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US court backs Pentagon's decision to exclude Anthropic over Claude AI restrictions

TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama at least $100 million and introduce new restrictions for teenage users, allowing the social media company to avoid a trial over allegations that it misled parents about child safety tools.&nbsp;A trial in the southern US state was scheduled to begin on Monday. Alabama had accused TikTok of misleading parents about measures designed to protect children from harmful content.<h3>TikTok agrees to new restrictions for teens</h3>Under the settlement, TikTok will pay $100 million to Alabama. The company could pay as much as $300 million if other states agree to similar settlements.&nbsp;The agreement includes several measures aimed at limiting teenage use of the platform. These include a two-hour daily time limit, restricted access between midnight and 6:00 am and suspended notifications during school hours.&nbsp;TikTok will also strengthen age verification and ban beauty filters for teenage users. Young users will additionally be offered a non-personalised content feed.&nbsp;The settlement also includes a conditional measure that could extend the overnight restriction from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am if other social media platforms agree to introduce the same restriction.&nbsp;Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall welcomed the agreement, calling it "a great day for Alabama parents."&nbsp;"Tonight, they can rest easier knowing real protections are in place to shield their children from the dangers of social media addiction," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-strike-30-billion-tariff-deal-agree-to-launch-ai-dialogue-1790421349100">China, US strike $30 billion tariff deal, agree to launch AI dialogue</a><h3>Settlement follows Meta's child safety deal</h3>TikTok's agreement follows similar safety measures accepted by Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, as social media companies face lawsuits across the United States over the alleged impact of their platforms on young users.&nbsp;In August, Meta reached a settlement with US states and territories over a case concerning child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The company agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion to a coalition of US states and introduce new restrictions on teenage users.&nbsp;Under that agreement, Facebook and Instagram will automatically block teenage users from midnight to 6:00 am local time. Teenage accounts will also have a default limit of two hours of cumulative daily use across Meta's apps. Time spent messaging or watching long-form video will not count towards the limit.&nbsp;Both measures could become stricter if other social media companies introduce similar restrictions.&nbsp;In March, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million after finding that the company had misled the public about the safety of its platforms for children.&nbsp;The same month, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google's YouTube negligent in a case involving a 20-year-old woman who said she became addicted to social media as a child. The jury awarded her $6 million.&nbsp;A trial in Alabama could have subjected TikTok to extensive public scrutiny over its internal safety practices, including the possible disclosure of company documents and testimony from executives.

TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama $100 million and introduce stricter limits for teenage users in the US, following similar measures adopted by Meta.

TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama at least $100 million and introduce new restrictions for teenage users, allowing the social media company to avoid a trial over allegations that it misled parents about child safety tools. A trial in the southern US state was scheduled to begin on Monday. Alabama had accused TikTok of misleading parents about measures designed to protect children from harmful content. TikTok agrees to new restrictions for teens Under the settlement, TikTok will pay $100 million to Alabama. The company could pay as much as $300 million if other states agree to similar settlements. The agreement includes several measures aimed at limiting teenage use of the platform. These include a two-hour daily time limit, restricted access between midnight and 6:00 am and suspended notifications during school hours. TikTok will also strengthen age verification and ban beauty filters for teenage users. Young users will additionally be offered a non-personalised content feed. The settlement also includes a conditional measure that could extend the overnight restriction from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am if other social media platforms agree to introduce the same restriction. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall welcomed the agreement, calling it "a great day for Alabama parents." "Tonight, they can rest easier knowing real protections are in place to shield their children from the dangers of social media addiction," he said. Also Read: China, US strike $30 billion tariff deal, agree to launch AI dialogue Settlement follows Meta's child safety deal TikTok's agreement follows similar safety measures accepted by Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, as social media companies face lawsuits across the United States over the alleged impact of their platforms on young users. In August, Meta reached a settlement with US states and territories over a case concerning child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The company agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion to a coalition of US states and introduce new restrictions on teenage users. Under that agreement, Facebook and Instagram will automatically block teenage users from midnight to 6:00 am local time. Teenage accounts will also have a default limit of two hours of cumulative daily use across Meta's apps. Time spent messaging or watching long-form video will not count towards the limit. Both measures could become stricter if other social media companies introduce similar restrictions. In March, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million after finding that the company had misled the public about the safety of its platforms for children. The same month, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google's YouTube negligent in a case involving a 20-year-old woman who said she became addicted to social media as a child. The jury awarded her $6 million. A trial in Alabama could have subjected TikTok to extensive public scrutiny over its internal safety practices, including the possible disclosure of company documents and testimony from executives.

TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama $100 million and introduce stricter limits for teenage users in the US, following similar measures adopted by Meta.

After Meta, TikTok agrees to teen limits in US, $100 million settlement

An AI company drew a line about how its technology could be used by the military. A federal appeals court has now ruled that the government was within its rights to punish it for that.&nbsp;In a 2-1 decision, the US Court of Appeals in Washington upheld the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic — maker of the Claude models — as a national-security supply-chain risk. The designation followed Anthropic's refusal to allow its products to be used for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance.&nbsp;What The Court Decided&nbsp;The majority found it was reasonable for the Pentagon to blacklist Anthropic after that refusal. It rejected the company's claim that the designation was retaliation for its stated views on AI safety and ethics.&nbsp;In plain terms: the court accepted that the Defense Department can treat a supplier's refusal to build certain capabilities as a supply-chain risk, and act on it. Anthropic says the designation, made in March, has cost it billions in lost business and damaged its reputation ahead of a closely watched public listing.&nbsp;The Ruling That Points The Other Way&nbsp;This is where the story gets genuinely complicated, and any fair account has to hold both halves.&nbsp;A separate federal judge in San Francisco ruled last month that a parallel Pentagon designation of Anthropic was unlawful — finding that the government had retaliated against the company in violation of the First Amendment. The Pentagon had used two different legal designations to blacklist the same company, and the two have now produced opposite rulings.&nbsp;So the legal picture is not settled. One court says the blacklisting was a reasonable security judgement; another says it was unconstitutional retaliation. Anthropic is considering asking the full appeals court to review this week's decision.&nbsp;The Principle At Stake&nbsp;Strip away the specifics and the question underneath is sharp: can a government penalise a contractor for refusing, on ethical grounds, to build something?&nbsp;One reading defends the Pentagon. The military is entitled to suppliers who will meet its needs, and a vendor that will not provide certain capabilities is, from a procurement standpoint, genuinely less useful — calling that a supply-chain consideration is not obviously pretextual.&nbsp;The other reading is more troubling. If refusing to build autonomous weapons is enough to be branded a national-security risk, then ethical restraint becomes a competitive liability, and the incentive runs toward companies that impose no limits at all. That is a strange result to encourage in exactly the technology where restraint may matter most.&nbsp;Both readings have force, which is presumably why two courts reached opposite conclusions.&nbsp;Why It Matters Beyond Anthropic&nbsp;The outcome sets an incentive for every AI company weighing how far to go with military work.&nbsp;If drawing ethical lines around military use invites blacklisting, the market signal to the rest of the industry is to draw fewer lines. Anthropic has built its identity on safety and restraint, and this ruling makes that identity costly in defence contracting specifically. What other companies conclude from watching that is the part that outlasts this case.&nbsp;What To Watch&nbsp;Whether the full appeals court agrees to review the panel's 2-1 decision. How the conflict between the two rulings is resolved, since they cannot both stand indefinitely. And whether the episode changes how AI companies negotiate the terms of military use — toward firmer limits, or away from them.

A 2-1 appeals ruling upheld the Pentagon's blacklisting of Anthropic, which followed its refusal to allow autonomous weapons or mass surveillance. A separate court found the same designation was unlawful retaliation.

An AI company drew a line about how its technology could be used by the military. A federal appeals court has now ruled that the government was within its rights to punish it for that. In a 2-1 decision, the US Court of Appeals in Washington upheld the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic — maker of the Claude models — as a national-security supply-chain risk. The designation followed Anthropic's refusal to allow its products to be used for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance. What The Court Decided The majority found it was reasonable for the Pentagon to blacklist Anthropic after that refusal. It rejected the company's claim that the designation was retaliation for its stated views on AI safety and ethics. In plain terms: the court accepted that the Defense Department can treat a supplier's refusal to build certain capabilities as a supply-chain risk, and act on it. Anthropic says the designation, made in March, has cost it billions in lost business and damaged its reputation ahead of a closely watched public listing. The Ruling That Points The Other Way This is where the story gets genuinely complicated, and any fair account has to hold both halves. A separate federal judge in San Francisco ruled last month that a parallel Pentagon designation of Anthropic was unlawful — finding that the government had retaliated against the company in violation of the First Amendment. The Pentagon had used two different legal designations to blacklist the same company, and the two have now produced opposite rulings. So the legal picture is not settled. One court says the blacklisting was a reasonable security judgement; another says it was unconstitutional retaliation. Anthropic is considering asking the full appeals court to review this week's decision. The Principle At Stake Strip away the specifics and the question underneath is sharp: can a government penalise a contractor for refusing, on ethical grounds, to build something? One reading defends the Pentagon. The military is entitled to suppliers who will meet its needs, and a vendor that will not provide certain capabilities is, from a procurement standpoint, genuinely less useful — calling that a supply-chain consideration is not obviously pretextual. The other reading is more troubling. If refusing to build autonomous weapons is enough to be branded a national-security risk, then ethical restraint becomes a competitive liability, and the incentive runs toward companies that impose no limits at all. That is a strange result to encourage in exactly the technology where restraint may matter most. Both readings have force, which is presumably why two courts reached opposite conclusions. Why It Matters Beyond Anthropic The outcome sets an incentive for every AI company weighing how far to go with military work. If drawing ethical lines around military use invites blacklisting, the market signal to the rest of the industry is to draw fewer lines. Anthropic has built its identity on safety and restraint, and this ruling makes that identity costly in defence contracting specifically. What other companies conclude from watching that is the part that outlasts this case. What To Watch Whether the full appeals court agrees to review the panel's 2-1 decision. How the conflict between the two rulings is resolved, since they cannot both stand indefinitely. And whether the episode changes how AI companies negotiate the terms of military use — toward firmer limits, or away from them.

A US appeals court has upheld, 2-1, the Pentagon's designation of the AI company Anthropic as a supply-chain risk — a blacklisting that followed Anthropic's refusal to let its AI be used for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance. Anthropic says the ban has cost it billions before its planned IPO. A separate court found the same blacklisting was unlawful retaliation.

A court says the Pentagon can blacklist Anthropic for refusing to allow autonomous weapons

Most AI legislation tries to manage the technology. A new bill in the US Congress proposes to forbid one version of it entirely, and to punish building it like a serious crime.&nbsp;Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, which would outlaw the development of what it calls artificial superintelligence and back the ban with penalties usually reserved for weapons of mass destruction.&nbsp;What The Bill Says&nbsp;The definition is deliberately sweeping. The bill describes artificial superintelligence as AI that exceeds human cognitive performance across most domains, or that has enough capability to destroy or disempower humanity, including by overthrowing the federal government.&nbsp;The penalties match the framing. Companies that violate the ban would face what the bill calls a 'corporate death penalty' — effectively being shut down — and individuals could face up to 20 years in prison. Sanders' office explicitly compares this to the penalties for unlawfully developing nuclear weapons.&nbsp;It would also create a cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence and pause work on the most advanced systems until that department writes safety rules.&nbsp;Why This Is Notable Even If It Fails&nbsp;The realistic first thing to say is that this bill is very unlikely to become law as written. It faces a Republican-controlled environment, a president who has called AI-risk concerns a hoax, and an industry that would fight it with everything it has.&nbsp;But its significance is not its odds of passing. It is that a sitting senator and congressman are willing to propose banning a category of technology outright, with prison terms, and to frame frontier AI as comparable to nuclear weapons. That moves the boundary of what is sayable in mainstream politics, and it gives a marker that future, narrower bills can be measured against.&nbsp;The Case For It&nbsp;The argument behind the bill is not fringe, and it deserves stating at its strongest.&nbsp;Some of the most senior figures inside the AI labs themselves have warned publicly that systems beyond human control could pose catastrophic risk. If one takes those warnings seriously, then treating the deliberate creation of such a system as something like weapons proliferation is a coherent response, not an overreaction. The bill essentially asks: if the people building it say it could be that dangerous, why is building it legal?&nbsp;The Case Against&nbsp;The objections are equally real, and fairness requires them.&nbsp;The definition is the weak point. 'Exceeds human cognitive performance across most domains' has no agreed technical test, and a law that bans something no one can precisely define invites arbitrary enforcement or simply fails in court. A ban also does nothing about development elsewhere in the world; superintelligence prohibited in the US but pursued in China or beyond is not prevented, only relocated, unless the international agreements the bill gestures at actually materialise.&nbsp;And there is the innovation cost. A pause enforced by prison terms is a heavy instrument to point at a fast-moving field, and it risks freezing beneficial work alongside the dangerous kind, because the definition does not cleanly separate them.&nbsp;The Politics Underneath&nbsp;The bill also has to be read as a political signal, not only a legal proposal. It stakes out a position — that AI risk is grave enough to warrant criminal prohibition — at the opposite pole from an administration rejecting even voluntary international oversight.&nbsp;That polarisation is itself the story. AI policy in the US now runs from 'no oversight is legitimate' to 'building the frontier should be a felony', with little settled ground between. A technology advancing this fast is being legislated by a politics this far apart.&nbsp;What To Watch&nbsp;Whether the bill attracts co-sponsors or remains a two-member statement. Whether its 'superintelligence' definition is refined into something a court could apply. And whether any of its ideas — a dedicated AI department, mandatory safety rules before deployment — survive into more modest legislation that could actually pass.

Sanders and Casar's Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would outlaw AI that exceeds humans across most domains, with a 'corporate death penalty' and up to 20 years in prison — penalties modelled on nuclear-weapons law.

