UAPA and added it to the Act’s First Schedule.

Shahzad Bhatti Network declared terrorist organisation under UAPA: Govt order

US Attorney General Todd Blanche has said the Donald Trump administration will comply with the Supreme Court's decision blocking new US Postal Service rules for mail-in ballots ahead of the November midterm elections. "Of course, we're going to comply with the Supreme Court's decision, as we always do," Blanche said during a White House briefing on Tuesday (Sep 15), in response to a question from CBS News.The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the administration's request to allow the new USPS rules to take effect while legal challenges against them continue. In its unsigned order, the court said the government was "unlikely to succeed on the merits" of its challenge to a lower court's decision blocking the rules.<h2>What were the mail ballot rules?</h2>The rules, finalised by the Postal Service last month, would have introduced new requirements for mail-in ballots. Under the policy, ballot envelopes would have needed to meet specific design requirements, including a unique barcode that could be scanned by USPS equipment. State and local election officials would also have been required to submit certain information about voters receiving mail ballots to a government-operated portal.Several states have already begun sending mail ballots ahead of the November elections. Election officials had argued that implementing the new requirements at this stage would be difficult and could disrupt the voting process.<h2>Blanche defends administration's election efforts</h2>Blanche said the Supreme Court ruling would not stop the administration from continuing its broader efforts related to election security. "That doesn't mean that we're not going to do everything in this administration that we can to make sure that there are free and fair elections," he said. He also said the administration disagreed with the court's decision. "We do think that this decision is not the right decision. That is okay. That's the way democracy works," Blanche said.The ruling was supported by a majority of the justices, while conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the majority, although he separately indicated that he believed the Postal Service could have statutory authority for some aspects of the rule. He said implementing it for the 2026 elections was not legally permissible because election officials did not have enough time to reasonably put the requirements in place.<h2>Trump criticises Supreme Court</h2>The ruling also prompted a sharp response from Trump, who criticised the Supreme Court in a Truth Social post. Trump described the decision as "another bad decision" against his administration and accused the court of causing serious damage to the country through recent rulings. Blanche acknowledged that Trump was frustrated with the court and defended the president's right to express his views."He is very frustrated," Blanche said, adding that Trump "has every right and indeed, he should communicate his concerns with the Supreme Court whenever he has them."

US Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed compliance with the Supreme Court's ruling blocking new Postal Service mail-in ballot rules, while defending election security efforts and President Trump's public frustration. 

US Attorney General Todd Blanche has said the Donald Trump administration will comply with the Supreme Court's decision blocking new US Postal Service rules for mail-in ballots ahead of the November midterm elections. "Of course, we're going to comply with the Supreme Court's decision, as we always do," Blanche said during a White House briefing on Tuesday (Sep 15), in response to a question from CBS News. The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the administration's request to allow the new USPS rules to take effect while legal challenges against them continue. In its unsigned order, the court said the government was "unlikely to succeed on the merits" of its challenge to a lower court's decision blocking the rules. What were the mail ballot rules? The rules, finalised by the Postal Service last month, would have introduced new requirements for mail-in ballots. Under the policy, ballot envelopes would have needed to meet specific design requirements, including a unique barcode that could be scanned by USPS equipment. State and local election officials would also have been required to submit certain information about voters receiving mail ballots to a government-operated portal. Several states have already begun sending mail ballots ahead of the November elections. Election officials had argued that implementing the new requirements at this stage would be difficult and could disrupt the voting process. Blanche defends administration's election efforts Blanche said the Supreme Court ruling would not stop the administration from continuing its broader efforts related to election security. "That doesn't mean that we're not going to do everything in this administration that we can to make sure that there are free and fair elections," he said. He also said the administration disagreed with the court's decision. "We do think that this decision is not the right decision. That is okay. That's the way democracy works," Blanche said. The ruling was supported by a majority of the justices, while conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the majority, although he separately indicated that he believed the Postal Service could have statutory authority for some aspects of the rule. He said implementing it for the 2026 elections was not legally permissible because election officials did not have enough time to reasonably put the requirements in place. Trump criticises Supreme Court The ruling also prompted a sharp response from Trump, who criticised the Supreme Court in a Truth Social post. Trump described the decision as "another bad decision" against his administration and accused the court of causing serious damage to the country through recent rulings. Blanche acknowledged that Trump was frustrated with the court and defended the president's right to express his views. "He is very frustrated," Blanche said, adding that Trump "has every right and indeed, he should communicate his concerns with the Supreme Court whenever he has them."

US Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed compliance with the Supreme Court's ruling blocking new Postal Service mail-in ballot rules, while defending election security efforts and President Trump's public frustration.&nbsp;

Trump admin will comply with Supreme Court mail ballot ruling despite Trump’s criticism, Blanche says. Everything explained

A Pakistan Navy ship involved in a collision with an Indian warship in international waters has returned to harbour after sustaining "severe damage", according to sources familiar with the incident.&nbsp;The incident took place on the evening of 15 September in the North Arabian Sea, where a Pakistani naval vessel approached a frontline Indian Navy warship at high speed while the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission. Indian side has described the Pakistani ship's manoeuvring as “unprofessional and unsafe manner,” resulting in a collision.&nbsp;India has summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Pakistani ship’s conduct was “unacceptable and unprofessional” and in “direct contravention” of a 1991 bilateral agreement.&nbsp;Article 10 of that pact, the Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements, states: “The Naval ships and submarines belonging to the other country are not to come closer than three Nautical Miles (NMs) from each other so as to avoid any accident while operating in international waters.”&nbsp;Indian sources said New Delhi’s warship suffered no major damage, no injuries and no loss of operational capability, and continued its mission. They added that the Indian Navy captain showed restraint. “Even under extreme provocation, the Indian Navy captain exercised extreme restraint by taking actions to prevent a severe accident from taking place which could have caused serious loss of life and damage,” sources said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-name-cannot-return-to-kennedy-center-us-judge-rules-1789493053928">Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules</a>&nbsp;Pakistan has not issued an official statement on the collision or the condition of its vessel. India instructed its envoy in Islamabad to deliver a matching protest. The chargé d’affaires in New Delhi was told to convey that military units on both sides must exercise due care and respect existing agreements to prevent a repeat.&nbsp;The incident is the first publicly acknowledged close-quarters naval encounter between the two countries since a brief but intense conflict last year. The 1991 agreement was designed as a confidence-building measure to reduce the risk of accidental clashes at sea between the nuclear-armed neighbours, whose navies routinely operate in the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;Officials in New Delhi described the collision as a breach of established safety distances rather than a deliberate attack, but warned against any recurrence. &nbsp;The latest episode has revived memories of earlier near-misses, including a 2011 standoff involving Indian and Pakistani frigates.

A Pakistani Navy ship returned to harbour with severe damage after colliding with an Indian warship in the North Arabian Sea, prompting a strong protest from New Delhi.

A Pakistan Navy ship involved in a collision with an Indian warship in international waters has returned to harbour after sustaining "severe damage", according to sources familiar with the incident. The incident took place on the evening of 15 September in the North Arabian Sea, where a Pakistani naval vessel approached a frontline Indian Navy warship at high speed while the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission. Indian side has described the Pakistani ship's manoeuvring as “unprofessional and unsafe manner,” resulting in a collision. India has summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Pakistani ship’s conduct was “unacceptable and unprofessional” and in “direct contravention” of a 1991 bilateral agreement. Article 10 of that pact, the Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements, states: “The Naval ships and submarines belonging to the other country are not to come closer than three Nautical Miles (NMs) from each other so as to avoid any accident while operating in international waters.” Indian sources said New Delhi’s warship suffered no major damage, no injuries and no loss of operational capability, and continued its mission. They added that the Indian Navy captain showed restraint. “Even under extreme provocation, the Indian Navy captain exercised extreme restraint by taking actions to prevent a severe accident from taking place which could have caused serious loss of life and damage,” sources said. Also Read: Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules Pakistan has not issued an official statement on the collision or the condition of its vessel. India instructed its envoy in Islamabad to deliver a matching protest. The chargé d’affaires in New Delhi was told to convey that military units on both sides must exercise due care and respect existing agreements to prevent a repeat. The incident is the first publicly acknowledged close-quarters naval encounter between the two countries since a brief but intense conflict last year. The 1991 agreement was designed as a confidence-building measure to reduce the risk of accidental clashes at sea between the nuclear-armed neighbours, whose navies routinely operate in the Arabian Sea. Officials in New Delhi described the collision as a breach of established safety distances rather than a deliberate attack, but warned against any recurrence. The latest episode has revived memories of earlier near-misses, including a 2011 standoff involving Indian and Pakistani frigates.

A Pakistani Navy ship returned to harbour with severe damage after colliding with an Indian warship in the North Arabian Sea, prompting a strong protest from New Delhi.

Pakistan naval vessel returns to harbour with 'severe damage' after collision with Indian warship in Arabian Sea

