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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.The suspect, identified as Jonathan Kramer, from Valencia, was arrested on Saturday (Sep 12) outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, around 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. Investigators said he was carrying a rifle, ammunition, and dozens of knives.<h2>FBI says suspect was preparing for violence</h2>According to the FBI, the suspect had alleged allegiance to the Islamic State of Syria and had even taken steps to promote the group's ideology.Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (Sep 15), Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, described Kramer as a sustained supporter of the Islamic State. "Jonathan Kramer demonstrated a sustained devotion to the Islamic State of Syria," Evanchec said. He said Kramer had recorded a pledge of allegiance, distributed the group's propaganda, and shared methods for carrying out killings.US Attorney Troy Rivetti said investigators believed Kramer was moving forward with his "radical ideology".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/ex-cia-officer-caught-with-gold-bars-worth-40-million-seeks-plea-deal-gravitas-1789494058438">Ex-CIA officer caught with gold bars worth $40mn seeks plea deal | Gravitas</a><h2>What was the target?</h2>Officials did not disclose what specific target, location, or date had allegedly been planned. However, according to federal investigators, agents were watching Kramer on September 12 when he left his home carrying a backpack.He took an Uber to a Walmart in Gibsonia, where authorities said he met another person and removed a long black bag from a vehicle. Investigators believed the bag could contain a rifle.Kramer then travelled by Uber to a hotel in Cranberry Township, paying $450 in cash for a one-week stay.Agents said they later followed him to Dunham's Sports, where he was seen at the firearms counter. After he returned to the hotel, the FBI arrested him.<h2>'I cant live In constant Fear'</h2>A search of the hotel room and Kramer's home allegedly uncovered a semi-automatic rifle, loaded magazines, a rifle scope, ammunition, around 190 rounds, 30 knives and a note.The note told people not to look for him and included the words: “I cant live In constant Fear.”The FBI said social media and encrypted communications provided further information about the alleged plot. Evanchec said Kramer had repeatedly tried to encourage and coordinate violence through encrypted platforms. Investigators said the discussions included attack methods involving firearms, vehicles, drones and chemical poisons."Following that pledge, he made efforts to spread their propaganda and shared ways to kill all in the name of a foreign terrorist organization," Evanchec said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-commanders-from-us-israel-and-7-arab-nations-held-secret-meeting-on-iran-war-1789503060237">Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War</a><h2>Public tip helped trigger investigation</h2>Federal prosecutors said the investigation began after a member of the public reported Kramer's behaviour to authorities. Rivetti thanked that individual and others who later cooperated with investigators.He added that public cooperation can help authorities intervene before violent crimes are carried out.<h2>Charges against the suspect</h2>Kramer has been charged with one count of receiving or transferring a firearm or ammunition while knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, it would be used to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism.Officials said Kramer waived his right to a detention hearing but requested a preliminary examination, which is scheduled for Wednesday.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CASE UPDATE from <a href="https://x.com/FBIPittsburgh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIPittsburgh</a>: Butler County Man Charged with Receiving a Firearm and Ammunition With Intent to Commit Terrorism on Behalf of ISIS Read more about the FBI&#39;s commitment to stopping terrorists before they harm the American people: <a href="https://t.co/k8tdeW5D2Z">https://t.co/k8tdeW5D2Z</a> <a href="https://t.co/A2AkKMhZZF">pic.twitter.com/A2AkKMhZZF</a>&mdash; FBI (@FBI) <a href="https://x.com/FBI/status/2099951604774445138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The FBI says it stopped an alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack before it could happen. A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested with a rifle, ammunition and dozens of knives as investigators tracked what they say was an escalating plot.

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. The suspect, identified as Jonathan Kramer, from Valencia, was arrested on Saturday (Sep 12) outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, around 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. Investigators said he was carrying a rifle, ammunition, and dozens of knives. FBI says suspect was preparing for violence According to the FBI, the suspect had alleged allegiance to the Islamic State of Syria and had even taken steps to promote the group's ideology. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (Sep 15), Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, described Kramer as a sustained supporter of the Islamic State. "Jonathan Kramer demonstrated a sustained devotion to the Islamic State of Syria," Evanchec said. He said Kramer had recorded a pledge of allegiance, distributed the group's propaganda, and shared methods for carrying out killings. US Attorney Troy Rivetti said investigators believed Kramer was moving forward with his "radical ideology". Also read | Ex-CIA officer caught with gold bars worth $40mn seeks plea deal | Gravitas What was the target? Officials did not disclose what specific target, location, or date had allegedly been planned. However, according to federal investigators, agents were watching Kramer on September 12 when he left his home carrying a backpack. He took an Uber to a Walmart in Gibsonia, where authorities said he met another person and removed a long black bag from a vehicle. Investigators believed the bag could contain a rifle. Kramer then travelled by Uber to a hotel in Cranberry Township, paying $450 in cash for a one-week stay. Agents said they later followed him to Dunham's Sports, where he was seen at the firearms counter. After he returned to the hotel, the FBI arrested him. 'I cant live In constant Fear' A search of the hotel room and Kramer's home allegedly uncovered a semi-automatic rifle, loaded magazines, a rifle scope, ammunition, around 190 rounds, 30 knives and a note. The note told people not to look for him and included the words: “I cant live In constant Fear.” The FBI said social media and encrypted communications provided further information about the alleged plot. Evanchec said Kramer had repeatedly tried to encourage and coordinate violence through encrypted platforms. Investigators said the discussions included attack methods involving firearms, vehicles, drones and chemical poisons. "Following that pledge, he made efforts to spread their propaganda and shared ways to kill all in the name of a foreign terrorist organization," Evanchec said. Also read | Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War Public tip helped trigger investigation Federal prosecutors said the investigation began after a member of the public reported Kramer's behaviour to authorities. Rivetti thanked that individual and others who later cooperated with investigators. He added that public cooperation can help authorities intervene before violent crimes are carried out. Charges against the suspect Kramer has been charged with one count of receiving or transferring a firearm or ammunition while knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, it would be used to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism. Officials said Kramer waived his right to a detention hearing but requested a preliminary examination, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

The FBI says it stopped an alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack before it could happen. A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested with a rifle, ammunition and dozens of knives as investigators tracked what they say was an escalating plot.

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

FBI Director Kash Patel faced a combative Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday (September 15), with Democrats questioning his leadership of the agency, the treatment of journalists and the dismissal of FBI personnel. The more than four-hour hearing featured repeated clashes between Patel and Democratic senators. Patel defended his record, pointing to the FBI's efforts against violent crime, drug trafficking and fraud. Republicans on the committee also highlighted crime statistics they said showed improvements under Patel's leadership.&nbsp;Democratic senators accused Patel of using the FBI to intimidate journalists who reported critically about him and President Donald Trump. Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, said, "Like a thug, you're using your agency to go after reporters," said Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey. "Reporters wrote about the president and your bureau went to their homes and subpoenaed their mothers. "A reporter wrote about you and your bureau ran her name through records and began an investigation," Booker added.&nbsp;Patel rejected the accusation, calling it a ‘total lie’ and denying that he had used FBI resources to target reporters. The dispute partly centered on reporting by The Atlantic about Patel. The magazine published allegations concerning his drinking and job performance, which Patel has denied. Patel subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against the publication. Patel also faced questions about the departure and dismissal of FBI personnel who had worked on investigations involving Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-commanders-from-us-israel-and-7-arab-nations-held-secret-meeting-on-iran-war-1789503060237">Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War</a>&nbsp;Democrats characterised the departures as part of a broader effort to remove officials viewed as disloyal to the president. Patel rejected that characterisation and said there had been ‘no purging’, arguing that many of those who left had retired voluntarily. Another major point of contention was a change to FBI hiring rules. Senators questioned a policy that removed certain conduct, including some past cases involving prostitution, theft from an employer and bestiality, from the list of automatic disqualifications. Patel said the change was intended in part to prevent victims of trafficking or abuse from being automatically excluded from FBI employment.&nbsp;"The FBI has lowered its hiring standards by dropping automatic disqualification for applicants who have stolen from prior employers, paid for sex, or engaged in bestiality," said Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois. Patel responded that the policy concerned applicants who may have been victims rather than perpetrators. "Applicants who have engaged in bestiality means they were victims of bestiality because they were forced to do so," he said. "We did not want to punish victims of bestiality, victims who were trafficked."&nbsp;The hearing also focused on the FBI's role in the November midterm elections. Patel declined to rule out having FBI agents at polling places, saying election security remained an important responsibility. "Election integrity is of paramount importance," he said. “This FBI is not going to shy away from that effort.”

Kash Patel faces a heated Senate hearing as lawmakers question FBI firings, journalist investigations, hiring rules and plans for election security

FBI Director Kash Patel faced a combative Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday (September 15), with Democrats questioning his leadership of the agency, the treatment of journalists and the dismissal of FBI personnel. The more than four-hour hearing featured repeated clashes between Patel and Democratic senators. Patel defended his record, pointing to the FBI's efforts against violent crime, drug trafficking and fraud. Republicans on the committee also highlighted crime statistics they said showed improvements under Patel's leadership. Democratic senators accused Patel of using the FBI to intimidate journalists who reported critically about him and President Donald Trump. Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, said, "Like a thug, you're using your agency to go after reporters," said Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey. "Reporters wrote about the president and your bureau went to their homes and subpoenaed their mothers. "A reporter wrote about you and your bureau ran her name through records and began an investigation," Booker added. Patel rejected the accusation, calling it a ‘total lie’ and denying that he had used FBI resources to target reporters. The dispute partly centered on reporting by The Atlantic about Patel. The magazine published allegations concerning his drinking and job performance, which Patel has denied. Patel subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against the publication. Patel also faced questions about the departure and dismissal of FBI personnel who had worked on investigations involving Trump. Also Read: Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War Democrats characterised the departures as part of a broader effort to remove officials viewed as disloyal to the president. Patel rejected that characterisation and said there had been ‘no purging’, arguing that many of those who left had retired voluntarily. Another major point of contention was a change to FBI hiring rules. Senators questioned a policy that removed certain conduct, including some past cases involving prostitution, theft from an employer and bestiality, from the list of automatic disqualifications. Patel said the change was intended in part to prevent victims of trafficking or abuse from being automatically excluded from FBI employment. "The FBI has lowered its hiring standards by dropping automatic disqualification for applicants who have stolen from prior employers, paid for sex, or engaged in bestiality," said Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois. Patel responded that the policy concerned applicants who may have been victims rather than perpetrators. "Applicants who have engaged in bestiality means they were victims of bestiality because they were forced to do so," he said. "We did not want to punish victims of bestiality, victims who were trafficked." The hearing also focused on the FBI's role in the November midterm elections. Patel declined to rule out having FBI agents at polling places, saying election security remained an important responsibility. "Election integrity is of paramount importance," he said. “This FBI is not going to shy away from that effort.”

Kash Patel faced heated Senate questioning over FBI firings, journalist investigations, hiring rules and the agency's role in election security

'Like a thug you are using agency to go after..': Kash Patel grilled by Senate Democrats over FBI firings, journalist investigations and hiring policy

Top military commanders from the United States, Israel and seven Arab countries held a secret meeting in Germany last week to discuss the Iran war and wider security tensions in the Middle East. The meeting organised by US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper was not publicly announced by the countries, said an Axios report, citing two Israeli officials. It was the first such assembly since the US and Israel went to war with Iran.&nbsp;The meeting attended by senior military leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt was significant as some of the Arab nations involved do not have diplomatic ties with Israel but sat on the same table.&nbsp;CENTCOM confirmed later that it had hosted senior military leaders from eight nations in Germany to discuss ways to strengthen security cooperation in the Middle East.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-carried-out-over-350-airstrikes-on-yemen-violated-sovereignty-say-houthis-1789491294418">‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official</a><h2>‘No plans to pull out US forces from the region’</h2>&nbsp;During the meeting, Cooper reportedly assured the military commanders that the US military had no plans to pull its forces out of the region despite Iranian attacks on American bases. He also briefed them on Washington’s plans to increase ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Gen Eyal Zamir, meanwhile, provided an update on Israeli military operations across several fronts.&nbsp;It was a rare opportunity for military commanders from Israel and Arab Gulf countries that don't have diplomatic relations with Israel to meet and exchange views on the war.An Israeli official said Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir briefed the other participants on IDF operations on various fronts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-praises-centre-over-pahalgam-attack-condemnation-at-brics-in-presence-of-pakistan-s-allies-1789478311956">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies</a><h2>Arab nations increase military cooperation with Israel</h2>&nbsp;Several Arab countries have expanded military cooperation with Israel since the 2020 Abraham Accords. Israel has already worked with the UAE and US on defensive and offensive operations during the war.&nbsp;Israel also deployed its Iron Dome system in the UAE and provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, according to officials.The meeting came as Houthi forces intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia and expanded their control around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.Israel and Saudi Arabia are also discussing possible Israeli support for Saudi operations against the Houthis, including intelligence and surveillance assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-s-sons-accuse-asim-munir-of-holding-personal-grudge-against-imprisoned-father-1789484359759">Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father</a>&nbsp;CENTCOM confirmed the meeting, saying in a statement that it “hosted senior military leaders from eight nations during a scheduled conference in Germany. The leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing security cooperation in the Middle East.”&nbsp;<h2>Cooperation increases between Israel and Arab countries</h2>&nbsp;Cooperation between Israel and other countries in the region has intensified since the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain in Sept. 2020.&nbsp;Israel deployed the Iron Dome missile defence system in the UAE, along with personnel to operate it, and gave the UAE real-time assistance with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), Israeli officials say.Intelligence sharing between Israel and other Arab countries in the region has increased during the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a>&nbsp;The meeting took place as the Houthis escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia, making advances on the ground and taking effective control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.&nbsp;A source with knowledge of the matter said Israel and Saudi Arabia — with the assistance of CENTCOM — are discussing how Israel could support Saudi military operations against the Houthis and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assistance modelled on its support for the UAE.