Most AI legislation tries to manage the technology. A new bill in the US Congress proposes to forbid one version of it entirely, and to punish building it like a serious crime. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, which would outlaw the development of what it calls artificial superintelligence and back the ban with penalties usually reserved for weapons of mass destruction. What The Bill Says The definition is deliberately sweeping. The bill describes artificial superintelligence as AI that exceeds human cognitive performance across most domains, or that has enough capability to destroy or disempower humanity, including by overthrowing the federal government. The penalties match the framing. Companies that violate the ban would face what the bill calls a 'corporate death penalty' — effectively being shut down — and individuals could face up to 20 years in prison. Sanders' office explicitly compares this to the penalties for unlawfully developing nuclear weapons. It would also create a cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence and pause work on the most advanced systems until that department writes safety rules. Why This Is Notable Even If It Fails The realistic first thing to say is that this bill is very unlikely to become law as written. It faces a Republican-controlled environment, a president who has called AI-risk concerns a hoax, and an industry that would fight it with everything it has. But its significance is not its odds of passing. It is that a sitting senator and congressman are willing to propose banning a category of technology outright, with prison terms, and to frame frontier AI as comparable to nuclear weapons. That moves the boundary of what is sayable in mainstream politics, and it gives a marker that future, narrower bills can be measured against. The Case For It The argument behind the bill is not fringe, and it deserves stating at its strongest. Some of the most senior figures inside the AI labs themselves have warned publicly that systems beyond human control could pose catastrophic risk. If one takes those warnings seriously, then treating the deliberate creation of such a system as something like weapons proliferation is a coherent response, not an overreaction. The bill essentially asks: if the people building it say it could be that dangerous, why is building it legal? The Case Against The objections are equally real, and fairness requires them. The definition is the weak point. 'Exceeds human cognitive performance across most domains' has no agreed technical test, and a law that bans something no one can precisely define invites arbitrary enforcement or simply fails in court. A ban also does nothing about development elsewhere in the world; superintelligence prohibited in the US but pursued in China or beyond is not prevented, only relocated, unless the international agreements the bill gestures at actually materialise. And there is the innovation cost. A pause enforced by prison terms is a heavy instrument to point at a fast-moving field, and it risks freezing beneficial work alongside the dangerous kind, because the definition does not cleanly separate them. The Politics Underneath The bill also has to be read as a political signal, not only a legal proposal. It stakes out a position — that AI risk is grave enough to warrant criminal prohibition — at the opposite pole from an administration rejecting even voluntary international oversight. That polarisation is itself the story. AI policy in the US now runs from 'no oversight is legitimate' to 'building the frontier should be a felony', with little settled ground between. A technology advancing this fast is being legislated by a politics this far apart. What To Watch Whether the bill attracts co-sponsors or remains a two-member statement. Whether its 'superintelligence' definition is refined into something a court could apply. And whether any of its ideas — a dedicated AI department, mandatory safety rules before deployment — survive into more modest legislation that could actually pass.

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, which would outlaw the development of AI that exceeds human ability across most domains. It proposes a ‘corporate death penalty’ for companies and up to 20 years in prison for individuals, penalties modelled on the law against building nuclear weapons.

A US bill would ban 'superintelligent' AI outright, with 20 years in prison for building it

At least 11 people were killed and 30 others injured after a blast in Dera Ismail Khan in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, emergency service Rescue 1122 said, according to Reuters.&nbsp;The explosion took place in Dera Ismail Khan, where emergency teams rushed to the scene and began responding to the incident.&nbsp;The attack on the security checkpoint, which is jointly operated by police, military and customs personnel, took place "around noon", Dera Ismail Khan police official Saifullah Khan was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;"A suspected suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the checkpoint, killing 11 people," he said.&nbsp;Bilal Faizi of the 1122 rescue service said rescuers had recovered 11 bodies following "the militant attack". He added that 18 others were wounded in the incident, AFP reported.No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-china-agree-to-bilateral-hotline-for-ai-incidents-after-trump-xi-summit-1790397909104">US and China agree to bilateral hotline for AI incidents after Trump-Xi Summit</a><h3>Recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</h3>Earlier this month, at least 31 people, including 16 police personnel, were killed in an explosion and gun attack at a police headquarters in Kohat, a town of around 220,000 people in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;Pakistan has blamed the rise in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southern border province of Balochistan on militancy emanating from Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has denied Afghan involvement.&nbsp;The accusations have triggered a bitter rift and armed conflict between the neighbouring countries. Pakistan has also carried out deadly airstrikes on Afghan soil, saying they targeted militants.

At least 11 people were killed and 30 injured after a blast struck Dera Ismail Khan in northwestern Pakistan, with authorities yet to determine the cause or identify those responsible.

At least 11 people were killed and 30 others injured after a blast in Dera Ismail Khan in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, emergency service Rescue 1122 said, according to Reuters. The explosion took place in Dera Ismail Khan, where emergency teams rushed to the scene and began responding to the incident. The attack on the security checkpoint, which is jointly operated by police, military and customs personnel, took place "around noon", Dera Ismail Khan police official Saifullah Khan was quoted as saying by AFP. "A suspected suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the checkpoint, killing 11 people," he said. Bilal Faizi of the 1122 rescue service said rescuers had recovered 11 bodies following "the militant attack". He added that 18 others were wounded in the incident, AFP reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Also Read: US and China agree to bilateral hotline for AI incidents after Trump-Xi Summit Recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Earlier this month, at least 31 people, including 16 police personnel, were killed in an explosion and gun attack at a police headquarters in Kohat, a town of around 220,000 people in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan has blamed the rise in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southern border province of Balochistan on militancy emanating from Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has denied Afghan involvement. The accusations have triggered a bitter rift and armed conflict between the neighbouring countries. Pakistan has also carried out deadly airstrikes on Afghan soil, saying they targeted militants.

At least 11 people were killed and 30 injured after a blast struck Dera Ismail Khan in northwestern Pakistan, with authorities yet to determine the cause or identify those responsible.

11 killed, 30 injured after blast in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan

China and the United States have agreed to a reciprocal tariff-reduction arrangement covering $30 billion worth of goods and will launch a new dialogue on artificial intelligence, Beijing said on Saturday (Sep 26). This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Washington, during which he held talks with US President Donald Trump.The agreements formed part of an eight-point consensus reached during Xi’s meetings with US President Donald Trump, as the world’s two largest economies seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions.<h2>Trade takes centre stage</h2>According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides endorsed the work of their economic teams and agreed to establish a trade council alongside the tariff-reduction arrangement.The deal covers $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction, according to a White House fact sheet released after the summit. The two countries also agreed to build on outcomes from their earlier talks in Kuala Lumpur.Washington and Beijing had already agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months, pushing the deadline beyond November 10 and giving negotiators more time to work towards a broader agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.The summit ended with several mechanisms for continued engagement, although the leaders did not announce a sweeping new trade deal.<h2>AI gets a new channel</h2>Artificial intelligence emerged as another area where Washington and Beijing agreed to maintain direct communication.The two sides will establish a dialogue covering the risks and benefits of advanced AI technologies, with the next round scheduled for November. They will also create a communication channel for AI-related incidents.Xi said China and the US had “more reasons to cooperate than compete” on AI, arguing that both countries should exchange views on risks and work to prevent misuse and abuse of the technology.<h2>Iran, global summits also discussed</h2>The leaders also discussed foreign policy, agreeing that Iran should uphold its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They said no country or entity should impose tolls on international waterways.Washington and Beijing also agreed to support each other as hosts of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting and G20 summit, with both leaders signalling plans to attend the gatherings hosted by the other.The two sides further recalled that China and the United States fought as allies during World War Two, adding a historical note to a summit focused largely on managing their modern rivalry.&nbsp;

China and the US agreed to a $30 billion tariff-reduction arrangement and new AI dialogue during Xi Jinping’s US visit, as both sides seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions.

China and the United States have agreed to a reciprocal tariff-reduction arrangement covering $30 billion worth of goods and will launch a new dialogue on artificial intelligence, Beijing said on Saturday (Sep 26). This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Washington, during which he held talks with US President Donald Trump. The agreements formed part of an eight-point consensus reached during Xi’s meetings with US President Donald Trump, as the world’s two largest economies seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions. Trade takes centre stage According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides endorsed the work of their economic teams and agreed to establish a trade council alongside the tariff-reduction arrangement. The deal covers $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction, according to a White House fact sheet released after the summit. The two countries also agreed to build on outcomes from their earlier talks in Kuala Lumpur. Washington and Beijing had already agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months, pushing the deadline beyond November 10 and giving negotiators more time to work towards a broader agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. The summit ended with several mechanisms for continued engagement, although the leaders did not announce a sweeping new trade deal. AI gets a new channel Artificial intelligence emerged as another area where Washington and Beijing agreed to maintain direct communication. The two sides will establish a dialogue covering the risks and benefits of advanced AI technologies, with the next round scheduled for November. They will also create a communication channel for AI-related incidents. Xi said China and the US had “more reasons to cooperate than compete” on AI, arguing that both countries should exchange views on risks and work to prevent misuse and abuse of the technology. Iran, global summits also discussed The leaders also discussed foreign policy, agreeing that Iran should uphold its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They said no country or entity should impose tolls on international waterways. Washington and Beijing also agreed to support each other as hosts of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting and G20 summit, with both leaders signalling plans to attend the gatherings hosted by the other. The two sides further recalled that China and the United States fought as allies during World War Two, adding a historical note to a summit focused largely on managing their modern rivalry.

China and the US agreed to a $30 billion tariff-reduction arrangement and new AI dialogue during Xi Jinping’s US visit, as both sides seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions.

China, US strike $30 billion tariff deal, agree to launch AI dialogue

A woman based in India's metropolitan city of Mumbai has traced her late father's ancestral family to the village of Baha (Swat) in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after decades of searching, according to a report by The News. Rehana Bibi turned to social media to appeal for help in locating relatives of her father, Shaibar Lala, a Pashtun who moved from Swat to Mumbai prior to Partition and settled there permanently, she said. According to Rehana, her father had always told her that his ancestral village was Bor in Swat and that the family belonged to the Yousafzai tribe. She named her grandfather as Muhammad Ali and her grandmother as Khan Toli, adding that her grandfather had three marriages, and Shaibar Lala was born to his second wife. Her social media appeal drew responses from people in Baha, who said Shaibar Lala's roots actually traced back to their village and that the family belonged to the Sinakhel branch of the Yousafzai tribe, family sources said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-refuses-to-answer-on-hafeez-sayeed-walks-away-1790316736459">WATCH: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif refuses to answer on Hafeez Sayeed, walks away</a>&nbsp;Adding that Shaibar Lala's brothers, Amir Khan, Daulat Khan, and Dilawar Khan have since died, though their children and other descendants continue to live in Baha. Members of the elder generation among Shaibar Lala's siblings have also passed away, but their families remain rooted in the village. Family members from Baha have since extended an invitation to Rehana Bibi to visit Pakistan and Swat, saying she would receive a warm welcome and full hospitality should she choose to travel and meet her relatives in person. The report mentioned the family expressed immense as they reconnected after decades. Also describing it as an emotional and memorable reunion in the making for Rehana and her father's relatives in Swat. What started as a search from Mumbai has therefore ended in Baha, Swat, with family members on both sides hopeful that a reunion separated by generations may soon take place.

A Mumbai woman has traced her late father's ancestral roots to Swat, Pakistan, using social media. Read how decades of searching led to an emotional cross-border family reunion.

A woman based in India's metropolitan city of Mumbai has traced her late father's ancestral family to the village of Baha (Swat) in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after decades of searching, according to a report by The News. Rehana Bibi turned to social media to appeal for help in locating relatives of her father, Shaibar Lala, a Pashtun who moved from Swat to Mumbai prior to Partition and settled there permanently, she said. According to Rehana, her father had always told her that his ancestral village was Bor in Swat and that the family belonged to the Yousafzai tribe. She named her grandfather as Muhammad Ali and her grandmother as Khan Toli, adding that her grandfather had three marriages, and Shaibar Lala was born to his second wife. Her social media appeal drew responses from people in Baha, who said Shaibar Lala's roots actually traced back to their village and that the family belonged to the Sinakhel branch of the Yousafzai tribe, family sources said. Also read: WATCH: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif refuses to answer on Hafeez Sayeed, walks away Adding that Shaibar Lala's brothers, Amir Khan, Daulat Khan, and Dilawar Khan have since died, though their children and other descendants continue to live in Baha. Members of the elder generation among Shaibar Lala's siblings have also passed away, but their families remain rooted in the village. Family members from Baha have since extended an invitation to Rehana Bibi to visit Pakistan and Swat, saying she would receive a warm welcome and full hospitality should she choose to travel and meet her relatives in person. The report mentioned the family expressed immense as they reconnected after decades. Also describing it as an emotional and memorable reunion in the making for Rehana and her father's relatives in Swat. What started as a search from Mumbai has therefore ended in Baha, Swat, with family members on both sides hopeful that a reunion separated by generations may soon take place.

A Mumbai woman has traced her late father's ancestral roots to Swat, Pakistan, using social media. Read how decades of searching led to an emotional cross-border family reunion.

Mumbai woman traces late father’s roots to Pakistan’s Swat after decades-long search

A New Mexico jury on Friday (September 25) found Facebook accountable for defrauding users about privacy protections on the social media platform. The jury found the platform more than 43 million violations of state consumer protection law, and the final verdict on the total fine the company will have to pay lies with the judge, with attorneys representing the state demanding the maximum $5,000 penalty per violation. “The verdict marks a significant victory for New Mexico consumers and holds one of the world’s largest technology companies accountable for its conduct,” the New Mexico Department of Justice stated in a statement. The trial held over two weeks in Santa Fe, centred on claims that Facebook misled users regarding a data breach linked to a third-party personality quiz, one that scraped information from roughly 87 million profiles and sold it to Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm. It then used the data to craft targeted political advertisements. Among the now-shuttered firm's clients was Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The jury ultimately ruled in favour of the prosecution, concluding that Facebook's failure to safeguard user data had affected every one of New Mexico's more than two million residents. Additionally, jurors remained firm that Facebook misrepresented the state of its investigations into data brokers in the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica controversy, holding the company liable for more than two million separate violations.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-still-harbours-intent-to-develop-nuclear-weapons-reveals-us-intelligence-report-1790409342807">Saudi Arabia still harbours intent to develop nuclear weapons, reveals US intelligence: Report</a><h3>New Mexico identify more data breaches</h3>In their closing remarks, Facebook's legal team argued that the evidence presented by the state was outdated, pointing out that despite having five years to build its case, New Mexico had been unable to identify more than a single additional instance of a data breach. To resolve the multistate lawsuit linked to child safety issues, Meta agreed in August to pay up to $18 billion. The agreement hidden in the 130-page settlement was related to the company releasing Meta from future liability linked to the Cambridge Analytica privacy breach, making New Mexico the only state to take over a case. Surprisingly, Florida was the only US state that did not sign the settlement, noting that it was not tough enough on Meta. Separately this year, Meta was directed to pay New Mexico a total of $942 million in damages, after a two-phase trial centred on the company's safety protections for minors. In addition, the court also mandated Meta to roll out new safety measures, including age-verification technology and restrictions on &nbsp;how much time users can spend on its platforms.

The trial held over two weeks in Santa Fe, centred on claims that Facebook misled users regarding a data breach linked to a third-party personality quiz, one that scraped information from roughly 87 million profiles and sold it to Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm.