The United Nations General Assembly is set to bring world leaders together once again as the 81st session intensifies at the UN headquarters in New York. The high-level meetings segment, scheduled for September 22-26, 2026, will see heads of state and government, ministers and senior officials from around the world discuss pressing international challenges.The annual gathering comes as countries seek to strengthen global cooperation, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote collective action on peace, dignity, equality and environmental sustainability.<h2>UN General Assembly 2026: What to expect</h2>The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, also known as UNGA81, will feature a series of discussions and events focused on international cooperation and practical solutions to global challenges.Two platforms will place a particular emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals and efforts to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda.The SDG Media Zone, produced by the UN Department of Global Communications, will run from September 21 to 25. The platform will feature interviews, panel discussions and conversations highlighting solutions to challenges linked to sustainable development.Another key platform, the Goals Lounge, will operate from September 14 to 25. Convened by the UN Deputy Secretary-General and hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships, it will feature informal dialogues, in-depth discussions on critical issues and interactive experiences.Events from both platforms will be available to audiences worldwide through live streams on UN WebTV.<h2>High-level meetings to begin on September 22</h2>The high-level segment of UNGA81 will begin on September 22 and continue through September 26. The meetings are expected to draw senior representatives from UN member states for discussions on issues affecting international peace, development and global governance.The General Assembly remains the UN's principal deliberative, policymaking and representative body. Its annual session provides a platform for all member states to present their positions, debate international issues and work towards collective decisions.<h2>How many countries are members of the United Nations?</h2>The United Nations currently has 193 member states. These countries make up the organisation's membership and participate in the General Assembly, where each member state has one vote.The UN also recognises two non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine. While they do not have the same voting rights as member states, they can participate in the work of the General Assembly under observer status.The full list of the 193 UN member states is arranged alphabetically below.<h2>Full list of 193 United Nations member countries</h2><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Afghanistan</td></tr><tr><td>Albania</td></tr><tr><td>Algeria</td></tr><tr><td>Andorra</td></tr><tr><td>Angola</td></tr><tr><td>Antigua and Barbuda</td></tr><tr><td>Argentina</td></tr><tr><td>Armenia</td></tr><tr><td>Australia</td></tr><tr><td>Austria</td></tr><tr><td>Azerbaijan</td></tr><tr><td>Bahamas</td></tr><tr><td>Bahrain</td></tr><tr><td>Bangladesh</td></tr><tr><td>Barbados</td></tr><tr><td>Belarus</td></tr><tr><td>Belgium</td></tr><tr><td>Belize</td></tr><tr><td>Benin</td></tr><tr><td>Bhutan</td></tr><tr><td>Bolivia</td></tr><tr><td>Bosnia and Herzegovina</td></tr><tr><td>Botswana</td></tr><tr><td>Brazil</td></tr><tr><td>Brunei Darussalam</td></tr><tr><td>Bulgaria</td></tr><tr><td>Burkina Faso</td></tr><tr><td>Burundi</td></tr><tr><td>Cabo Verde</td></tr><tr><td>Cambodia</td></tr><tr><td>Cameroon</td></tr><tr><td>Canada</td></tr><tr><td>Central African Republic</td></tr><tr><td>Chad</td></tr><tr><td>Chile</td></tr><tr><td>China</td></tr><tr><td>Colombia</td></tr><tr><td>Comoros</td></tr><tr><td>Congo</td></tr><tr><td>Costa Rica</td></tr><tr><td>Côte d'Ivoire</td></tr><tr><td>Croatia</td></tr><tr><td>Cuba</td></tr><tr><td>Cyprus</td></tr><tr><td>Czechia</td></tr><tr><td>Democratic People's Republic of Korea</td></tr><tr><td>Democratic Republic of the Congo</td></tr><tr><td>Denmark</td></tr><tr><td>Djibouti</td></tr><tr><td>Dominica</td></tr><tr><td>Dominican Republic</td></tr><tr><td>Ecuador</td></tr><tr><td>Egypt</td></tr><tr><td>El Salvador</td></tr><tr><td>Equatorial Guinea</td></tr><tr><td>Eritrea</td></tr><tr><td>Estonia</td></tr><tr><td>Eswatini</td></tr><tr><td>Ethiopia</td></tr><tr><td>Fiji</td></tr><tr><td>Finland</td></tr><tr><td>France</td></tr><tr><td>Gabon</td></tr><tr><td>Gambia</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia</td></tr><tr><td>Germany</td></tr><tr><td>Ghana</td></tr><tr><td>Greece</td></tr><tr><td>Grenada</td></tr><tr><td>Guatemala</td></tr><tr><td>Guinea</td></tr><tr><td>Guinea-Bissau</td></tr><tr><td>Guyana</td></tr><tr><td>Haiti</td></tr><tr><td>Honduras</td></tr><tr><td>Hungary</td></tr><tr><td>Iceland</td></tr><tr><td>India</td></tr><tr><td>Indonesia</td></tr><tr><td>Iran</td></tr><tr><td>Iraq</td></tr><tr><td>Ireland</td></tr><tr><td>Israel</td></tr><tr><td>Italy</td></tr><tr><td>Jamaica</td></tr><tr><td>Japan</td></tr><tr><td>Jordan</td></tr><tr><td>Kazakhstan</td></tr><tr><td>Kenya</td></tr><tr><td>Kiribati</td></tr><tr><td>Kuwait</td></tr><tr><td>Kyrgyzstan</td></tr><tr><td>Lao People's Democratic Republic</td></tr><tr><td>Latvia</td></tr><tr><td>Lebanon</td></tr><tr><td>Lesotho</td></tr><tr><td>Liberia</td></tr><tr><td>Libya</td></tr><tr><td>Liechtenstein</td></tr><tr><td>Lithuania</td></tr><tr><td>Luxembourg</td></tr><tr><td>Madagascar</td></tr><tr><td>Malawi</td></tr><tr><td>Malaysia</td></tr><tr><td>Maldives</td></tr><tr><td>Mali</td></tr><tr><td>Malta</td></tr><tr><td>Marshall Islands</td></tr><tr><td>Mauritania</td></tr><tr><td>Mauritius</td></tr><tr><td>Mexico</td></tr><tr><td>Micronesia (Federated States of)</td></tr><tr><td>Monaco</td></tr><tr><td>Mongolia</td></tr><tr><td>Montenegro</td></tr><tr><td>Morocco</td></tr><tr><td>Mozambique</td></tr><tr><td>Myanmar</td></tr><tr><td>Namibia</td></tr><tr><td>Nauru</td></tr><tr><td>Nepal</td></tr><tr><td>Netherlands</td></tr><tr><td>New Zealand</td></tr><tr><td>Nicaragua</td></tr><tr><td>Niger</td></tr><tr><td>Nigeria</td></tr><tr><td>North Macedonia</td></tr><tr><td>Norway</td></tr><tr><td>Oman</td></tr><tr><td>Pakistan</td></tr><tr><td>Palau</td></tr><tr><td>Panama</td></tr><tr><td>Papua New Guinea</td></tr><tr><td>Paraguay</td></tr><tr><td>Peru</td></tr><tr><td>Philippines</td></tr><tr><td>Poland</td></tr><tr><td>Portugal</td></tr><tr><td>Qatar</td></tr><tr><td>Republic of Korea</td></tr><tr><td>Republic of Moldova</td></tr><tr><td>Romania</td></tr><tr><td>Russian Federation</td></tr><tr><td>Rwanda</td></tr><tr><td>Saint Kitts and Nevis</td></tr><tr><td>Saint Lucia</td></tr><tr><td>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</td></tr><tr><td>Samoa</td></tr><tr><td>San Marino</td></tr><tr><td>Sao Tome and Principe</td></tr><tr><td>Saudi Arabia</td></tr><tr><td>Senegal</td></tr><tr><td>Serbia</td></tr><tr><td>Seychelles</td></tr><tr><td>Sierra Leone</td></tr><tr><td>Singapore</td></tr><tr><td>Slovakia</td></tr><tr><td>Slovenia</td></tr><tr><td>Solomon Islands</td></tr><tr><td>Somalia</td></tr><tr><td>South Africa</td></tr><tr><td>South Sudan</td></tr><tr><td>Spain</td></tr><tr><td>Sri Lanka</td></tr><tr><td>Sudan</td></tr><tr><td>Suriname</td></tr><tr><td>Sweden</td></tr><tr><td>Switzerland</td></tr><tr><td>Syrian Arab Republic</td></tr><tr><td>Tajikistan</td></tr><tr><td>Thailand</td></tr><tr><td>Timor-Leste</td></tr><tr><td>Togo</td></tr><tr><td>Tonga</td></tr><tr><td>Trinidad and Tobago</td></tr><tr><td>Tunisia</td></tr><tr><td>Türkiye</td></tr><tr><td>Turkmenistan</td></tr><tr><td>Tuvalu</td></tr><tr><td>Uganda</td></tr><tr><td>Ukraine</td></tr><tr><td>United Arab Emirates</td></tr><tr><td>United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><td>United Republic of Tanzania</td></tr><tr><td>United States of America</td></tr><tr><td>Uruguay</td></tr><tr><td>Uzbekistan</td></tr><tr><td>Vanuatu</td></tr><tr><td>Venezuela</td></tr><tr><td>Viet Nam</td></tr><tr><td>Yemen</td></tr><tr><td>Zambia</td></tr><tr><td>Zimbabwe</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

As world leaders prepare to gather in New York for UNGA81, the United Nations is set for another major diplomatic week. But how many countries actually make up the UN and which ones are on the full list?

The United Nations General Assembly is set to bring world leaders together once again as the 81st session intensifies at the UN headquarters in New York. The high-level meetings segment, scheduled for September 22-26, 2026, will see heads of state and government, ministers and senior officials from around the world discuss pressing international challenges. The annual gathering comes as countries seek to strengthen global cooperation, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote collective action on peace, dignity, equality and environmental sustainability. UN General Assembly 2026: What to expect The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, also known as UNGA81, will feature a series of discussions and events focused on international cooperation and practical solutions to global challenges. Two platforms will place a particular emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals and efforts to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda. The SDG Media Zone, produced by the UN Department of Global Communications, will run from September 21 to 25. The platform will feature interviews, panel discussions and conversations highlighting solutions to challenges linked to sustainable development. Another key platform, the Goals Lounge, will operate from September 14 to 25. Convened by the UN Deputy Secretary-General and hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships, it will feature informal dialogues, in-depth discussions on critical issues and interactive experiences. Events from both platforms will be available to audiences worldwide through live streams on UN WebTV. High-level meetings to begin on September 22 The high-level segment of UNGA81 will begin on September 22 and continue through September 26. The meetings are expected to draw senior representatives from UN member states for discussions on issues affecting international peace, development and global governance. The General Assembly remains the UN's principal deliberative, policymaking and representative body. Its annual session provides a platform for all member states to present their positions, debate international issues and work towards collective decisions. How many countries are members of the United Nations? The United Nations currently has 193 member states. These countries make up the organisation's membership and participate in the General Assembly, where each member state has one vote. The UN also recognises two non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine. While they do not have the same voting rights as member states, they can participate in the work of the General Assembly under observer status. The full list of the 193 UN member states is arranged alphabetically below. Full list of 193 United Nations member countries Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic People's Republic of Korea Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia (Federated States of) Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Republic of Korea Republic of Moldova Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Tajikistan Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Türkiye Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United Republic of Tanzania United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

As world leaders prepare to gather in New York for UNGA81, the United Nations is set for another major diplomatic week. But how many countries actually make up the UN and which ones are on the full list?

UN General Assembly 2026: 193 member countries, key events and what to expect

Some 72 hours after one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in India, the BRICS summit’s focus on people and mobility offers a useful way to examine what makes international cooperation work in practice. The BRICS New Delhi Declaration places people-to-people cooperation among the bloc’s three central pillars, alongside political and security cooperation and economic and financial cooperation. One of the key focus areas was people and mobility. The message was clear: connectivity is not only about roads, ports, railways and digital networks. It is also about whether students, tourists, business travellers, researchers and families can move across borders with greater clarity and confidence.In 2023, nearly 8 million Indians travelled to BRICS countries, while around 414,000 visitors from BRICS nations came to India. Those figures point to a significant imbalance, but they also underline the scale of the opportunity. As trade, education, tourism and investment expand across the bloc, the movement of people will become an increasingly important part of the BRICS story.Against this backdrop, one of the most closely watched developments was the gradual resumption of direct air services between India and China after a six-year interruption. China Southern Airlines has re-started regular passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi, marking the return of the carrier’s India service. Direct services have also returned or begun on routes linking Indian and Chinese cities, including New Delhi and Shanghai, Kolkata and Kunming, and Kolkata and Shanghai.&nbsp;Air routes are a visible sign of a diplomatic thaw. But they are also economic infrastructure. For BRICS, the larger question is whether this momentum can be extended across the bloc through better air connectivity, interoperable digital systems and more predictable visa arrangements.<h2>From transport link to trusted systems</h2>One of the prominent collaborators of BRICS governments in the mobility ecosystem is VFS Global. VFS has partnered with some of the most critical BRICS nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.&nbsp;The company was set up in 2001 on a single premise: a government could outsource the queue without outsourcing the decision. Twenty-five years on, that premise underpins a large share of the world's travel. VFS Global currently serves 71 client governments and operates more than 4,200 application centres across 169 countries.&nbsp;<h2>The trustworthy systems that run mobility</h2>Supporting all of it is an operational network of appointment scheduling, online payment collection, contact-center interactions, translation services, courier logistics, document digitization and data management. More than 240 million biometric enrolments have been completed since 2007. The company is investing in digital platforms, artificial intelligence and data-led technologies to support governments in areas such as predictive analytics, secure identity management and fraud detection.VFS Global handles the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the process. Appointment availability, documentation requirements, processing timelines and the final visa decision remain entirely with the government concerned. The administrative work is completed in advance so that the visa officer spends more time on assessment and less on paperwork.That separation is what makes the model portable across very different political systems. A government that wants tighter scrutiny can have it. <img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260916/image-1789553266303.JPG?rect=(0,378,5964,4473)" alt="Image Element"><h2>More partnerships in the offing</h2>Much of the world's visa, passport and identity paperwork is still processed in-house. Reliable estimates of how much are difficult to pin down, in part because definitions of the market vary widely. VFS Global's view is that considerable potential remains for governments to outsource a greater share of administrative visa, passport, identity and citizen services to specialist providers.“We are focusing on mobility and making sure trade improves because when we increase mobility and people travel, trade automatically improves,” says Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global.That is the connection BRICS leaders spent two days describing in other languages. Trade corridors are also travel corridors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The BRICS grouping's focus on people and mobility highlights how air connectivity, visa systems and trusted infrastructure can support tourism, trade, investment and stronger cross-border cooperation.