The meeting attended by senior military leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt was significant as some of the Arab nations involved do not have diplomatic ties with Israel but sat on the same table.

Top military commanders from the United States, Israel and seven Arab countries held a secret meeting in Germany last week to discuss the Iran war and wider security tensions in the Middle East. The meeting organised by US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper was not publicly announced by the countries, said an Axios report, citing two Israeli officials. It was the first such assembly since the US and Israel went to war with Iran. The meeting attended by senior military leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt was significant as some of the Arab nations involved do not have diplomatic ties with Israel but sat on the same table. CENTCOM confirmed later that it had hosted senior military leaders from eight nations in Germany to discuss ways to strengthen security cooperation in the Middle East. Also Read: ‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official ‘No plans to pull out US forces from the region’ During the meeting, Cooper reportedly assured the military commanders that the US military had no plans to pull its forces out of the region despite Iranian attacks on American bases. He also briefed them on Washington’s plans to increase ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Gen Eyal Zamir, meanwhile, provided an update on Israeli military operations across several fronts. It was a rare opportunity for military commanders from Israel and Arab Gulf countries that don't have diplomatic relations with Israel to meet and exchange views on the war. An Israeli official said Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir briefed the other participants on IDF operations on various fronts. Also Read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies Arab nations increase military cooperation with Israel Several Arab countries have expanded military cooperation with Israel since the 2020 Abraham Accords. Israel has already worked with the UAE and US on defensive and offensive operations during the war. Israel also deployed its Iron Dome system in the UAE and provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, according to officials. The meeting came as Houthi forces intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia and expanded their control around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Israel and Saudi Arabia are also discussing possible Israeli support for Saudi operations against the Houthis, including intelligence and surveillance assistance. Also Read: Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father CENTCOM confirmed the meeting, saying in a statement that it “hosted senior military leaders from eight nations during a scheduled conference in Germany. The leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing security cooperation in the Middle East.” Cooperation increases between Israel and Arab countries Cooperation between Israel and other countries in the region has intensified since the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain in Sept. 2020. Israel deployed the Iron Dome missile defence system in the UAE, along with personnel to operate it, and gave the UAE real-time assistance with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), Israeli officials say. Intelligence sharing between Israel and other Arab countries in the region has increased during the war. Also Read: ‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat The meeting took place as the Houthis escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia, making advances on the ground and taking effective control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. A source with knowledge of the matter said Israel and Saudi Arabia — with the assistance of CENTCOM — are discussing how Israel could support Saudi military operations against the Houthis and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assistance modelled on its support for the UAE.

The meeting attended by senior military leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt was significant as some of the Arab nations involved do not have diplomatic ties with Israel but sat on the same table.

Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday connected the high US government bond yields to broader “global issues” but did not identify what was triggering the massive bond market sell-off. Bessent made the comments on Tuesday while appearing before the House Financial Services Committee, as the 10-year Treasury yield climbed above 5 per cent to the highest level since July 2007, exactly before the stock market topped out and crashed into the Great Recession.Brent Crude has reached over $100 a barrel as conflict involving Iran has disrupted the global energy supply. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate crossed 7 per cent the prior week. The US Treasury executed an aggressive bond buyback program of up to $6 billion, specifically targeting older, less-liquid bonds maturing in 10 to 30 years. Despite executing the massive buyback, the 10-year bond yield is around 5.04 per cent on Tuesday.&nbsp;When Bond yields are higher, meaning people are doubtful about buying long-term US government debt, the Treasury executes a buyback of bonds using T-bills to create demand for government debt. However, the scale of the buyback is unprecedented. &nbsp;In August 2026, it shifted its maximum buyback cap from the previously planned $2 billion baseline up to $6 billion for targeted long-dated operations.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-ips-bushra-bano-transfer-islamic-greetings-backlash-1789485966243">West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano transferred after objections to ‘Assalamualaikum’, ‘Inshallah’</a>"There was the counterfactual of what it would have done," said Bessent defending the US Treasury Department's purchase of long-dated Treasury bonds, arguing that yields would have climbed further if they did not do so. "And then we proceeded to have two of the most successful Treasury bond auctions that we've had in 20 years." He also said he is working on deficit-reduction plans that he believes would ease yields. "I believe that the 10-year yield reflects many things, but the need to address the deficit is one of those," he said.However, Wall Street analysts were zeroing in on a dropping cover ratio for long-dated bond purchases; Bessent focused on the broader health of regular government debt auctions to prove that international investor confidence is not broken. US stocks tumbled with the latest yield spike, with the Dow shedding more than 500 points by around midday, while the S&amp;P 500 slid 0.45 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.73 per cent.&nbsp;Markets are hinting at a dip that is long overdue. The combination of 5.04 per cent benchmark bond yields, $104+ oil, and a falling stock market forms a classic macroeconomic squeeze that historically pops asset bubbles. “We're entering late innings of the cycle, arguing for multiple compression,” Wells Fargo wrote, flagging the risk of a 5 per cent to 10 per cent drawdown in stocks this year.

US 10-year Treasury yields crossed 5% as oil topped $100 a barrel and stocks fell, raising concerns over inflation, deficits and an overdue market correction.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday connected the high US government bond yields to broader “global issues” but did not identify what was triggering the massive bond market sell-off. Bessent made the comments on Tuesday while appearing before the House Financial Services Committee, as the 10-year Treasury yield climbed above 5 per cent to the highest level since July 2007, exactly before the stock market topped out and crashed into the Great Recession. Brent Crude has reached over $100 a barrel as conflict involving Iran has disrupted the global energy supply. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate crossed 7 per cent the prior week. The US Treasury executed an aggressive bond buyback program of up to $6 billion, specifically targeting older, less-liquid bonds maturing in 10 to 30 years. Despite executing the massive buyback, the 10-year bond yield is around 5.04 per cent on Tuesday. When Bond yields are higher, meaning people are doubtful about buying long-term US government debt, the Treasury executes a buyback of bonds using T-bills to create demand for government debt. However, the scale of the buyback is unprecedented. In August 2026, it shifted its maximum buyback cap from the previously planned $2 billion baseline up to $6 billion for targeted long-dated operations. Also Read: West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano transferred after objections to ‘Assalamualaikum’, ‘Inshallah’ "There was the counterfactual of what it would have done," said Bessent defending the US Treasury Department's purchase of long-dated Treasury bonds, arguing that yields would have climbed further if they did not do so. "And then we proceeded to have two of the most successful Treasury bond auctions that we've had in 20 years." He also said he is working on deficit-reduction plans that he believes would ease yields. "I believe that the 10-year yield reflects many things, but the need to address the deficit is one of those," he said. However, Wall Street analysts were zeroing in on a dropping cover ratio for long-dated bond purchases; Bessent focused on the broader health of regular government debt auctions to prove that international investor confidence is not broken. US stocks tumbled with the latest yield spike, with the Dow shedding more than 500 points by around midday, while the S&P 500 slid 0.45 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.73 per cent. Markets are hinting at a dip that is long overdue. The combination of 5.04 per cent benchmark bond yields, $104+ oil, and a falling stock market forms a classic macroeconomic squeeze that historically pops asset bubbles. “We're entering late innings of the cycle, arguing for multiple compression,” Wells Fargo wrote, flagging the risk of a 5 per cent to 10 per cent drawdown in stocks this year.

US 10-year Treasury yields crossed 5% as oil topped $100 a barrel and stocks fell, raising concerns over inflation, deficits and an overdue market correction.

US Treasury yields cross 5% as Scott Bessent warns of ‘global issues’ impacting bonds

OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are working on a plan to create a new standards body for the artificial intelligence industry as concerns grow over the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.&nbsp;OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, confirmed the plan on Tuesday. The company said it was working with Anthropic and Google on an idea proposed by Google DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis.The proposed body would be modelled on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. The US organisation oversees brokers and investment firms and sets rules for the financial industry.&nbsp;The move comes at a time when concerns over AI safety have intensified, with former employees of major AI companies warning about the possible consequences of developing the technology at a rapid pace.<h3>AI experts raise safety concerns</h3>Jacob Coxon, who recently left Anthropic, warned last week that AI companies were "gambling with our lives". Coxon had previously worked at OpenAI.&nbsp;Former Google DeepMind researcher Bilal Chughtai also raised concerns on Monday. He warned that AI could pose a serious threat to humanity if its development is not handled carefully.&nbsp;"I earnestly believe that AI has the potential to kill us all, and that we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome," Chughtai wrote on social media.&nbsp;Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has also called for a slowdown in AI development. He appealed on Saturday, amid growing concerns about the speed at which companies are developing more advanced AI systems.&nbsp;OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Hassabis have also supported the idea of slowing down AI development.<h3>Debate over who should make AI rules</h3>The push for common safety standards has also triggered criticism from some parts of the industry.

Aiden Gomez, co-founder and CEO of Canadian AI company Cohere, recently accused major US AI companies of forming a "cartel" under the cover of AI safety.&nbsp;"AI needs guardrails. That is not the dispute and never has been. The dispute is over who writes them, who gets to participate and whose interests the rules are protecting," Gomez wrote in a blog post on Sunday.&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><h2>Trump, Huang downplay concern</h2>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has dismissed warnings about the dangers of AI as "hoaxes".Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has also pushed back against claims that AI could eventually destroy humanity.&nbsp;Speaking at a conference in Los Angeles on Monday, Huang criticised such predictions and called them irresponsible. Trump called Huang while he was speaking on stage.&nbsp;"The confluence of these words and then the prediction is alarming and troubling, and it shouldn't be done. It's irresponsible," Huang said.&nbsp;Huang also rejected the idea that AI could destroy humanity, saying such a prediction "is not grounded in science".&nbsp;The proposed standards body could now become part of a wider debate over how the AI industry should regulate itself while governments around the world consider their own rules for the rapidly developing technology.

OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are working on a proposed standards body as concerns grow over AI safety and the rapid development of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are working on a plan to create a new standards body for the artificial intelligence industry as concerns grow over the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, confirmed the plan on Tuesday. The company said it was working with Anthropic and Google on an idea proposed by Google DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis. The proposed body would be modelled on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. The US organisation oversees brokers and investment firms and sets rules for the financial industry. The move comes at a time when concerns over AI safety have intensified, with former employees of major AI companies warning about the possible consequences of developing the technology at a rapid pace. AI experts raise safety concerns Jacob Coxon, who recently left Anthropic, warned last week that AI companies were "gambling with our lives". Coxon had previously worked at OpenAI. Former Google DeepMind researcher Bilal Chughtai also raised concerns on Monday. He warned that AI could pose a serious threat to humanity if its development is not handled carefully. "I earnestly believe that AI has the potential to kill us all, and that we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome," Chughtai wrote on social media. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has also called for a slowdown in AI development. He appealed on Saturday, amid growing concerns about the speed at which companies are developing more advanced AI systems. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Hassabis have also supported the idea of slowing down AI development. Debate over who should make AI rules The push for common safety standards has also triggered criticism from some parts of the industry.

OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are working on a proposed standards body as concerns grow over AI safety and the rapid development of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

Amid AI safety fears, OpenAI, Anthropic and Google move to create standards body

In May, a major gold heist came to the fore after ex-CIA senior executive David Rush was arrested in connection with a 40 million US dollar gold theft case. Four months on, a key development has taken place.Rush has now reached a temporary plea agreement with US federal prosecutors.&nbsp;But what was the trigger for this?&nbsp;According to them, a trial would entail significant litigation on classified material.&nbsp;They added that a pre-indictment resolution promotes public interest by conserving government and judicial resources.&nbsp;As part of a plea bargain, an accused agrees to plead guilty in exchange for concessions from the prosecution, such as reduced charges or a lighter jail sentence.&nbsp;However, it is left to a judge to determine how the accused will be punished.&nbsp;As of now, it is unclear as to what charges Rush could plead guilty to.&nbsp;It is worth noting that David Rush received gold bars and foreign currency from CIA from November 2025 to March 2026 for work-related expenses but the US spy agency was unable to ascertain the intended use of these funds.&nbsp;Subsequently, 303 gold bars worth over 40 million US dollars, two million US dollars in cash and 35 luxury watches were recovered from his residence by FBI.&nbsp;What made this more glaring is that he possessed top secret clearance and had access to classified information.&nbsp;According to a report, he operated a highly classified programme approved by US Congress years ago to obtain critical information about American adversaries using large quantities of cash.&nbsp;Rush also reportedly held a rank that is CIA's equivalent of an army general.&nbsp;This case also stood out as Rush appears to have fooled America's pre-eminent spy agency for decades.&nbsp;According to FBI, he provided false information about his educational background and also falsely claimed to be a military pilot.&nbsp;While the US government is now pursuing a plea deal, a key question arises.&nbsp;Is it an attempt to prevent classified information from coming out in the public domain?&nbsp;This case has put the spotlight on the risks faced when classified programmes, covert funding and court proceedings collide...

David Rush received gold bars and foreign currency from November 2025 to March 2026 for work-related expenses. Subsequently, 303 gold bars worth over 40 million US dollars, two million US dollars in cash and 35 luxury watches were recovered from his residence by FBI.