A New Mexico jury on Friday (September 25) found Facebook accountable for defrauding users about privacy protections on the social media platform. The jury found the platform more than 43 million violations of state consumer protection law, and the final verdict on the total fine the company will have to pay lies with the judge, with attorneys representing the state demanding the maximum $5,000 penalty per violation. “The verdict marks a significant victory for New Mexico consumers and holds one of the world’s largest technology companies accountable for its conduct,” the New Mexico Department of Justice stated in a statement. The trial held over two weeks in Santa Fe, centred on claims that Facebook misled users regarding a data breach linked to a third-party personality quiz, one that scraped information from roughly 87 million profiles and sold it to Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm. It then used the data to craft targeted political advertisements. Among the now-shuttered firm's clients was Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The jury ultimately ruled in favour of the prosecution, concluding that Facebook's failure to safeguard user data had affected every one of New Mexico's more than two million residents. Additionally, jurors remained firm that Facebook misrepresented the state of its investigations into data brokers in the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica controversy, holding the company liable for more than two million separate violations. Also read: Saudi Arabia still harbours intent to develop nuclear weapons, reveals US intelligence: Report New Mexico identify more data breaches In their closing remarks, Facebook's legal team argued that the evidence presented by the state was outdated, pointing out that despite having five years to build its case, New Mexico had been unable to identify more than a single additional instance of a data breach. To resolve the multistate lawsuit linked to child safety issues, Meta agreed in August to pay up to $18 billion. The agreement hidden in the 130-page settlement was related to the company releasing Meta from future liability linked to the Cambridge Analytica privacy breach, making New Mexico the only state to take over a case. Surprisingly, Florida was the only US state that did not sign the settlement, noting that it was not tough enough on Meta. Separately this year, Meta was directed to pay New Mexico a total of $942 million in damages, after a two-phase trial centred on the company's safety protections for minors. In addition, the court also mandated Meta to roll out new safety measures, including age-verification technology and restrictions on how much time users can spend on its platforms.

The trial held over two weeks in Santa Fe, centred on claims that Facebook misled users regarding a data breach linked to a third-party personality quiz, one that scraped information from roughly 87 million profiles and sold it to Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm.

New Mexico jury finds Facebook liable for 43 million privacy violations

Classified documents provided to the US Congress by the US intelligence community reveals Saudi Arabia's intent of developing nuclear weapons. It says that Saudi Arabia has not dismissed the possibility of developing a nuclear weapons program.&nbsp;The report by Washington Post comes amid concerns raised by numerous experts over an agreement reached in July between Washington and Riyadh to provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program under less stringent safeguards than are customary.&nbsp;The news has raised fears among US lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials who believe Saudi Arabia could at some point convert it to develop nuclear weapons. Despite the concerns there are less chances that the Republican-controlled legislature will block its implementation.&nbsp;However, US President Donald Trump has said the agreement with Saudi Arabia will not take effect unless the kingdom joins the Abraham Accords and build cordial relations with Israel.&nbsp;According to the report, a group of Democratic senators led by Massachusetts’ Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley of Oregon wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday raising concerns over the possibility of Saudi Arabia developing nuke weapons, as per the classified documents.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-trump-s-disapproval-ratings-at-record-hatred-level-say-analysts-1790404670104">US midterms: Trump’s disapproval ratings at ‘record hatred’ level, say analysts</a>&nbsp;Speaking to the newspaper Merkley argued that Saudi demands of enriched uranium point towards its intentions for a nuclear program that is beyond civilian use.&nbsp;“If they’ve given up the intent to develop a nuclear weapon, then they’d give up domestic enrichment and reprocessing power, right? They’d accept massive inspections from the IAEA,” he said.&nbsp;The nuclear agreement, signed between US and Saudi Arabia in July after years of negotiations, provides the legal framework for US companies to operate in Saudi Arabia and develop nuclear facilities, including civilian power plants.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has previously said that the Kingdom would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran developed one refused during its negotiations with the United States to relinquish the ability to enrich uranium domestically or sign a stringent safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The report comes amid concerns raised by experts over an agreement reached in July between Washington and Riyadh to provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program.

Classified documents provided to the US Congress by the US intelligence community reveals Saudi Arabia's intent of developing nuclear weapons. It says that Saudi Arabia has not dismissed the possibility of developing a nuclear weapons program. The report by Washington Post comes amid concerns raised by numerous experts over an agreement reached in July between Washington and Riyadh to provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program under less stringent safeguards than are customary. The news has raised fears among US lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials who believe Saudi Arabia could at some point convert it to develop nuclear weapons. Despite the concerns there are less chances that the Republican-controlled legislature will block its implementation. However, US President Donald Trump has said the agreement with Saudi Arabia will not take effect unless the kingdom joins the Abraham Accords and build cordial relations with Israel. According to the report, a group of Democratic senators led by Massachusetts’ Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley of Oregon wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday raising concerns over the possibility of Saudi Arabia developing nuke weapons, as per the classified documents. ALSO READ: US midterms: Trump’s disapproval ratings at ‘record hatred’ level, say analysts Speaking to the newspaper Merkley argued that Saudi demands of enriched uranium point towards its intentions for a nuclear program that is beyond civilian use. “If they’ve given up the intent to develop a nuclear weapon, then they’d give up domestic enrichment and reprocessing power, right? They’d accept massive inspections from the IAEA,” he said. The nuclear agreement, signed between US and Saudi Arabia in July after years of negotiations, provides the legal framework for US companies to operate in Saudi Arabia and develop nuclear facilities, including civilian power plants. Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has previously said that the Kingdom would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran developed one refused during its negotiations with the United States to relinquish the ability to enrich uranium domestically or sign a stringent safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The report comes amid concerns raised by experts over an agreement reached in July between Washington and Riyadh to provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program.

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which is going to be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and how popular he still is among the American people. If we go by CNN analyst Harry Enten, the a historic 50 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, which breaks the record he set before the 2018 midterms.&nbsp;The strong disapproval rating breaks the previous record of 45 percent which is more than what George W Bush's 41 percent mark ahead of the 2006 midterms.&nbsp;“They don't just dislike him, there's record hatred for the president of the United States going into a midterm," said Enten.&nbsp;The disapproval rating is high mainly among independent voters, with 56 percent expressing strong "dislike" for Trump.&nbsp;"Among the group that determines elections in this country, you see the hatred for the president of the United States. This is what the voters are saying now," said Enten.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ordinary-life-is-simply-a-target-for-russia-says-zelensky-as-moscow-targets-data-centres-1790398631460">'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow targets data centres</a>&nbsp;Recent generic congressional polling show Democrats gaining ground and achieving substantial gains to potentially retake the House and challenge for the Senate.&nbsp;Enten highlighted that Trump's “historically polarizing” effect on American voters has sometimes worked in his favour but this time it reveals a different picture.&nbsp;Backing his claims Enten said that Trump's “strongly approve” rating which is just 18 percent is one-third less than the average 27 percent that all previous presidents got going into the midterms.&nbsp;“So, Trump actually has fewer people loving him than what we see with the average president,” he said and added, “What's going on here is normally Trump is able to counteract that strong hatred with strong love, but not anymore.”&nbsp;

According to analysts, Trump's “historically polarizing” effect on American voters has sometimes worked in his favour but this time it reveals a different picture.

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which is going to be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and how popular he still is among the American people. If we go by CNN analyst Harry Enten, the a historic 50 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, which breaks the record he set before the 2018 midterms. The strong disapproval rating breaks the previous record of 45 percent which is more than what George W Bush's 41 percent mark ahead of the 2006 midterms. “They don't just dislike him, there's record hatred for the president of the United States going into a midterm," said Enten. The disapproval rating is high mainly among independent voters, with 56 percent expressing strong "dislike" for Trump. "Among the group that determines elections in this country, you see the hatred for the president of the United States. This is what the voters are saying now," said Enten. ALSO READ: 'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow targets data centres Recent generic congressional polling show Democrats gaining ground and achieving substantial gains to potentially retake the House and challenge for the Senate. Enten highlighted that Trump's “historically polarizing” effect on American voters has sometimes worked in his favour but this time it reveals a different picture. Backing his claims Enten said that Trump's “strongly approve” rating which is just 18 percent is one-third less than the average 27 percent that all previous presidents got going into the midterms. “So, Trump actually has fewer people loving him than what we see with the average president,” he said and added, “What's going on here is normally Trump is able to counteract that strong hatred with strong love, but not anymore.”

According to analysts, Trump's “historically polarizing” effect on American voters has sometimes worked in his favour but this time it reveals a different picture.

US midterms: Trump’s disapproval ratings at ‘record hatred’ level, say analysts

The United States and China have agreed to set up a "communication channel" to handle artificial intelligence incidents, the White House announced on Friday (Sep 25). The announcement followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centred on the growing challenges posed by AI development.At least 14 people were killed in a plane crash in Congo on Friday. The two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces were also killed in incident, said military officials.In UNGA, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years.Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with expanding access to energy in India, saying the country has seen greater energy access under his leadership than in any decade, region or country in human history.

Modi gave more people energy access than anyone in history, says Australian PM

At least 11 people were killed in a blast in Dera Ismail Khan city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, officials said. 30 others sustained injuries in the incident, which took place at a roadside police checkpoint, Reuters news agency cited Pakistan's emergency service, Rescue 1122 as saying.

Blast in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan kills 11, injures several

A humanitarian worker said there is a “massive crisis” in Yemen, as more than 125,000 people were forced to leave their homes in a matter of weeks. Alison Bottomley, a worker at the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Al Jazeera that many people have escaped their homes with no resources since the escalation began.“Almost everyone we speak to, they tell us they left in the middle of the night with just the clothes on their back, they took their family, and they’ve walked 10-15 kilometres [6-9 miles] at night to find safety,” she explained.

Yemen faces ‘massive crisis’ as over 125,000 flee their homes

The European Union is undergoing an energy price crisis due to the fallout from the Iran war in oil and gas markets, the bloc’s energy chief has said in a letter urging countries to consider measures to curb energy demand. “We are facing a price crisis linked to a supply crisis,” EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said in a letter to EU countries’ energy ministers on Friday (September 25).

EU warns of energy ‘price crisis’ 

Iran’s military has warned that all US deployment centres and interests in the region will be targeted if Washington “makes a mistake” against the country, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Iran warns US to target bases in Middle East if Washington ‘makes a mistake’

A New Mexico jury on Friday (September 25) found Facebook accountable for defrauding users about privacy protections on the social media platform. The jury found the platform more than 43 million violations of state consumer protection law, and the final verdict on the total fine the company will have to pay lies with the judge, with attorneys representing the state demanding the maximum $5,000 penalty per violation.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had announced a long march to Islamabad on September 27, primarily demanding the release of the party founder. The 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has been incarcerated since 2023, when he was arrested after conviction in a corruption case.

Pak govt’s security costs set to rise after Imran Khan’s party delays protest march to Oct 4

A pair of Democratic lawmakers is calling for hearings after the Navy disclosed that there were eight suicide attempts during the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group’s record-long time at sea.

Democrats call for hearings on suicide attempts on USS Lincoln

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which is going to be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and how popular he still is among the American people. If we go by CNN analyst Harry Enten, the a historic 50 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, which breaks the record he set before the 2018 midterms.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-trump-s-disapproval-ratings-at-record-hatred-level-say-analysts-1790404670104">READ MORE</a>

The Iraqi government said Saturday it was holding talks with the United States to secure an exemption from then ban on Iranian airlines, which has disrupted travel for patients, students and pilgrims.

Iraq seeks exemption from US ban on Iran airlines 

Classified documents provided to the US Congress by the US intelligence community reveals Saudi Arabia's intent of developing nuclear weapons. It says that Saudi Arabia has not dismissed the possibility of developing a nuclear weapons program.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-still-harbours-intent-to-develop-nuclear-weapons-reveals-us-intelligence-report-1790409342807">READ MORE</a>

'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow target data centres In its war with Ukraine, Russia in the last few months has stepped up attack on Ukrainian data centres. Over the past two days, Russian strikes have hit multiple data centers and internet providers in Kyiv.&nbsp;The attack has disrupted service for around 100,000 households in Ukraine's capital. Reacting to the attacks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russians are seeking to cause maximum disruption for ordinary people.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ordinary-life-is-simply-a-target-for-russia-says-zelensky-as-moscow-targets-data-centres-1790398631460">Read more</a>

'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow targets data centres

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which is going to be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and how popular he still is among the American people. If we go by CNN analyst Harry Enten, the a historic 50 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, which breaks the record he set before the 2018 midterms.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-trump-s-disapproval-ratings-at-record-hatred-level-say-analysts-1790404670104">Read more</a>

The Iraqi government said Saturday it was holding talks with the United States to secure an exemption from then ban on Iranian airlines, which has disrupted travel for patients, students and pilgrims.All Iraqi airports enforced the ban this week, resulting in major disruption at the airport of the holy city of Najaf, the main destination for Iranian flights to Iraq."The Iraqi government is holding direct talks with the American side to exempt certain Iraqi airports from these measures," the prime minister's media office said.An exemption would

Iraq seeks exemption from US ban on Iran airlines

Pope Leo XIV said on Saturday that it was possible to "live together in dignity and peace" as he met migrants in Paris, ahead of a giant open-air mass on the Champs-Elysees expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people."I am pleased to begin this second day in Paris with you, in a house that bears witness to the whole city that it is possible to encounter one another and to live together in dignity and peace," he said at an association supporting migrants and refugees.

Pope Leo XIV says in Paris it is possible 'to live together in dignity and peace'

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Saturday the flooding situation had "stabilised" but said it would still take two or three days for the water to drain, as long as the rain held off."The situation is stabilised. If more rainwater doesn't fall in the area, it will be solved," he said in an update broadcast live on social media.

Bangkok flooding has 'stabilised': governor

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday (Sept 26) that Moscow is considering whether to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. “On proposals to resume negotiations, yes, they are all on the table, and it is all possible -- but after everything they've done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response,” Putin said.&nbsp;The statement comes as US President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump sent his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow in early September, where they held talks with Putin.&nbsp;Subsequently, the US president extended an invitation to Putin to attend the G20 meeting later this year, which America is hosting in Miami.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-all-possible-putin-weighs-next-steps-on-ukraine-talks-rules-out-europe-conflict-1790361540959">Read more</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday to credit US President Donald Trump for what he described as a ‘timely intervention’ during the 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan.Sharif also raised the Kashmir issue and referred to Pakistan's account of the May 2025 conflict, portraying Islamabad's actions during the confrontation as a success. During the speech, Indian diplomat R Srinivas was seen laughing as Sharif spoke about Pakistan's claimed ‘victory’ during the conflict.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-shehbaz-sharif-claims-pakistan-s-victory-during-2025-conflict-indian-diplomat-r-srinivas-laughs-at-un-1790362807026">Read more</a>

&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years. On April 22, 2025, terrorists based in Pakistan attacked the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people, including one Nepali national, and left several others injured.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-terrorist-country-is-asking-me-that-question-jaishankar-hits-back-at-pakistani-journalist-at-un-flags-attacks-on-commercial-shipping-1790360879334">Read more</a>

Get the top global updates: EAM S Jaishankar shuts down a Pakistani journalist at UNGA, US and China establish an AI incident channel, and 14 die in a Congo plane crash. 

The United States and China have agreed to set up a "communication channel" to handle artificial intelligence incidents, the White House announced on Friday (Sep 25). The announcement followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centred on the growing challenges posed by AI development. At least 14 people were killed in a plane crash in Congo on Friday. The two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces were also killed in incident, said military officials. In UNGA, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Get the top global updates: EAM S Jaishankar shuts down a Pakistani journalist at UNGA, US and China establish an AI incident channel, and 14 die in a Congo plane crash.