Some 72 hours after one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in India, the BRICS summit’s focus on people and mobility offers a useful way to examine what makes international cooperation work in practice. The BRICS New Delhi Declaration places people-to-people cooperation among the bloc’s three central pillars, alongside political and security cooperation and economic and financial cooperation. One of the key focus areas was people and mobility. The message was clear: connectivity is not only about roads, ports, railways and digital networks. It is also about whether students, tourists, business travellers, researchers and families can move across borders with greater clarity and confidence. In 2023, nearly 8 million Indians travelled to BRICS countries, while around 414,000 visitors from BRICS nations came to India. Those figures point to a significant imbalance, but they also underline the scale of the opportunity. As trade, education, tourism and investment expand across the bloc, the movement of people will become an increasingly important part of the BRICS story. Against this backdrop, one of the most closely watched developments was the gradual resumption of direct air services between India and China after a six-year interruption. China Southern Airlines has re-started regular passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi, marking the return of the carrier’s India service. Direct services have also returned or begun on routes linking Indian and Chinese cities, including New Delhi and Shanghai, Kolkata and Kunming, and Kolkata and Shanghai. Air routes are a visible sign of a diplomatic thaw. But they are also economic infrastructure. For BRICS, the larger question is whether this momentum can be extended across the bloc through better air connectivity, interoperable digital systems and more predictable visa arrangements. From transport link to trusted systems One of the prominent collaborators of BRICS governments in the mobility ecosystem is VFS Global. VFS has partnered with some of the most critical BRICS nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. The company was set up in 2001 on a single premise: a government could outsource the queue without outsourcing the decision. Twenty-five years on, that premise underpins a large share of the world's travel. VFS Global currently serves 71 client governments and operates more than 4,200 application centres across 169 countries. The trustworthy systems that run mobility Supporting all of it is an operational network of appointment scheduling, online payment collection, contact-center interactions, translation services, courier logistics, document digitization and data management. More than 240 million biometric enrolments have been completed since 2007. The company is investing in digital platforms, artificial intelligence and data-led technologies to support governments in areas such as predictive analytics, secure identity management and fraud detection. VFS Global handles the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the process. Appointment availability, documentation requirements, processing timelines and the final visa decision remain entirely with the government concerned. The administrative work is completed in advance so that the visa officer spends more time on assessment and less on paperwork. That separation is what makes the model portable across very different political systems. A government that wants tighter scrutiny can have it. More partnerships in the offing Much of the world's visa, passport and identity paperwork is still processed in-house. Reliable estimates of how much are difficult to pin down, in part because definitions of the market vary widely. VFS Global's view is that considerable potential remains for governments to outsource a greater share of administrative visa, passport, identity and citizen services to specialist providers. “We are focusing on mobility and making sure trade improves because when we increase mobility and people travel, trade automatically improves,” says Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global. That is the connection BRICS leaders spent two days describing in other languages. Trade corridors are also travel corridors.

The BRICS grouping's focus on people and mobility highlights how air connectivity, visa systems and trusted infrastructure can support tourism, trade, investment and stronger cross-border cooperation.

People’s connectivity core of BRICS agenda at New Delhi

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of attempting to target Mecca with a drone, saying its air defences intercepted the UAV before it entered restricted airspace near Islam’s holiest city. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca.In the United States, the House has advanced a Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries importing Russian oil, potentially affecting major buyers such as India and China. Meanwhile, AI leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have spoken publicly about growing concerns over artificial intelligence safety, regulation and the pace of development.In California, NBC’s Colleen Williams confirmed that NewsChopper 4 was the helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles, killing three people. The incident occurred near the Chatsworth crash site where an SUV previously ploughed into a Metro bus, killing at least two people.In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has issued a nationwide public health alert over two unauthorised Pakistan-made skin-whitening products, Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Meanwhile, discussions continue over merchant discount rates and fees for large merchant payments on UPI, while transactions up to ₹2,000 remain free.In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom has sparked political debate back home, with attention focused on the visit and its wider political implications

he European Union plans to ban social media use for children under 13 and allow limited, supervised access for those aged 13 to 15, under new plans announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (Sept 16)."It is time for Europe to act," von der Leyen said during her annual address to the European Parliament. She also warned that the EU must make its own rules rather than allow big technology companies to decide them.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-social-media-under-13-supervised-access-till-15-eu-unveils-new-online-safety-rules-for-children-1789568917026">Read More…</a>&nbsp;

No social media under 13, supervised access till 15: EU unveils new online safety rules for children

A woman trying to stop a car was dragged on its bonnet by her alleged ‘boyfriend’ after an argument and then run over near the Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow’s upscale locality of Gomtinagar Extension on Wednesday morning.The accused, identified as Shahnawaz, has been arrested and the car seized, said police.The woman, identified as Anamika, had confronted Shahnawaz after allegedly seeing him with another woman and learning that he had concealed his true identity from her.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-man-drags-girlfriend-on-car-s-bonnet-in-lucknow-after-fight-runs-her-over-arrested-1789567470691">Read More…</a>

Video: Man drags girlfriend on car’s bonnet in Lucknow after fight, runs her over; arrested

India on Wednesday rejected the so-called Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission in strong words, saying it has no legal basis, and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. India said there is no boundary between Pakistan and China, and hence such a joint commission has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s position on the matter remains “clear and consistent” and described the commission as having no legal basis.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-s-no-pak-china-boundary-india-rejects-so-called-boundary-joint-commission-tells-islamabad-to-stop-theatrics-1789573593070">Read More…</a>

‘There’s no Pak-China boundary’: India rejects ‘so-called’ boundary joint commission, tells Islamabad to stop ‘theatrics’

The European Union plans to ban social media use for children under 13 and allow limited, supervised access for those aged 13 to 15, under new plans announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (Sept 16).<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-social-media-under-13-supervised-access-till-15-eu-unveils-new-online-safety-rules-for-children-1789568917026">Read more.</a>

Sweden’s foreign ministry on Wednesday (Sep 16) said that it had expelled an Iranian embassy employee and summoned the country’s ambassador, saying that their activity was incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The move was taken as Stockholm accused Tehran of making threats against Jewish and Israeli interests in Sweden.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-expels-iranian-embassy-official-what-triggered-the-diplomatic-shock-1789571097350">Read more.</a>

Sweden expels Iranian embassy official – What triggered the diplomatic shock?

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned the targeting of Mecca as a "cowardly terrorist attack" after Yemen's Houthis denied launching a drone at the holy city.The Gulf kingdom "reaffirms its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the security of the two holy mosques, the pilgrims, and the entire Saudi territory, its citizens, and its residents," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia condemns 'cowardly terrorist attack' by Houthis on Mecca

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia has repeatedly said that is not going to attack Western countries and warned that any European military aggression against Russia would trigger a war that will be “completely different” and “very short”.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-be-completely-different-and-very-short-if-europe-attacks-russia-warns-lavrov-1789561780082">Read more.</a>

War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov

Taiwan’s representative in India has said direct air links with New Delhi will resume on 1 December and that two semiconductor projects involving Taiwanese firms should begin operating within one to two years, as Taipei looks to expand trade and people-to-people contact.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taiwan-seeks-deeper-india-ties-as-direct-flights-restart-soon-and-chip-projects-advance-1789563035791">Read more.</a>

Taiwan seeks deeper India ties as direct flights restart soon, and chip projects advance

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia "attacked Moldova" with a drone because his presidential jet was there at the time, part of what he said was a strategy of intimidation by Moscow. Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store had previously said Zelensky's plane was "almost hit by a drone" when taking off from Moldova. That claim was downplayed Kyiv and Chisinau at the time, with a source telling AFP there was an alert in Moldova "when a Russian (drone) entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace".&nbsp;

Ukraine's Zelensky says Russia "attacked Moldova" because his jet was there

At least 20 people, including five children, were killed and dozens of others were missing after an apartment building collapsed in Gaza from damage sustained in earlier Israeli strikes. The six-storey building, located in the al al-Hawa area of Gaza City, had four apartments on each floor. According to locals, some 10 families had been living in the building despite warnings that it was unsafe.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-20-killed-in-gaza-apartment-building-collapse-rescuers-search-for-survivors-still-hearing-voices-1789559875758">Read here</a>

At least 20 killed after war-damaged apartment building collapses in Gaza; rescuers search for survivors

The Pakistani Navy vessel that collided with an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea has been identified as PNS Hunain, a Yarmook-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). Indian officials said the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission when Hunain approached at high speed and carried out what they described as “unprofessional and unsafe” manoeuvres. India subsequently summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires on Wednesday and lodged a “strong protest”.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pns-hunain-all-you-need-to-know-about-pakistani-vessel-that-hit-indian-navy-warship-1789560515200">Read the full story here</a>

PNS Hunain: All you need to know about Pakistani vessel that hit Indian Navy warship

The European Union is considering a new level of ties with Canada, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing that Ottawa become the bloc’s first “associate member”. During her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on Wednesday (Sep 16), Von der Leyen made the offer to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying she wanted to work towards “opening the door” for Canada.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-become-eu-s-first-associate-member-von-der-leyen-proposes-move-amid-us-tensions-1789556454399">Read Here</a>

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (September 16) approved a proposal to raise the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-raises-epfo-wage-ceiling-from-rs-15-000-to-rs-25-000-51-lakh-to-benefit-1789556615917">Read Here</a>

Govt raises EPFO wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, 51 lakh to benefit

The Indian government has designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shahzad-bhatti-network-added-to-uapa-list-of-banned-terrorist-outfits-1789554947535">Read the full story here</a>

Shahzad Bhatti Network added to UAPA list of banned terrorist outfits

A Pakistan Navy ship involved in a collision with an Indian warship in international waters has returned to harbour after sustaining "severe damage", according to sources familiar with the incident.The incident took place on the evening of 15 September in the North Arabian Sea, where a Pakistani naval vessel approached a frontline Indian Navy warship at high speed while the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission. Indian side has described the Pakistani ship's manoeuvring as “unprofessional and unsafe manner,” resulting in a collision. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-naval-vessel-returns-to-harbour-with-severe-damage-after-collision-with-indian-warship-in-arabian-sea-1789553687929">To read the full story, click here</a>

The cost of US President Donald Trump's war on Iran has risen to an estimated $38.1 billion till August, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the war could cost America another $2 billion to $3 billion for each additional month of fighting.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-iran-war-has-cost-us-38-1-billion-cbo-estimates-missile-stocks-face-major-strain-1789546201220">Read here.&nbsp;</a>

Trump’s Iran war has cost US $38.1 billion, CBO estimates; missile stocks face major strain

President Joseph Aoun told AFP that Lebanon wants a new force, from Europe or elsewhere, to avoid a security "vacuum" in the south when UN peacekeepers leave at the end of the year.&nbsp;

Lebanon wants new force to fill 'vacuum' when UN peacekeepers leave: President

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to restrict children’s access to social media during her annual address to the European Parliament on Wednesday.Under the proposed rules, children under 13 would be barred from using social media, while those aged 13 to 15 would only be allowed limited, parent-supervised “mini accounts.” These accounts would include restricted features and time limits."No social media under the age of 13. No personal account under the age of 15," she said during her annual address to the European Parliament. “That means, from 13 until a child turns 15, only mini accounts set up and supervised by parents, with limited features and time restriction.”