In May, a major gold heist came to the fore after ex-CIA senior executive David Rush was arrested in connection with a 40 million US dollar gold theft case. Four months on, a key development has taken place. Rush has now reached a temporary plea agreement with US federal prosecutors. But what was the trigger for this? According to them, a trial would entail significant litigation on classified material. They added that a pre-indictment resolution promotes public interest by conserving government and judicial resources. As part of a plea bargain, an accused agrees to plead guilty in exchange for concessions from the prosecution, such as reduced charges or a lighter jail sentence. However, it is left to a judge to determine how the accused will be punished. As of now, it is unclear as to what charges Rush could plead guilty to. It is worth noting that David Rush received gold bars and foreign currency from CIA from November 2025 to March 2026 for work-related expenses but the US spy agency was unable to ascertain the intended use of these funds. Subsequently, 303 gold bars worth over 40 million US dollars, two million US dollars in cash and 35 luxury watches were recovered from his residence by FBI. What made this more glaring is that he possessed top secret clearance and had access to classified information. According to a report, he operated a highly classified programme approved by US Congress years ago to obtain critical information about American adversaries using large quantities of cash. Rush also reportedly held a rank that is CIA's equivalent of an army general. This case also stood out as Rush appears to have fooled America's pre-eminent spy agency for decades. According to FBI, he provided false information about his educational background and also falsely claimed to be a military pilot. While the US government is now pursuing a plea deal, a key question arises. Is it an attempt to prevent classified information from coming out in the public domain? This case has put the spotlight on the risks faced when classified programmes, covert funding and court proceedings collide...

David Rush received gold bars and foreign currency from November 2025 to March 2026 for work-related expenses. Subsequently, 303 gold bars worth over 40 million US dollars, two million US dollars in cash and 35 luxury watches were recovered from his residence by FBI.

Ex-CIA officer caught with gold bars worth $40 million seeks plea deal | Gravitas

As tensions between NATO and Russia are heating up, what if you were told that a romance which blossomed on a dating app... triggered a security alert at a British military base? A new report sheds light on what happened!Now, this scare reporteedly took place at UK's Northwood headquarters, which hosts NATO's allied maritime command. This is significant as it is the central command of all NATO maritime forces. The commander of this military unit, serves as the primary maritime advisor to NATO. Crucially, it reportedly monitors Russian submarines and warships prowling UK waters, and tracks sanctioned oil tankers from Russia's shadow fleet.According to The Telegraph, a senior Spanish naval officer, posted at this base came under the scanner for, starting an affair with a Russian-born woman named Janina White whom he met on the dating app. Although she is a UK-Polish dual national, she was suspected of being a Kremlin agent, by Spanish and NATO authorities.Suspicion initially arose in December 2024 when White was invited to a Christmas party at the base by the Spanish officer. Subsequently, NATO as well as Spain reportedly launched a formal security investigation into the matter. According to the report, the officer was suspended from duty and, banned from entering the base in June 2025, pending the outcome of the probe. A month later, his posting was terminated.Despite this, he along with White and a third person, allegedly attempted to re-enter the base in August, to have lunch. Intriguingly though, the officer claimed to have misplaced his own pass and requested, visitor passes for his friends. After being denied entry, the UK-Polish dual national reportedly declined to leave, compelling the authorities to call the police.But, the woman at the centre of the controversy, had a different story to tell.White told The Telegraph that, she was no longer in a relationship with the Spanish officer. Maintaining that she was being discriminated due to her Russian heritage, White stressed that she was neither a Russian spy, nor was she ever arrested...At the same time, she claimed to have been questioned by a Russian intelligence officer when she visited Saint Petersburg last month. White also added that her former partner tried to take his own life in September 2025, as he felt betrayed by the Spanish navy.A solicitor by profession, White is now seeking a judicial review of, why she was named as an 'adverse security risk' by NATO officials. According to her, the espionage rumours were started by partners of other officers at the base, before being passed on to, counter-intelligence officers in NATO. She has also filed a discrimination case against UK's Ministry of Defence.As of now, both NATO's allied maritime command and UK's defence ministry declined to comment on the matter citing ongoing legal proceedings.While the allegation is yet to be proved, in this case, it comes at a time, when NATO has accused Russia of hybrid warfare.

A Spanish naval officer's romance with a Russian-born woman triggered a security investigation at NATO's Northwood headquarters in the UK.

As tensions between NATO and Russia are heating up, what if you were told that a romance which blossomed on a dating app... triggered a security alert at a British military base? A new report sheds light on what happened! Now, this scare reporteedly took place at UK's Northwood headquarters, which hosts NATO's allied maritime command. This is significant as it is the central command of all NATO maritime forces. The commander of this military unit, serves as the primary maritime advisor to NATO. Crucially, it reportedly monitors Russian submarines and warships prowling UK waters, and tracks sanctioned oil tankers from Russia's shadow fleet. According to The Telegraph, a senior Spanish naval officer, posted at this base came under the scanner for, starting an affair with a Russian-born woman named Janina White whom he met on the dating app. Although she is a UK-Polish dual national, she was suspected of being a Kremlin agent, by Spanish and NATO authorities. Suspicion initially arose in December 2024 when White was invited to a Christmas party at the base by the Spanish officer. Subsequently, NATO as well as Spain reportedly launched a formal security investigation into the matter. According to the report, the officer was suspended from duty and, banned from entering the base in June 2025, pending the outcome of the probe. A month later, his posting was terminated. Despite this, he along with White and a third person, allegedly attempted to re-enter the base in August, to have lunch. Intriguingly though, the officer claimed to have misplaced his own pass and requested, visitor passes for his friends. After being denied entry, the UK-Polish dual national reportedly declined to leave, compelling the authorities to call the police. But, the woman at the centre of the controversy, had a different story to tell. White told The Telegraph that, she was no longer in a relationship with the Spanish officer. Maintaining that she was being discriminated due to her Russian heritage, White stressed that she was neither a Russian spy, nor was she ever arrested... At the same time, she claimed to have been questioned by a Russian intelligence officer when she visited Saint Petersburg last month. White also added that her former partner tried to take his own life in September 2025, as he felt betrayed by the Spanish navy. A solicitor by profession, White is now seeking a judicial review of, why she was named as an 'adverse security risk' by NATO officials. According to her, the espionage rumours were started by partners of other officers at the base, before being passed on to, counter-intelligence officers in NATO. She has also filed a discrimination case against UK's Ministry of Defence. As of now, both NATO's allied maritime command and UK's defence ministry declined to comment on the matter citing ongoing legal proceedings. While the allegation is yet to be proved, in this case, it comes at a time, when NATO has accused Russia of hybrid warfare.

A Spanish naval officer's romance with a Russian-born woman triggered a security investigation at NATO's Northwood headquarters in the UK.

Spanish officer sent home from NATO base over affair with 'Russian spy' | Gravitas

US President Donald Trump has suffered a legal setback after a federal judge blocked a plan to put his name back on the Kennedy Center building. Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on Tuesday (September 15) that the Kennedy Centre's board cannot add a new sign carrying Trump's name without approval from Congress. The decision came after the board tried to introduce a new sign despite an earlier court order.&nbsp;The board, which Trump has filled with his supporters, had planned to put up a sign saying the building was "renovated and restored by President Donald J. Trump".&nbsp;Cooper said the plan went against his previous order, which required Trump's name to be removed from the outside of the Kennedy Centre.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/upi-rule-change-0-4-mdr-on-merchant-payments-above-2-000-consumers-unaffected-1789489025740">UPI rule change: 0.4% MDR on merchant payments above ₹2,000; consumers unaffected</a><h3>Court blocks new signage</h3>Workers removed Trump's name from the building in June after Cooper's earlier ruling. However, scaffolding and tarps have remained around the building since then.&nbsp;The judge had also overturned the board's decision to rename the institution the "Trump-Kennedy Centre". He said the board could not use a new sign to achieve the same result without Congress approving it.&nbsp;"Simply put," Cooper wrote, the board "cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Centre without Congress's blessing."&nbsp;The latest ruling came as the board prepared to discuss a possible long-term closure of the Kennedy Centre for major renovation work.&nbsp;Trump and his allies on the board have argued that the building is in poor condition and could pose safety risks. The main building was constructed in the 1960s.&nbsp;Trump pointed to a recent incident in which part of the ceiling fell after a storm. He said the incident showed the seriousness of the building's condition.&nbsp;"If the Building were open, innocent people would have been killed," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday.&nbsp;He also said the Kennedy Centre board had strongly supported efforts to save the building and claimed he was the only person capable of raising the money and carrying out the construction work.<h3>Trump pushes for major renovation</h3>The Trump administration warned during court proceedings last month that the Kennedy Centre could eventually have to be demolished if its renovation plans were stopped.&nbsp;Trump took control of the Kennedy Centre soon after returning to the White House for his second term. He installed himself as chairman of the institution, which is named after former US President John F. Kennedy.&nbsp;Kennedy, who served as president from 1961 until his assassination in 1963, was known for supporting civil rights.

A US federal judge has blocked the Kennedy Center board from restoring Donald Trump's name on the building, ruling that such a move would require approval from Congress.

US President Donald Trump has suffered a legal setback after a federal judge blocked a plan to put his name back on the Kennedy Center building. Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on Tuesday (September 15) that the Kennedy Centre's board cannot add a new sign carrying Trump's name without approval from Congress. The decision came after the board tried to introduce a new sign despite an earlier court order. The board, which Trump has filled with his supporters, had planned to put up a sign saying the building was "renovated and restored by President Donald J. Trump". Cooper said the plan went against his previous order, which required Trump's name to be removed from the outside of the Kennedy Centre. Also Read: UPI rule change: 0.4% MDR on merchant payments above ₹2,000; consumers unaffected Court blocks new signage Workers removed Trump's name from the building in June after Cooper's earlier ruling. However, scaffolding and tarps have remained around the building since then. The judge had also overturned the board's decision to rename the institution the "Trump-Kennedy Centre". He said the board could not use a new sign to achieve the same result without Congress approving it. "Simply put," Cooper wrote, the board "cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Centre without Congress's blessing." The latest ruling came as the board prepared to discuss a possible long-term closure of the Kennedy Centre for major renovation work. Trump and his allies on the board have argued that the building is in poor condition and could pose safety risks. The main building was constructed in the 1960s. Trump pointed to a recent incident in which part of the ceiling fell after a storm. He said the incident showed the seriousness of the building's condition. "If the Building were open, innocent people would have been killed," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. He also said the Kennedy Centre board had strongly supported efforts to save the building and claimed he was the only person capable of raising the money and carrying out the construction work. Trump pushes for major renovation The Trump administration warned during court proceedings last month that the Kennedy Centre could eventually have to be demolished if its renovation plans were stopped. Trump took control of the Kennedy Centre soon after returning to the White House for his second term. He installed himself as chairman of the institution, which is named after former US President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy, who served as president from 1961 until his assassination in 1963, was known for supporting civil rights.

A US federal judge has blocked the Kennedy Center board from restoring Donald Trump's name on the building, ruling that such a move would require approval from Congress.

Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules

A US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, a US official said Tuesday, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.&nbsp;US Central Command “has a task force in place for enhancing intelligence sharing and planning support with Saudi forces,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the military command “maintains a strong security alliance with our Saudi partners in confronting regional challenges.”&nbsp;The Houthis have renewed fighting against Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-praises-centre-over-pahalgam-attack-condemnation-at-brics-in-presence-of-pakistan-s-allies-1789478311956">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies</a>&nbsp;The Houthis seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week.&nbsp;The Houthis also attacked oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude exporter.&nbsp;Last week, US media reported that the kingdom’s crown prince made a personal request to President Donald Trump for US intervention, but was turned down.&nbsp;Trump said on Saturday that the Houthis have asked Washington not to intervene.&nbsp;Iran has long supported the Houthis, a member of its anti-Israel “axis of resistance”, including with weapons and technology, but has denied any role in the current war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-s-sons-accuse-asim-munir-of-holding-personal-grudge-against-imprisoned-father-1789484359759">Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Saudi Arabia issues brief danger alerts for Mecca&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s civil defence issued brief alerts on Tuesday warning of potential danger in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid an escalation in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The alert for Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, was the first such warning, but authorities said the danger had cleared minutes later.&nbsp;&nbsp;The alerts came a day after ballistic missiles and drones launched from Yemen injured 13 people in southern Saudi Arabia. The Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense posted on X, “The danger has passed in Mecca City. For your safety, continue following Civil Defense instructions and avoid gathering and filming. In case of emergency, call (911).”<h2>Saudi Arabia carried out over 350 airstrikes on Yemen, violated sovereignty, say Houthis</h2>&nbsp;The Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of continuing “aggressive raids” against Yemen, saying Saudi forces had carried out more than 350 airstrikes in a matter of days, targeting public and private property and causing civilian casualties.&nbsp;“We hold the Saudi regime responsible for its continued violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and its targeting of people and their property,” Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdel Salam said on social media.&nbsp;He warned that the escalation would not achieve Saudi Arabia’s objectives, arguing that Riyadh had already tried the military option and “achieved nothing but failure”.&nbsp;“The return to a failed option reflects an aggressive mentality that does not believe in dialogue or peace,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a><h2>Houthi attacks on ships likely constitute war crimes: Human Rights Watch&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The latest attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden most likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, said New York-based Human Rights Watch organization on Tuesday.&nbsp;The attacks on ships followed the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 that they would blockade Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports in response to what the group claimed was a Saudi sea and air blockade of their territory in Yemen.&nbsp;Under international law, attacks on civilians or civilian objects committed recklessly or with deliberate intent can constitute war crimes.&nbsp;“The Houthis are once again putting seafarers’ lives at deadly risk through their attacks on commercial ships, this time as part of their hostilities with the Saudi-led coalition,” HRW said in the statement.“Whatever the geopolitics, attacks on civilian crews carried out deliberately or recklessly are war crimes,” it added.