Latest News India and World LIVE Updates: EAM Jaishankar’s sharp reply at UN, Trump-Xi launch AI hotline

'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow target data centres In its war with Ukraine, Russia in the last few months has stepped up attack on Ukrainian data centres. Over the past two days, Russian strikes have hit multiple data centers and internet providers in Kyiv. The attack has disrupted service for around 100,000 households in Ukraine's capital.&nbsp;Reacting to the attacks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russians are seeking to cause maximum disruption for ordinary people.&nbsp;"All this affects people's ability to stay connected, study, work," he said.&nbsp;On Friday a Russian drone hit a business centre in the capital Kyiv, killing four people and damaging a data centre. In another attack a 14-year-old boy was killed. Israel's foreign ministry said he was an Israeli citizen.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-people-killed-in-plane-crash-in-congo-as-plane-develops-technical-snag-1790394826603">At least 14 killed in plane crash in Congo as plane develops technical snag</a>&nbsp;In the wake of the attacks, some firms have begun moving data from damaged servers to facilities abroad, reported BBC.&nbsp;Slamming the attacks Zelensky took to social media to write, "The Russians are constantly expanding their escalation operation: American and other businesses, data centres, internet providers – for Russia, all ordinary life is simply a target."&nbsp;"It is important that the world responds to all of this and that Russia feels the response to its terror," he further said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Zelensky said that a meeting of Ukraine's top defence and security officials was held to protect the country's data centres and other critical communications facilities for undisrupted operation.&nbsp;Serhii Beskrestnov, Zelensky's top adviser on defence technologies on Thursday admitted that the attacks may lead to local disruptions and raise cost of internet services but he stressed that Ukraine's internet network was highly decentralised, so the country "will not be left without internet access".

Zelensky said that a meeting of Ukraine's top defence and security officials was held to protect the country's data centres and other critical communications facilities for undisrupted operation.

'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow target data centres In its war with Ukraine, Russia in the last few months has stepped up attack on Ukrainian data centres. Over the past two days, Russian strikes have hit multiple data centers and internet providers in Kyiv. The attack has disrupted service for around 100,000 households in Ukraine's capital. Reacting to the attacks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russians are seeking to cause maximum disruption for ordinary people. "All this affects people's ability to stay connected, study, work," he said. On Friday a Russian drone hit a business centre in the capital Kyiv, killing four people and damaging a data centre. In another attack a 14-year-old boy was killed. Israel's foreign ministry said he was an Israeli citizen. ALSO READ: At least 14 killed in plane crash in Congo as plane develops technical snag In the wake of the attacks, some firms have begun moving data from damaged servers to facilities abroad, reported BBC. Slamming the attacks Zelensky took to social media to write, "The Russians are constantly expanding their escalation operation: American and other businesses, data centres, internet providers – for Russia, all ordinary life is simply a target." "It is important that the world responds to all of this and that Russia feels the response to its terror," he further said. Meanwhile, Zelensky said that a meeting of Ukraine's top defence and security officials was held to protect the country's data centres and other critical communications facilities for undisrupted operation. Serhii Beskrestnov, Zelensky's top adviser on defence technologies on Thursday admitted that the attacks may lead to local disruptions and raise cost of internet services but he stressed that Ukraine's internet network was highly decentralised, so the country "will not be left without internet access".

Zelensky said that a meeting of Ukraine's top defence and security officials was held to protect the country's data centres and other critical communications facilities for undisrupted operation.

The United States and China have agreed to set up a "communication channel" to handle artificial intelligence incidents, the White House announced on Friday (Sep 25). The announcement followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centred on the growing challenges posed by AI development.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-xi-summit-trump-says-us-china-talks-made-great-strides-1790395486801/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-xi-summit-trump-says-us-china-talks-made-great-strides-1790395486801/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;According to a White House fact sheet, the two nations have launched a "US-China Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue" to exchange perspectives on the risks and benefits associated with AI. Notably, both sides agreed to adopt the term "SI" instead of "AI" going forward. The next round of this dialogue is scheduled to take place by November.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-quietly-adds-37-wounded-troops-to-iran-war-tally-without-explaining-when-or-how-1790378020242">Pentagon quietly adds 37 wounded troops to Iran war tally without an explanation</a>&nbsp;In addition to the dialogue, Washington and Beijing agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel specifically for addressing AI-related incidents.&nbsp;Ahead of the summit, Trump had indicated on social media that "Super Intelligence" would be a major point of discussion, but stated he wanted to "leave it exactly where it is," adding that this reflected China's position as well.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-summit-wrap-big-pageantry-iran-talks-few-major-developments-and-more-meetings-planned-1790367651220">Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, Iran talks, few major developments and more meetings planned</a>&nbsp;Xi, for his part, struck a more cautious note. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, he emphasised the need for the US and China to responsibly manage their rivalry as global powers while ensuring AI remains under human oversight. He said both nations "have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good," stressing that its development must "always" remain under human control.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-backs-pentagon-s-decision-to-exclude-anthropic-over-claude-ai-restrictions-1790371937731">US appeals court upholds Pentagon's ban on Anthropic iver AI safeguards</a>&nbsp;The summit reflects growing global attention on AI governance, with both superpowers signalling an intent to maintain dialogue on the technology's trajectory even as competition between them continues in other domains.

Following the White House summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the US and China agreed to establish an AI incident communication channel and launch a joint "Super Intelligence" dialogue.

The United States and China have agreed to set up a "communication channel" to handle artificial intelligence incidents, the White House announced on Friday (Sep 25). The announcement followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centred on the growing challenges posed by AI development. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-xi-summit-trump-says-us-china-talks-made-great-strides-1790395486801/embed According to a White House fact sheet, the two nations have launched a "US-China Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue" to exchange perspectives on the risks and benefits associated with AI. Notably, both sides agreed to adopt the term "SI" instead of "AI" going forward. The next round of this dialogue is scheduled to take place by November. Also read: Pentagon quietly adds 37 wounded troops to Iran war tally without an explanation In addition to the dialogue, Washington and Beijing agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel specifically for addressing AI-related incidents. Ahead of the summit, Trump had indicated on social media that "Super Intelligence" would be a major point of discussion, but stated he wanted to "leave it exactly where it is," adding that this reflected China's position as well. Also read: Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, Iran talks, few major developments and more meetings planned Xi, for his part, struck a more cautious note. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, he emphasised the need for the US and China to responsibly manage their rivalry as global powers while ensuring AI remains under human oversight. He said both nations "have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good," stressing that its development must "always" remain under human control. Also read: US appeals court upholds Pentagon's ban on Anthropic iver AI safeguards The summit reflects growing global attention on AI governance, with both superpowers signalling an intent to maintain dialogue on the technology's trajectory even as competition between them continues in other domains.

Following the White House summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the US and China agreed to establish an AI incident communication channel and launch a joint "Super Intelligence" dialogue.

US and China agree to bilateral hotline for AI incidents after Trump-Xi Summit

At least 14 people were killed in a plane crash in Congo on Friday. The two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces were also killed in incident, said military officials.&nbsp;"In addition to the two general officers, twelve members of the delegation and the crew members also lost their lives in this accident," Major General Efomi Ekenge, spokesperson of the Congolese military, said in a statement.&nbsp;The plane was headed for Kinshasa, capital city, from southwestern Kikwit when it developed a technical snag and crashed in Kenge where everyone on board died, according to local officials.&nbsp;An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash said, Ekenge, according to Associated Press.&nbsp;While Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba, Chairman of the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the cause of the crash is unknown.

The plane was headed for Kinshasa, capital city, from southwestern Kikwit when it developed a technical snag and crashed in Kenge.

At least 14 people were killed in a plane crash in Congo on Friday. The two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces were also killed in incident, said military officials. "In addition to the two general officers, twelve members of the delegation and the crew members also lost their lives in this accident," Major General Efomi Ekenge, spokesperson of the Congolese military, said in a statement. The plane was headed for Kinshasa, capital city, from southwestern Kikwit when it developed a technical snag and crashed in Kenge where everyone on board died, according to local officials. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash said, Ekenge, according to Associated Press. While Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba, Chairman of the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the cause of the crash is unknown.

The plane was headed for Kinshasa, capital city, from southwestern Kikwit when it developed a technical snag and crashed in Kenge.

At least 14 killed in plane crash in Congo as plane develops technical snag

Newly uncovered archival documents have raised fresh questions about the death of Angela ‘Geli’ Raubal, Adolf Hitler’s half-niece, whose death in his Munich apartment in 1931 was officially ruled a suicide. Raubal, 23, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the chest in Hitler’s Munich apartment in September 1931. The pistol used in the shooting belonged to Hitler, who is widely understood to have maintained an unusually close and controlling relationship with his young relative.&nbsp;For almost a century, the accepted chronology has placed the discovery of Raubal’s body on September 19. That date appears in the Munich police investigation into her death. According to police records, Hitler’s personal servant, Georg Winter, forced open Raubal’s locked room that morning and discovered her body on the floor. The established timeline has also indicated that Hitler had already left Munich for Nuremberg the previous afternoon, seemingly making his involvement in her death impossible.&nbsp;However, German historian Harold Sandner says he has uncovered an entry in Munich’s official death register that records the discovery of Raubal’s body at 10:15 am on September 18, 1931. Two death notices found in archives also reportedly carry the September 18 date. If authentic, the records would place Raubal’s death approximately 24 hours earlier than the date traditionally accepted. They would also place Hitler in Munich when her body was discovered, as official records indicate that he did not leave for Nuremberg until the afternoon of September 18.&nbsp;Sandner has suggested that the conflicting records could be evidence of a possible cover-up by police officials sympathetic to the Nazi Party. His findings were first reported by German news magazine Der Spiegel and are set to be examined in greater detail in his forthcoming book, The Death of Angela ‘Geli’ Raubal: Suicide or Foul Play? Thomas Weber, an expert on Nazi Germany and history lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, said Sandner presented the findings to him. Weber said he initially approached the material with skepticism but came to believe that the newly uncovered documents could significantly undermine the established chronology.&nbsp;“Assuming that the photocopies of the documents that Sandner shared with me are authentic, and I have no reason to doubt that, it seems clear that Raubal died a day earlier than we all have assumed over the last almost one hundred years, and thus that Hitler was still in Munich when she died,” he said. Weber noted that three newly uncovered documents reportedly place Raubal’s death on September 18, making a simple clerical error appear less likely.&nbsp;Still, Weber warned against concluding that the revised timeline proves Hitler murdered Raubal. He said there could have been other reasons for concealing what happened. At the time, the Nazi Party was seeking wider support among mainstream conservatives, while Hitler was attempting to portray himself “for electoral reasons as the embodiment of trust and virtue.” According to Weber, ‘any scandal’ could have threatened that image.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-iran-s-7-day-ceasefire-proposal-as-us-weighs-renewed-bombing-after-midterms-report-1790389087868">Trump rejects Iran's 7-day ceasefire proposal as US weighs renewed bombing after midterms: Report</a><h2>A death surrounded by speculation</h2>Raubal was the daughter of Hitler’s half-sister, Angela Hammitzsch, formerly Angela Hitler. She spent years in close proximity to Hitler while her mother worked as his housekeeper before eventually moving into his Munich apartment in 1929. Historians have long debated the nature of Hitler’s relationship with Raubal. Some have described him as deeply infatuated with her and have argued that his behaviour became increasingly controlling and possessive. Claims that their relationship was sexual have also circulated, although those allegations remain disputed.&nbsp;“The speculation has been that Hitler had an unhealthy obsession with Raubal, that he loved her, and that his interest was incestuous in nature, and that he murdered her out of jealousy because she wanted to leave him, or that he realized that she loved someone else,” Weber said, adding that there were many variations of this speculation.&nbsp;Weber said he personally finds it difficult to accept the claim that the relationship was incestuous, while noting that Hitler’s behaviour appears to indicate a ‘deep bond’ with Raubal. In the period shortly before her death, Hitler and Raubal were reportedly involved in an argument over her plans to leave Munich for Vienna, where she wanted to pursue musical studies. The newly discovered documents do not establish how Raubal died or prove that she was murdered. They do, however, challenge the long-accepted chronology surrounding her death and place Hitler in Munich at a time when, according to the traditional account, he was already in Nuremberg.

Newly uncovered archival records challenge the timeline of Geli Raubal’s 1931 death and place Adolf Hitler in Munich when she was found dead

Newly uncovered archival documents have raised fresh questions about the death of Angela ‘Geli’ Raubal, Adolf Hitler’s half-niece, whose death in his Munich apartment in 1931 was officially ruled a suicide. Raubal, 23, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the chest in Hitler’s Munich apartment in September 1931. The pistol used in the shooting belonged to Hitler, who is widely understood to have maintained an unusually close and controlling relationship with his young relative. For almost a century, the accepted chronology has placed the discovery of Raubal’s body on September 19. That date appears in the Munich police investigation into her death. According to police records, Hitler’s personal servant, Georg Winter, forced open Raubal’s locked room that morning and discovered her body on the floor. The established timeline has also indicated that Hitler had already left Munich for Nuremberg the previous afternoon, seemingly making his involvement in her death impossible. However, German historian Harold Sandner says he has uncovered an entry in Munich’s official death register that records the discovery of Raubal’s body at 10:15 am on September 18, 1931. Two death notices found in archives also reportedly carry the September 18 date. If authentic, the records would place Raubal’s death approximately 24 hours earlier than the date traditionally accepted. They would also place Hitler in Munich when her body was discovered, as official records indicate that he did not leave for Nuremberg until the afternoon of September 18. Sandner has suggested that the conflicting records could be evidence of a possible cover-up by police officials sympathetic to the Nazi Party. His findings were first reported by German news magazine Der Spiegel and are set to be examined in greater detail in his forthcoming book, The Death of Angela ‘Geli’ Raubal: Suicide or Foul Play? Thomas Weber, an expert on Nazi Germany and history lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, said Sandner presented the findings to him. Weber said he initially approached the material with skepticism but came to believe that the newly uncovered documents could significantly undermine the established chronology. “Assuming that the photocopies of the documents that Sandner shared with me are authentic, and I have no reason to doubt that, it seems clear that Raubal died a day earlier than we all have assumed over the last almost one hundred years, and thus that Hitler was still in Munich when she died,” he said. Weber noted that three newly uncovered documents reportedly place Raubal’s death on September 18, making a simple clerical error appear less likely. Still, Weber warned against concluding that the revised timeline proves Hitler murdered Raubal. He said there could have been other reasons for concealing what happened. At the time, the Nazi Party was seeking wider support among mainstream conservatives, while Hitler was attempting to portray himself “for electoral reasons as the embodiment of trust and virtue.” According to Weber, ‘any scandal’ could have threatened that image. Also Read: Trump rejects Iran's 7-day ceasefire proposal as US weighs renewed bombing after midterms: Report A death surrounded by speculation Raubal was the daughter of Hitler’s half-sister, Angela Hammitzsch, formerly Angela Hitler. She spent years in close proximity to Hitler while her mother worked as his housekeeper before eventually moving into his Munich apartment in 1929. Historians have long debated the nature of Hitler’s relationship with Raubal. Some have described him as deeply infatuated with her and have argued that his behaviour became increasingly controlling and possessive. Claims that their relationship was sexual have also circulated, although those allegations remain disputed. “The speculation has been that Hitler had an unhealthy obsession with Raubal, that he loved her, and that his interest was incestuous in nature, and that he murdered her out of jealousy because she wanted to leave him, or that he realized that she loved someone else,” Weber said, adding that there were many variations of this speculation. Weber said he personally finds it difficult to accept the claim that the relationship was incestuous, while noting that Hitler’s behaviour appears to indicate a ‘deep bond’ with Raubal. In the period shortly before her death, Hitler and Raubal were reportedly involved in an argument over her plans to leave Munich for Vienna, where she wanted to pursue musical studies. The newly discovered documents do not establish how Raubal died or prove that she was murdered. They do, however, challenge the long-accepted chronology surrounding her death and place Hitler in Munich at a time when, according to the traditional account, he was already in Nuremberg.