EU Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 13, Parental Supervision Until 15

Global equity markets moved higher on Wednesday as traders awaited an expected US Federal Reserve interest rate hike, which would be the central bank’s first increase since 2023. Sentiment improved after oil prices fell more than 1%, although crude remained above $100 a barrel amid tensions in the Middle East.Investors are closely watching the Fed’s policy statement and voting pattern for clues about whether the move will be a one-off increase or the beginning of a wider tightening cycle. Strong US job growth and persistent inflation have pushed markets to price in a more than 90% chance of a hike.Asian markets including Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mumbai gained, while European markets opened higher. The Bank of Japan is also expected to raise rates on Friday, while the Bank of England is forecast to hold its benchmark rate.

Global stocks rise as traders await crucial Fed rate decision

EU chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen raised the prospect Wednesday of Canada becoming the 27-nation bloc's first "associate member', as she pitched closer cooperation on tech, defence and energy to Canadian leader Mark Carney."I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU," von der Leyen told the Canadian prime minister, who was attending her annual keynote speech to the European Parliament, drawing a standing ovation in the chamber.

EU chief pitches 'associate member' status for Canada

New Zealand’s Parliament has passed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday, describing the deal as a “landmark” agreement expected to create more jobs and boost incomes for New Zealanders.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-zealand-parliament-clears-india-trade-deal-95-of-exports-to-get-tariff-cuts-1789540927800">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260916/image-1789545629649.jpg?rect=(0,68,1065,799)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="New Zealand Parliament clears India trade deal, 95% of exports to get tariff cuts"></figure>

New Zealand Parliament clears FTA with India

The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate servicemembers to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address on September 30, with candidates required to meet specific physical and grooming standards. According to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nominees must meet the Army’s waist-to-height requirements, pass fitness tests and maintain “impeccable” grooming and uniform standards.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fit-and-impeccable-pentagon-sets-standards-for-hegseth-s-state-of-the-force-speech-attendees-1789538597234">Read here</a>

Fit and impeccable? Pentagon sets standards for Hegseth's 'State of the Force' speech attendees

The Trump administration&nbsp;is planning to deliver powerful 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal, weapons that prompted such concerns about the possibility of mass casualties in Gaza that the Biden administration paused their delivery two years ago.The $2.8bn package includes 40,000 bombs, made up of 20,000 MK-84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, according to two US officials and a person familiar with the plan who spoke on Tuesday on condition of anonymity to discuss the package, which is not yet final.

US set to deliver 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of vast arms deal

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran demanded the immediate removal of Ganesha idols allegedly modelled on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president and Chief Minister Vijay at Korukkupet in Chennai, saying it “cheapens the spiritual sentiments of the people”

Vijay-Themed Ganesh Idols Spark Huge Political Row In Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s event was cancelled in London, after police cited safety concerns. The cancellation left many fans, some of whom had queued for hours, disappointed.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's London event called off over 'safety concerns', fans left waiting

The Iran War has cost the United States a total of $38 billion so far, according to the Congressional Budget Office

Iran war cost hits $38 billion, forecast to rise $3 billion a month, CBO says

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man after an investigation uncovered what federal authorities described as an imminent ISIS-inspired "mass casualty attack". The arrest was made before the alleged mass casualty event could be carried out. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-all-in-the-name-of-fbi-arrests-pennsylvania-21-year-old-over-alleged-isis-inspired-mass-casualty-attack-plot-1789524553059">READ MORE</a>

‘Kill all in the name of...’: FBI arrests 21-year-old over alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack plot

India’s imports from Russia jumped 57% in the first five months of the financial year, official data show, deepening an energy import-driven relationship even as New Delhi presses Moscow and Beijing for greater market access. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-imports-from-russia-jump-57-in-five-months-china-remains-top-import-source-1789486664084">READ MORE</a>

India’s imports from Russia jump 57% in five months; China remains top import source

The government announced that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments above ₹2,000 will attract a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4 per cent under a revised framework introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). However, consumers will continue to use UPI without paying any charges. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/upi-rule-change-0-4-mdr-on-merchant-payments-above-2-000-consumers-unaffected-1789489025740">READ MORE</a>

UPI rule change: 0.4% MDR on merchant payments above ₹2,000; consumers unaffected

OpenAI boss Sam Altman on Tuesday (Sep 16) said that people were justified in their fears around artificial intelligence (AI), but added that people should have more faith in his company. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-boss-sam-altman-repeats-ai-slow-down-call-says-world-right-to-be-afraid-1789524970459">READ MORE</a>

OpenAI boss Sam Altman repeats AI 'slow down' call, says world 'right to be afraid'

Three people have died after a helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in the Chatsworth neighbourhood of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The helicopter went down near Lurline Avenue and Nordhoff Street shortly before 19:00 local time on Tuesday, an LAFD spokesperson was quoted as saying in an interview. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-helicopter-crash-at-least-three-dead-several-injured-ntsb-to-investigate-1789530915516">READ MORE</a>

Los Angeles helicopter crash: At least three dead, several injured; NTSB to investigate

Saudi Arabia has said that its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Soon after, several areas on Saudi Arabia'swestern coast, including the holy city of Mecca and the Jeddah and Taif governorates were briefly put on alert. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-accuses-houthis-of-drone-attack-on-mecca-first-ever-red-alert-in-islam-s-holiest-site-sparks-panic-1789531656093">READ MORE</a>

Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of drone attack on Mecca

Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca with a drone, while the US House advanced a Russia sanctions bill with potential 100% tariffs. AI safety concerns, a fatal LA helicopter crash, CDSCO’s warning on skin creams, UPI fees and more

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of attempting to target Mecca with a drone, saying its air defences intercepted the UAV before it entered restricted airspace near Islam’s holiest city. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca. In the United States, the House has advanced a Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries importing Russian oil, potentially affecting major buyers such as India and China. Meanwhile, AI leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have spoken publicly about growing concerns over artificial intelligence safety, regulation and the pace of development. In California, NBC’s Colleen Williams confirmed that NewsChopper 4 was the helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles, killing three people. The incident occurred near the Chatsworth crash site where an SUV previously ploughed into a Metro bus, killing at least two people. In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has issued a nationwide public health alert over two unauthorised Pakistan-made skin-whitening products, Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. Meanwhile, discussions continue over merchant discount rates and fees for large merchant payments on UPI, while transactions up to ₹2,000 remain free. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom has sparked political debate back home, with attention focused on the visit and its wider political implications

Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca with a drone, while the US House advanced a Russia sanctions bill with potential 100% tariffs. AI safety concerns, a fatal LA helicopter crash, CDSCO’s warning on skin creams, UPI fees and more

Latest India & World News Today LIVE: Mecca missile alert, heath alert in India over Pak-made creams, and more

The cost of US President Donald Trump's war on Iran has risen to an estimated $38.1 billion till August, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the war could cost America another $2 billion to $3 billion for each additional month of fighting.The CBO lists the report, "Estimating the Costs of Combat Operations Against Iran," among its current defence and national security studies.Of the over $38 billion spent on the war, more than half was spent on replacing missiles and other munitions used in the conflict. Meanwhile, increased flying hours accounted for another $10.4 billion. Higher fuel prices added an estimated $2.7 billion, according to the figures in the report.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-iran-war-faces-fresh-house-rebuke-7-republicans-join-democrats-in-push-to-end-conflict-ahead-of-midterms-1789528209869">Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms</a>The conflict has also placed heavy pressure on the US missile-defence stockpile. The CBO estimates that as much as two-thirds of the nation's missile-defence interceptors have been used since June 2025, largely as the US helped defend Israel against Iranian attacks."Rebuilding DoD’s inventory of interceptors would probably take at least five years, even if production was increased," the CBO said in the report, requested by Rep. Brendan Boyle, the Pennsylvania Democrat and top Democrat on the House Budget Committee.<h2>Missile shortages could affect US readiness</h2>The depletion of interceptor stocks could have wider implications for US military planning, particularly in a potential conflict involving an adversary with large inventories of ballistic and cruise missiles.The CBO specifically pointed to China and a possible conflict over Taiwan, warning that shortages could become "especially problematic" under those circumstances.The pace of weapons use has also strained the broader US defence industrial base. A recent Defense Department inspector general assessment cited shortages of solid rocket motors, explosives, propellants and skilled workers as obstacles to rebuilding stockpiles.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-israelis-call-jewish-west-bank-rioters-israeli-terrorists-poll-finds-1789533323445">One-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters ‘Israeli terrorists': Poll</a><h2>War pushing up inflation and fuel prices</h2>The economic effects of the conflict are extending beyond the Pentagon. Disruptions to oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, along with interruptions to shipping through the Red Sea, have pushed up energy and transportation costs.The CBO estimates that by the first quarter of 2027, the war could add 0.5 percentage points to year-over-year inflation as measured by the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Core PCE inflation could be 0.3 percentage points higher, it said."The price of almost every product reflects shipping costs," the CBO said. By early 2027, gasoline and other fuels are expected to account for about 40% of the conflict’s impact on consumer prices, according to the analysis.

The US-Iran war has already cost Washington tens of billions of dollars, with the bill still rising. But the biggest concern may extend beyond money, as US missile-defence stocks face a potentially years-long recovery.

The cost of US President Donald Trump's war on Iran has risen to an estimated $38.1 billion till August, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the war could cost America another $2 billion to $3 billion for each additional month of fighting. The CBO lists the report, "Estimating the Costs of Combat Operations Against Iran," among its current defence and national security studies. Of the over $38 billion spent on the war, more than half was spent on replacing missiles and other munitions used in the conflict. Meanwhile, increased flying hours accounted for another $10.4 billion. Higher fuel prices added an estimated $2.7 billion, according to the figures in the report. Also read | Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms The conflict has also placed heavy pressure on the US missile-defence stockpile. The CBO estimates that as much as two-thirds of the nation's missile-defence interceptors have been used since June 2025, largely as the US helped defend Israel against Iranian attacks. "Rebuilding DoD’s inventory of interceptors would probably take at least five years, even if production was increased," the CBO said in the report, requested by Rep. Brendan Boyle, the Pennsylvania Democrat and top Democrat on the House Budget Committee. Missile shortages could affect US readiness The depletion of interceptor stocks could have wider implications for US military planning, particularly in a potential conflict involving an adversary with large inventories of ballistic and cruise missiles. The CBO specifically pointed to China and a possible conflict over Taiwan, warning that shortages could become "especially problematic" under those circumstances. The pace of weapons use has also strained the broader US defence industrial base. A recent Defense Department inspector general assessment cited shortages of solid rocket motors, explosives, propellants and skilled workers as obstacles to rebuilding stockpiles. Also read | One-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters ‘Israeli terrorists': Poll War pushing up inflation and fuel prices The economic effects of the conflict are extending beyond the Pentagon. Disruptions to oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, along with interruptions to shipping through the Red Sea, have pushed up energy and transportation costs. The CBO estimates that by the first quarter of 2027, the war could add 0.5 percentage points to year-over-year inflation as measured by the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Core PCE inflation could be 0.3 percentage points higher, it said. "The price of almost every product reflects shipping costs," the CBO said. By early 2027, gasoline and other fuels are expected to account for about 40% of the conflict’s impact on consumer prices, according to the analysis.

The US-Iran war has already cost Washington tens of billions of dollars, with the bill still rising. But the biggest concern may extend beyond money, as US missile-defence stocks face a potentially years-long recovery.