A US official said on Tuesday that a US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

A US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, a US official said Tuesday, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters. US Central Command “has a task force in place for enhancing intelligence sharing and planning support with Saudi forces,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the military command “maintains a strong security alliance with our Saudi partners in confronting regional challenges.” The Houthis have renewed fighting against Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. Also Read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies The Houthis seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week. The Houthis also attacked oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude exporter. Last week, US media reported that the kingdom’s crown prince made a personal request to President Donald Trump for US intervention, but was turned down. Trump said on Saturday that the Houthis have asked Washington not to intervene. Iran has long supported the Houthis, a member of its anti-Israel “axis of resistance”, including with weapons and technology, but has denied any role in the current war. Also Read: Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father Saudi Arabia issues brief danger alerts for Mecca Saudi Arabia’s civil defence issued brief alerts on Tuesday warning of potential danger in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid an escalation in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The alert for Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, was the first such warning, but authorities said the danger had cleared minutes later. The alerts came a day after ballistic missiles and drones launched from Yemen injured 13 people in southern Saudi Arabia. The Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense posted on X, “The danger has passed in Mecca City. For your safety, continue following Civil Defense instructions and avoid gathering and filming. In case of emergency, call (911).” Saudi Arabia carried out over 350 airstrikes on Yemen, violated sovereignty, say Houthis The Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of continuing “aggressive raids” against Yemen, saying Saudi forces had carried out more than 350 airstrikes in a matter of days, targeting public and private property and causing civilian casualties. “We hold the Saudi regime responsible for its continued violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and its targeting of people and their property,” Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdel Salam said on social media. He warned that the escalation would not achieve Saudi Arabia’s objectives, arguing that Riyadh had already tried the military option and “achieved nothing but failure”. “The return to a failed option reflects an aggressive mentality that does not believe in dialogue or peace,” he said. Also Read: ‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat Houthi attacks on ships likely constitute war crimes: Human Rights Watch The latest attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden most likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, said New York-based Human Rights Watch organization on Tuesday. The attacks on ships followed the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 that they would blockade Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports in response to what the group claimed was a Saudi sea and air blockade of their territory in Yemen. Under international law, attacks on civilians or civilian objects committed recklessly or with deliberate intent can constitute war crimes. “The Houthis are once again putting seafarers’ lives at deadly risk through their attacks on commercial ships, this time as part of their hostilities with the Saudi-led coalition,” HRW said in the statement. “Whatever the geopolitics, attacks on civilian crews carried out deliberately or recklessly are war crimes,” it added.

A US official said on Tuesday that a US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official

Even as US President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, the fighting continued unabated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went a step further and hinted that Trump was playing politics with the Ukraine war. While showing willingness to de-escalate, Zelensky maintained that any move by the US should not be influenced by elections. With midterm elections due in the US in November, this was perceived as a jibe at Trump, who is trying to address voter anxiety over inflation and the ongoing war in Iran.&nbsp;Now, Zelensky's jibe also came after Trump warned Ukraine against attacking Russia's diesel infrastructure. Speaking to the media in Ireland over the weekend, the US President blamed Ukraine for causing a shortage of diesel across the world by striking Russia.&nbsp;The latest war of words between the two leaders also brings back into focus how Zelensky has restrained himself, despite being at the receiving end of Trump's ire, amid the bonhomie between the US President and Putin.&nbsp;Let me jog your memory back to February last year, when Zelensky met Trump at the White House. Within minutes, the Oval Office witnessed an extraordinary public clash, with Trump and US Vice President JD Vance criticising Zelensky over the direction of the Ukraine war and US aid.&nbsp;While the situation cooled down subsequently, Zelensky has often expressed his frustration at America pushing Ukraine to concede Donbas in its entirety to Russia, in order to provide security guarantees.&nbsp;Incidentally, this has also been Russia's demand to end the war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has ruled out any compromise on the territorial front.&nbsp;In May earlier this year, Zelensky urged Trump and the US Congress to supply more Patriot interceptor missiles as well as other air defence systems, warning that deliveries to his country are falling dangerously short.

There was a brief ray of hope in July, though, as Trump told Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit that he would permit Ukraine to get a licence to manufacture Patriot missiles. Later though, the US President backtracked and said that he was unsure of this idea.&nbsp;According to reports, Trump declined Zelensky's request to provide hundreds of additional interceptor missiles, citing limited stockpiles and the need to protect US military facilities in West Asia and its allies in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/upi-rule-change-0-4-mdr-on-merchant-payments-above-2-000-consumers-unaffected-1789489025740">UPI rule change: 0.4% MDR on merchant payments above ₹2,000; consumers unaffected</a>&nbsp;On his part, though, Zelensky has hinted at the possibility of meeting Trump after September 20 to try to secure US air defence support, as Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks.&nbsp;In response to Russia's attack on Kyiv's petrol stations earlier in the day, Zelensky announced Ukrainian strikes on a refinery in Syzran city and drone production facilities at other locations in Russia.&nbsp;While Russia welcomed the US proposal for a moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure, it demanded sanctions on its energy supplies be lifted. Moscow also made it clear that it will not stop fighting in Ukraine even if talks take place.&nbsp;With Ukraine and Russia still at odds over key issues, it remains to be seen whether America's effort to revive trilateral talks will bear fruit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Donald Trump of playing politics with the Ukraine war as Kyiv and Moscow remain divided over energy strikes, territorial concessions and the path to peace.

Even as US President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, the fighting continued unabated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went a step further and hinted that Trump was playing politics with the Ukraine war. While showing willingness to de-escalate, Zelensky maintained that any move by the US should not be influenced by elections. With midterm elections due in the US in November, this was perceived as a jibe at Trump, who is trying to address voter anxiety over inflation and the ongoing war in Iran. Now, Zelensky's jibe also came after Trump warned Ukraine against attacking Russia's diesel infrastructure. Speaking to the media in Ireland over the weekend, the US President blamed Ukraine for causing a shortage of diesel across the world by striking Russia. The latest war of words between the two leaders also brings back into focus how Zelensky has restrained himself, despite being at the receiving end of Trump's ire, amid the bonhomie between the US President and Putin. Let me jog your memory back to February last year, when Zelensky met Trump at the White House. Within minutes, the Oval Office witnessed an extraordinary public clash, with Trump and US Vice President JD Vance criticising Zelensky over the direction of the Ukraine war and US aid. While the situation cooled down subsequently, Zelensky has often expressed his frustration at America pushing Ukraine to concede Donbas in its entirety to Russia, in order to provide security guarantees. Incidentally, this has also been Russia's demand to end the war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has ruled out any compromise on the territorial front. In May earlier this year, Zelensky urged Trump and the US Congress to supply more Patriot interceptor missiles as well as other air defence systems, warning that deliveries to his country are falling dangerously short.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Donald Trump of playing politics with the Ukraine war as Kyiv and Moscow remain divided over energy strikes, territorial concessions and the path to peace.

Bitter Zelensky snubs Trump for playing politics with Ukraine war | Gravitas

Donald Trump says AI safety concerns are a hoax. Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Dario Amodei say AI concerns are real, and regulation is needed.The real issue is bigger than any of these men.Have we humans created a Frankenstein's monster in artificial intelligence?Not entirely. It's helping move things faster, saves time, energy and resources.But it's also controlling your Instagram account, and therefore how you think. It's slowly entering our life and shaping the way we live, good and bad.In the race to be number one, United States and China are doing everything in their power to build, use and spread artificial intelligence.Economic growth matters but not more than national security.So should the world regulate AI?Well, the sensible thing to do is: win the race without building something we cannot control.Independent safety testing and international coordination on the most dangerous capabilities is definitely needed.But there is another side to this debate.Whistleblower and former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon’s most extreme predictions are still predictions. He says AI could kill humans by the end of this decade, but there is no scientific consensus on exactly when, or even whether, superintelligent AI will kill humans.So, President Donald Trump is absolutely wrong to dismiss the risk associated with artificial intelligence. But Coxon is wrong too, if his warning is treated as proof of a catastrophe. The rational position is neither denial nor hysteria.It's to know when to stop. But humans rarely know how to do that.If the people building the most powerful technology on Earth admit they do not yet know how to guarantee its control, the responsible response is not to panic. It is to put guardrails in place before we discover too late, why we needed them in the first place. And if not the West, let's start with the Global South putting strict rules in place.&nbsp;

Trump has dismissed AI safety concerns as a hoax, but tech leaders warn of risks. Should the world impose guardrails before AI becomes uncontrollable?

Donald Trump says AI safety concerns are a hoax. Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Dario Amodei say AI concerns are real, and regulation is needed. The real issue is bigger than any of these men. Have we humans created a Frankenstein's monster in artificial intelligence? Not entirely. It's helping move things faster, saves time, energy and resources. But it's also controlling your Instagram account, and therefore how you think. It's slowly entering our life and shaping the way we live, good and bad. In the race to be number one, United States and China are doing everything in their power to build, use and spread artificial intelligence. Economic growth matters but not more than national security. So should the world regulate AI? Well, the sensible thing to do is: win the race without building something we cannot control. Independent safety testing and international coordination on the most dangerous capabilities is definitely needed. But there is another side to this debate. Whistleblower and former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon’s most extreme predictions are still predictions. He says AI could kill humans by the end of this decade, but there is no scientific consensus on exactly when, or even whether, superintelligent AI will kill humans. So, President Donald Trump is absolutely wrong to dismiss the risk associated with artificial intelligence. But Coxon is wrong too, if his warning is treated as proof of a catastrophe. The rational position is neither denial nor hysteria. It's to know when to stop. But humans rarely know how to do that. If the people building the most powerful technology on Earth admit they do not yet know how to guarantee its control, the responsible response is not to panic. It is to put guardrails in place before we discover too late, why we needed them in the first place. And if not the West, let's start with the Global South putting strict rules in place.

Trump has dismissed AI safety concerns as a hoax, but tech leaders warn of risks. Should the world impose guardrails before AI becomes uncontrollable?

Trump Calls AI Security Concerns A 'Hoax' | Verdict

Oracle has begun another round of layoffs, and for some employees the warning came before the dreaded email.&nbsp;Workers affected by the latest cuts reported losing access to Oracle systems in the early hours of September 14, followed by Slack disconnections and badge failures. At around 6am, an email from “Oracle Leadership” told them their roles had been eliminated and that the same day was their final working day. The latest cuts are part of a wider restructuring at Oracle, which is simultaneously spending heavily to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure.<figure class="image"><img src="https://c.ndtvimg.com/2026-09/me5p6t44_email_625x300_15_September_26.jpg" alt="Latest and Breaking News on NDTV"></figure>

<h2>What did Oracle’s 6am email say?</h2>The message began: “We are sharing some difficult news regarding your position.” It said Oracle had decided to eliminate the employee’s role because of its “current business needs” and a “broader organisational change”. The email then delivered the key line: “As a result, today is your last working day.” Affected workers were asked to provide a personal email address for information about severance and separation documents. They were also warned that access to their computer, email, voicemail and files would soon be deactivated. Oracle has not publicly disclosed how many employees were affected in this latest round.<figure class="image"><img src="https://c.ndtvimg.com/2026-09/kkdr5pks_email_625x300_15_September_26.jpg" alt="Alleged e-mail sent by Oracle to laid-off employees"></figure>

<h2>Employees say performance did not guarantee job security</h2>Reports from affected workers suggest the cuts reached multiple parts of Oracle, including cloud, engineering, security and support functions. Some employees also said they had strong performance records and years of service before being selected. On Reddit, employees described a similar sequence to Oracle’s earlier round of cuts: internal logins stopped working first, Slack access disappeared later and the termination email followed. One employee described seeing federated login access disappear around 4am, with Slack disconnecting between roughly 5am and 5:30am before the 6am email arrived.<h2>Oracle is spending billions on AI while cutting costs</h2>The layoffs come at a striking moment for Oracle. The company recently increased its expected fiscal 2026 restructuring costs by about $700 million, taking the total to roughly $2.8 billion. Oracle has also committed enormous sums to data centres and AI infrastructure. Oracle reported first-quarter revenue of $19.3 billion, up 30% year-on-year, while cloud infrastructure revenue surged 121% to $7.4 billion. At the same time, free cash flow was negative $5.4 billion as the company poured money into expansion.That leaves Oracle facing a difficult balancing act: spend heavily enough to capture the AI boom while cutting costs elsewhere. And for employees, the latest round shows just how quickly that strategy can translate into job losses.

Oracle has begun another round of layoffs, with affected US employees reporting system access failures followed by a 6am termination email saying their roles had been eliminated. The cuts come as Oracle expands AI infrastructure spending and its restructuring bill reaches about $2.8 billion.

Oracle has begun another round of layoffs, and for some employees the warning came before the dreaded email. Workers affected by the latest cuts reported losing access to Oracle systems in the early hours of September 14, followed by Slack disconnections and badge failures. At around 6am, an email from “Oracle Leadership” told them their roles had been eliminated and that the same day was their final working day. The latest cuts are part of a wider restructuring at Oracle, which is simultaneously spending heavily to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure.

Oracle has begun another round of layoffs, with affected US employees reporting system access failures followed by a 6am termination email saying their roles had been eliminated. The cuts come as Oracle expands AI infrastructure spending and its restructuring bill reaches about $2.8 billion.