Newly uncovered records challenge the timeline of Geli Raubal’s 1931 death, placing Hitler in Munich when his half-niece was found dead

Indian diplomat Petal Gehlot has delivered a sharp rebuke of Pakistan at the United Nations, hitting out at its leadership for hypocrisy, cross-border terrorism and military domination after remarks by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, exercised India’s right of reply during the General Assembly session in New York. She said the views expressed by Pakistan “emanate from those with a long record of bigotry and hatred.”&nbsp;“They claim to uphold security during the day; they actually carry out terrorism at night,” Gahlot told the Assembly. She rejected comments on religious intolerance, arguing they came “from the very regime whose mainstay is blasphemy laws.”&nbsp;“The world knows how minorities are treated in Pakistan; no pious platitude can mislead it,” she said. A century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal district in Pakistan’s Punjab, was reduced to rubble on 21 August, with minority groups saying it was razed so adjoining land could be absorbed by a madrassa.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gahlot dismissed references to Jammu and Kashmir, calling the Indian union territory “an integral and inalienable part of my country. And will always remain so.” She then turned the focus to areas under Pakistan occupied where the situation has deteriorated. In the past few months, the Pakistani occupying forces have killed many unarmed civilians using brute force.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If we must talk about Kashmir, let us turn our attention to the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Ask the people of Rawalakot about the wanton killings, the brutal violence and the denial of basic rights that they have long experienced,” she said.&nbsp;She identified “the longstanding practice of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan” as the core issue. Recalling India's operation Sindoor, Gahlot said, “We demonstrated last year that terrorists will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised. And continued terrorism by Pakistan will have consequences.” India launched its counter-terror operation days after Pakistan-trained terrorists killed civilians in Pahalgam. Under the operation, several sites where terrorists have been trained were destroyed by the Indian side.&nbsp;Gahlot accused Islamabad of offering “hypocritical homilies about democratic rights and human values from a regime whose capital at this very moment is being fortified against its own people.”&nbsp;“And that, Mr. President, is happening because this is a regime of the Army, by the Army, and for the Army,” she said. “Their puppets may come and go but let us have no illusion who calls the shots. The reality of Pakistan is expressed in its 27th Amendment and the lifelong immunity granted to its real ruler.”&nbsp;She linked Pakistan’s record to the 2011 killing of UN terrorist, 9/11 terroists attack plotter Osama bin Laden, noting he “was living right on the doorstep of the Pakistani Army’s premier academy.” Gahlot described the Pakistani government as what “Pakistanis themselves call a Form 47 government.” Form 47 is Pakistan Election Commission document, prepared after collecting Form 45 from polling stations. After the 2024 election, opposition said many Form 47s were changed overnight, by changing form 45.She told the assembly that they should “recognize Pakistan and its policies for what they really are; not what its representative mendaciously projects it to be. Reiterating falsehoods year after year does not make them true. Pakistan’s terrorism, deceit and duplicity will neither benefit it nor the world".

Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot exercised India’s Right of Reply at the UN, slamming Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and demanding it vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Indian diplomat Petal Gehlot has delivered a sharp rebuke of Pakistan at the United Nations, hitting out at its leadership for hypocrisy, cross-border terrorism and military domination after remarks by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, exercised India’s right of reply during the General Assembly session in New York. She said the views expressed by Pakistan “emanate from those with a long record of bigotry and hatred.” “They claim to uphold security during the day; they actually carry out terrorism at night,” Gahlot told the Assembly. She rejected comments on religious intolerance, arguing they came “from the very regime whose mainstay is blasphemy laws.” “The world knows how minorities are treated in Pakistan; no pious platitude can mislead it,” she said. A century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal district in Pakistan’s Punjab, was reduced to rubble on 21 August, with minority groups saying it was razed so adjoining land could be absorbed by a madrassa. Gahlot dismissed references to Jammu and Kashmir, calling the Indian union territory “an integral and inalienable part of my country. And will always remain so.” She then turned the focus to areas under Pakistan occupied where the situation has deteriorated. In the past few months, the Pakistani occupying forces have killed many unarmed civilians using brute force. “If we must talk about Kashmir, let us turn our attention to the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Ask the people of Rawalakot about the wanton killings, the brutal violence and the denial of basic rights that they have long experienced,” she said. She identified “the longstanding practice of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan” as the core issue. Recalling India's operation Sindoor, Gahlot said, “We demonstrated last year that terrorists will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised. And continued terrorism by Pakistan will have consequences.” India launched its counter-terror operation days after Pakistan-trained terrorists killed civilians in Pahalgam. Under the operation, several sites where terrorists have been trained were destroyed by the Indian side. Gahlot accused Islamabad of offering “hypocritical homilies about democratic rights and human values from a regime whose capital at this very moment is being fortified against its own people.” “And that, Mr. President, is happening because this is a regime of the Army, by the Army, and for the Army,” she said. “Their puppets may come and go but let us have no illusion who calls the shots. The reality of Pakistan is expressed in its 27th Amendment and the lifelong immunity granted to its real ruler.” She linked Pakistan’s record to the 2011 killing of UN terrorist, 9/11 terroists attack plotter Osama bin Laden, noting he “was living right on the doorstep of the Pakistani Army’s premier academy.” Gahlot described the Pakistani government as what “Pakistanis themselves call a Form 47 government.” Form 47 is Pakistan Election Commission document, prepared after collecting Form 45 from polling stations. After the 2024 election, opposition said many Form 47s were changed overnight, by changing form 45. She told the assembly that they should “recognize Pakistan and its policies for what they really are; not what its representative mendaciously projects it to be. Reiterating falsehoods year after year does not make them true. Pakistan’s terrorism, deceit and duplicity will neither benefit it nor the world".

Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot exercised India’s Right of Reply at the UN, slamming Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and demanding it vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and has told aides that he expects the United States could resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections, according to US officials familiar with the discussions. Tehran's proposal would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for Washington lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. The blockade has placed additional pressure on Iran's already strained economy.&nbsp;Trump has publicly argued that Iran is seeking a deal after the midterms that would dismantle its nuclear programme. Privately, however, officials said the president remains doubtful that Tehran would agree to his demands. Trump has therefore told his advisers that renewed US bombing is a possibility, although the scale of any future military action remains unclear.<h2>US-Iran conflict remains between war and diplomacy</h2>Trump's position leaves the conflict in an uncertain phase between renewed military confrontation and diplomatic negotiations.The president has repeatedly declared victory since the fighting began while alternating between diplomatic efforts, airstrikes and increased economic pressure on Iran. US officials cautioned that Trump's position could change as the conflict continues and could also be influenced by developments surrounding the November midterm elections.&nbsp;The extent of any potential future bombing campaign has not been determined. Officials said Trump is reluctant to launch another major combat operation in part because the US wants to preserve limited munitions for other potential military contingencies. At the same time, Trump has previously threatened large-scale military action when negotiations with Tehran reached deadlocks. Some of those threats were carried out, while others were subsequently scaled back.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-deploys-over-20-000-security-personnel-as-pti-vows-march-for-imran-khan-s-release-1790379263284">Pakistan deploys over 20,000 security personnel as PTI vows march for Imran Khan's release</a><h2>Trump rejects election influence on Iran policy</h2>Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, Trump said domestic politics would not influence his approach to Iran's nuclear programme. “The Republican Party is running, and I’ll be helping them, but I am not running. I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence through the election when it comes to Iran,” he told world leaders during the annual General Assembly in New York. “The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”<h2>Washington and Tehran continue indirect talks</h2>Despite the rejection of the seven-day proposal, a US official said Washington and Tehran continue to communicate through intermediaries, including on the nuclear issue. An American-led effort to keep oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian threats has reduced the immediate pressure for a diplomatic agreement, the official said.&nbsp;Qatar and other regional mediators have been working to revive negotiations around the United Nations General Assembly. During a meeting in Qatar on Sunday, Iranian representatives proposed a seven-day pause in hostilities that could potentially lead to an end to attacks on shipping. People familiar with the discussions said the proposal would link the suspension of attacks on shipping to the lifting of the US blockade.<h2>What Iran proposed in ceasefire proposal?</h2>Under the Iranian proposal, the United States would lift its naval blockade, release some frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin negotiations over its nuclear programme.However, US officials familiar with the discussions said Washington had informed Tehran and the mediators that Trump was not prepared to lift the maritime blockade.

Trump rejects Iran’s seven-day ceasefire proposal as Washington and Tehran continue indirect nuclear talks amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and has told aides that he expects the United States could resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections, according to US officials familiar with the discussions. Tehran's proposal would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for Washington lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. The blockade has placed additional pressure on Iran's already strained economy. Trump has publicly argued that Iran is seeking a deal after the midterms that would dismantle its nuclear programme. Privately, however, officials said the president remains doubtful that Tehran would agree to his demands. Trump has therefore told his advisers that renewed US bombing is a possibility, although the scale of any future military action remains unclear. US-Iran conflict remains between war and diplomacy Trump's position leaves the conflict in an uncertain phase between renewed military confrontation and diplomatic negotiations. The president has repeatedly declared victory since the fighting began while alternating between diplomatic efforts, airstrikes and increased economic pressure on Iran. US officials cautioned that Trump's position could change as the conflict continues and could also be influenced by developments surrounding the November midterm elections. The extent of any potential future bombing campaign has not been determined. Officials said Trump is reluctant to launch another major combat operation in part because the US wants to preserve limited munitions for other potential military contingencies. At the same time, Trump has previously threatened large-scale military action when negotiations with Tehran reached deadlocks. Some of those threats were carried out, while others were subsequently scaled back. Also Read: Pakistan deploys over 20,000 security personnel as PTI vows march for Imran Khan's release Trump rejects election influence on Iran policy Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, Trump said domestic politics would not influence his approach to Iran's nuclear programme. “The Republican Party is running, and I’ll be helping them, but I am not running. I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence through the election when it comes to Iran,” he told world leaders during the annual General Assembly in New York. “The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.” Washington and Tehran continue indirect talks Despite the rejection of the seven-day proposal, a US official said Washington and Tehran continue to communicate through intermediaries, including on the nuclear issue. An American-led effort to keep oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian threats has reduced the immediate pressure for a diplomatic agreement, the official said. Qatar and other regional mediators have been working to revive negotiations around the United Nations General Assembly. During a meeting in Qatar on Sunday, Iranian representatives proposed a seven-day pause in hostilities that could potentially lead to an end to attacks on shipping. People familiar with the discussions said the proposal would link the suspension of attacks on shipping to the lifting of the US blockade. What Iran proposed in ceasefire proposal? Under the Iranian proposal, the United States would lift its naval blockade, release some frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin negotiations over its nuclear programme. However, US officials familiar with the discussions said Washington had informed Tehran and the mediators that Trump was not prepared to lift the maritime blockade.

Trump has reportedly rejected Iran’s seven-day ceasefire proposal as Washington and Tehran continue indirect nuclear talks amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz

Leaders of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have vowed to proceed with a nationwide demonstration demanding his release, despite a sweeping security operation aimed at preventing supporters from reaching Islamabad. The government has deployed tens of thousands of police and other security personnel, blocked major highways and issued arrest warrants against PTI figures as authorities attempt to stop the planned march.&nbsp;PTI leaders announced on Friday that the protest would be delayed until October 4, one week after the original September 27 date. Party leaders said the additional time could increase pressure on the government. The demonstration was announced amid growing concerns within PTI over Khan's treatment in prison. The former prime minister has remained behind bars since 2023 while facing corruption-related cases.<h2>PTI leaders face arrests</h2>The government has taken a series of measures against PTI figures in the run-up to the planned demonstration. Dozens of party leaders and ministers have been detained or made subject to arrest warrants this week. Khan's three sisters were also arrested on Monday and remain in custody on charges related to alleged threats to national security.&nbsp;Sohail Afridi, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is among those facing arrest. The province is a stronghold of PTI and is expected to send thousands of supporters toward Islamabad. Afridi said the party would proceed with the march unless the government made significant concessions concerning Khan's treatment and prison conditions, including what PTI describes as a fair hearing in his cases.&nbsp;“The government is panicking, that’s why they have put Islamabad under siege, that’s why they are abducting our ministers,” he said. “But Imran Khan is the most popular leader of the country and people will come out for him. I am certain they won’t be able to stop the public power of the masses when they come out on streets and take to Islamabad.” Afridi also acknowledged concerns that the extensive security deployment could increase the risk of clashes between protesters and security forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-quietly-adds-37-wounded-troops-to-iran-war-tally-without-explaining-when-or-how-1790378020242">Pentagon quietly adds 37 wounded troops to Iran war tally without explaining when or how</a><h2>Islamabad put under heavy security</h2>Pakistan's government has deployed tens of thousands of security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and shut the main highway linking Peshawar with Islamabad. More than 1,000 shipping containers have been used to block roads, with some fitted with spikes. Sandbags have also been placed on bridges, while a major highway into the capital has been closed.&nbsp;Public gatherings have been prohibited in Islamabad, and around 22,000 police and other security personnel have been deployed across the city. Afridi said PTI supporters expected resistance from the authorities but intended to proceed with a large turnout.“I know they can go to any extent to stop us by brute force, we have no doubt about it,” Afridi said. “But if we have a large number of people, they can’t open fire at us. Our plan is to bring so many people that they surrender.”&nbsp;Faisal Karim Kundi, the central government's appointed governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, defended the security measures and accused PTI of attempting to create “instability and violence”. “The state can’t allow any violent group to march on Islamabad,” Kundi said.<h2>PTI says Khan remains a political force</h2>Despite the government's efforts to restrict PTI activities and reduce Khan's visibility in the media, the party maintains that the former prime minister remains a major political figure. PTI alleges that Khan has been held in solitary confinement and denied adequate medical care as well as contact with his family and lawyers for extended periods.&nbsp;Khan has denied the charges against him and maintains that his imprisonment is politically motivated. His supporters argue that the cases against him are part of efforts to prevent him from returning to political life. The political and legal status of Khan's various cases remains contested, with PTI pointing to court rulings that have overturned several convictions.