US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, which is why they are known as ‘midterms’. According to the US Vote Foundation, these elections are held two years after a presidential election and take place across all 50 states. The President and Vice President, however, are not on the ballot.<h2>What is decided in a midterm election?</h2>According to US Vote Foundation, the entire composition of Congress is at stake during a midterm election. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested, while roughly one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate are also up for election. Beyond the federal races, voters in many states may also decide contests for governor, state legislatures, judges and other local offices. State-specific ballot measures may also appear on voters’ ballots.<h2>How does one registers to vote?</h2>According to usa.gov, voters can start the registration process through vote.gov by selecting their state or territory. The website provides information on whether voters can register online, by mail or in person through their local election office. Other registration options include downloading the National Mail Voter Registration Form, contacting local government offices, visiting a department of motor vehicles, or reaching out to state and county public assistance offices, including SNAP agencies.&nbsp;US citizens living overseas, service members stationed abroad and eligible family members can register and request absentee ballots through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. According to the US Election Assistance Commission, eligibility requirements differ from state to state. Generally, voters must:<ul><li>Be a US citizen</li><li>Be at least 18 years old by Election Day</li><li>Meet applicable residency requirements</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-was-eliana-moreno-nbc-la-aerial-reporter-killed-in-chatsworth-crash-1789543749226">Who was Eliana Moreno? NBC LA aerial reporter killed in Chatsworth crash</a><h2>What is the last day to register to vote?</h2>There is no nationwide voter-registration deadline that applies to every state. According to information from the US Election Assistance Commission, some states permit voters to register on Election Day, while others set deadlines as much as 30 days before the election. The US Vote Foundation also maintains state-specific election dates and registration deadlines for the 2026 midterm elections. Voters should check their state election office or official election calendar to confirm the registration deadline that applies to them.<h2>What documents are needed to register?</h2>Voter-registration documentation requirements vary by state. In many cases, voters may need a driver’s license or state-issued identification. Depending on state rules, people without those forms of identification may be able to use other documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill. Voters should check with their state election office for the exact documentation requirements.<h2>What are the 2026 midterm elections?</h2>The 2026 US midterm elections involve two major stages of voting: primary elections and the general election.<h2>Midterm primary elections</h2>Primary elections take place on different dates in different states and begin earlier in the year. Primaries determine which candidates will represent political parties in various races. Voters should consult the relevant state election calendar for the exact date of their primary.<h2>2026 general election</h2>The second stage is the general election, which will take place nationwide on the same day. US federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This scheduling rule dates to the 19th century, when the timing was designed around the travel and agricultural patterns of many Americans. Tuesday was selected to allow people to travel to polling places after Sunday church services. The Election Act of 1845 established the federal election schedule that continues to govern Election Day. The 2026 Midterm General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

2026 US midterm elections explained: Find the November 3 date, voter registration rules, deadlines, documents, primaries and key races across the US

US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, which is why they are known as ‘midterms’. According to the US Vote Foundation, these elections are held two years after a presidential election and take place across all 50 states. The President and Vice President, however, are not on the ballot. What is decided in a midterm election? According to US Vote Foundation, the entire composition of Congress is at stake during a midterm election. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested, while roughly one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate are also up for election. Beyond the federal races, voters in many states may also decide contests for governor, state legislatures, judges and other local offices. State-specific ballot measures may also appear on voters’ ballots. How does one registers to vote? According to usa.gov, voters can start the registration process through vote.gov by selecting their state or territory. The website provides information on whether voters can register online, by mail or in person through their local election office. Other registration options include downloading the National Mail Voter Registration Form, contacting local government offices, visiting a department of motor vehicles, or reaching out to state and county public assistance offices, including SNAP agencies. US citizens living overseas, service members stationed abroad and eligible family members can register and request absentee ballots through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. According to the US Election Assistance Commission, eligibility requirements differ from state to state. Generally, voters must: Be a US citizen Be at least 18 years old by Election Day Meet applicable residency requirements Also Read: Who was Eliana Moreno? NBC LA aerial reporter killed in Chatsworth crash What is the last day to register to vote? There is no nationwide voter-registration deadline that applies to every state. According to information from the US Election Assistance Commission, some states permit voters to register on Election Day, while others set deadlines as much as 30 days before the election. The US Vote Foundation also maintains state-specific election dates and registration deadlines for the 2026 midterm elections. Voters should check their state election office or official election calendar to confirm the registration deadline that applies to them. What documents are needed to register? Voter-registration documentation requirements vary by state. In many cases, voters may need a driver’s license or state-issued identification. Depending on state rules, people without those forms of identification may be able to use other documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill. Voters should check with their state election office for the exact documentation requirements. What are the 2026 midterm elections? The 2026 US midterm elections involve two major stages of voting: primary elections and the general election. Midterm primary elections Primary elections take place on different dates in different states and begin earlier in the year. Primaries determine which candidates will represent political parties in various races. Voters should consult the relevant state election calendar for the exact date of their primary. 2026 general election The second stage is the general election, which will take place nationwide on the same day. US federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This scheduling rule dates to the 19th century, when the timing was designed around the travel and agricultural patterns of many Americans. Tuesday was selected to allow people to travel to polling places after Sunday church services. The Election Act of 1845 established the federal election schedule that continues to govern Election Day. The 2026 Midterm General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

The 2026 US midterm elections are set for November 3, covering Congress, governors and local races. Learn registration rules, deadlines and voting

US midterm elections 2026: When is election day and how do you register to vote? All you need to know

A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 returned to Mashhad airport in Iran after suffering a burst tyre and engine damage shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was bound for Kermanshah when the crew detected the issue moments after take-off. According to reports, the pilot informed passengers of a technical problem after the tyre came off one of the aircraft's wheels. In the video seen on social media, the aircraft shook heavily, prompting the crew to abandon the journey and turn back to Mashhad Airport. Passengers onboard described tense moments as the aircraft vibrated violently.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">An Iranian Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to return to Mashhad Airport after a tire reportedly burst shortly after takeoff and the aircraft suffered engine damage. The flight had been heading to Kermanshah. Video from inside the plane showed tense passengers. <a href="https://t.co/5yR8l6t3cH">pic.twitter.com/5yR8l6t3cH</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2099871393231810960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Boeing 737 landed safely in Mashhad, where emergency services were on standby. Initial reports indicated that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The shaking reportedly affected parts of the cabin interior, with overhead compartments opening and personal belongings falling onto seats and the aisle. Some passengers were reportedly struck by falling items. Authorities have not yet released a detailed statement on the cause of the incident. Aviation officials are expected to examine the aircraft and determine whether the reported tyre failure was linked to the subsequent engine malfunction. According to reports, Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation has launched an investigation into the incident. The investigation is expected to establish what caused the reported tyre failure, whether there was subsequent engine damage, why the aircraft experience such severe turbulence and why parts of the cabin interior became detached.

A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to return to Mashhad after a wheel tyre reportedly detached shortly after take-off, triggering an engine-related problem and severe vibrations. No injuries were reported.

A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 returned to Mashhad airport in Iran after suffering a burst tyre and engine damage shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was bound for Kermanshah when the crew detected the issue moments after take-off. According to reports, the pilot informed passengers of a technical problem after the tyre came off one of the aircraft's wheels. In the video seen on social media, the aircraft shook heavily, prompting the crew to abandon the journey and turn back to Mashhad Airport. Passengers onboard described tense moments as the aircraft vibrated violently.

A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to return to Mashhad after a wheel tyre reportedly detached shortly after take-off, triggering an engine-related problem and severe vibrations. No injuries were reported.

Passengers scream as Iran flight suffers mid-air scare: Boeing 737 shakes violently after take-off | VIDEO

Eliana Moreno, an aerial photographer and reporter for NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52, was among the two people killed when an NBC News helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, while covering a major traffic accident on September 15. NBC Los Angeles confirmed that Moreno and helicopter pilot George Marciniw were aboard the aircraft when it went down. A third person, believed to have been on the ground when the helicopter crashed, also died. One person was injured and was reported to be in unknown condition.&nbsp;The helicopter was covering an accident in Chatsworth in which an SUV collided with a Metro bus. Initial reports said the vehicle crash left at least two people dead and six others injured. NBC Los Angeles initially reported that it was unable to reach its pilot and the people aboard the helicopter. The station later confirmed on air that the crashed aircraft belonged to NBC.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-top-pakistan-diplomat-after-pak-navy-ship-collides-with-indian-warship-at-high-seas-1789542540851">India summons top Pakistan diplomat after Pak Navy ship collides with Indian warship at high seas</a><h2>Who was Eliana Moreno?</h2>Moreno was an experienced aerial photographer and television reporter who worked with NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 as part of NewsChopper 4. She was a Chapman University graduate with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.Her LinkedIn profile said that she had wanted to become a television news reporter since childhood. “Since age eleven, Eliana knew she wanted to be a television news reporter.”&nbsp;According to the profile, Moreno joined Angel City Air in September 2010 after reporting and anchoring for several media organizations in Orange County in both Spanish and English. “Before joining the team at Angel City Air in September 2010, Eliana reported and anchored for several media outlets in Orange County in Spanish and English…In her spare time, she guest speaks at local high schools and colleges to aspiring journalists.”&nbsp;Moreno was fluent in Spanish and had experience with AVID and Final Cut editing. Her professional profile listed her work across several roles, including camerawoman, anchor, producer and spokeswoman. Her work as an aerial journalist focused on giving viewers a real-time perspective during emergencies, particularly wildfires and other incidents.&nbsp;In a recent Instagram post highlighting her work, Moreno wrote, “Aerial photography and reporting turns smoke on the horizon into critical information that saves lives and property. That's why we need @eli_in_the_heli and NewsChopper4 giving us real-time brushfire coverage that shows scale, spread, speed, and most importantly, how firefighters are working to contain a blaze. We're honored to have them as part of Whiteman Airport, and we thank them for their crucial reporting.”&nbsp;Moreno's career combined television reporting with aerial photography, providing viewers with images and information from above during breaking-news events. Her death came while she was carrying out that role during coverage of the Chatsworth crash.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">KNBC’s Colleen Williams has now made official confirmation. Absolutely heartbreaking. 💔 <a href="https://t.co/RKVuBUFa1o">https://t.co/RKVuBUFa1o</a> <a href="https://t.co/rR12Z2RP9s">pic.twitter.com/rR12Z2RP9s</a>&mdash; Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) <a href="https://x.com/Clayton_Sandell/status/2100072832281809161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Eliana Moreno, NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 helicopter reporter, was killed with pilot George Marciniw in a Chatsworth crash on September 15

Eliana Moreno, an aerial photographer and reporter for NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52, was among the two people killed when an NBC News helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, while covering a major traffic accident on September 15. NBC Los Angeles confirmed that Moreno and helicopter pilot George Marciniw were aboard the aircraft when it went down. A third person, believed to have been on the ground when the helicopter crashed, also died. One person was injured and was reported to be in unknown condition. The helicopter was covering an accident in Chatsworth in which an SUV collided with a Metro bus. Initial reports said the vehicle crash left at least two people dead and six others injured. NBC Los Angeles initially reported that it was unable to reach its pilot and the people aboard the helicopter. The station later confirmed on air that the crashed aircraft belonged to NBC. Also Read: India summons top Pakistan diplomat after Pak Navy ship collides with Indian warship at high seas Who was Eliana Moreno? Moreno was an experienced aerial photographer and television reporter who worked with NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 as part of NewsChopper 4. She was a Chapman University graduate with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. Her LinkedIn profile said that she had wanted to become a television news reporter since childhood. “Since age eleven, Eliana knew she wanted to be a television news reporter.” According to the profile, Moreno joined Angel City Air in September 2010 after reporting and anchoring for several media organizations in Orange County in both Spanish and English. “Before joining the team at Angel City Air in September 2010, Eliana reported and anchored for several media outlets in Orange County in Spanish and English…In her spare time, she guest speaks at local high schools and colleges to aspiring journalists.” Moreno was fluent in Spanish and had experience with AVID and Final Cut editing. Her professional profile listed her work across several roles, including camerawoman, anchor, producer and spokeswoman. Her work as an aerial journalist focused on giving viewers a real-time perspective during emergencies, particularly wildfires and other incidents. In a recent Instagram post highlighting her work, Moreno wrote, “Aerial photography and reporting turns smoke on the horizon into critical information that saves lives and property. That's why we need @eli_in_the_heli and NewsChopper4 giving us real-time brushfire coverage that shows scale, spread, speed, and most importantly, how firefighters are working to contain a blaze. We're honored to have them as part of Whiteman Airport, and we thank them for their crucial reporting.” Moreno's career combined television reporting with aerial photography, providing viewers with images and information from above during breaking-news events. Her death came while she was carrying out that role during coverage of the Chatsworth crash.