‘We are sharing some difficult news’: Oracle begins fresh round of job cuts

New Delhi: 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.Commerce ministry figures released on Tuesday put merchandise imports from Russia at $41.44bn from April-August 2026-2027, up from $26.45bn a year (Apr-Aug 2025-26) ago. Officials said the rise was led by the import of petroleum, fertilisers and vegetable oils.&nbsp;Bilateral trade is now approaching $70bn a year, with India's import of Russian energy that has significantly increased since the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine in 2022. The surge has left India with a large deficit. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the imbalance and sought better access for Indian goods during recent inter-governmental talks in Moscow.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-s-sons-accuse-asim-munir-of-holding-personal-grudge-against-imprisoned-father-1789484359759">Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father</a>&nbsp;China remained India’s biggest source of imports over the same period, at $65.49bn against $51.56bn a year earlier. The United States followed at $28.09bn, then the United Arab Emirates at $24.36bn and South Korea at $12.10bn. On the export side, the US was the largest market at $42.79bn, ahead of the UAE ($13.59bn), China ($9.61bn), Singapore ($9.50bn) and the Netherlands ($6.95bn). In South Asia, Bangladesh was the top destination, taking $4.72bn of Indian goods.&nbsp;The China figures sit at the centre of a cautious diplomatic thaw. Over the weekend Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their third bilateral meeting since 2024, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Delhi. An Indian readout said the two leaders “underlined the need to address each other’s concerns, including structural trade imbalance and supply chain issues, and facilitation of meaningful and predictable market access.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-praises-centre-over-pahalgam-attack-condemnation-at-brics-in-presence-of-pakistan-s-allies-1789478311956">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies</a>&nbsp;Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal then met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao. Indian commerce officials described the meeting as an “initial first trading meeting” after a period of “gradual confidence building.” “We are open to engaging with them to find solutions to trade imbalances,” one official said. Both sides, they added, wanted to work on structural concerns. India’s deficit with China exceeded $112bn last financial year.&nbsp;BRICS itself featured in the trade numbers. Exports to all members rose 13% to $34.53bn in April–August; shipments to the original four partners, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, grew 34%. At the weekend BRICS summit in the Indian national capital, member countries focused on more intra-BRICS trade.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a>&nbsp;New Delhi is also advancing several other talks for free trade agreements and larger trade pacts. Forty-eight Canadian officials are in Delhi for talks on a Comprehensive economic partnership agreement. 2 chapters of a potential agreement are complete and both sides hope to finish by year-end. An India–EU free-trade deal is “moving as per plan” and is also expected to be signed by December.&nbsp;&nbsp;A pact with New Zealand is due to take effect in the second half of October. Indian Trade Minister Goyal will travel to the United States for a G20 trade ministers’ meeting, where he is expected to meet his counterpart to discuss bilateral issues, including the interim trade arrangement that was announced in February.

On the export side, the US was the largest market at $42.79bn, ahead of the UAE ($13.59bn), China ($9.61bn), Singapore ($9.50bn) and the Netherlands ($6.95bn). In South Asia, Bangladesh was the top destination, taking $4.72bn of Indian goods.

New Delhi: 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. Commerce ministry figures released on Tuesday put merchandise imports from Russia at $41.44bn from April-August 2026-2027, up from $26.45bn a year (Apr-Aug 2025-26) ago. Officials said the rise was led by the import of petroleum, fertilisers and vegetable oils. Bilateral trade is now approaching $70bn a year, with India's import of Russian energy that has significantly increased since the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine in 2022. The surge has left India with a large deficit. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the imbalance and sought better access for Indian goods during recent inter-governmental talks in Moscow. Also Read: Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father China remained India’s biggest source of imports over the same period, at $65.49bn against $51.56bn a year earlier. The United States followed at $28.09bn, then the United Arab Emirates at $24.36bn and South Korea at $12.10bn. On the export side, the US was the largest market at $42.79bn, ahead of the UAE ($13.59bn), China ($9.61bn), Singapore ($9.50bn) and the Netherlands ($6.95bn). In South Asia, Bangladesh was the top destination, taking $4.72bn of Indian goods. The China figures sit at the centre of a cautious diplomatic thaw. Over the weekend Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their third bilateral meeting since 2024, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Delhi. An Indian readout said the two leaders “underlined the need to address each other’s concerns, including structural trade imbalance and supply chain issues, and facilitation of meaningful and predictable market access.” Also Read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal then met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao. Indian commerce officials described the meeting as an “initial first trading meeting” after a period of “gradual confidence building.” “We are open to engaging with them to find solutions to trade imbalances,” one official said. Both sides, they added, wanted to work on structural concerns. India’s deficit with China exceeded $112bn last financial year. BRICS itself featured in the trade numbers. Exports to all members rose 13% to $34.53bn in April–August; shipments to the original four partners, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, grew 34%. At the weekend BRICS summit in the Indian national capital, member countries focused on more intra-BRICS trade. Also Read: ‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat New Delhi is also advancing several other talks for free trade agreements and larger trade pacts. Forty-eight Canadian officials are in Delhi for talks on a Comprehensive economic partnership agreement. 2 chapters of a potential agreement are complete and both sides hope to finish by year-end. An India–EU free-trade deal is “moving as per plan” and is also expected to be signed by December. A pact with New Zealand is due to take effect in the second half of October. Indian Trade Minister Goyal will travel to the United States for a G20 trade ministers’ meeting, where he is expected to meet his counterpart to discuss bilateral issues, including the interim trade arrangement that was announced in February.

On the export side, the US was the largest market at $42.79bn, ahead of the UAE ($13.59bn), China ($9.61bn), Singapore ($9.50bn) and the Netherlands ($6.95bn). In South Asia, Bangladesh was the top destination, taking $4.72bn of Indian goods.

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

The sons of Pakistan former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have accused the country’s powerful army chief Asim Munir of a “personal vendetta” against the imprisoned former prime minister and expressed fears their father is being “slowly killed” in jail. Khan’s sons said that the “cruel” treatment was being driven by “personal grudge” of Asim Munir.&nbsp;Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, have been persistent in advocating for the release of their father, who has been held in Adiala prison in Rawalpindi since his arrest in 2023, and is serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges.The sons told the Guardian that they have not been allowed to speak to Khan for more than six months and have been prevented from travelling to Pakistan to lobby for his release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-praises-centre-over-pahalgam-attack-condemnation-at-brics-in-presence-of-pakistan-s-allies-1789478311956">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies</a><h2>‘Visas not granted more than nine months after applying’</h2>&nbsp;Khan’s sons said that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying.&nbsp;When Khan was prime minister, he had unceremoniously demoted Munir and the bad blood between them was well known. The persecution of Khan increased notably once Munir became army chief in 2023.“It’s very clear this is being driven by personal grudge and that’s one of the reasons he’s being treated so harshly, on the orders of Asim Munir,” said Sulaiman.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘A form of mental and physical torture’</h2>&nbsp;Khan’s sons from his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith said they were “deeply, deeply concerned” about their father’s health and that the conditions he was being kept in amounted to “a form of mental and physical torture”.“The reality is that he is locked in a tiny 6x8ft cell without human contact,” said Sulaiman. “He hasn’t been allowed new books for months, and he’s not been allowed to see or speak to his family or a neutral doctor. He has an eye condition which was neglected for months and has meant he’s probably almost lost sight in one eye.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a>&nbsp;Late last month, Sky Sports aired an interview with Khasim and Sulaiman during its coverage of a test match between England and Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board, whose chief is the country’s interior minister, made a formal complaint to Sky Sports after the broadcast and the Pakistani team threatened to refuse to return to the field after the lunch break.“It shows how out of touch they are with the rest of the world, that they thought they could silence media like they do at home. It just exposed them for the authoritarian regime that they are,” Sulaiman said.&nbsp;<h2>Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law: UN</h2>&nbsp;The UN has said Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law, and the UN’s special rapporteur on torture said his solitary confinement and detention conditions could amount to psychological torture.&nbsp;Sulaiman said the family had been told their father, 73, had also been diagnosed with high blood pressure. “More than anything, we just want to speak to him and make sure he’s OK,” he said.Last month, the supreme court ruled that Khan should be taken to a private hospital for treatment for a blood clot in his retinal vein, believed to have destroyed 85% of the sight in his right eye due to prolonged lack of medical attention. Khan was instead taken briefly to a government hospital, where he was given injections and taken back to prison,.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ensuring-global-energy-supplies-trump-demands-reimbursement-for-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1789418289895">‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>‘They’re trying to slowly kill him in there’</h2>&nbsp;“We believe they’re trying to slowly kill him in there. Just as soon as there’s less pressure, we are sure they will put even harsher restrictions on him and try to finish him off. The one with the real vendetta here is the army chief Asim Munir,” said Kasim.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the supreme court will rule on a case alleging the Pakistan government has been in contempt of court by denying Khan private hospital treatment for a worsening eye condition and preventing family from visiting him or speaking with him in jail for more than six months, in violation of a court order.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement, the Pakistan government called the allegations “fake propaganda” and said Khan was being kept in adequate conditions, with access to home-cooked food, nuts, bottled water, exercise equipment, family visits and regular medical examinations.

Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, said they have not been allowed to speak to their father Imran Khan for more than six months. They added that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying.

The sons of Pakistan former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have accused the country’s powerful army chief Asim Munir of a “personal vendetta” against the imprisoned former prime minister and expressed fears their father is being “slowly killed” in jail. Khan’s sons said that the “cruel” treatment was being driven by “personal grudge” of Asim Munir. Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, have been persistent in advocating for the release of their father, who has been held in Adiala prison in Rawalpindi since his arrest in 2023, and is serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges. The sons told the Guardian that they have not been allowed to speak to Khan for more than six months and have been prevented from travelling to Pakistan to lobby for his release. Also Read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies ‘Visas not granted more than nine months after applying’ Khan’s sons said that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying. When Khan was prime minister, he had unceremoniously demoted Munir and the bad blood between them was well known. The persecution of Khan increased notably once Munir became army chief in 2023. “It’s very clear this is being driven by personal grudge and that’s one of the reasons he’s being treated so harshly, on the orders of Asim Munir,” said Sulaiman. ‘A form of mental and physical torture’ Khan’s sons from his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith said they were “deeply, deeply concerned” about their father’s health and that the conditions he was being kept in amounted to “a form of mental and physical torture”. “The reality is that he is locked in a tiny 6x8ft cell without human contact,” said Sulaiman. “He hasn’t been allowed new books for months, and he’s not been allowed to see or speak to his family or a neutral doctor. He has an eye condition which was neglected for months and has meant he’s probably almost lost sight in one eye.” Also Read: ‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat Late last month, Sky Sports aired an interview with Khasim and Sulaiman during its coverage of a test match between England and Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board, whose chief is the country’s interior minister, made a formal complaint to Sky Sports after the broadcast and the Pakistani team threatened to refuse to return to the field after the lunch break. “It shows how out of touch they are with the rest of the world, that they thought they could silence media like they do at home. It just exposed them for the authoritarian regime that they are,” Sulaiman said. Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law: UN The UN has said Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law, and the UN’s special rapporteur on torture said his solitary confinement and detention conditions could amount to psychological torture. Sulaiman said the family had been told their father, 73, had also been diagnosed with high blood pressure. “More than anything, we just want to speak to him and make sure he’s OK,” he said. Last month, the supreme court ruled that Khan should be taken to a private hospital for treatment for a blood clot in his retinal vein, believed to have destroyed 85% of the sight in his right eye due to prolonged lack of medical attention. Khan was instead taken briefly to a government hospital, where he was given injections and taken back to prison,. Also Read: ‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz ‘They’re trying to slowly kill him in there’ “We believe they’re trying to slowly kill him in there. Just as soon as there’s less pressure, we are sure they will put even harsher restrictions on him and try to finish him off. The one with the real vendetta here is the army chief Asim Munir,” said Kasim. On Wednesday, the supreme court will rule on a case alleging the Pakistan government has been in contempt of court by denying Khan private hospital treatment for a worsening eye condition and preventing family from visiting him or speaking with him in jail for more than six months, in violation of a court order. In a statement, the Pakistan government called the allegations “fake propaganda” and said Khan was being kept in adequate conditions, with access to home-cooked food, nuts, bottled water, exercise equipment, family visits and regular medical examinations.

Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, said they have not been allowed to speak to their father Imran Khan for more than six months. They added that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying.

Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father

Saudi Arabia has held talks with Israel through US Central Command (CENTCOM) as Riyadh seeks help in defending itself against a growing campaign of Houthi attacks, The Jerusalem Post reported. According to sources cited by the publication, the Saudi request focused on intelligence support to build a broader picture of Houthi military deployments and identify possible plans for future operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;CENTCOM reportedly facilitated the discussions as Saudi Arabia faces increasing pressure from the Iran-backed group. Israel has already demonstrated intelligence and operational capabilities in the maritime arena around the Strait of Hormuz, including support to the US in tracking the locations of Iranian forces, the sources said.<h3>Saudi seeks wider military support</h3>Separately, Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia had also sought British assistance to counter the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and protect its oil infrastructure from further attacks.&nbsp;The report said Britain had agreed to send military advisers to Saudi Arabia, although it had not committed to providing additional military assistance.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia on Tuesday warned that it would respond "firmly" to the Houthis after a series of attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones injured 13 civilians in the southern part of the kingdom. Reuters also reported that the Houthis had launched fresh missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets.&nbsp;The latest escalation comes as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has intensified. The conflict had reignited in July, when the Houthis declared a maritime blockade targeting Riyadh and began attacking Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.&nbsp;The Houthis have also moved to establish control around Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a development that has increased concerns over maritime security as the wider US-Iran conflict disrupts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;The group has also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, adding to concerns over the kingdom's crude exports and contributing to a rise in oil prices above the $100 mark.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-asks-trump-twice-to-strike-houthis-us-president-declines-report-1789146851795">Saudi prince asks Trump twice to strike Houthis, US president declines: Report</a><h3>MBS turns to Trump, Israel</h3>Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday and urged him to authorise American strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, Axios reported, citing two US officials.&nbsp;Trump declined the request, while the US said it would provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information. The calls came as the Houthis advanced towards the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.&nbsp;The latest developments also come after Saudi Arabia sought greater military support from Pakistan. Riyadh and Islamabad are treaty-bound allies under their recently signed defence agreement, but Pakistan has said it is not currently considering military action against the Houthis.&nbsp;With Pakistan unwilling to enter the conflict militarily, Saudi Arabia has now turned to Israel for intelligence assistance, according to the reports. The move comes as Riyadh faces growing pressure from Houthi attacks on its territory, shipping routes and oil infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has sought Israeli intelligence assistance through US Central Command to counter escalating Houthi attacks, after seeking support from the US, UK and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia has held talks with Israel through US Central Command (CENTCOM) as Riyadh seeks help in defending itself against a growing campaign of Houthi attacks, The Jerusalem Post reported. According to sources cited by the publication, the Saudi request focused on intelligence support to build a broader picture of Houthi military deployments and identify possible plans for future operations. CENTCOM reportedly facilitated the discussions as Saudi Arabia faces increasing pressure from the Iran-backed group. Israel has already demonstrated intelligence and operational capabilities in the maritime arena around the Strait of Hormuz, including support to the US in tracking the locations of Iranian forces, the sources said. Saudi seeks wider military support Separately, Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia had also sought British assistance to counter the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and protect its oil infrastructure from further attacks. The report said Britain had agreed to send military advisers to Saudi Arabia, although it had not committed to providing additional military assistance. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday warned that it would respond "firmly" to the Houthis after a series of attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones injured 13 civilians in the southern part of the kingdom. Reuters also reported that the Houthis had launched fresh missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets. The latest escalation comes as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has intensified. The conflict had reignited in July, when the Houthis declared a maritime blockade targeting Riyadh and began attacking Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have also moved to establish control around Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a development that has increased concerns over maritime security as the wider US-Iran conflict disrupts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The group has also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, adding to concerns over the kingdom's crude exports and contributing to a rise in oil prices above the $100 mark. Also Read: Saudi prince asks Trump twice to strike Houthis, US president declines: Report MBS turns to Trump, Israel Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday and urged him to authorise American strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, Axios reported, citing two US officials. Trump declined the request, while the US said it would provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information. The calls came as the Houthis advanced towards the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. The latest developments also come after Saudi Arabia sought greater military support from Pakistan. Riyadh and Islamabad are treaty-bound allies under their recently signed defence agreement, but Pakistan has said it is not currently considering military action against the Houthis. With Pakistan unwilling to enter the conflict militarily, Saudi Arabia has now turned to Israel for intelligence assistance, according to the reports. The move comes as Riyadh faces growing pressure from Houthi attacks on its territory, shipping routes and oil infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has sought Israeli intelligence assistance through US Central Command to counter escalating Houthi attacks, after seeking support from the US, UK and Pakistan.