Imran Khan’s PTI delays its nationwide Pakistan protest to October 4 as Islamabad deploys 22,000 security personnel and blocks major roads

Leaders of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have vowed to proceed with a nationwide demonstration demanding his release, despite a sweeping security operation aimed at preventing supporters from reaching Islamabad. The government has deployed tens of thousands of police and other security personnel, blocked major highways and issued arrest warrants against PTI figures as authorities attempt to stop the planned march. PTI leaders announced on Friday that the protest would be delayed until October 4, one week after the original September 27 date. Party leaders said the additional time could increase pressure on the government. The demonstration was announced amid growing concerns within PTI over Khan's treatment in prison. The former prime minister has remained behind bars since 2023 while facing corruption-related cases. PTI leaders face arrests The government has taken a series of measures against PTI figures in the run-up to the planned demonstration. Dozens of party leaders and ministers have been detained or made subject to arrest warrants this week. Khan's three sisters were also arrested on Monday and remain in custody on charges related to alleged threats to national security. Sohail Afridi, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is among those facing arrest. The province is a stronghold of PTI and is expected to send thousands of supporters toward Islamabad. Afridi said the party would proceed with the march unless the government made significant concessions concerning Khan's treatment and prison conditions, including what PTI describes as a fair hearing in his cases. “The government is panicking, that’s why they have put Islamabad under siege, that’s why they are abducting our ministers,” he said. “But Imran Khan is the most popular leader of the country and people will come out for him. I am certain they won’t be able to stop the public power of the masses when they come out on streets and take to Islamabad.” Afridi also acknowledged concerns that the extensive security deployment could increase the risk of clashes between protesters and security forces. Also Read: Pentagon quietly adds 37 wounded troops to Iran war tally without explaining when or how Islamabad put under heavy security Pakistan's government has deployed tens of thousands of security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and shut the main highway linking Peshawar with Islamabad. More than 1,000 shipping containers have been used to block roads, with some fitted with spikes. Sandbags have also been placed on bridges, while a major highway into the capital has been closed. Public gatherings have been prohibited in Islamabad, and around 22,000 police and other security personnel have been deployed across the city. Afridi said PTI supporters expected resistance from the authorities but intended to proceed with a large turnout. “I know they can go to any extent to stop us by brute force, we have no doubt about it,” Afridi said. “But if we have a large number of people, they can’t open fire at us. Our plan is to bring so many people that they surrender.” Faisal Karim Kundi, the central government's appointed governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, defended the security measures and accused PTI of attempting to create “instability and violence”. “The state can’t allow any violent group to march on Islamabad,” Kundi said. PTI says Khan remains a political force Despite the government's efforts to restrict PTI activities and reduce Khan's visibility in the media, the party maintains that the former prime minister remains a major political figure. PTI alleges that Khan has been held in solitary confinement and denied adequate medical care as well as contact with his family and lawyers for extended periods. Khan has denied the charges against him and maintains that his imprisonment is politically motivated. His supporters argue that the cases against him are part of efforts to prevent him from returning to political life. The political and legal status of Khan's various cases remains contested, with PTI pointing to court rulings that have overturned several convictions.

Imran Khan’s PTI delays its Pakistan-wide march to October 4 as Islamabad deploys 22,000 security personnel and blocks roads to stop protesters

The Pentagon's public tally of US troops wounded during the Iran conflict increased by 37 this week, without an explanation from the Defense Department about when or how the injuries occurred. The increase includes 29 Navy sailors and eight Marines, according to a review of the Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System, or DCAS, a public database tracking US military personnel killed and wounded during overseas conflicts and operations.&nbsp;As of Wednesday, DCAS listed 861 US troops as wounded during the Iran conflict. More than half of those cases are categorized in the database under ‘Overseas Operations’ following the start of a July ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that subsequently collapsed. Earlier casualties were recorded under ‘Operation Epic Fury’, the name used by the Trump administration for the Iran conflict.<h2>Pentagon database gives no details on 37 injuries</h2>The DCAS database does not specify when or how the 37 newly listed service members were wounded. A Navy official said all 29 sailors had returned to duty following the unspecified injuries. The Pentagon has previously acknowledged that entries into the DCAS database can be delayed for days or longer. Officials have cited several reasons, including delays in reporting concussions and traumatic brain injuries because symptoms may not appear immediately.&nbsp;The Navy and Marine Corps directed questions to US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East. A Central Command spokesman declined to comment. Military officials have not publicly identified recent attacks or other incidents involving US forces that would explain the addition of the 37 wounded personnel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-backs-trump-administration-s-use-of-save-database-to-check-voter-citizenship-1790372827887">US Supreme Court backs Trump administration's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship</a><h2>Trump administration disputes war description</h2>The casualty update comes amid continued debate over how the Trump administration describes the conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump and other senior officials have repeatedly argued since the ceasefire that the confrontation should not be characterized as a war. Vice President JD Vance told reporters on September 3, “Right now, there is no active shooting.” The latest DCAS update nevertheless adds to the publicly recorded number of US military personnel who have been wounded in connection with operations involving Iran.<h2>Pentagon casualty reporting under scrutiny</h2>The administration's handling of military casualty figures has faced increased scrutiny since earlier this year. Four US service members who died as a result of the Iran conflict were briefly absent from the Pentagon's official casualty tally. The Washington Post subsequently reported that more American service members had died in the Middle East during the conflict than had been publicly disclosed by the Pentagon.&nbsp;According to officials cited in that report, as many as five military fatalities were not reflected in the DCAS database. The discrepancy has not been resolved publicly. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the report and called it ‘disgusting’. At the time, DCAS listed 18 US personnel as having died from hostile and nonhostile causes since February 28, when the Trump administration, working with Israel, launched the military campaign against Iran.&nbsp;Not all of the deaths were directly attributed to the Iran conflict. Some involved US personnel stationed in the region while hostilities were underway. The Pentagon's fatality tally increased to 19 this week following the death of an Army officer who experienced a medical emergency on September 18 while traveling to the Middle East.<h2>What the DCAS data includes?</h2>Historically, the Pentagon's casualty database has included both hostile and nonhostile deaths. Nonhostile fatalities can include deaths resulting from accidents, sudden medical emergencies and self-inflicted injuries, including suicides. Such reporting has traditionally been intended to provide the public with a comprehensive record of the human cost borne by US service members and their families during military operations. The latest increase in the wounded tally comes as questions continue over the completeness and timing of the Pentagon's public casualty disclosures.

Pentagon data shows 37 more US troops wounded in the Iran conflict, raising the tally to 861 as questions grow over casualty reporting and disclosures

The Pentagon's public tally of US troops wounded during the Iran conflict increased by 37 this week, without an explanation from the Defense Department about when or how the injuries occurred. The increase includes 29 Navy sailors and eight Marines, according to a review of the Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System, or DCAS, a public database tracking US military personnel killed and wounded during overseas conflicts and operations. As of Wednesday, DCAS listed 861 US troops as wounded during the Iran conflict. More than half of those cases are categorized in the database under ‘Overseas Operations’ following the start of a July ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that subsequently collapsed. Earlier casualties were recorded under ‘Operation Epic Fury’, the name used by the Trump administration for the Iran conflict. Pentagon database gives no details on 37 injuries The DCAS database does not specify when or how the 37 newly listed service members were wounded. A Navy official said all 29 sailors had returned to duty following the unspecified injuries. The Pentagon has previously acknowledged that entries into the DCAS database can be delayed for days or longer. Officials have cited several reasons, including delays in reporting concussions and traumatic brain injuries because symptoms may not appear immediately. The Navy and Marine Corps directed questions to US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East. A Central Command spokesman declined to comment. Military officials have not publicly identified recent attacks or other incidents involving US forces that would explain the addition of the 37 wounded personnel. Also Read: US Supreme Court backs Trump administration's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship Trump administration disputes war description The casualty update comes amid continued debate over how the Trump administration describes the conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump and other senior officials have repeatedly argued since the ceasefire that the confrontation should not be characterized as a war. Vice President JD Vance told reporters on September 3, “Right now, there is no active shooting.” The latest DCAS update nevertheless adds to the publicly recorded number of US military personnel who have been wounded in connection with operations involving Iran. Pentagon casualty reporting under scrutiny The administration's handling of military casualty figures has faced increased scrutiny since earlier this year. Four US service members who died as a result of the Iran conflict were briefly absent from the Pentagon's official casualty tally. The Washington Post subsequently reported that more American service members had died in the Middle East during the conflict than had been publicly disclosed by the Pentagon. According to officials cited in that report, as many as five military fatalities were not reflected in the DCAS database. The discrepancy has not been resolved publicly. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the report and called it ‘disgusting’. At the time, DCAS listed 18 US personnel as having died from hostile and nonhostile causes since February 28, when the Trump administration, working with Israel, launched the military campaign against Iran. Not all of the deaths were directly attributed to the Iran conflict. Some involved US personnel stationed in the region while hostilities were underway. The Pentagon's fatality tally increased to 19 this week following the death of an Army officer who experienced a medical emergency on September 18 while traveling to the Middle East. What the DCAS data includes? Historically, the Pentagon's casualty database has included both hostile and nonhostile deaths. Nonhostile fatalities can include deaths resulting from accidents, sudden medical emergencies and self-inflicted injuries, including suicides. Such reporting has traditionally been intended to provide the public with a comprehensive record of the human cost borne by US service members and their families during military operations. The latest increase in the wounded tally comes as questions continue over the completeness and timing of the Pentagon's public casualty disclosures.

Pentagon casualty data shows 37 more US troops wounded in the Iran conflict, taking the total to 861, without explaining the new injuries

The US Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Trump administration to resume using an expanded federal database to help states verify the citizenship status of people on voter rolls, temporarily lifting a lower-court restriction on the system. The emergency ruling concerns the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program. The administration expanded the system to allow state and local election officials to conduct citizenship checks on registered voters and people seeking registration.&nbsp;The Supreme Court's unsigned order said the federal government has an obligation to respond to requests from state and local election officials seeking to verify voters' citizenship. It also indicated that the immediate effect of the ruling is constrained by federal restrictions on systematic voter removals close to an election. The three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented. “The harm caused by burdening or disenfranchising even a few lawful voters outweighs the nonexistent harm that the government experiences when it is prevented from taking an action that it likely lacks the authority to take,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in a dissent joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.<h2>What is the SAVE database?</h2>SAVE was originally created to help federal, state and local agencies verify citizenship and immigration status for people seeking certain public benefits. The Trump administration expanded the system in 2025 following an executive order directing federal agencies to facilitate citizenship verification for registered voters and people registering to vote.&nbsp;The revamped system incorporated additional records, including Social Security Administration information, and allowed state and local authorities to conduct searches involving multiple records at once. The changes triggered legal challenges from voting-rights organizations and privacy advocates, who argued that the expanded database could produce inaccurate matches and threaten the voting rights and privacy of eligible citizens.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-backs-pentagon-s-decision-to-exclude-anthropic-over-claude-ai-restrictions-1790371937731">US court backs Pentagon's decision to exclude Anthropic over Claude AI restrictions</a><h2>Supreme Court limits immediate impact</h2>The Supreme Court's order did not resolve every legal question surrounding the expanded SAVE system. The justices referred to provisions of the National Voter Registration Act that restrict systematic voter removals within 90 days of an election. The Trump administration has separately argued that this restriction does not apply when officials are removing people identified as noncitizens. The Supreme Court noted that issue but said it ‘did not need to decide’ it in Friday's emergency ruling. As a result, the ruling allows the administration and participating states to use the database for now, while broader questions over how the information can be used to remove voters remain subject to further litigation.<h2>Concerns over incorrect matches</h2>The expanded SAVE system has faced criticism because database matches can incorrectly flag US citizens as potential noncitizens. The Supreme Court's case record notes that some individuals were wrongly identified through the modified system. A separate filing in the litigation cited concerns over errors and disputed the reliability of federal databases for determining voter eligibility. Voting-rights groups have argued that incorrect matches could lead to eligible voters being challenged or removed from registration lists. The administration, meanwhile, has maintained that states, rather than the federal government, are responsible for making the final determination about whether a voter should be removed, and that officials are encouraged to conduct additional verification.<h2>Trump administration celebrates ruling</h2>DHS's top lawyer, James Percival, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on social media. “Yes, you read that right. We had to file an emergency petition in the Supreme Court just so we could use government data to help states stop noncitizens from illegally voting.”&nbsp;Opponents of the administration criticized the decision, arguing that the expanded database could expose eligible voters to erroneous challenges. The administration has made identifying potential noncitizens on voter rolls a major part of its election-policy agenda. The Supreme Court's ruling allows the expanded SAVE system to remain available while the underlying legal dispute continues.

US Supreme Court revives Trump’s SAVE voter database, allowing citizenship checks on voter rolls while legal challenges over privacy and voter rights continue

The US Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Trump administration to resume using an expanded federal database to help states verify the citizenship status of people on voter rolls, temporarily lifting a lower-court restriction on the system. The emergency ruling concerns the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program. The administration expanded the system to allow state and local election officials to conduct citizenship checks on registered voters and people seeking registration. The Supreme Court's unsigned order said the federal government has an obligation to respond to requests from state and local election officials seeking to verify voters' citizenship. It also indicated that the immediate effect of the ruling is constrained by federal restrictions on systematic voter removals close to an election. The three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented. “The harm caused by burdening or disenfranchising even a few lawful voters outweighs the nonexistent harm that the government experiences when it is prevented from taking an action that it likely lacks the authority to take,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in a dissent joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. What is the SAVE database? SAVE was originally created to help federal, state and local agencies verify citizenship and immigration status for people seeking certain public benefits. The Trump administration expanded the system in 2025 following an executive order directing federal agencies to facilitate citizenship verification for registered voters and people registering to vote. The revamped system incorporated additional records, including Social Security Administration information, and allowed state and local authorities to conduct searches involving multiple records at once. The changes triggered legal challenges from voting-rights organizations and privacy advocates, who argued that the expanded database could produce inaccurate matches and threaten the voting rights and privacy of eligible citizens. Also Read: US court backs Pentagon's decision to exclude Anthropic over Claude AI restrictions Supreme Court limits immediate impact The Supreme Court's order did not resolve every legal question surrounding the expanded SAVE system. The justices referred to provisions of the National Voter Registration Act that restrict systematic voter removals within 90 days of an election. The Trump administration has separately argued that this restriction does not apply when officials are removing people identified as noncitizens. The Supreme Court noted that issue but said it ‘did not need to decide’ it in Friday's emergency ruling. As a result, the ruling allows the administration and participating states to use the database for now, while broader questions over how the information can be used to remove voters remain subject to further litigation. Concerns over incorrect matches The expanded SAVE system has faced criticism because database matches can incorrectly flag US citizens as potential noncitizens. The Supreme Court's case record notes that some individuals were wrongly identified through the modified system. A separate filing in the litigation cited concerns over errors and disputed the reliability of federal databases for determining voter eligibility. Voting-rights groups have argued that incorrect matches could lead to eligible voters being challenged or removed from registration lists. The administration, meanwhile, has maintained that states, rather than the federal government, are responsible for making the final determination about whether a voter should be removed, and that officials are encouraged to conduct additional verification. Trump administration celebrates ruling DHS's top lawyer, James Percival, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on social media. “Yes, you read that right. We had to file an emergency petition in the Supreme Court just so we could use government data to help states stop noncitizens from illegally voting.” Opponents of the administration criticized the decision, arguing that the expanded database could expose eligible voters to erroneous challenges. The administration has made identifying potential noncitizens on voter rolls a major part of its election-policy agenda. The Supreme Court's ruling allows the expanded SAVE system to remain available while the underlying legal dispute continues.