Eliana Moreno, an NBC Los Angeles helicopter reporter, died with pilot George Marciniw in a Chatsworth helicopter crash while covering a crash

Who was Eliana Moreno? NBC LA aerial reporter killed in Chatsworth crash

US Attorney General Todd Blanche has accused Democrats of using growing fears over artificial intelligence to influence voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, while defending President Donald Trump’s opposition to tighter AI regulation.Blanche made the remarks on Tuesday (Sep 15) during an unusual White House press briefing held in the Rose Garden. He said the sudden focus on AI risks by Democratic senators was politically motivated, echoing Trump’s description of the debate as a “hoax”.<h2>Blanche targets Democrats over AI fears</h2>Blanche said Democrats had been largely silent on AI concerns for months before suddenly raising the issue as the midterm elections approach. “Every Democrat senator suddenly races to a microphone to talk about AI after being eerily silent for months and months and months,” Blanche told reporters.He alleged that the timing of the renewed debate was aimed at influencing the midterms, adding that political considerations should not determine decisions on AI policy. The comments came as concerns over the potential risks of AI have gained renewed attention in Washington. Some lawmakers from both parties, along with figures from the technology industry, have called for greater safeguards and oversight of the rapidly developing technology.<h2>‘We’re prosecutors, not regulators’</h2>Blanche said he agreed with Trump that the federal government should not regulate AI. “We’re not going to try to regulate AI,” he said, arguing that the Justice Department’s role was to enforce criminal law rather than regulate the technology industry. “AI is extraordinarily beneficial to our society,” Blanche added.He said the Justice Department would continue investigating cases where AI was allegedly used to commit crimes, but rejected the idea that the department should oversee the technology's broader development.<h2>Blanche defends Trump’s Supreme Court criticism</h2>Blanche also defended Trump after the president criticised the Supreme Court over its decision concerning mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections. Trump described the ruling as “horrible” and “highly political”. Blanche said the president had the right to publicly express his frustration with the court. He also said the administration’s efforts concerning election integrity would continue despite the Supreme Court ruling.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Democrats of exploiting AI fears to influence the upcoming midterm elections, defending President Trump's anti-regulation stance and emphasising that the Justice Department prosecutes crimes rather than regulates technology.

US Attorney General Todd Blanche has accused Democrats of using growing fears over artificial intelligence to influence voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, while defending President Donald Trump’s opposition to tighter AI regulation. Blanche made the remarks on Tuesday (Sep 15) during an unusual White House press briefing held in the Rose Garden. He said the sudden focus on AI risks by Democratic senators was politically motivated, echoing Trump’s description of the debate as a “hoax”. Blanche targets Democrats over AI fears Blanche said Democrats had been largely silent on AI concerns for months before suddenly raising the issue as the midterm elections approach. “Every Democrat senator suddenly races to a microphone to talk about AI after being eerily silent for months and months and months,” Blanche told reporters. He alleged that the timing of the renewed debate was aimed at influencing the midterms, adding that political considerations should not determine decisions on AI policy. The comments came as concerns over the potential risks of AI have gained renewed attention in Washington. Some lawmakers from both parties, along with figures from the technology industry, have called for greater safeguards and oversight of the rapidly developing technology. ‘We’re prosecutors, not regulators’ Blanche said he agreed with Trump that the federal government should not regulate AI. “We’re not going to try to regulate AI,” he said, arguing that the Justice Department’s role was to enforce criminal law rather than regulate the technology industry. “AI is extraordinarily beneficial to our society,” Blanche added. He said the Justice Department would continue investigating cases where AI was allegedly used to commit crimes, but rejected the idea that the department should oversee the technology's broader development. Blanche defends Trump’s Supreme Court criticism Blanche also defended Trump after the president criticised the Supreme Court over its decision concerning mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections. Trump described the ruling as “horrible” and “highly political”. Blanche said the president had the right to publicly express his frustration with the court. He also said the administration’s efforts concerning election integrity would continue despite the Supreme Court ruling.

US Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Democrats of exploiting AI fears to influence the upcoming midterm elections, defending President Trump's anti-regulation stance and emphasising that the Justice Department prosecutes crimes rather than regulates technology.

Why is Todd Blanche accusing Democrats of pushing AI fears? Trump’s attorney general links debate to US midterms

New Zealand on Wednesday (Sep 16) passed legislation establishing a free trade agreement with India. Under the FDA, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India would be eliminated or reduced significantly reduced.The bill passed by 93 votes to 29, with support from the opposition Labour Party as well as the ruling National Party. The agreement, signed by India and New Zealand on April 27, is aimed at expanding trade and investment between the two countries.<h2>Which products will see reduced tariffs?</h2>Under the deal, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand’s current exports to India will eventually be eliminated or reduced significantly. New Zealand’s trade ministry said 57 per cent of its exports will become duty-free from the first day of implementation."For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial," New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said."We expect this high-quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete a free trade agreement with India this term."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-iran-war-faces-fresh-house-rebuke-7-republicans-join-democrats-in-push-to-end-conflict-ahead-of-midterms-1789528209869">Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms</a><h2>What does India get in return?</h2>The agreement provides duty-free access in New Zealand for 100 per cent of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. India has offered New Zealand market access across 70.03 per cent of its tariff lines, covering around 95 per cent of bilateral trade. Nearly 30 per cent of tariff lines remain excluded, including sensitive areas such as dairy and several agricultural products.New Zealand will immediately eliminate duties on 30 per cent of the tariff lines covered by its concessions to India, while additional tariffs will be phased out over three, five, seven, or 10 years.Products benefiting from the agreement include wood, wool, sheep meat, and raw hides. Other goods, including wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and selected aluminium, iron, and steel products, will receive tariff reductions. Quotas will apply to some products such as Mānuka honey, apples, kiwifruit, and albumins.<h2>$20 billion investment commitment</h2>Wellington has also committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years, with the agreement covering cooperation in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, research and innovation, and renewable energy.The pact is also expected to open opportunities for Indian labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods.New Zealand has made commitments across 118 service sectors and offered Most-Favoured Nation treatment in 139 sectors, according to the Indian government's summary of the agreement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-all-in-the-name-of-fbi-arrests-pennsylvania-21-year-old-over-alleged-isis-inspired-mass-casualty-attack-plot-1789524553059">‘Kill all in the name of...’: FBI arrests 21-year-old over alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack plot</a><h2>Visa pathways for Indian professionals and students</h2>The FTA includes a Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway for up to 5,000 skilled Indians, with stays of up to three years in specified occupations.A Working Holiday Visa arrangement will allow 1,000 young Indians a year to travel to New Zealand for up to 12 months.The agreement also contains provisions covering student mobility and post-study work rights.<h2>What happens next?</h2>New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the parliamentary vote, saying the agreement would give New Zealand businesses greater access to India’s large consumer market."People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening," Luxon said in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening. National said we said we’d secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and we’ve delivered. This landmark deal means…&mdash; Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) <a href="https://x.com/chrisluxonmp/status/2100074938963288092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the agreement could potentially become operational in October. The pact will formally take effect once both countries complete their respective ratification procedures.

New Zealand Parliament has approved its free trade deal with India, opening the way for major tariff changes and new economic opportunities. From exports and investment to jobs and visas, here’s what the landmark pact means.

New Zealand on Wednesday (Sep 16) passed legislation establishing a free trade agreement with India. Under the FDA, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India would be eliminated or reduced significantly reduced. The bill passed by 93 votes to 29, with support from the opposition Labour Party as well as the ruling National Party. The agreement, signed by India and New Zealand on April 27, is aimed at expanding trade and investment between the two countries. Which products will see reduced tariffs? Under the deal, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand’s current exports to India will eventually be eliminated or reduced significantly. New Zealand’s trade ministry said 57 per cent of its exports will become duty-free from the first day of implementation. "For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial," New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said. "We expect this high-quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete a free trade agreement with India this term." Also read | Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms What does India get in return? The agreement provides duty-free access in New Zealand for 100 per cent of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. India has offered New Zealand market access across 70.03 per cent of its tariff lines, covering around 95 per cent of bilateral trade. Nearly 30 per cent of tariff lines remain excluded, including sensitive areas such as dairy and several agricultural products. New Zealand will immediately eliminate duties on 30 per cent of the tariff lines covered by its concessions to India, while additional tariffs will be phased out over three, five, seven, or 10 years. Products benefiting from the agreement include wood, wool, sheep meat, and raw hides. Other goods, including wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and selected aluminium, iron, and steel products, will receive tariff reductions. Quotas will apply to some products such as Mānuka honey, apples, kiwifruit, and albumins. $20 billion investment commitment Wellington has also committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years, with the agreement covering cooperation in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, research and innovation, and renewable energy. The pact is also expected to open opportunities for Indian labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods. New Zealand has made commitments across 118 service sectors and offered Most-Favoured Nation treatment in 139 sectors, according to the Indian government's summary of the agreement. Also read | ‘Kill all in the name of...’: FBI arrests 21-year-old over alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack plot Visa pathways for Indian professionals and students The FTA includes a Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway for up to 5,000 skilled Indians, with stays of up to three years in specified occupations. A Working Holiday Visa arrangement will allow 1,000 young Indians a year to travel to New Zealand for up to 12 months. The agreement also contains provisions covering student mobility and post-study work rights. What happens next? New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the parliamentary vote, saying the agreement would give New Zealand businesses greater access to India’s large consumer market. "People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening," Luxon said in a post on X.

New Zealand Parliament has approved its free trade deal with India, opening the way for major tariff changes and new economic opportunities. From exports and investment to jobs and visas, here’s what the landmark pact means.

New Zealand Parliament clears India trade deal, 95% of exports to get tariff cuts

The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate servicemembers to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address on September 30, with candidates required to meet specific physical and grooming standards. According to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nominees must meet the Army’s waist-to-height requirements, pass fitness tests and maintain “impeccable” grooming and uniform standards.&nbsp;Selected servicemembers will also have an opportunity to work out with Hegseth. Candidates will be chosen based on “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the messages sent to military commanders. The planned event comes about a year after Hegseth ordered the nation’s senior generals and admirals to gather at Marine Corps Base Quantico for an address in which he declared “no more beardos” or “fat generals.”&nbsp;Since taking over as Pentagon chief last year, Hegseth has placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness and appearance across the armed forces. He has argued that maintaining rigorous physical standards is essential to ensuring the military can effectively fight wars. Critics have questioned the emphasis, arguing that Hegseth’s focus is too narrow and warning that military personnel should not be used to advance the administration’s political priorities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-keep-kennedy-center-closed-after-judge-blocks-his-name-from-iconic-memorial-s-facade-1789538127990">Trump threatens to keep Kennedy Center closed after judge blocks his name from iconic memorial's facade</a><h2>Lower-ranking troops to attend</h2>Unlike last year’s gathering, which brought together senior military leadership, this year’s audience is expected to include lower-ranking officers and enlisted servicemembers, officials said. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Hegseth was considering holding the event again. An email dated Tuesday and sent to Army commanders said the Pentagon was seeking servicemembers who meet specific “physical standards.” Candidates must pass the Army’s waist-to-height ratio requirements and fitness tests while maintaining “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception).”&nbsp;The selection criteria also require nominees to be “consistently rated as top performers within their formations,” have a “clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service,” “demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure,” and “serve as role models for their peers and subordinates.” Officials said other military commands received similar versions of the message. A Pentagon official declined to comment.<h2>Hegseth's focus on the ‘warrior ethos’</h2>Hegseth’s decision last fall to convene the country’s generals and admirals at Quantico surprised some senior military officers. According to the report, officers only later learned that the meeting would focus on enforcing the “warrior ethos.” During the event, Hegseth outlined his priorities, including rejecting policies from the previous administration that he has described as “woke” and placing a renewed emphasis on “warfighting” as the Pentagon’s primary mission.&nbsp;“For too long, we have simply not done that. The military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things,” Hegseth said. “In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden.”The upcoming September 30 address is expected to continue Hegseth’s emphasis on military readiness, physical standards and professional conduct across the armed forces.