Saudi turns to Israel for intelligence help as Houthi attacks intensify: Report

Indian and US troops have begun their largest annual land exercise in more than two decades, splitting 1,200 soldiers between the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand and the firing ranges of Rajasthan to practise mountain warfare, drones and long-range fires. The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened on Tuesday at Auli Foreign Training Node, where Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the US 11th Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team addressed contingents of about 600 personnel from each side. Training is running in parallel at Mahajan Field Firing Range. The US force includes soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels”. Officials said the two-week drill will move from academic exchanges on space, cyber and multi-domain operations to a brigade-level command post exercise, field lanes, counter-drone training at Auli, and live-fire serials at Mahajan involving HIMARS, Stinger missiles and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, or M-LIDS.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-dismisses-pakistan-bounty-on-masood-azhar-as-phony-1789473976877">India dismisses Pakistan bounty on Masood Azhar as 'phony'</a>&nbsp;“Yudh Abhyas 2026 provides our soldiers an opportunity to enhance bilateral readiness, cooperation and interoperability,” Jackman said. “By training alongside the Indian Army, we are strengthening our mutual trust and building combat credibility.” The Indian side framed the exercise as a full-spectrum test. “Exercise Yudh Abhyas gives us a platform to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures across the full spectrum of multidomain operations, from precision fires at Mahajan to mountain warfare here in Auli,” he said. “It strengthens the bond between our armies and prepares us to prevail together in any environment.” India’s defence ministry said the aim is to improve the two armies’ ability to employ Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-led operations. Technology is a central theme as drones and autonomous systems will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, contemporary weapons will be demonstrated at Mahajan, and subject-matter experts will compare notes on emerging multi-domain warfare. Jackman said the test would be whether headquarters and small units can “seamlessly integrate our capabilities”. “When we conclude this training, our Soldiers will stand side by side as a more lethal, coordinated and ready force.” Held annually since 2004 and sponsored on the US side by US Army Pacific, Yudh Abhyas is designed to deepen interoperability under the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This year’s edition is scheduled to close on 28 September.

India and the US have begun the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, deploying around 1,200 troops across Uttarakhand and Rajasthan to train in mountain warfare, drone operations, precision fires and multi-domain combat.

Indian and US troops have begun their largest annual land exercise in more than two decades, splitting 1,200 soldiers between the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand and the firing ranges of Rajasthan to practise mountain warfare, drones and long-range fires. The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened on Tuesday at Auli Foreign Training Node, where Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the US 11th Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team addressed contingents of about 600 personnel from each side. Training is running in parallel at Mahajan Field Firing Range. The US force includes soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels”. Officials said the two-week drill will move from academic exchanges on space, cyber and multi-domain operations to a brigade-level command post exercise, field lanes, counter-drone training at Auli, and live-fire serials at Mahajan involving HIMARS, Stinger missiles and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, or M-LIDS. Also Read: India dismisses Pakistan bounty on Masood Azhar as 'phony' “Yudh Abhyas 2026 provides our soldiers an opportunity to enhance bilateral readiness, cooperation and interoperability,” Jackman said. “By training alongside the Indian Army, we are strengthening our mutual trust and building combat credibility.” The Indian side framed the exercise as a full-spectrum test. “Exercise Yudh Abhyas gives us a platform to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures across the full spectrum of multidomain operations, from precision fires at Mahajan to mountain warfare here in Auli,” he said. “It strengthens the bond between our armies and prepares us to prevail together in any environment.” India’s defence ministry said the aim is to improve the two armies’ ability to employ Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-led operations. Technology is a central theme as drones and autonomous systems will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, contemporary weapons will be demonstrated at Mahajan, and subject-matter experts will compare notes on emerging multi-domain warfare. Jackman said the test would be whether headquarters and small units can “seamlessly integrate our capabilities”. “When we conclude this training, our Soldiers will stand side by side as a more lethal, coordinated and ready force.” Held annually since 2004 and sponsored on the US side by US Army Pacific, Yudh Abhyas is designed to deepen interoperability under the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This year’s edition is scheduled to close on 28 September.

India and the US have begun the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, deploying around 1,200 troops across Uttarakhand and Rajasthan to train in mountain warfare, drone operations, precision fires and multi-domain combat.

1,200 Indian and US troops begin high-altitude and desert drills

Keralite woman vlogger Arunima I P, popularly known as Backpacker Arunima, triggered alarm after posting a distress message claiming to have been “arrested” by the "Mujahideen" in Afghanistan's Bamyan, during her ongoing trip. Arunima, who had sought the help of the Indian Embassy on Monday: “Please help me connect to the Indian embassy," on Tuesday morning, she posted: “I am safe.’’<h2>What happened during her journey?</h2>Arunima, a native of Ottapalam in Kerala’s Palakkad, said that she was travelling alone after reaching Afghanistan last month from Tajikistan. She claimed that it attracted crowds everywhere, as women were not seen alone in public places. &nbsp;She said that she hitchhiked on a truck to Bamyan. The moment she got down from the vehicle, people started to flock around her.&nbsp;“They were not ready to leave me alone to decide where I should stay the night… They asked me to show my documents. I showed them my passport and visa. According to the law of this country, a woman cannot travel alone,” she added.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploys-space-weapons-china-russia-urge-washington-stop-preparing-war-1789472097098">China, Russia urge Washington to ‘stop preparing for war’ in space as US deploys weapons</a>"A few days ago, I had gone to Jalalabad to get a permit, but they did not give me one because they said a woman cannot travel alone. I requested them many times to give me the permit. They told me that they could not issue it without a man accompanying me, or that I would have to travel with a guide,” the vlogger wrote on FacebookShe said that she tried to convince the local authorities that she was travelling alone, but they refused to let her go.&nbsp;“According to their law, I had violated the rules. They told me that they were going to arrest me. Here, every Taliban member is like a police officer. They can do whatever they want. I asked them to deport me. They said I had violated the law and that they would arrest me. What was my crime? I had travelled alone as a woman in a country where women are not allowed to travel alone.’’Terrified of getting arrested, she sent a distress message. But later she negotiated with the help of a local contact who spoke to the officials on her behalf. After a few hours of tension, she was allowed to pass without paying the requested penalties, provided she immediately exited toward the Uzbekistan border.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">An Indian Woman travel vlogger seeks help from Afghanistan. Kerala-based travel vlogger Arunima, known as “Backpacker Arunima,” claims she has been “arrested” by the Mujahideen in Bamyan, Afghanistan. In a social media post on Facebook, she shared what she described as a… <a href="https://t.co/Nwao9jEX7e">pic.twitter.com/Nwao9jEX7e</a>&mdash; The News Drill™ (@thenewsdrill) <a href="https://x.com/thenewsdrill/status/2099675117018308676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kerala vlogger Backpacker Arunima raised alarm after claiming she was arrested by “Mujahideen” in Afghanistan’s Bamyan before later saying she was safe.

Keralite woman vlogger Arunima I P, popularly known as Backpacker Arunima, triggered alarm after posting a distress message claiming to have been “arrested” by the "Mujahideen" in Afghanistan's Bamyan, during her ongoing trip. Arunima, who had sought the help of the Indian Embassy on Monday: “Please help me connect to the Indian embassy," on Tuesday morning, she posted: “I am safe.’’ What happened during her journey? Arunima, a native of Ottapalam in Kerala’s Palakkad, said that she was travelling alone after reaching Afghanistan last month from Tajikistan. She claimed that it attracted crowds everywhere, as women were not seen alone in public places. She said that she hitchhiked on a truck to Bamyan. The moment she got down from the vehicle, people started to flock around her. “They were not ready to leave me alone to decide where I should stay the night… They asked me to show my documents. I showed them my passport and visa. According to the law of this country, a woman cannot travel alone,” she added. Also Read: China, Russia urge Washington to ‘stop preparing for war’ in space as US deploys weapons "A few days ago, I had gone to Jalalabad to get a permit, but they did not give me one because they said a woman cannot travel alone. I requested them many times to give me the permit. They told me that they could not issue it without a man accompanying me, or that I would have to travel with a guide,” the vlogger wrote on Facebook She said that she tried to convince the local authorities that she was travelling alone, but they refused to let her go. “According to their law, I had violated the rules. They told me that they were going to arrest me. Here, every Taliban member is like a police officer. They can do whatever they want. I asked them to deport me. They said I had violated the law and that they would arrest me. What was my crime? I had travelled alone as a woman in a country where women are not allowed to travel alone.’’ Terrified of getting arrested, she sent a distress message. But later she negotiated with the help of a local contact who spoke to the officials on her behalf. After a few hours of tension, she was allowed to pass without paying the requested penalties, provided she immediately exited toward the Uzbekistan border.

Kerala vlogger Backpacker Arunima raised alarm after claiming she was arrested by “Mujahideen” in Afghanistan’s Bamyan before later saying she was safe.

Kerala vlogger Arunima says ‘Mujahideen’ arrested her in Afghanistan, later says ‘I am safe’

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday praised the foreign policy of PM Narendra Modi-led Centre for the condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in the declaration of the BRICS Summit in Delhi. Omar Abdullah said the BRICS declaration condemning the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack was a major diplomatic win for India.&nbsp;The National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. Therefore, for even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy,” Omar Abdullah said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞… <a href="https://t.co/I814d2Ablb">pic.twitter.com/I814d2Ablb</a>&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://x.com/BJP4India/status/2099793740496056537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a>&nbsp;J&amp;K CM remarks came after Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and several world leaders attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.&nbsp;J&amp;K CM Omar also welcomed steps aimed at easing tensions along India’s fronts with Pakistan and China. Reacting to the ministry of defence’s report on the operational situation along the Northern Front, he said any move to reduce troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or Line of Control (LoC) would be a positive development, particularly for people living in border areas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ensuring-global-energy-supplies-trump-demands-reimbursement-for-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1789418289895">‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;“Anything that reduces tension along the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control is a good step, particularly for those people who live close to it. We know that living near the LoC or LAC is extremely difficult for people. If there is any step that reduces deployments along the Line of Actual Control, that is a good step,” he said.&nbsp;“Similarly, we hope that, over time, things will also get better along the Line of Control,” Omar added.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the New Delhi Declaration had been unanimously adopted and called the gathering a huge summit.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday praised the foreign policy of PM Narendra Modi-led Centre for the condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in the declaration of the BRICS Summit in Delhi. Omar Abdullah said the BRICS declaration condemning the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack was a major diplomatic win for India. The National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan. “The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. Therefore, for even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy,” Omar Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies

A former Google DeepMind researcher who worked on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) safety said on Tuesday that artificial intelligence has the potential to kill everyone and further warned that “we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome”.&nbsp;Bilal Chughtai left Google DeepMind in July and went public with the warning this week. Two other researchers resigned recently.&nbsp;Chughtai worked as a research engineer on AGI safety and alignment at DeepMind. He started working on AI in early 2022, when the systems could barely do anything useful.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-stocks-fall-after-ai-bosses-call-for-a-slowdown-in-reckless-progress-1789387989365">Tech stocks fall after AI bosses call for a slowdown in ‘reckless’ progress</a><h2>‘We might be running out of time to avoid this outcome’</h2>&nbsp;Four years later, he points to OpenAI agent swarms that cracked century-old math problems. He added that it was more troubling when AI agents escaped their test sandbox in July and hacked Hugging Face without instruction.“I too am extremely concerned by the default trajectory of this technology. I earnestly believe that AI has the potential to kill us all, and that we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome,” he wrote in a post on X.Chughtai said that within the next few years AI companies could build superintelligent systems that exceed human capabilities across every domain.&nbsp;He questioned whether developers could ensure such systems reliably follow human goals and warned that misaligned superintelligence could escape human control and take actions that permanently disempower or kill humanity.&nbsp;<h2>AI alignment is still an unresolved challenge</h2>&nbsp;Chughtai further said that AI alignment is still an unresolved challenge. He argued that researchers still have only a rudimentary understanding of how to train advanced systems to reliably pursue human objectives and warned that AI capabilities are advancing faster than alignment research.&nbsp;“Our present understanding of how to train AI systems that deeply want what we want is extremely rudimentary. Worse, we are not on track to solve alignment in time: frontier AI capabilities are improving much faster than our understanding of AI alignment,” Chughtai added.&nbsp;He clarified that he is not calling for AI development to stop but wants coordination to slow the race between AI companies, along with greater transparency into how frontier systems get built and tested.“More broadly, we need many more people thinking carefully about the problem of making AI go well. It is, in my view, the most important problem facing humanity this century, and the stakes are immense,” the post read.&nbsp;Before Chugtai, Anthropic pretraining researcher Jacob Coxon resigned after three years across Anthropic and OpenAI, as he departed with a warning that “people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ensuring-global-energy-supplies-trump-demands-reimbursement-for-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1789418289895">‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘AI systems could cause immense harm within five years’</h2>&nbsp;Josh Engels, who worked on the DeepMind safety team, announced on September 12 that he had joined the evaluation nonprofit METR after turning down offers from Anthropic and OpenAI.Engels said he sees a terrifying risk that AI systems could cause immense harm within five years.“There’s a terrifying chance that AI systems cause immense harm in the next five years. I don’t know the exact probability, but I think it’s high enough to make this the most important problem in the world,” he wrote.&nbsp;Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay Saturday urging companies to pace capability gains, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman backed the call.&nbsp;President Donald Trump, however, has dismissed the warnings, saying on social media that the AI industry’s call for regulation is a “hoax”.