US Supreme Court allows Trump’s administration to use the SAVE database for voter citizenship checks, weeks before the 2026 midterm elections

A US appeals court on Friday upheld the Pentagon's decision to exclude AI startup Anthropic from its supply chain after the company declined to remove certain safeguards from its Claude artificial intelligence model. The dispute started in February after Anthropic rejected a demand from Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth to lift restrictions on Claude's use in fully autonomous lethal weapons and mass domestic surveillance of Americans. The Pentagon formally designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk in March. The move resulted in the cancellation of the company's military contracts and prevented other Pentagon contractors from using its technology. The US military had been using Claude across a range of classified and sensitive systems.<h2>Anthropic's concerns over military use</h2>According to the court's decision, an Anthropic executive raised concerns about the use of Claude by Pentagon contractor Palantir during a military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The objection led to alarm and raised material doubts as to whether they would cause their software to stop working or cause some other disastrous action that would put our warfighters' lives in danger, Under Secretary of Defense Emil Michael said, according to the court opinion.&nbsp;Anthropic has maintained that it cannot alter its AI models after they have been delivered to the military. However, the Washington appeals court found that Anthropic determines the behaviour of each new version of its models, while the military must continue updating its systems to use the company's latest offerings. Judge Gregory Katsas, writing for two of the three appellate judges, said in our Republic, it is the President and the Secretary of War who must determine how best to balance risks. The ruling leaves the Pentagon's supply-chain designation in place.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-summit-wrap-big-pageantry-iran-talks-few-major-developments-and-more-meetings-planned-1790367651220">Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, Iran talks, few major developments and more meetings planned</a><h2>Pentagon turns to OpenAI, xAI, Google and Microsoft</h2>The decision against Anthropic represented an unusual use of government procurement authority against a major US technology company. Following the dispute, the Pentagon turned to competing AI companies. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, signed an agreement with the Pentagon on the same day as Anthropic's ban. Elon Musk's xAI, which develops Grok, signed an agreement in February, while Google and Microsoft followed several months later.&nbsp;The development has placed Anthropic in a difficult position in Washington despite the company's prominent role in the rapidly expanding AI industry. Anthropic, which has been valued at nearly $1 trillion, is also preparing for a major initial public offering expected in the coming weeks. The White House has separately criticized Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's repeated warnings about the risks associated with artificial intelligence. President Donald Trump has described those warnings as a hoax.<h2>Pentagon official celebrates court ruling</h2>Emil Michael celebrated the appeals court decision in a post on X. "The hammer of justice has smashed Anthropic arguments."He added, "Warfighters will sleep better knowing that no private company will insert their opinions in the chain of command."The ruling comes amid a separate legal battle in California. A federal court there ruled last month that a broader ban imposed against Anthropic by the Trump administration was unlawful.&nbsp;The Pentagon action upheld by the appeals court on Friday was based on federal public procurement regulations and remains effective. Anthropic said it disagreed with the ruling and indicated that it could pursue additional legal options. "We respectfully disagree with the court's decision. Another federal court has already held the government's parallel designation unlawful. We remain confident in our position and are considering all options, including further review," an Anthropic spokesperson said in a statement to US media.

A US appeals court upholds the Pentagon’s Anthropic ban after the AI company refused to remove safeguards on Claude for military use

A US appeals court on Friday upheld the Pentagon's decision to exclude AI startup Anthropic from its supply chain after the company declined to remove certain safeguards from its Claude artificial intelligence model. The dispute started in February after Anthropic rejected a demand from Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth to lift restrictions on Claude's use in fully autonomous lethal weapons and mass domestic surveillance of Americans. The Pentagon formally designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk in March. The move resulted in the cancellation of the company's military contracts and prevented other Pentagon contractors from using its technology. The US military had been using Claude across a range of classified and sensitive systems. Anthropic's concerns over military use According to the court's decision, an Anthropic executive raised concerns about the use of Claude by Pentagon contractor Palantir during a military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The objection led to alarm and raised material doubts as to whether they would cause their software to stop working or cause some other disastrous action that would put our warfighters' lives in danger, Under Secretary of Defense Emil Michael said, according to the court opinion. Anthropic has maintained that it cannot alter its AI models after they have been delivered to the military. However, the Washington appeals court found that Anthropic determines the behaviour of each new version of its models, while the military must continue updating its systems to use the company's latest offerings. Judge Gregory Katsas, writing for two of the three appellate judges, said in our Republic, it is the President and the Secretary of War who must determine how best to balance risks. The ruling leaves the Pentagon's supply-chain designation in place. Also Read: Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, Iran talks, few major developments and more meetings planned Pentagon turns to OpenAI, xAI, Google and Microsoft The decision against Anthropic represented an unusual use of government procurement authority against a major US technology company. Following the dispute, the Pentagon turned to competing AI companies. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, signed an agreement with the Pentagon on the same day as Anthropic's ban. Elon Musk's xAI, which develops Grok, signed an agreement in February, while Google and Microsoft followed several months later. The development has placed Anthropic in a difficult position in Washington despite the company's prominent role in the rapidly expanding AI industry. Anthropic, which has been valued at nearly $1 trillion, is also preparing for a major initial public offering expected in the coming weeks. The White House has separately criticized Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's repeated warnings about the risks associated with artificial intelligence. President Donald Trump has described those warnings as a hoax. Pentagon official celebrates court ruling Emil Michael celebrated the appeals court decision in a post on X. "The hammer of justice has smashed Anthropic arguments." He added, "Warfighters will sleep better knowing that no private company will insert their opinions in the chain of command." The ruling comes amid a separate legal battle in California. A federal court there ruled last month that a broader ban imposed against Anthropic by the Trump administration was unlawful. The Pentagon action upheld by the appeals court on Friday was based on federal public procurement regulations and remains effective. Anthropic said it disagreed with the ruling and indicated that it could pursue additional legal options. "We respectfully disagree with the court's decision. Another federal court has already held the government's parallel designation unlawful. We remain confident in our position and are considering all options, including further review," an Anthropic spokesperson said in a statement to US media.

A US appeals court upholds the Pentagon’s decision to exclude Anthropic from its supply chain after a dispute over Claude AI safeguards

The Nigerian Navy has thrown its weight behind efforts to ramp up Nigeria's crude oil output, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, promising stronger naval backing for oil-producing companies working to protect the country's petroleum infrastructure. This is according to a press statement available to WION and was signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy.&nbsp;Vice Admiral Abbas made the pledge while hosting a delegation from the Security Sub-Committee of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was led by the sub-committee's chairman, Johnson Ogbum. The meeting zeroed in on how to tighten security around oil production facilities, remote assets, and export terminals, with a particular focus on curbing crude oil theft, third-party interference, and threats to offshore and near-shore infrastructure. The OPTS delegation used the opportunity to push for more naval patrols in high-risk maritime zones and stronger security cover for the movement of petroleum products.&nbsp;In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas reassured the delegation of the Navy's continued commitment to securing Nigeria's maritime space and safeguarding assets considered critical to the national economy. He pointed to ongoing naval operations as a key driver behind the decline in crude oil theft recorded in recent times, while emphasising that closer intelligence-sharing between the Navy and oil companies remains crucial to staying ahead of emerging threats.&nbsp;The Naval Chief also flagged technology as a growing pillar of maritime surveillance and patrol efficiency, and assured the delegation that their requests would be reviewed and acted upon in line with identified security needs and formal applications from affected companies. The Naval Headquarters meeting underscored the Navy's broader mandate of maintaining a secure maritime environment, one that supports higher crude oil output while protecting infrastructure critical to the economy, and signals a deepening of ties between the military and stakeholders across Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

Nigeria Navy chief Vice Admiral Idi Abbas pledges stronger security for oil companies, maritime patrols and petroleum infrastructure to boost crude output

The Nigerian Navy has thrown its weight behind efforts to ramp up Nigeria's crude oil output, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, promising stronger naval backing for oil-producing companies working to protect the country's petroleum infrastructure. This is according to a press statement available to WION and was signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy. Vice Admiral Abbas made the pledge while hosting a delegation from the Security Sub-Committee of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was led by the sub-committee's chairman, Johnson Ogbum. The meeting zeroed in on how to tighten security around oil production facilities, remote assets, and export terminals, with a particular focus on curbing crude oil theft, third-party interference, and threats to offshore and near-shore infrastructure. The OPTS delegation used the opportunity to push for more naval patrols in high-risk maritime zones and stronger security cover for the movement of petroleum products. In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas reassured the delegation of the Navy's continued commitment to securing Nigeria's maritime space and safeguarding assets considered critical to the national economy. He pointed to ongoing naval operations as a key driver behind the decline in crude oil theft recorded in recent times, while emphasising that closer intelligence-sharing between the Navy and oil companies remains crucial to staying ahead of emerging threats. The Naval Chief also flagged technology as a growing pillar of maritime surveillance and patrol efficiency, and assured the delegation that their requests would be reviewed and acted upon in line with identified security needs and formal applications from affected companies. The Naval Headquarters meeting underscored the Navy's broader mandate of maintaining a secure maritime environment, one that supports higher crude oil output while protecting infrastructure critical to the economy, and signals a deepening of ties between the military and stakeholders across Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

Nigeria Navy chief Vice Admiral Idi Abbas pledges stronger security for oil facilities, maritime assets and export terminals to support higher crude output

US President Donald Trump took Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington's National Archives on Friday, where he showed him some of America's most important founding documents as Xi's state visit drew to a close. The visit to the archives, which houses the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, capped a high-profile trip marked by ceremonies, military displays and a state banquet.&nbsp;The two leaders also discussed the conflict involving Iran, while confirming plans to meet again at international summits later this year. Their next meetings are expected at the APEC summit in China and the G20 summit in the United States. Despite the elaborate pageantry surrounding Xi's visit, the summit did not produce major new announcements on several difficult issues, including artificial intelligence, Taiwan and broader US-China trade relations. The two sides did, however, continue efforts to maintain dialogue and extend a period of relative stability in their economic relationship.&nbsp;Trump described the meeting in positive terms, saying it was “one of Friendship, Strength, and Success, for both China and the USA.” "We've made great strides, very positive for both countries," Trump told reporters as he had tea with Xi at the White House before the National Archives visit.<h2>Trump and Xi stress ‘strategic stability’</h2>Trump had given Xi an elaborate welcome during his Washington visit, including a state banquet attended by prominent figures from the American technology and business sectors. The Chinese president said his trip had added ‘new substance’ to his summit with Trump in Beijing in May. Xi said the two sides had agreed to “strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness, and reciprocity.” The continuation of direct engagement between Trump and Xi was among the clearest outcomes of the visit. AP reported that the two leaders are expected to meet twice more before the end of 2026, including at the APEC summit and the G20 meeting.&nbsp;The final day of Xi's visit saw Trump and first lady Melania Trump accompany Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the National Archives. Inside the building, Trump showed Xi the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. The National Archives identifies the Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights as America's principal founding documents. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the formal declaration of the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain. "We're just comparing how this goes 250 years, theirs goes 6,000 years," Trump said, referring to China's ancient history.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-shehbaz-sharif-claims-pakistan-s-victory-during-2025-conflict-indian-diplomat-r-srinivas-laughs-at-un-1790362807026">WATCH | As Shehbaz Sharif claims Pakistan’s ‘victory’ during 2025 conflict, Indian diplomat R Srinivas laughs at UN</a><h2>Trump confirms Iran was discussed</h2>During the National Archives visit, Trump confirmed that Iran had been part of his discussions with Xi. "We did, we did," Trump said when asked whether the two leaders had discussed Iran. Trump was also asked about prospects for progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. "I think we're going to do great," Trump replied. The discussions come amid continued US-China differences over the conflict involving Iran and the wider consequences for energy supplies and regional security.&nbsp;<h2>Democracy, media freedom and Trump’s Xi tour</h2>Trump's decision to showcase America's founding documents during Xi's visit also drew attention because of the contrast between the democratic principles represented by the US Constitution and the political systems of the two countries. The National Archives describes the Constitution as establishing the framework of the US federal government, while the Bill of Rights defines key rights and liberties.&nbsp;The visit came shortly after a dispute involving the Trump administration and several US media organizations over access to the White House. A federal judge ordered the outlets to be readmitted after they had been barred. The First Amendment protects freedom of the press in the United States, while rights groups have long raised concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in China.&nbsp;Trump also used his tour of the White House with Xi to comment on former President Joe Biden, pointing to an autopen displayed in a gallery of US presidents rather than Biden's portrait. The National Archives visit ultimately provided a symbolic ending to Xi's Washington trip, with both leaders emphasizing continued engagement even as significant disagreements over trade, technology, Taiwan and geopolitical issues remain unresolved.

Trump takes Xi Jinping to the National Archives after US-China summit talks, where the leaders discuss Iran, trade and future meetings

US President Donald Trump took Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington's National Archives on Friday, where he showed him some of America's most important founding documents as Xi's state visit drew to a close. The visit to the archives, which houses the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, capped a high-profile trip marked by ceremonies, military displays and a state banquet. The two leaders also discussed the conflict involving Iran, while confirming plans to meet again at international summits later this year. Their next meetings are expected at the APEC summit in China and the G20 summit in the United States. Despite the elaborate pageantry surrounding Xi's visit, the summit did not produce major new announcements on several difficult issues, including artificial intelligence, Taiwan and broader US-China trade relations. The two sides did, however, continue efforts to maintain dialogue and extend a period of relative stability in their economic relationship. Trump described the meeting in positive terms, saying it was “one of Friendship, Strength, and Success, for both China and the USA.” "We've made great strides, very positive for both countries," Trump told reporters as he had tea with Xi at the White House before the National Archives visit. Trump and Xi stress ‘strategic stability’ Trump had given Xi an elaborate welcome during his Washington visit, including a state banquet attended by prominent figures from the American technology and business sectors. The Chinese president said his trip had added ‘new substance’ to his summit with Trump in Beijing in May. Xi said the two sides had agreed to “strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness, and reciprocity.” The continuation of direct engagement between Trump and Xi was among the clearest outcomes of the visit. AP reported that the two leaders are expected to meet twice more before the end of 2026, including at the APEC summit and the G20 meeting. The final day of Xi's visit saw Trump and first lady Melania Trump accompany Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the National Archives. Inside the building, Trump showed Xi the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. The National Archives identifies the Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights as America's principal founding documents. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the formal declaration of the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain. "We're just comparing how this goes 250 years, theirs goes 6,000 years," Trump said, referring to China's ancient history. Also Read: WATCH | As Shehbaz Sharif claims Pakistan’s ‘victory’ during 2025 conflict, Indian diplomat R Srinivas laughs at UN Trump confirms Iran was discussed During the National Archives visit, Trump confirmed that Iran had been part of his discussions with Xi. "We did, we did," Trump said when asked whether the two leaders had discussed Iran. Trump was also asked about prospects for progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. "I think we're going to do great," Trump replied. The discussions come amid continued US-China differences over the conflict involving Iran and the wider consequences for energy supplies and regional security. Democracy, media freedom and Trump’s Xi tour Trump's decision to showcase America's founding documents during Xi's visit also drew attention because of the contrast between the democratic principles represented by the US Constitution and the political systems of the two countries. The National Archives describes the Constitution as establishing the framework of the US federal government, while the Bill of Rights defines key rights and liberties. The visit came shortly after a dispute involving the Trump administration and several US media organizations over access to the White House. A federal judge ordered the outlets to be readmitted after they had been barred. The First Amendment protects freedom of the press in the United States, while rights groups have long raised concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in China. Trump also used his tour of the White House with Xi to comment on former President Joe Biden, pointing to an autopen displayed in a gallery of US presidents rather than Biden's portrait. The National Archives visit ultimately provided a symbolic ending to Xi's Washington trip, with both leaders emphasizing continued engagement even as significant disagreements over trade, technology, Taiwan and geopolitical issues remain unresolved.