Pentagon seeks troops for Pete Hegseth’s September 30 'State of the Force' speech, requiring fitness tests, waist-to-height standards and strict grooming

The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate servicemembers to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address on September 30, with candidates required to meet specific physical and grooming standards. According to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nominees must meet the Army’s waist-to-height requirements, pass fitness tests and maintain “impeccable” grooming and uniform standards. Selected servicemembers will also have an opportunity to work out with Hegseth. Candidates will be chosen based on “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the messages sent to military commanders. The planned event comes about a year after Hegseth ordered the nation’s senior generals and admirals to gather at Marine Corps Base Quantico for an address in which he declared “no more beardos” or “fat generals.” Since taking over as Pentagon chief last year, Hegseth has placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness and appearance across the armed forces. He has argued that maintaining rigorous physical standards is essential to ensuring the military can effectively fight wars. Critics have questioned the emphasis, arguing that Hegseth’s focus is too narrow and warning that military personnel should not be used to advance the administration’s political priorities. Also Read: Trump threatens to keep Kennedy Center closed after judge blocks his name from iconic memorial's facade Lower-ranking troops to attend Unlike last year’s gathering, which brought together senior military leadership, this year’s audience is expected to include lower-ranking officers and enlisted servicemembers, officials said. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Hegseth was considering holding the event again. An email dated Tuesday and sent to Army commanders said the Pentagon was seeking servicemembers who meet specific “physical standards.” Candidates must pass the Army’s waist-to-height ratio requirements and fitness tests while maintaining “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception).” The selection criteria also require nominees to be “consistently rated as top performers within their formations,” have a “clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service,” “demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure,” and “serve as role models for their peers and subordinates.” Officials said other military commands received similar versions of the message. A Pentagon official declined to comment. Hegseth's focus on the ‘warrior ethos’ Hegseth’s decision last fall to convene the country’s generals and admirals at Quantico surprised some senior military officers. According to the report, officers only later learned that the meeting would focus on enforcing the “warrior ethos.” During the event, Hegseth outlined his priorities, including rejecting policies from the previous administration that he has described as “woke” and placing a renewed emphasis on “warfighting” as the Pentagon’s primary mission. “For too long, we have simply not done that. The military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things,” Hegseth said. “In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden.” The upcoming September 30 address is expected to continue Hegseth’s emphasis on military readiness, physical standards and professional conduct across the armed forces.

The Pentagon seeks troops for Pet Hegseth’s September 30 speech, requiring fitness, waist-to-height compliance, leadership records and strict grooming standards

Google is facing fresh scrutiny in India after Gujarat Police uncovered a network containing 5,13,847 Gmail IDs and passwords allegedly linked to hoax bomb threats and other cybercrime.&nbsp;Two people have been arrested in the investigation, which began after a threatening email was sent to the Gujarat government on September 10, days before the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Police say the threat was false. They are now preparing to question Google about how such a huge network of accounts could have been created and managed.

<h2>Why are police questioning Google?</h2>Senior Gujarat cybercrime official Vivek Bheda told Reuters that police will write to Google and seek policy changes to prevent safeguards from being bypassed. Investigators also plan to formally make Google a subject of the investigation, he said. The discovery has raised a particularly unusual question: how did a criminal network manage hundreds of thousands of Gmail accounts despite Google's security systems? Police say the fraudulent accounts also had two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, adding another layer to the mystery. Google has not immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment. It is not yet clear whether the company could face any legal charges or penalties.<h2>How did the bomb threat network operate?</h2>The Gujarat investigation began after the September 10 email threatened government locations and countries cooperating with India around the BRICS summit. Police traced the email and arrested two men, one in Bihar and another in Jharkhand.According to Gujarat Police, investigators found a database containing 5,13,847 unique email IDs and corresponding passwords. Police believe the accounts were intended for sending threatening messages to government offices, schools, colleges and courts, as well as for other illegal activities. However, investigators have not established that every account was used to send bomb threats. The wider database is still being analysed.<h2>Bangladesh link and cryptocurrency</h2>Investigators are also examining an alleged international connection.&nbsp;Police said one of the arrested suspects was in contact with a buyer in Bangladesh who purchased batches of the accounts. Some payments were reportedly made using cryptocurrency. The suspected Bangladesh connection remains part of the investigation. The case also adds to wider concerns about the misuse of online platforms in India. Authorities have previously scrutinised Google's Firebase platform over its alleged use in financial scams. For now, the biggest unanswered question is not simply who sent the bomb threats. It is how a network of more than half a million Gmail credentials was created and operated at such scale without being stopped earlier.

Gujarat Police have uncovered 5,13,847 Gmail IDs and passwords in a probe into hoax bomb threats. Two people were arrested, while investigators plan to question Google about how the network operated and whether its safeguards were bypassed.

Google is facing fresh scrutiny in India after Gujarat Police uncovered a network containing 5,13,847 Gmail IDs and passwords allegedly linked to hoax bomb threats and other cybercrime. Two people have been arrested in the investigation, which began after a threatening email was sent to the Gujarat government on September 10, days before the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Police say the threat was false. They are now preparing to question Google about how such a huge network of accounts could have been created and managed.

Gujarat Police have uncovered 5,13,847 Gmail IDs and passwords in a probe into hoax bomb threats. Two people were arrested, while investigators plan to question Google about how the network operated and whether its safeguards were bypassed.

‘5 lakh fake Gmail IDs uncovered’: Why Gujarat police want answers from Google

US President Donald Trump has threatened to keep the Kennedy Center closed indefinitely after a federal judge ruled that his name cannot be added to the Washington arts institution’s facade.Trump said on Tuesday that the Kennedy Center board, which he hand-picked, had voted "almost unanimously" to shut the venue immediately for emergency renovations. The decision came only hours after US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the board could not restore Trump’s name to the building without congressional approval.But Trump said the planned repairs cannot begin unless a higher court overturns the ruling. "If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place," Trump wrote on Truth Social.The Kennedy Center said in a statement to AFP that the board’s decision "reflects sound judgment and a clear prioritisation of safety above all else."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-name-cannot-return-to-kennedy-center-us-judge-rules-1789493053928">Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules</a><h2>Judge blocks Trump's name from Kennedy Center</h2>Trump took control of the Kennedy Center board shortly after beginning his second term and installed himself as its chairman. The institution was established as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.The board voted in December to refer to the institution as the "Trump-Kennedy" Center and placed signage bearing Trump’s name on the building. A federal court later ordered the name removed.Cooper ruled Tuesday that the latest attempt to put Trump’s name back on the facade violated his earlier order. He said the board could not install a memorial to Trump without Congress approving it."Simply put," Cooper wrote, the board "cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress’s blessing."<h2>Renovation, demolition warnings</h2>Trump and his allies on the board have argued that the Kennedy Center building, constructed in the 1960s, has serious structural problems and requires major repairs.Trump pointed to a recent incident in which a section of the ceiling fell after a storm. His administration has also warned during court proceedings that the building could eventually face demolition if its renovation plans were blocked.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ai-safety-concerns-hoax-should-world-regulate-ai-1789491283686">Trump Calls AI Security Concerns A 'Hoax' | Verdict</a>The board has now voted to close the main building for an extensive renovation project. Reuters reported the planned work could cost about $257 million and last up to two years.Trump has nevertheless linked the renovation to the legal dispute over his name being displayed on the building. Workers removed Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in June after the court ordered it taken down. The area has since remained covered by scaffolding and tarps.

A court ruling has put Donald Trump’s Kennedy Center plans in fresh trouble. After a judge blocked efforts to add his name to the facade, Trump has now tied the venue’s future renovations to the legal battle.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to keep the Kennedy Center closed indefinitely after a federal judge ruled that his name cannot be added to the Washington arts institution’s facade. Trump said on Tuesday that the Kennedy Center board, which he hand-picked, had voted "almost unanimously" to shut the venue immediately for emergency renovations. The decision came only hours after US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the board could not restore Trump’s name to the building without congressional approval. But Trump said the planned repairs cannot begin unless a higher court overturns the ruling. "If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The Kennedy Center said in a statement to AFP that the board’s decision "reflects sound judgment and a clear prioritisation of safety above all else." Also read | Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules Judge blocks Trump's name from Kennedy Center Trump took control of the Kennedy Center board shortly after beginning his second term and installed himself as its chairman. The institution was established as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The board voted in December to refer to the institution as the "Trump-Kennedy" Center and placed signage bearing Trump’s name on the building. A federal court later ordered the name removed. Cooper ruled Tuesday that the latest attempt to put Trump’s name back on the facade violated his earlier order. He said the board could not install a memorial to Trump without Congress approving it. "Simply put," Cooper wrote, the board "cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress’s blessing." Renovation, demolition warnings Trump and his allies on the board have argued that the Kennedy Center building, constructed in the 1960s, has serious structural problems and requires major repairs. Trump pointed to a recent incident in which a section of the ceiling fell after a storm. His administration has also warned during court proceedings that the building could eventually face demolition if its renovation plans were blocked. Also read | Trump Calls AI Security Concerns A 'Hoax' | Verdict The board has now voted to close the main building for an extensive renovation project. Reuters reported the planned work could cost about $257 million and last up to two years. Trump has nevertheless linked the renovation to the legal dispute over his name being displayed on the building. Workers removed Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in June after the court ordered it taken down. The area has since remained covered by scaffolding and tarps.

A court ruling has put Donald Trump’s Kennedy Center plans in fresh trouble. After a judge blocked efforts to add his name to the facade, Trump has now tied the venue’s future renovations to the legal battle.

Trump threatens to keep Kennedy Center closed after judge blocks his name from iconic memorial's facade

About one-third of Israelis describe Jewish rioters involved in recent violence in the West Bank village of Kusra as ‘Israeli terrorists’, according to a survey released on Monday by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI). Another 18% of respondents described the rioters as ‘nationalist criminals’, highlighting the strong condemnation of the violence among much of the Israeli public. JPPI President Yedidia Stern said the findings indicate that those involved in the unrest represent an outlier within Israeli society.&nbsp;“The survey shows that support among Israelis for the Jewish rioters in the West Bank is truly negligible, at just 5%,” Stern said in a release accompanying the poll. “More than half the public judges them very harshly, as terrorists or criminals, while others view them with varying degrees of severity. This represents an unusually broad consensus in Israel’s polarized society.” Only 13% of respondents selected either of the two most lenient descriptions offered in the survey: “young people who sometimes go too far” or “the salt of the earth.”&nbsp;The findings come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces pressure from the Trump administration and European governments to take stronger action against Jewish rioters in the West Bank. Netanyahu has faced political constraints because several far-right parties in his governing coalition have expressed varying degrees of sympathy toward settlers involved in such violence. Earlier this month, Netanyahu ordered the removal of some outposts associated with the rioters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-helicopter-crash-at-least-three-dead-several-injured-ntsb-to-investigate-1789530915516">Los Angeles helicopter crash: At least three dead, several injured; NTSB to investigate</a><h2>Political differences over the rioters</h2>The survey found significant differences in how respondents viewed the violence based on political affiliation. Among respondents identifying with the left, 63% described the rioters as “Israeli terrorists.” The figure was 49% among those in the center and 3% among respondents on the right. Arab Israelis were also more likely to use the term, with 55% describing the rioters as “Israeli terrorists,” compared with 27% of Jewish Israelis.<h2>What happened in Kusra?</h2>The survey focused on a recent incident in Kusra in which dozens of masked Israelis reportedly arrived in pickup trucks, threw stones at Palestinian residents and barricaded themselves inside a Palestinian home while members of the family remained inside, according to the Israeli military. Several Palestinians were wounded during the incident. The rioters reportedly fled after security forces arrived, and no arrests were made. The episode followed an earlier confrontation in Kusra, where Israeli settlers established an unauthorized outpost near Palestinian homes.<h2>Huckabee condemns Kusra violence</h2>US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the earlier episode as a “horrific act of terror,” saying it was intended to “intimidate and harass” Palestinian families. The violence has drawn international attention as Israel faces pressure from allies over settler violence and the government's response to incidents in the West Bank.&nbsp;The JPPI survey was conducted from September 1 to 3 among 663 Jewish respondents and 206 Arab respondents. The results were weighted to represent Israel’s adult population. JPPI did not provide a margin of error for the survey.

A JPPI survey finds one-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters 'Israeli terrorists', with major differences across political and ethnic groups

About one-third of Israelis describe Jewish rioters involved in recent violence in the West Bank village of Kusra as ‘Israeli terrorists’, according to a survey released on Monday by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI). Another 18% of respondents described the rioters as ‘nationalist criminals’, highlighting the strong condemnation of the violence among much of the Israeli public. JPPI President Yedidia Stern said the findings indicate that those involved in the unrest represent an outlier within Israeli society. “The survey shows that support among Israelis for the Jewish rioters in the West Bank is truly negligible, at just 5%,” Stern said in a release accompanying the poll. “More than half the public judges them very harshly, as terrorists or criminals, while others view them with varying degrees of severity. This represents an unusually broad consensus in Israel’s polarized society.” Only 13% of respondents selected either of the two most lenient descriptions offered in the survey: “young people who sometimes go too far” or “the salt of the earth.” The findings come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces pressure from the Trump administration and European governments to take stronger action against Jewish rioters in the West Bank. Netanyahu has faced political constraints because several far-right parties in his governing coalition have expressed varying degrees of sympathy toward settlers involved in such violence. Earlier this month, Netanyahu ordered the removal of some outposts associated with the rioters. Also Read: Los Angeles helicopter crash: At least three dead, several injured; NTSB to investigate Political differences over the rioters The survey found significant differences in how respondents viewed the violence based on political affiliation. Among respondents identifying with the left, 63% described the rioters as “Israeli terrorists.” The figure was 49% among those in the center and 3% among respondents on the right. Arab Israelis were also more likely to use the term, with 55% describing the rioters as “Israeli terrorists,” compared with 27% of Jewish Israelis. What happened in Kusra? The survey focused on a recent incident in Kusra in which dozens of masked Israelis reportedly arrived in pickup trucks, threw stones at Palestinian residents and barricaded themselves inside a Palestinian home while members of the family remained inside, according to the Israeli military. Several Palestinians were wounded during the incident. The rioters reportedly fled after security forces arrived, and no arrests were made. The episode followed an earlier confrontation in Kusra, where Israeli settlers established an unauthorized outpost near Palestinian homes. Huckabee condemns Kusra violence US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the earlier episode as a “horrific act of terror,” saying it was intended to “intimidate and harass” Palestinian families. The violence has drawn international attention as Israel faces pressure from allies over settler violence and the government's response to incidents in the West Bank. The JPPI survey was conducted from September 1 to 3 among 663 Jewish respondents and 206 Arab respondents. The results were weighted to represent Israel’s adult population. JPPI did not provide a margin of error for the survey.

One-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters ‘Israeli terrorists’, while another 18% describe them as “nationalist criminals,” a JPPI poll finds

One-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters ‘Israeli terrorists,’ poll finds

A 55-year-old police officer, a trans woman, has gone on trial for raping a 14-year-old girl last year in Germany. The officer, a biological male who identifies as a woman, was also found in possession of child pornography. He appeared before the Traunstein Regional Court on Tuesday. According to the prosecution, the officer, who was suspended after the case came to light, raped the teenage daughter of one of his friends in the bathroom stall of a fast food restaurant. He also sent the victim pornographic messages on WhatsApp.&nbsp;The victim was in "shock" over what had happened in the bathroom and was "trembling all over and with her heart pounding", after which she locked herself in the restroom, the indictment states, describing the condition of the young victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇩🇪🏳️‍⚧️ JUST IN: A German trans police officer is now on trial for raping a 14-year-old girl in a fast-food toilet stall. The trans defendant is also charged with possessing hundreds of child sexual abuse videos, as well as producing animal pornography. The trial of the… <a href="https://t.co/fhQB7oYtDk">pic.twitter.com/fhQB7oYtDk</a>&mdash; Remix News &amp; Views (@RMXnews) <a href="https://x.com/RMXnews/status/2099813352394342406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The prosecution further said that the youngest victim in the child pornography material obtained from his computer is only three years old. The trans officer faces an additional charge for allegedly producing bestiality material. They also found videos of the defendant with several sexual partners and a dog.<h2>Accused held in men's section of Munich jail</h2>Until the trial concludes, he is being held in the men’s section of Munich Prison pending his trial. The defence and prosecution have reached a pre-trial agreement known as ‘Verständigung’ in the German justice system, under which the officer will serve three to three and a half years in prison for raping the girl and possessing child pornography.&nbsp;Four days of hearings have been scheduled in the trial, with the verdict expected on October 8. But since there is a plea agreement in place, the proceedings could also end before the set date. This would avoid the traumatised 14-year-old from testifying in court.

A German police officer accused of raping a 14-year-old and producing child pornography has gone on trial. The 55-year-old raped the daughter of a friend in a public bathroom last year. The porn material also contains videos of him with sexual partners. 

A 55-year-old police officer, a trans woman, has gone on trial for raping a 14-year-old girl last year in Germany. The officer, a biological male who identifies as a woman, was also found in possession of child pornography. He appeared before the Traunstein Regional Court on Tuesday. According to the prosecution, the officer, who was suspended after the case came to light, raped the teenage daughter of one of his friends in the bathroom stall of a fast food restaurant. He also sent the victim pornographic messages on WhatsApp. The victim was in "shock" over what had happened in the bathroom and was "trembling all over and with her heart pounding", after which she locked herself in the restroom, the indictment states, describing the condition of the young victim.

A German police officer accused of raping a 14-year-old and producing child pornography has gone on trial. The 55-year-old raped the daughter of a friend in a public bathroom last year. The porn material also contains videos of him with sexual partners.&nbsp;

55-year-old trans policewoman on trial in Germany for raping 14-year-old daughter of a friend

Saudi Arabia has said that its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Soon after, several areas on Saudi Arabia's&nbsp;western coast, including the holy city of Mecca and the Jeddah and Taif governorates were briefly put on alert. Reports stated that this was the first ever red alert in Mecca in history. Houthis denied the attack but Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki described Mecca's security as a 'red line' and the the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the ‘heinous’ attack on Islam’s holy city. Mecca is home to shrines sacred to Muslims worldwide and is Islam’s holiest ​city - where annual ‌hajj pilgrimage take place.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260916/image-1789535602338.png"></figure>&nbsp;Turki al-Malki also said that the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the ⁠Houthis. “This hostile attempt will also remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist terrorist Houthi militia, as a deliberate act intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims,” Al-Maliki said in a post on X, vowing to take the “necessary and deterrent measures” against the militants. Malki also accused Houthis of targeting Mecca with a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;The OIC, made up of 57 Muslim-majority countries slammed “ongoing aggression against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” It said that the strikes “violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques” and “instill fear in innocent civilians.” Meanwhile, the US embassy issued an advisory to “reconsider travel” to Saudi Arabia. The advisory warned of the “risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws regarding social media activity,” adding “Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of terrorism.”&nbsp;A Houthi official rejected the claim, with spokesperson Hazem al-Assad writing on X: “The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone.” &nbsp;He called it a 'hoax.'<h2>How Houthis-Saudi fighting began</h2>The latest trigger that ended nearly four years of relative calm and shattered the 2022 UN-brokered truce between Saudi and Houthi was a Saudi-backed strike on the runway of Sana’a International Airport that was carried out to prevent an aircraft carrying Houthi dignitaries, to the funeral of Iran’s leader. The Houthis condemned the bombing as a violation of the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting off a rapid escalation in the conflict. In the immediate aftermath, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi vessels and launched a coastal offensive, claiming control of strategic locations around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including Perim Island and the port city of Mokha. The group also launched ballistic missiles and explosive drones at targets deep inside Saudi Arabia, including the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and energy infrastructure such as the East-West Pipeline. Last week, the fighting intensified with drones at several Saudi Arabian cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, injuring 13 civilians. The Houthis have seized control of parts of ⁠Yemen’s Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, one of the ​world’s most important ​shipping straits, threatening Saudi oil ​exports.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace, calling the holy city’s security a “red line”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while the OIC condemned the alleged attack as tensions between Riyadh and the group escalate.

Saudi Arabia has said that its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Soon after, several areas on Saudi Arabia's western coast, including the holy city of Mecca and the Jeddah and Taif governorates were briefly put on alert. Reports stated that this was the first ever red alert in Mecca in history. Houthis denied the attack but Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki described Mecca's security as a 'red line' and the the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the ‘heinous’ attack on Islam’s holy city. Mecca is home to shrines sacred to Muslims worldwide and is Islam’s holiest city - where annual ‌hajj pilgrimage take place. Turki al-Malki also said that the coalition would take necessary deterrent measures against the ⁠Houthis. “This hostile attempt will also remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist terrorist Houthi militia, as a deliberate act intended to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims,” Al-Maliki said in a post on X, vowing to take the “necessary and deterrent measures” against the militants. Malki also accused Houthis of targeting Mecca with a ballistic missile launch in July 2017. The OIC, made up of 57 Muslim-majority countries slammed “ongoing aggression against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” It said that the strikes “violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques” and “instill fear in innocent civilians.” Meanwhile, the US embassy issued an advisory to “reconsider travel” to Saudi Arabia. The advisory warned of the “risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws regarding social media activity,” adding “Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of terrorism.” A Houthi official rejected the claim, with spokesperson Hazem al-Assad writing on X: “The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone.” He called it a 'hoax.' How Houthis-Saudi fighting began The latest trigger that ended nearly four years of relative calm and shattered the 2022 UN-brokered truce between Saudi and Houthi was a Saudi-backed strike on the runway of Sana’a International Airport that was carried out to prevent an aircraft carrying Houthi dignitaries, to the funeral of Iran’s leader. The Houthis condemned the bombing as a violation of the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting off a rapid escalation in the conflict. In the immediate aftermath, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi vessels and launched a coastal offensive, claiming control of strategic locations around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including Perim Island and the port city of Mokha. The group also launched ballistic missiles and explosive drones at targets deep inside Saudi Arabia, including the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and energy infrastructure such as the East-West Pipeline. Last week, the fighting intensified with drones at several Saudi Arabian cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, injuring 13 civilians. The Houthis have seized control of parts of ⁠Yemen’s Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, one of the world’s most important shipping straits, threatening Saudi oil exports.

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace, calling the holy city’s security a “red line”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while the OIC condemned the alleged attack as tensions between Riyadh and the group escalate.

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