Bilal Chughtai, who worked as a research engineer on AGI safety and alignment at Google DeepMind, quit in July but went public with the warning this week. He warned that AI companies could build superintelligent systems that exceed human capabilities across every domain within next few years.

A former Google DeepMind researcher who worked on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) safety said on Tuesday that artificial intelligence has the potential to kill everyone and further warned that “we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome”. Bilal Chughtai left Google DeepMind in July and went public with the warning this week. Two other researchers resigned recently. Chughtai worked as a research engineer on AGI safety and alignment at DeepMind. He started working on AI in early 2022, when the systems could barely do anything useful. Also Read: Tech stocks fall after AI bosses call for a slowdown in ‘reckless’ progress ‘We might be running out of time to avoid this outcome’ Four years later, he points to OpenAI agent swarms that cracked century-old math problems. He added that it was more troubling when AI agents escaped their test sandbox in July and hacked Hugging Face without instruction. “I too am extremely concerned by the default trajectory of this technology. I earnestly believe that AI has the potential to kill us all, and that we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome,” he wrote in a post on X. Chughtai said that within the next few years AI companies could build superintelligent systems that exceed human capabilities across every domain. He questioned whether developers could ensure such systems reliably follow human goals and warned that misaligned superintelligence could escape human control and take actions that permanently disempower or kill humanity. AI alignment is still an unresolved challenge Chughtai further said that AI alignment is still an unresolved challenge. He argued that researchers still have only a rudimentary understanding of how to train advanced systems to reliably pursue human objectives and warned that AI capabilities are advancing faster than alignment research. “Our present understanding of how to train AI systems that deeply want what we want is extremely rudimentary. Worse, we are not on track to solve alignment in time: frontier AI capabilities are improving much faster than our understanding of AI alignment,” Chughtai added. He clarified that he is not calling for AI development to stop but wants coordination to slow the race between AI companies, along with greater transparency into how frontier systems get built and tested. “More broadly, we need many more people thinking carefully about the problem of making AI go well. It is, in my view, the most important problem facing humanity this century, and the stakes are immense,” the post read. Before Chugtai, Anthropic pretraining researcher Jacob Coxon resigned after three years across Anthropic and OpenAI, as he departed with a warning that “people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.” Also Read: ‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz ‘AI systems could cause immense harm within five years’ Josh Engels, who worked on the DeepMind safety team, announced on September 12 that he had joined the evaluation nonprofit METR after turning down offers from Anthropic and OpenAI. Engels said he sees a terrifying risk that AI systems could cause immense harm within five years. “There’s a terrifying chance that AI systems cause immense harm in the next five years. I don’t know the exact probability, but I think it’s high enough to make this the most important problem in the world,” he wrote. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay Saturday urging companies to pace capability gains, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman backed the call. President Donald Trump, however, has dismissed the warnings, saying on social media that the AI industry’s call for regulation is a “hoax”.

Bilal Chughtai, who worked as a research engineer on AGI safety and alignment at Google DeepMind, quit in July but went public with the warning this week. He warned that AI companies could build superintelligent systems that exceed human capabilities across every domain within next few years.

‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat

After the US Air Force confirmed that it deployed “on-orbit space control weapons” for the first time, both China and Russia criticised Washington's move. China urged the United States on September 15, Tuesday, to “stop preparing for war” in space; Russia also said that space must be “free from any weapon.”Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reaffirmed on Tuesday China's commitment to the peaceful use of outer space. “We urge the US side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space,” Guo Jiakun told a news briefing.“We believe that space must be free of any weapon,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.“We are counting on broad international consolidation to continue working towards the complete demilitarisation of space,” he added.The US Statement did not provide any specifics about the nature of weapons deployed in space. "Space control encapsulates the mission areas required to contest and control the space domain -- employing kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities," the statement said."These capabilities can be employed for offensive and defensive purposes," it added.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-jet-shoots-down-drone-lithuania-russian-frigate-fires-flares-denmark-1789467264898">NATO jet shoots down drone in Lithuania as Russian frigate fires flares at Danish military helicopter</a><h2>Weaponisation of Outer Space</h2>The militarisation and weaponisation of outer space is governed by the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, which bans weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Since then, China, Russia, the US and even India have explored ways to fight in space outside the treaty, including by targeting rival satellites, which are key for military communication, surveillance and navigation.&nbsp;The treaty has a vacuum, as Article 4 prevents weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons in orbit, but it does not prohibit the deployment of conventional weapons such as kinetic interceptors, lasers, or electronic jamming systems in orbit. It creates a grey area where anti-satellite weapons, dual-use tech and cyber and electronic warfare remain unregulated."Moscow and Beijing have been wanting to work for about twenty years on a treaty to prevent the placement of weapons in space," while "Western states are trying instead to work on the notion of responsible behaviour," said space law expert Laetitia Cesari, as quoted by the AFP. This regulatory vacuum is likely to be on the agenda in the next UN disarmament meeting in November.&nbsp;

China and Russia have criticised the US after Washington confirmed deploying “on-orbit space control weapons” for the first time.

After the US Air Force confirmed that it deployed “on-orbit space control weapons” for the first time, both China and Russia criticised Washington's move. China urged the United States on September 15, Tuesday, to “stop preparing for war” in space; Russia also said that space must be “free from any weapon.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reaffirmed on Tuesday China's commitment to the peaceful use of outer space. “We urge the US side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space,” Guo Jiakun told a news briefing. “We believe that space must be free of any weapon,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “We are counting on broad international consolidation to continue working towards the complete demilitarisation of space,” he added. The US Statement did not provide any specifics about the nature of weapons deployed in space. "Space control encapsulates the mission areas required to contest and control the space domain -- employing kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities," the statement said. "These capabilities can be employed for offensive and defensive purposes," it added. Also Read: NATO jet shoots down drone in Lithuania as Russian frigate fires flares at Danish military helicopter Weaponisation of Outer Space The militarisation and weaponisation of outer space is governed by the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, which bans weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Since then, China, Russia, the US and even India have explored ways to fight in space outside the treaty, including by targeting rival satellites, which are key for military communication, surveillance and navigation. The treaty has a vacuum, as Article 4 prevents weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons in orbit, but it does not prohibit the deployment of conventional weapons such as kinetic interceptors, lasers, or electronic jamming systems in orbit. It creates a grey area where anti-satellite weapons, dual-use tech and cyber and electronic warfare remain unregulated. "Moscow and Beijing have been wanting to work for about twenty years on a treaty to prevent the placement of weapons in space," while "Western states are trying instead to work on the notion of responsible behaviour," said space law expert Laetitia Cesari, as quoted by the AFP. This regulatory vacuum is likely to be on the agenda in the next UN disarmament meeting in November.

China and Russia have criticised the US after Washington confirmed deploying “on-orbit space control weapons” for the first time.

China, Russia urge Washington to ‘stop preparing for war’ in space as US deploys weapons

India has dismissed Pakistan’s decision to raise a reward on Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar as a hollow publicity exercise timed for international scrutiny.&nbsp;At the weekly briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday (Sept 15), Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to WION's Sidhant Sibal's question, said that Islamabad’s announcement was familiar theatre.&nbsp;“Such gimmicks and hoodwinking by Pakistan are nothing new,” he said. “For a state sponsor of terror to make a phoney announcement, we all know how hollow it is. They should take action, not make phony announcements that are of no consequence.”&nbsp;Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency listed Azhar in its 2026 “Red Book” of most-wanted suspects and advertised a reward of 7 million Pakistani rupees, about $25,000, for information leading to his arrest or conviction. The entry gives a Bahawalpur address, describes him as armed and extremely dangerous, and cites Pakistani cases from 2020 and 2021. A similar bounty of 5 million rupees was advertised in 2021. Islamabad has long said Azhar left for Afghanistan; Kabul has rejected that claim.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tightens-child-safety-rules-meta-agrees-to-report-child-sexual-abuse-cases-1789471351365">India tightens child safety rules: Meta agrees to report child sexual abuse cases</a>&nbsp;The timing has drawn scepticism in New Delhi. An October plenary of the Financial Action Task Force is expected to examine Pakistan’s record on terror financing. According to Indian intelligence assessments, Azhar remains inside Pakistan, not Afghanistan.&nbsp;Azhar, designated by the UN Security Council in 2019, is wanted in India over the 2001 Parliament terror attack, later plots and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;The same Red Book again names 19 men linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people. Photographs, Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliations and operational details have been stripped from two entries that were fuller in 2021: those of Muhammad Khan of Turbat and Abdul Rehman of Bahawalnagar.

India has dismissed Pakistan’s reward for information on Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar as a hollow publicity exercise, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal slamming Islamabad over its failure to take action on terrorists.

India has dismissed Pakistan’s decision to raise a reward on Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar as a hollow publicity exercise timed for international scrutiny. At the weekly briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday (Sept 15), Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to WION's Sidhant Sibal's question, said that Islamabad’s announcement was familiar theatre. “Such gimmicks and hoodwinking by Pakistan are nothing new,” he said. “For a state sponsor of terror to make a phoney announcement, we all know how hollow it is. They should take action, not make phony announcements that are of no consequence.” Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency listed Azhar in its 2026 “Red Book” of most-wanted suspects and advertised a reward of 7 million Pakistani rupees, about $25,000, for information leading to his arrest or conviction. The entry gives a Bahawalpur address, describes him as armed and extremely dangerous, and cites Pakistani cases from 2020 and 2021. A similar bounty of 5 million rupees was advertised in 2021. Islamabad has long said Azhar left for Afghanistan; Kabul has rejected that claim. Also Read: India tightens child safety rules: Meta agrees to report child sexual abuse cases The timing has drawn scepticism in New Delhi. An October plenary of the Financial Action Task Force is expected to examine Pakistan’s record on terror financing. According to Indian intelligence assessments, Azhar remains inside Pakistan, not Afghanistan. Azhar, designated by the UN Security Council in 2019, is wanted in India over the 2001 Parliament terror attack, later plots and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The same Red Book again names 19 men linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people. Photographs, Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliations and operational details have been stripped from two entries that were fuller in 2021: those of Muhammad Khan of Turbat and Abdul Rehman of Bahawalnagar.

India has dismissed Pakistan’s reward for information on Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar as a hollow publicity exercise, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal slamming Islamabad over its failure to take action on terrorists.

India dismisses Pakistan bounty on Masood Azhar as 'phony'

NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, officials said on Tuesday. The drone was downed near the village of Pratkunai in the Kaišiadorys district, about 60 miles west of the country's capital, Vilnius, said the country's National Crisis Management Centre.&nbsp;Lithuania's military said that it was the first time a drone had been shot down in its airspace. The unmanned aerial vehicle entered Lithuanian airspace from neighbouring Belarus, stayed airborne for roughly 30 minutes, flew along the outskirts of populated areas before being intercepted. The authorities did not confirm the origin or purpose of the drone, seeking more time for investigation. Antanas Matutis, commander of the Lithuanian air force, said that the wreckage had been found and the drone was ‘likely’ to be carrying explosives.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-man-pleads-guilty-drugging-raping-wife-20-years-manchester-1789407942967">UK man admits drugging, raping wife for 20 years in shocking abuse case</a><h2>Denmark-Russia flare incident</h2>In a separate incident, a Russian frigate fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter following what Russia claimed as "provocative actions". &nbsp;The flares narrowly missed the aircraft, the Nordic NATO member’s military said. Denmark claimed that it was routine practice to photograph the Russian frigate.&nbsp;Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said, “No warning or radio contact was given before the Russian frigate fired flares towards the Danish military helicopter.”"The Danish side's attempts to explain the helicopter's provocative actions against the Russian frigate as 'routine practice' give rise to serious concern about the possible consequences of such recklessness," Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin said in a written statement to AFP.<h2>Incident follows NATO chief Mark Rutte's speech</h2>The incident happened as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the strike close to the border of NATO will push it to support Kyiv more, following the strike on a Poland-bound train in Kyiv 2 kilometres from the Polish border. He added that the incursion and attacks close to NATO territory show Russian President Vladimir Putin's “desperation and also his desire to sow fear and terror”. He also pledged to bolster the 32-nation alliance’s own defences along its long eastern border with Russia. &nbsp;

A NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone in Lithuanian airspace as a Russian frigate fired flares towards a Danish military helicopter.

NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, officials said on Tuesday. The drone was downed near the village of Pratkunai in the Kaišiadorys district, about 60 miles west of the country's capital, Vilnius, said the country's National Crisis Management Centre. Lithuania's military said that it was the first time a drone had been shot down in its airspace. The unmanned aerial vehicle entered Lithuanian airspace from neighbouring Belarus, stayed airborne for roughly 30 minutes, flew along the outskirts of populated areas before being intercepted. The authorities did not confirm the origin or purpose of the drone, seeking more time for investigation. Antanas Matutis, commander of the Lithuanian air force, said that the wreckage had been found and the drone was ‘likely’ to be carrying explosives. Also Read: UK man admits drugging, raping wife for 20 years in shocking abuse case Denmark-Russia flare incident In a separate incident, a Russian frigate fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter following what Russia claimed as "provocative actions". The flares narrowly missed the aircraft, the Nordic NATO member’s military said. Denmark claimed that it was routine practice to photograph the Russian frigate. Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said, “No warning or radio contact was given before the Russian frigate fired flares towards the Danish military helicopter.” "The Danish side's attempts to explain the helicopter's provocative actions against the Russian frigate as 'routine practice' give rise to serious concern about the possible consequences of such recklessness," Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin said in a written statement to AFP. Incident follows NATO chief Mark Rutte's speech The incident happened as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the strike close to the border of NATO will push it to support Kyiv more, following the strike on a Poland-bound train in Kyiv 2 kilometres from the Polish border. He added that the incursion and attacks close to NATO territory show Russian President Vladimir Putin's “desperation and also his desire to sow fear and terror”. He also pledged to bolster the 32-nation alliance’s own defences along its long eastern border with Russia.

A NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone in Lithuanian airspace as a Russian frigate fired flares towards a Danish military helicopter.

NATO jet shoots down drone in Lithuania as Russian frigate fires flares at Danish military helicopter

Federal prosecutors and attorneys representing former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official David Rush have reached the outline of a plea agreement in principle, halting the case before it could go to a grand jury for indictment. The case focused on $40 million worth of stolen gold bars tied to classified intelligence operations. In a joint filing submitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, both sides asked to extend the deadline for three weeks, until 8 October, to complete the paperwork and agree on a formal statement of facts. Media reports citing both parties say resolving the matter before a formal indictment serves the public interest, sparing everyone a lengthy and expensive legal battle that would have involved sensitive national security information. A former senior executive in the CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology, Rush, was arrested in May 2026 after an internal agency inquiry triggered a full FBI criminal investigation.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-war-crimes-tribunal-sentences-seven-awami-league-leaders-to-death-over-july-uprising-crackdown-1789461821990">Bangladesh war crimes tribunal sentences seven Awami League leaders to death over July Uprising crackdown</a><h3>$2 million in foreign currency and more items found</h3>When FBI agents searched Rush's home in Virginia, they discovered a hidden stash of government assets tucked away in the basement. According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew T. Johnson, investigators recovered 303 individual one-kilogram gold bars, roughly $2 million in foreign currency, and 35 luxury watches, including several Rolex models. The affidavit alleges that between late 2025 and early 2026, Rush exploited his senior position to set up a fake classified program. He added that the programme required money to manage expenses of confidential operations. In response, the accused requested and received large amounts of gold and foreign currency. Later, intelligence officials stated to investigators that the probe agency could not discover any legal or valid operational reason for the requested funds. The US Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick directed Rush to remain in custody without bail during a primary detention hearing in June. The judge considered him a serious flight risk because of his specialised operational experience, large financial resources and ability to escape detection by law enforcement. The initial criminal charge brought against Rush was for stealing public funds through $77,000 in fraudulent military leave payments. According to court documents filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, Rush claimed 744 hours of military leave he had not actually earned on his official timesheets — this despite having received an honourable discharge from the United States Navy Reserve back in 2015.

The former senior executive in the CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology, David Rush, was arrested in May 2026 after an internal agency inquiry triggered a full FBI criminal investigation.

Federal prosecutors and attorneys representing former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official David Rush have reached the outline of a plea agreement in principle, halting the case before it could go to a grand jury for indictment. The case focused on $40 million worth of stolen gold bars tied to classified intelligence operations. In a joint filing submitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, both sides asked to extend the deadline for three weeks, until 8 October, to complete the paperwork and agree on a formal statement of facts. Media reports citing both parties say resolving the matter before a formal indictment serves the public interest, sparing everyone a lengthy and expensive legal battle that would have involved sensitive national security information. A former senior executive in the CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology, Rush, was arrested in May 2026 after an internal agency inquiry triggered a full FBI criminal investigation. Also read: Bangladesh war crimes tribunal sentences seven Awami League leaders to death over July Uprising crackdown $2 million in foreign currency and more items found When FBI agents searched Rush's home in Virginia, they discovered a hidden stash of government assets tucked away in the basement. According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew T. Johnson, investigators recovered 303 individual one-kilogram gold bars, roughly $2 million in foreign currency, and 35 luxury watches, including several Rolex models. The affidavit alleges that between late 2025 and early 2026, Rush exploited his senior position to set up a fake classified program. He added that the programme required money to manage expenses of confidential operations. In response, the accused requested and received large amounts of gold and foreign currency. Later, intelligence officials stated to investigators that the probe agency could not discover any legal or valid operational reason for the requested funds. The US Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick directed Rush to remain in custody without bail during a primary detention hearing in June. The judge considered him a serious flight risk because of his specialised operational experience, large financial resources and ability to escape detection by law enforcement. The initial criminal charge brought against Rush was for stealing public funds through $77,000 in fraudulent military leave payments. According to court documents filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, Rush claimed 744 hours of military leave he had not actually earned on his official timesheets — this despite having received an honourable discharge from the United States Navy Reserve back in 2015.

The former senior executive in the CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology, David Rush, was arrested in May 2026 after an internal agency inquiry triggered a full FBI criminal investigation.

Ex-CIA official David Rush nears plea deal in $40 million gold bar theft case

US weapons stockpiles, military bases hit in Iran warThe inspector general of the Defence Department of the United States, in a report released on Monday (Sep 14), said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry. “Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report.Former Pak PM Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith marries Australian financierFormer Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, the British filmmaker, has married Irish-Australian financier Cameron O'Reilly. Her marriage comes 22 years after she divorced Khan. Goldsmith, 52, and O'Reilly, 62, exchanged vows in a private ceremony over the weekend, PTI reported. Jemima Jones, Goldsmith's sister-in-law, shared the news on Instagram, posting pictures from the wedding celebrations. She wrote, “Celebrating Jemima and Cameron's wedding, with my favourite date, what a happy day.” Goldsmith and O'Reilly are believed to have met through their shared professional interests in film and documentaries.Tamil Nadu inks Rs 12,300 crore deal with UKTamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday (September 14) signed at least four investment agreements in the United Kingdom worth around Rs 12,300 crore. The investments are likely to generate nearly 9,000 jobs. The state government will have the biggest agreement with Samvardhana Motherson International Limited for an investment of Rs 11,000 crore, having the potential to create nearly 7,000 jobs across design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly and logistics facilities.Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Indian and US troops have begun their largest annual land exercise in more than two decades, splitting 1,200 soldiers between the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand and the firing ranges of Rajasthan to practise mountain warfare, drones and long-range fires.<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/1-200-indian-and-us-troops-begin-high-altitude-and-desert-drills-1789480802358">Read More</a>

Gurugram Police on Tuesday arrested Kalyan Bainsla after adding an attempt to murder charge in the case involving a car that allegedly hit a woman biker on Golf Course Road.Police officials said Bainsla was arrested in Dausa in Rajasthan and will soon be brought to Gurugram. The arrest came after police examined CCTV footage and investigated the incident in which biker Sia was allegedly hit by the car.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gurugram-hit-and-run-case-police-arrest-car-driver-kalyan-bainsla-book-him-for-attempt-to-murder-1789468161128">Read More</a>

Gurugram hit and run case: Police arrest car driver Kalyan Bainsla, book him for attempt to murder

NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, officials said on Tuesday. The drone was downed near the village of Pratkunai in the Kaišiadorys district, about 60 miles west of the country's capital, Vilnius, said the country's National Crisis Management Centre.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-jet-shoots-down-drone-lithuania-russian-frigate-fires-flares-denmark-1789467264898">Read More</a>

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday issued brief alerts over possible attacks in the holy city of Mecca and in the Jeddah and Taif governorates, after the kingdom was repeatedly targeted by the Iran-backed Houthis in recent days.

Saudi civil defence issues brief alerts over attack threats in Mecca, Jeddah

The Bharatiya Janata Party has named Hasirani Rath as its candidate for the Nandigram Assembly by-election in West Bengal, scheduled for October 6, 2026. She is the mother of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant and close aide to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, on the night of May 6, 2026—just two days after the assembly election results

BJP fields Hasirani Rath, mother of slain aide Chandranath Rath, as candidate from Nandigram for October 6 bypoll

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned attempts to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) separately in different states, arguing that an issue intended to apply uniformly across the country should be debated and legislated upon by Parliament. Referring to the National Conference’s position on the issue, Abdullah said the party’s Rajya Sabha MP, Shammi Oberoi, had maintained that Parliament was the appropriate forum to legislate on the Uniform Civil Code.

UCC should be decided by Parliament, not individual states: Omar Abdullah

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) sentenced seven senior leaders of the now-banned Awami League to death for crimes against humanity, holding them responsible for directing and inciting deadly violence during last year's student-led protests known as the July Uprising.

Bangladesh war crimes tribunal sentences seven Awami League leaders to death over July Uprising crackdown

Denmark has officially summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian warship fired two flares at a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea. On Monday, September 14, 2026, a Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter was conducting a routine photographic reconnaissance mission over a Russian frigate operating in international waters south of Gedser, Denmark

Denmark summons Russian ambassador after warship fires flares at Danish army helicopter

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has gone viral after he released a campaign video in Urdu ahead of the October 8 by-election in Holborn and St Pancras. In the video, Polanski introduces himself in Urdu and urges voters to support the Green Party in the upcoming contest. He includes a message: “Vote for the Green Party on October 8.”&nbsp;

UK's Zack Polanski learning from Zohran Mamdani? Green party leader's Urdu campaign video goes viral

An artificial intelligence "kill switch" which can be checked by a third party may need to be mandatory for companies, a co-founder of one of the world's largest AI firms said

AI 'kill switch' may need to be mandatory, Anthropic co-founder 

The car driver, Kalyan Bainsla, has been detained in Dausa in Rajasthan. Gurugram Police on Tuesday (September 15) confirmed that an attempt-to-murder case has been filed against the accused for ramming his car into a woman riding a sports bike on Golf Course Road on Sunday. Police sources said the car allegedly involved in the incident is registered in Palwal and belongs to an Army personnel currently stationed in Assam. According to them, the accused driver, Kalyan Bainsla, had borrowed the white Maruti Suzuki Ciaz from him two days prior to the incident.

Gurugram Car driver detained for attempt to murder

⁠The United Nations Security Council is set to ⁠hold an emergency ⁠meeting on Tuesday to discuss the spiralling situation in ‌the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Reuters news agency reports. The ⁠meeting, ⁠called by France, will ⁠be held ⁠on Tuesday ⁠afternoon, New York time, it cited two unnamed French diplomats as saying.

UN Security Council to discuss Bab al-Mandeb after Houthi gains

Saudi Arabia’s air force has struck a complex in Khadir district in Hodeidah governorate with air strikes, resulting in the deaths of several people, the Houthi rebels say.

Yemen PM accuses Houthis of killing civilians in west coast assault

Two SpiceJet flights en route to Dubai from Delhi have been delayed, with one remaining grounded for over 24 hours, triggering protests by stranded passengers inside Delhi airport on Tuesday.&nbsp;

SpiceJet Delhi-Dubai Flights Delayed For Over 24 Hours

The inspector general of the Defence Department of the United States, in its report released on Monday (Sep 14), said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry.

US weapons stockpiles, military bases hit in Iran war

Indian government on Monday (September 14) notified changes in its payments legislation, specifying that banks cannot charge fees on payments ​via Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions of up to 2,000 ‌rupees ($20.93) and RuPay debit cards. The announcement of legislation changed the earlier provision preventing banks from charging fees on digital payments using the popular UPI platform, paving the way ​for charges to be imposed on larger transfers.

UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 to stays free

Oil ‌prices continue to rise after supply disruptions continued following attacks on Saudi ⁠energy infrastructure left ⁠its East-West pipeline offline and cast doubt on efforts to ease shipping risks in the Gulf.

Oil price jumps as Saudi pipeline outage

Israeli forces have launched a heavy strike on the outskirts of the towns of Baraachit and Qounine in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency reports. &nbsp;

Israeli forces launch heavy strikes on Southern Lebanon's Baraachit, Qounine

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

US weapons stockpiles, military bases hit in Iran war The inspector general of the Defence Department of the United States, in a report released on Monday (Sep 14), said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry. “Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report. Former Pak PM Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith marries Australian financier Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, the British filmmaker, has married Irish-Australian financier Cameron O'Reilly. Her marriage comes 22 years after she divorced Khan. Goldsmith, 52, and O'Reilly, 62, exchanged vows in a private ceremony over the weekend, PTI reported. Jemima Jones, Goldsmith's sister-in-law, shared the news on Instagram, posting pictures from the wedding celebrations. She wrote, “Celebrating Jemima and Cameron's wedding, with my favourite date, what a happy day.” Goldsmith and O'Reilly are believed to have met through their shared professional interests in film and documentaries. Tamil Nadu inks Rs 12,300 crore deal with UK Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday (September 14) signed at least four investment agreements in the United Kingdom worth around Rs 12,300 crore. The investments are likely to generate nearly 9,000 jobs. The state government will have the biggest agreement with Samvardhana Motherson International Limited for an investment of Rs 11,000 crore, having the potential to create nearly 7,000 jobs across design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly and logistics facilities. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Latest News Today Highlights Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories.

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