Trump takes Xi to the National Archives after US-China talks, highlighting American founding documents as both leaders agree to continue dialogue

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (Sept 25) has warned that any further attacks on the Islamic holy city of Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad. Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Sharif strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of protecting Mecca.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We once again condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent deplorable attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Sharif said at the UN's gathering of world leaders.&nbsp;“The attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca al-Mukarramah has outraged Muslims across the globe. Any threat to safety and sanctity... is a red line that must never be crossed. No Muslim can even dare to think of committing such a heinous act.”&nbsp;Sharif also stated that Pakistan acted swiftly to bring the United States and Iran under one roof in Islamabad to help end the Middle East conflict.<h3>Houthi attacks raise tensions</h3>Last week, Riyadh accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca, the holiest site for Muslims around the world, for the first time since 2017 with a drone that was intercepted. The Houthis denied the accusation.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia also intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday after issuing warnings for several regions, including Mecca.&nbsp;The missile interceptions came as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have increased since July. The renewed hostilities ended a years-long truce and have drawn Yemen further into the wider Middle East conflict.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-all-possible-putin-weighs-next-steps-on-ukraine-talks-rules-out-europe-conflict-1790361540959">‘It is all possible’: Putin weighs next steps on Ukraine talks, rules out Europe conflict</a>&nbsp;<h3>Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey plan talks</h3>The developments come as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare for urgent talks between their military chiefs on ways to support Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.&nbsp;The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Thursday. The three ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;The meeting “addressed ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” according to a statement shared by Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026, at Al Safa Palace in Mecca. The pact commits the three countries to mutual defence if any one of them is attacked.&nbsp;The pact establishes a NATO-style mutual defence framework aimed at strengthening joint military deterrence and regional security.&nbsp;Despite the mutual defence clause, Pakistan and Turkey have so far not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks.

Shehbaz Sharif at the UN said that any further attack on Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare urgent military talks over escalating Houthi attacks.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (Sept 25) has warned that any further attacks on the Islamic holy city of Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad. Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Sharif strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of protecting Mecca. “We once again condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent deplorable attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Sharif said at the UN's gathering of world leaders. “The attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca al-Mukarramah has outraged Muslims across the globe. Any threat to safety and sanctity... is a red line that must never be crossed. No Muslim can even dare to think of committing such a heinous act.” Sharif also stated that Pakistan acted swiftly to bring the United States and Iran under one roof in Islamabad to help end the Middle East conflict. Houthi attacks raise tensions Last week, Riyadh accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca, the holiest site for Muslims around the world, for the first time since 2017 with a drone that was intercepted. The Houthis denied the accusation. Saudi Arabia also intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday after issuing warnings for several regions, including Mecca. The missile interceptions came as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have increased since July. The renewed hostilities ended a years-long truce and have drawn Yemen further into the wider Middle East conflict. Also Read: ‘It is all possible’: Putin weighs next steps on Ukraine talks, rules out Europe conflict Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey plan talks The developments come as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare for urgent talks between their military chiefs on ways to support Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Thursday. The three ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting “addressed ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” according to a statement shared by Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026, at Al Safa Palace in Mecca. The pact commits the three countries to mutual defence if any one of them is attacked. The pact establishes a NATO-style mutual defence framework aimed at strengthening joint military deterrence and regional security. Despite the mutual defence clause, Pakistan and Turkey have so far not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks.

Shehbaz Sharif at the UN said that any further attack on Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare urgent military talks over escalating Houthi attacks.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday to credit US President Donald Trump for what he described as a ‘timely intervention’ during the 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan.Sharif also raised the Kashmir issue and referred to Pakistan's account of the May 2025 conflict, portraying Islamabad's actions during the confrontation as a success. During the speech, Indian diplomat R Srinivas was seen laughing as Sharif spoke about Pakistan's claimed ‘victory’ during the conflict. Sharif thanked Trump for his resolute and visionary leadership, saying the American leader's intervention saved hundreds of millions of lives in South Asia. Trump has repeatedly claimed, including in his address to the UN General Assembly this week, that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently denied any third-party intervention.<h2>Shehbaz Sharif raises Kashmir at UN</h2>India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. In his roughly 23-minute address, Sharif argued that a ‘just and fair solution’ to the Kashmir issue was necessary to ensure South Asia does not return to the brink seen during the 2025 conflict. India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan's assertions on Kashmir at the UN General Assembly and other UN platforms. New Delhi maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. India is expected to exercise its Right of Reply to Sharif's address, as it has done in previous years, with a diplomat from India's Permanent Mission to the UN responding to Pakistan's remarks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-terrorist-country-is-asking-me-that-question-jaishankar-hits-back-at-pakistani-journalist-at-un-flags-attacks-on-commercial-shipping-1790360879334">'A terrorist country is asking me that question?': Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist at UN; flags attacks on commercial shipping</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Indian diplomat R. Srinivas laughs off as Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif begins claiming about Pakistani &quot;victory&quot; during May 2025 conflict during UN Speech <a href="https://t.co/ijxXHxRebY">pic.twitter.com/ijxXHxRebY</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/2103549088499405275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India-Pakistan conflict claims</h2>Sharif's speech placed considerable emphasis on Pakistan's account of the 2025 confrontation with India, including Islamabad's claims about the outcome of the conflict. The reaction from Indian diplomat R Srinivas, seen laughing while Sharif spoke about Pakistan's claimed "victory", became a notable moment from the UN session.<h2>Sharif mentions Indus Waters Treaty</h2>Sharif also referred to the Indus Waters Treaty, which India has placed in abeyance. India has said the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border and other forms of terrorism. New Delhi announced the decision as part of a series of diplomatic and economic measures following the Pahalgam terror attack.<h2>Sharif highlights Pakistan's US-Iran diplomacy</h2>During his address, Sharif also spoke about Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. "Pakistan chose to act swiftly through concerted efforts. Pakistan successfully brought Washington and Tehran under one roof in Islamabad. From the Islamabad talks to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, many historic steps were taken to bring an end to this serious conflict," he said.&nbsp;India is expected to respond to Sharif's remarks through its Right of Reply at the UN, including on issues relating to Kashmir, terrorism and the 2025 conflict.

Shehbaz Sharif praises Trump and raises Kashmir at UNGA while Indian diplomat R. Srinivas is seen laughing as Pakistan’s claimed 2025 conflict victory is discussed

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday to credit US President Donald Trump for what he described as a ‘timely intervention’ during the 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan. Sharif also raised the Kashmir issue and referred to Pakistan's account of the May 2025 conflict, portraying Islamabad's actions during the confrontation as a success. During the speech, Indian diplomat R Srinivas was seen laughing as Sharif spoke about Pakistan's claimed ‘victory’ during the conflict. Sharif thanked Trump for his resolute and visionary leadership, saying the American leader's intervention saved hundreds of millions of lives in South Asia. Trump has repeatedly claimed, including in his address to the UN General Assembly this week, that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently denied any third-party intervention. Shehbaz Sharif raises Kashmir at UN India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. In his roughly 23-minute address, Sharif argued that a ‘just and fair solution’ to the Kashmir issue was necessary to ensure South Asia does not return to the brink seen during the 2025 conflict. India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan's assertions on Kashmir at the UN General Assembly and other UN platforms. New Delhi maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. India is expected to exercise its Right of Reply to Sharif's address, as it has done in previous years, with a diplomat from India's Permanent Mission to the UN responding to Pakistan's remarks. Also Read: 'A terrorist country is asking me that question?': Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist at UN; flags attacks on commercial shipping Watch the video here

Shehbaz Sharif praises Donald Trump and claims Pakistan’s 2025 conflict victory at UN, as Indian diplomat R Srinivas is seen laughing during his speech

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday (Sept 26) that Moscow is considering whether to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.&nbsp;“On proposals to resume negotiations, yes, they are all on the table, and it is all possible -- but after everything they've done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response,” Putin said.&nbsp;The statement comes as US President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump sent his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow in early September, where they held talks with Putin. Subsequently, the US president extended an invitation to Putin to attend the G20 meeting later this year, which America is hosting in Miami.&nbsp;Ending the war was also a promise made by Trump during his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.&nbsp;On the invitation, the Kremlin said no decision had been taken yet on whether Putin would travel to Miami for the summit.&nbsp;“We certainly receive this kind of invitation with appreciation. We value this invitation. It will be considered... and a decision will then be made,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-terrorist-country-is-asking-me-that-question-jaishankar-hits-back-at-pakistani-journalist-at-un-flags-attacks-on-commercial-shipping-1790360879334">'A terrorist country is asking me that question?': Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist at UN; flags attacks on commercial shipping</a><h3>Putin rules out conflict with Europe</h3>Putin also said Russia was not preparing for any kind of conflict with Europe, following warnings from some European NATO members about possible Russian attacks on alliance territory.&nbsp;“Many in Europe talk about expecting an attack from Russia and therefore believe they must themselves prepare for hostilities, for a war with Russia. I want to emphasise once again: we are not preparing for any kind of hostilities with Europe,” Putin told reporters.&nbsp;Several of Ukraine's European allies have expressed concern about potential covert Russian attacks on their territory as the war in Ukraine continues.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Germany accused Moscow of planning a drone attack at Leipzig airport in August, while Poland warned that Russia could fire drones and missiles at countries supporting Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said proposals to resume direct talks with Ukraine remain possible, but Moscow will carefully consider its next steps following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday (Sept 26) that Moscow is considering whether to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. “On proposals to resume negotiations, yes, they are all on the table, and it is all possible -- but after everything they've done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response,” Putin said. The statement comes as US President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump sent his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow in early September, where they held talks with Putin. Subsequently, the US president extended an invitation to Putin to attend the G20 meeting later this year, which America is hosting in Miami. Ending the war was also a promise made by Trump during his campaign for the 2024 presidential election. On the invitation, the Kremlin said no decision had been taken yet on whether Putin would travel to Miami for the summit. “We certainly receive this kind of invitation with appreciation. We value this invitation. It will be considered... and a decision will then be made,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Also Read: 'A terrorist country is asking me that question?': Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist at UN; flags attacks on commercial shipping Putin rules out conflict with Europe Putin also said Russia was not preparing for any kind of conflict with Europe, following warnings from some European NATO members about possible Russian attacks on alliance territory. “Many in Europe talk about expecting an attack from Russia and therefore believe they must themselves prepare for hostilities, for a war with Russia. I want to emphasise once again: we are not preparing for any kind of hostilities with Europe,” Putin told reporters. Several of Ukraine's European allies have expressed concern about potential covert Russian attacks on their territory as the war in Ukraine continues. Earlier this month, Germany accused Moscow of planning a drone attack at Leipzig airport in August, while Poland warned that Russia could fire drones and missiles at countries supporting Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said proposals to resume direct talks with Ukraine remain possible, but Moscow will carefully consider its next steps following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years. On April 22, 2025, terrorists based in Pakistan attacked the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people, including one Nepali national, and left several others injured.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | 81st UNGA Session | &quot;A terrorist country is asking me that question,&quot; says EAM Dr S Jaishankar in response to a Pakistani’s attempt at heckling EAM with a terrorism ‘question’ <a href="https://t.co/wIfu9OUhfO">pic.twitter.com/wIfu9OUhfO</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2103485379852878208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Jaishankar raises concern over attacks on commercial ships</h2>During the 81st UN General Assembly session, Jaishankar also raised concerns over repeated attacks targeting commercial vessels and seafarers in the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea. Speaking at the ‘Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers’, Jaishankar said India and Liberia had joined efforts to draw international attention to the safety and security of ships and seafarers. "We are gathered here this morning with a strong resolve on a very important issue. India, as a major source of seafarers, and Liberia, as the largest shipping registry, have come together to highlight the safety and security of shipping and seafarers," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;He referred to the recent attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao in the Gulf of Oman, in which an Indian sailor was killed. "Just two days ago, an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, MV Cape Dow, was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. An Indian sailor lost his life," he said. Jaishankar also cited the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia, which was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an Indian crew member being reported missing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/totally-unacceptable-trump-warns-xi-over-china-s-support-for-iran-1790356081107">‘Totally unacceptable’: Trump warns Xi over China’s support for Iran</a>&nbsp;According to Jaishankar, the incidents could no longer be considered isolated events, with commercial vessels and seafarers facing repeated attacks across important maritime routes. “These, regrettably, are no longer exceptional occurrences. In the last few months, commercial shipping and mariners have been subjected to repeated attacks in the Gulf, the Red Sea, and its vicinity," he said. The External Affairs Minister also highlighted attacks involving civilian vessels in the Black Sea, including MV Omorfi and MV Golden Leo.&nbsp;“MV Omorfi was hit in Russian territorial waters on 18 July, and its chief officer, an Indian national, was killed. The following day, MV Golden Leo was struck after leaving Odessa, and four Indian seafarers lost their lives.” Jaishankar said the incidents had affected people from several countries, with seafarers of different nationalities among those killed or affected.&nbsp;He stressed that attacks disrupting maritime trade and resulting in civilian deaths could not be justified and urged countries to cooperate in preventing further incidents. “These actions that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible. We are here to not just highlight this dangerous trend, but to urge the international community to close ranks and deter such attacks,” he said.

S Jaishankar responds to a terrorism question at the UN and flags growing attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers across key waterways

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years. On April 22, 2025, terrorists based in Pakistan attacked the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people, including one Nepali national, and left several others injured. Watch the video here

Jaishankar responds sharply to a terrorism question at the United Nations and raises concern over repeated attacks on commercial ships and Indian seafarers

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SCOTUS backs Trump admin's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship

US appeals court upholds Pentagon's ban on Anthropic iver AI safeguards

Nigeria Navy chief vows tougher security for oil facilities, offshore assets

Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, few major developments and more talks ahead

‘Attack on Mecca a red line for Pakistan’: Shehbaz Sharif warns Houthis at UN

WATCH | Sharif claims Pak’s ‘victory’ during 2025 conflict, Indian envoy laughs

Putin keeps Ukraine talks on table, says Russia not preparing for Europe war

'A terrorist country is asking..?': Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist