UN General Assembly votes for ‘Hamas-free’ Palestinian state

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted on Friday to back the “New York Declaration,” a resolution which seeks to breathe new life into the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine — without the involvement of Hamas.

The text was adopted by 142 votes in favour, 10 against — including Israel and key ally the United States — and 12 abstentions. It rebukes Hamas and demands that it surrender its weapons.

Although Israel has criticised UN bodies for nearly two years over their failure to rebuke Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, the declaration, presented by France and Saudi Arabia, leaves no ambiguity.

Formally called the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the text states that “Hamas must free all hostages” and that the UN General Assembly (UNGA) condemns “the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on October 7”.

It also calls for “collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution”.

The declaration, which was already endorsed by the Arab League and co-signed in July by 17 UN member states, including several Arab countries, also goes further than rebuking Hamas, seeking to fully excise it from a role in Gaza.

“In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State,” the declaration states.

The vote precedes an upcoming UN summit co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris on September 22 in New York, in which French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to formally recognise the Palestinian state.

‘Shield’ against criticism

“The fact that the General Assembly is finally backing a text that condemns Hamas directly is significant” even if “Israelis will say it is far too little, far too late”, Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, told AFP.

“Now at least states supporting the Palestinians can rebuff Israeli accusations that they implicitly condone Hamas,” he said, adding that it “offers a shield against Israeli criticism”.

In addition to Macron, several other leaders have announced their intent to formally recognise the Palestinian state during the UN summit.

The gestures are seen as a means of increasing pressure on Israel to end the fighting in Gaza.

The New York Declaration includes discussion of a “deployment of a temporary international stabilisation mission” to the battered region under the mandate of the UN Security Council, aiming to support the Palestinian civilian population and facilitate security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority.

Around three-quarters of the 193 UN member states recognise the Palestinian state proclaimed in 1988 by the exiled Palestinian leadership.

However, after two years of fighting have ravaged the Gaza Strip, in addition to expanded Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the stated desire by Israeli officials to annex the territory, fears have been growing that the existence of an independent Palestinian state will soon become impossible.

Israel’s devastating retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,656 Palestinians, most of them civilians. Israel has been facing growing international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by its offensive with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and experts already declaring its actions in Gaza as a “genocide”, which Tel Aviv rejects.

“We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, may be prevented from visiting New York for the UN summit after US authorities said they would deny him a visa.

Singapore Provides Aid for Pakistan Flood Victims’ Rehabilitation

The Government of Singapore on Friday pledged a seed money of USD 50,000 in humanitarian assistance for the people of Pakistan, affected by devastating floods. “The Singapore Government will contribute US$ 50,000 as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross (SRC)’s public fundraising efforts towards the humanitarian crisis, caused by floods in Pakistan,” Singapore Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The contribution by the Singapore Government will supplement the SRC’s pledge of S$50,000 to support the immediate needs of affected communities, it added. The Singapore foreign ministry also conveyed deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the floods.

Pakistan Embassy in Singapore said in a statement that the contribution by the Singapore government reflected Singapore’s solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this difficult time.

It will support ongoing relief and recovery efforts to assist families and communities impacted by the floods, according to a press release by Pakistan embassy in Singapore. The Singapore Red Cross launched its fund-raising appeal last week to support those in Pakistan impacted by the mid-August monsoon floods. It also committed US$ 39,000 to support humanitarian efforts in Pakistan and the contribution by the Singapore government will supplement this pledge.

Zeekr 001 Sends Shockwaves Through Global EV Market

When Audi executives first came across the Zeekr 001 in 2021—a long-range electric vehicle featuring European design—it was a striking wake-up call for the premium German automaker.

Competing with Chinese rivals would require leveraging Chinese technology.

"The Zeekr 001 back then shocked quite everyone," said Stefan Poetzl, president of SAIC Audi Sales and Marketing.

"We needed to do something about it."

Audi developed the AUDI E5 Sportback in only 18 months to strengthen its EV offerings for Chinese buyers, leveraging technology from its Chinese partner SAIC.

Including batteries, electric powertrains, infotainment software, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Audi plans to begin delivering the $33,000 EV to customers in China this month, and its global competitors are now turning to Chinese intellectual property to accelerate new model launches.

For China-specific models, Toyota and Volkswagen have joint development initiatives, drawing on technology from Chinese partners GAC and Xpeng, respectively.

Renault and Ford aim to take it further by creating global models based on Chinese EV platforms, sources said. Renault did not respond to a request for comment.

Ford declined to comment. These licensing agreements represent an expanding yet modest revenue source for Chinese EV manufacturers and provide a fresh quid pro quo.

Global automakers rely on Chinese technology to overcome development challenges and introduce new EVs swiftly.

At the same time, Chinese firms urgently require extra income amid a fierce domestic price war and escalating trade tensions overseas.

"It's a very clever, win-win arrangement," said Will Wang, general manager of Shanghai-based consulting firm Autodatas, which produces teardown analyses of top-selling EV models.

'CHINA INSIDE'

This emerging approach echoes the "Intel Inside" campaign of the 1990s, in which U.S. chip giant Intel leveraged cutting-edge components to elevate computers into premium devices.

Here, Chinese automakers offer EV technology as a complete package: the foundational elements for turnkey, white-label battery-electric vehicles, ideal even for low-volume producers with limited budgets.

Leapmotor (9863.HK) has teamed up with Stellantis (STLAM.MI) to market its EVs beyond China and is in discussions with other brands to license its technology, CEO Zhu Jiangming told Reuters.

Adopting a pre-engineered Chinese EV chassis and software could save billions in dollars and years of development time, helping legacy automakers close the gap with Chinese competitors, according to industry experts.

Renault (RENA.PA) was an early pioneer, producing the affordable Dacia Spring EV on a platform from China's Dongfeng for European sales beginning in 2021.

Renault has advanced further with the upcoming electric Twingo, being developed at its Shanghai research center, where Chinese EV engineering firm Launch Design is supplying technical expertise for the platform, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Launch did not respond to requests for comment.

Additional "China Inside" vehicles may arrive soon. Two people with knowledge of the situation said Ford is pursuing a Chinese collaborator to supply EV platform technologies.

CEO Jim Farley has often tested Chinese EVs and recently commended Xiaomi's SU7 electric sedan.

Volkswagen has broadened its efforts to create China-tailored models across all powertrains, based on platforms jointly developed with Xpeng, incorporating the latter's designs for electronics and software.

Analysts note that established automakers often falter in crafting nimble EV architectures that support frequent updates, owing to their complex organizational setups.

That's why Volkswagen is exploring whether Xpeng's EV technologies can supplement or supplant its own, said Yale Zhang, managing director at Shanghai-based consultancy AutoForesight. If successful in China, Volkswagen might extend the approach worldwide, Zhang added.

A Volkswagen China spokesperson told Reuters that its partnership with Xpeng remains China-focused for now.

Xpeng's He Xiaopeng has indicated that the two companies aim to extend their collaboration beyond China. This would enhance Xpeng's revenue without the need for overseas factories, said Autodatas' Wang.

Oliver Wyman analyst Marco Santino noted that traditional automakers could harness the "firepower" of intense Chinese EV rivalry to surge ahead in development.

"You get a much more quality-proof product in the market in a shorter timeframe," Santino said.

MORE CHOICE?

Drawing inspiration from Tesla, China's EV producers have created modular platforms that reduce expenses, speed up development, and ease entry barriers. "They are quick learners from Tesla," said Forest Tu, a former executive at Chinese battery leader CATL (300750.SZ), who now runs consulting firm Mapleview Technology.

This edge is now substantial enough to support "licensing and royalty services" as Chinese EV makers venture abroad, Tu said.

CATL has embraced this model with Ford (F.N), licensing its technology for a battery facility.

Sharing Chinese technology could empower less-industrialized nations to establish their own "national EV brands," Tu added.

Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings, a key investor in Nio (9866.HK), has crafted its own luxury EV using the Chinese company's chassis and software.

CYVN acquired British sports car brand McLaren in April and intends to market its EV under the McLaren name, according to two sources familiar with the matter. However, subsequent models will integrate much more McLaren "DNA" and less Chinese tech, one source noted.

Nio declined to comment. CYVN did not respond to a request for comment.

CATL's latest EV chassis, meanwhile, will enable consumers to "decide what an EV looks like, rather than having giant automakers decide what to sell," said its executive president Hu Guoliang.

The company announced it would scale up chassis output over the next three years following deals with several domestic automakers.

Its Bedrock Chassis made its European debut this week at the IAA Mobility show in Munich.

Whether the reciprocal advantages of Chinese EV technology endure in the long run, though, is an uncertainty.

Former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer cautioned that while R&D savings are real, automakers should steer clear of excessive dependence on external tech.

"In the long-term you're screwed because you're just a retailer," Palmer said.

Oliver Wyman's Santino warned that the primary hazard for legacy automakers is that"your capability to differentiate your brand is really limited.

" By integrating their own innovations, they can "limit the risk," Santino suggested.

Apple watch to detect hypertension, launching next week

Apple will roll out a hypertension detection feature on its smartwatch next week after receiving US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance on Thursday, Bloomberg News reported.

Apple and the FDA did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

The company unveiled a blood pressure monitor in its latest Apple Watch at the September 9 event, where it also introduced a refreshed iPhone lineup, including a slimmer iPhone Air.

The feature, pending regulatory approval, will not detect every case of high blood pressure, but could alert about a million people, Apple said.

Available in 150 countries, the tool will use data from the watch’s optical heart sensor to track how a user’s blood vessels respond to heartbeats over 30 days, the report said, citing Apple.

The feature will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, and its more expensive Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 smartwatches, Bloomberg News said.

Islamabad court overturns ban, restoring 11 YouTube channels

An Islamabad district and sessions court set aside a lower court’s order to block 27 YouTube channels, granting relief to 11 petitioners.

In July, it emerged that an Islamabad court had ordered YouTube in June to block 27 channels for disseminating “fake, misleading, and defamatory” content against the government and armed forces.

The sanctioned accounts were being run by journalists, political commentators and social media influencers in Pakistan and overseas.

The ban order sparked criticism from various legal and digital rights groups.

Among the 27 channels were those of the PTI, journalists Matiuallah Jan, Wajahat Khan, Ahmad Noorani and Asad Ali Toor; former anchors Imran Riaz, Orya Maqbool, Sabir Shakir, and Moeed Pirzada.

Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Muhammad Afzal Majoka had later suspended the order for at least seven petitioners.

A total of 11 of those impacted had appealed against the lower court’s order.

ADSJ Majoka conducted a hearing over the matter today and expressed anger at the prosecutor of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency.

“You have started getting your work carried out through us. I will never let this happen. Tell me under which authority channels can be shut down? You are trying to defame the judges,” he remarked.

The judge said he would dismiss the petitions of those whose lawyers did not appear in court for non-compliance.

He subsequently reserved his verdict and later overturned the lower court’s order to the extent of 11 petitioners.

Qatar Demands Justice for Netanyahu After Israeli Strikes in Doha

Qatar’s Prime Minister on Wednesday condemned an unprecedented Israeli strike in Doha targeting Hamas, saying it has destroyed hopes for the release of Gaza hostages. He called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be “brought to justice,” criticizing the attack as a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict.

His comments came a day after deadly strikes targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar -- a US ally -- a first in the oil-rich Gulf that rattled a region long shielded from conflict.

"I think that what Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages," Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told CNN.

Doha is "reassessing everything" around their involvement in future ceasefire talks and discussing next steps with Washington, he added in comments cited in CNN's live blog after an interview with the broadcaster.

The attack, just three months after Iran launched a retaliatory strike on a US airbase in Qatar, also cast serious doubt on Qatar-mediated Gaza ceasefire talks and undermined security reassurances to the Gulf from key ally Washington.

Earlier Wednesday, Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed that Israel would "act against its enemies anywhere" while Netanyahu urged Qatar to expel Hamas officials or hold them to account, "because if you don't, we will".

Qatar has hosted Hamas's political bureau since 2012 with Washington's blessing, and has been a key mediator in Gaza talks alongside Egypt and the United States.

Israel's military said it struck Huthi targets in Yemen on Wednesday, including in the capital Sanaa, killing 35 people according to the rebels.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said six people were killed in Tuesday's strikes in Qatar, but its senior leaders had survived, affirming "the enemy's failure to assassinate our brothers in the negotiating delegation".

The White House said Trump did not agree with Israel's decision to take military action.

Trump said he was not notified in advance and when he heard, asked his envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar immediately -- but the attack had already started.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sought to justify the decision, telling an Israeli radio station: "It was not an attack on Qatar; it was an attack on Hamas."

- 'Shaken conscience of world' -

Hamas political bureau member Hossam Badran said Israel "represents a real danger to the security and stability of the region".

"It is in an open war with everyone, not just with the Palestinian people," he said.

In Gaza City on Wednesday, the Israeli military destroyed another high-rise building as it intensified its assault on the territory's largest urban centre, despite mounting calls to end its campaign.

The military issued an evacuation warning to those living in and around the Tiba 2 tower, before later saying it had "struck a high-rise building that was used by the Hamas terrorist organisation".

AFP images showed huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as the residential tower in western Gaza City crashed to the ground.

In the aftermath, young girls rushed to pick dust-covered dough out of the rubble.

Siham Abu al-Foul told AFP she couldn't take anything with her when the army issued the evacuation orders.

"They brought down the tower and we came running and there was nothing left... Everything we fixed in two years was gone in a minute."

The Israeli military said it had struck 360 targets since Friday and vowed that it would "increase the pace of targeted strikes" in the Gaza City area in the coming days.

The Gaza war has created catastrophic humanitarian conditions for the population of more than two million, with the United Nations last month declaring a famine in Gaza City and its surroundings.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said she would push to sanction "extremist" Israeli ministers and curb trade ties over the dire situation.

"What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world," she said.

- 'Not thrilled' -

Israel's targeting of Hamas leaders in Qatar sparked international condemnation.

Trump said he was not notified in advance of the Israeli strikes and was "not thrilled about the whole situation".

"I view Qatar as a strong Ally and friend of the U.S., and feel very badly about the location of the attack," he said in a social media post, adding Hamas's elimination was still a "worthy goal".

Canada said it was reassessing its relationship with Israel following the Doha strikes.

Hamas's October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Of the 251 hostages seized during the assault, 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,656 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the UN considers reliable.

Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki Tipped to Head Nepal’s Interim Government

Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as the frontrunner to serve as interim leader, according to a representative of the “Gen Z” protesters.

The announcement came Thursday following mass demonstrations that led to the ouster of the long-serving prime minister.

Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel held "consultations with related stakeholders and held a meeting with representatives of Gen Z" on Wednesday.

Military spokesperson said, referring to the loose umbrella title of the protest movement, without giving further details.

The army is seeking to restore order in the Himalayan nation of 30 million people, after the worst violence in two decades ousted the prime minister and left the parliament ablaze on Tuesday.

"Right now, Sushila Karki's name is coming up to lead the interim government — we are now waiting for the president to make a move," said Rakshya Bam, who was among those attending the meeting.

"We discussed with the army chief about the future," she told AFP.

"The conversation was about how we can move forward, keeping the peace and security of the country."

Karki, 73, an academic and Nepal's first female Supreme Court chief justice, has told AFP that "experts need to come together to figure out the way forward", and that "the parliament still stands".

But others warned the choice of the protesters — who are not one single party — was far from unanimous.

In a virtual meeting attended by thousands on the online social platform Discord, young people discussed their varied agendas — and debated who should represent them.

There were conflicting arguments and several names proposed.

"There are divisions," journalist Pranaya Rana said.

"It is natural in a decentralised movement like this that there are going to be competing interests and competing voices."

Soldiers patrolled the streets of the capital for a second day on Thursday, which appeared to be quiet, with multiple army checkpoints set up along the streets.

Demonstrations began on Monday in Kathmandu against the government's ban on social media and over corruption.

But they escalated into an outpouring of rage nationwide, with government buildings set on fire after at least 19 people were killed in a deadly crackdown.

PTA rejects allegations of telecom data breach

Amid its ongoing crackdown on unlawful content, with 1,372 sites, apps, and social media pages blocked for selling or sharing personal data, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday claimed that it neither held nor managed subscribers’ data.

The PTA said that subscribers’ data remains solely with licensed telecom operators, adding that an initial review indicated the leaked datasets contained family details, travel records, vehicle registrations, and CNIC copies, suggesting that the data was aggregated from multiple external sources, rather than telecom operators.

The explanation comes following a report by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

The issue of citizens’ leaked data recently gained attention when the interior ministry formed an inquiry committee to investigate, and the NCCIA established a special investigation team to probe the matter.

Sources in the interior ministry said the Joint Task Force (JTF) on ‘Unauthorised Data Access and Pilferage’ has di­rected the National Tech­nology and Information Security Board (NTISB) to conduct an audit of telecom operators. Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, PTA licensees have been declared critical information infrastructure.

The initial report also indicated that the breach could have exposed sensitive data, potentially enabling cybercriminals to carry out sophisticated frauds.

A listing on the dark web was identified, advertising a data leak of 3.2 million IMSI (Inter­national Mobile Subscriber Identity) and IMEI (Inter­national Mobile Equipment Identity) records, allegedly belonging to mobile subscribers in Pakistan.

On the other hand, the telecom regulator disputed the ministry’s claim that the data leaks originated from some telecom company or fixed-line internet service provider (ISP).

The PTA referenced its recent cybersecurity audit, completed around two weeks ago, asserting that no breaches were found within its licensed sector.

It highlighted that Telenor Pakistan ranked first among mobile operators, while Nayatel led fixed-line operators in terms of cybersecurity.

Telecom Operators Associa­tion (TOA) Vice Chairman Wahaj Siraj, while responding to queries, told Dawn that combating cybercrime was an ongoing challenge, and hackers could potentially strike any company or sector, though he affirmed that Pakistan’s telecom and internet infrastructure were secure.

He said the PTA conducted annual cybersecurity audits of all its licensed entities through third-party consultants, but authorities should also ensure similar audits are performed across all relevant sectors.

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16, Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Apple has introduced its latest iPhone 17 series, featuring the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and an all-new ultra-thin model called the iPhone Air. With a fresh design, upgraded cameras, and the new A19 Pro chip, Apple’s flagship raises an important question for users: should you keep the iPhone 16 or upgrade to the iPhone 17? The New iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max bring a bold redesign. The new aluminum unibody replaces last year’s titanium frame, paired with Ceramic Shield…

Social media ban lifted in Nepal after 19 die in anti-corruption protests

Nepal lifted a social media ban less than a day after anti-corruption protests that were triggered by the ban led to the deaths of 19 people, a government minister said on Tuesday, while a curfew was imposed in the country’s capital, Kathmandu.

The government had rolled back the social media ban imposed last week, Cabinet spokesperson and Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said.

The decision came after 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the “Gen Z” protests on Monday against widespread corruption.

The protests were triggered by the ban.

“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” Gurung told Reuters.

All the apps were available in Nepal on Tuesday morning, Reuters was able to verify.

Authorities have also imposed an indefinite curfew within the Kathmandu city area, Kathmandu district administrator Chhabilal Rijal said, a move aimed at stopping any more protests.

“No protests, mass gatherings, meetings, or assemblies of people will be allowed during the curfew,” he said in a notice.

This comes after protesters called for people to participate in condolence meetings in memory of those killed in Monday’s protests.

In neighbouring Lalitpur district, authorities imposed a curfew until midnight (1815 GMT) on Tuesday.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said he was saddened by the incidents of violence due to the “infiltration from different selfish centres”.

The government would pay relief for the families of the dead and provide free treatment for the injured persons, he added.

“An investigation panel will be set up to find out the causes, assess losses and suggest measures within 15 days to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future,” Oli said in a late-night statement on Monday.

Organisers of the protests, which spread to other cities in the Himalayan country, have called them “demonstrations by Gen Z”.

They say the protests reflect young people’s widespread frustration with the government’s perceived lack of action to tackle corruption and boost economic opportunities.

The government last week decided to block access to several social media platforms including Facebook (META.O), opens new tab, a decision that fuelled anger among the young.

Officials say the shutdown was for those social media platforms that had failed to register with the government, amid a crackdown on fake IDs, misinformation and hate speech.

Israeli drone targets Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists reported late Monday that one of their vessels was struck by a suspected drone. However, Tunisian authorities stated that “no drones” had been detected.

The flotilla, aiming to deliver aid to Gazans despite Israel’s blockade, had arrived in Tunisia over the weekend and was anchored about 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said when the incident was reported.

“The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats… was hit by what is suspected to be a drone,” the organisers said on social media, adding that no injuries were reported.

An AFP journalist who arrived shortly after the incident noted that a fire had broken out on board in Tunisian waters but was quickly extinguished.

Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesman for Tunisia’s National Guard, said the investigation is “ongoing” and that “no drones have been detected.”

“Preliminary findings indicate that a fire broke out in the life jackets on board a ship anchored 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said,” he added.

Reports of a drone are "completely unfounded", the national guard said in a statement on its official Facebook page, suggesting that the fire may have been caused by a cigarette.

The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as an independent group not linked to any government or political party. Sumud means "resilience" in Arabic.

Among its high-profile participants is Greta Thunberg, who addressed pro-Palestinian campaigners in Tunisia on Sunday.

Israel has already blocked two attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza, in June and July.

The United Nations declared a state of famine in parts of Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face "catastrophic" conditions.

Trump Threatens Sanctions After Russia's Largest Ukraine Airstrike

US President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to impose more sanctions on Russia, after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine.

Russian missiles and drones rained down across Ukraine early Sunday, killing four people and setting government offices in the capital Kyiv ablaze. Trump told reporters after the assault he was "not happy with the whole situation" and said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was counting on a "strong" US response. Russia has intensified its onslaught against Ukraine since a meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin on August 15 failed to make any breakthrough on a ceasefire.

After Sunday's attack on Kyiv, flames could be seen rising from the roof of the sprawling government complex that houses Ukraine's cabinet of ministers in the heart of the city -- the first time it has been hit during the three-and-a-half-year conflict.

Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in the Ukrainian capital, according to emergency services.Russia denies targeting civilians in Ukraine. It said it struck a plant and a logistics hub in Kyiv, with the Russian defence ministry saying "no strikes were carried out on other targets within the boundaries of Kyiv".

"It is important that there is a broad response from partners to this attack today," said Zelensky in his evening address, adding that Putin was "testing the world". "We are counting on a strong response from America. That is what is needed."

Russia fired at least 810 drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine between late Saturday and early Sunday in a new record, according to the Ukrainian air force. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko posted a video showing a damaged floor in the government building.

"We will restore the buildings," she said. "But we cannot bring back lost lives. The enemy terrorises and kills our people every day throughout the country." Zelensky discussed the attack in a call with French President Emmanuel Macron and said France would help Ukraine strengthen its defence.

Macron was among European leaders who condemned the attack, posting on X that Russia was "locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror". UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attacks as "cowardly" while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen accused the Kremlin of "mocking diplomacy".

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington might slap tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil. The Russian economy will be in full collapse. And that will bring President (Vladimir) Putin to the table," Bessent told NBC television.

At least two people were killed in a strike west of Kyiv, prosecutors said. More than two dozen were wounded in Kyiv, according to the emergency services.

Among them was a 24-year-old pregnant woman who delivered a premature baby shortly after the attack, with doctors fighting to save her life and that of her baby, state TV Suspilne reported.

Two more died and dozens were wounded in overnight strikes across the east and southeast, authorities said. Ukraine's foreign ministry highlighted that seven horses had also been killed at an equestrian club. The world cannot stand aside while a terrorist state takes lives -- human or animal -- every single day," it posted on X.

The barrage came after more than two dozen European countries pledged to oversee any agreement to end the war, some of which said they were willing to deploy troops on the ground.

Ukraine has insisted on Western-backed security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks, but Putin has warned that any Western troops in Ukraine would be unacceptable and legitimate targets.

Trump has tried to find a way to end the war in recent weeks but has little to show for his efforts. Russia has continued to claim territory in costly grinding battles and now occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine. Tens of thousands have been killed and millions forced from their homes in Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II.

Karachi Girls Excel at International Robotics Olympiad

Three talented girls from Karachi have achieved top honours at the 2025 Sindh Nationals of the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO), earning a spot at the Global Finals in Singapore this November.

The team, called "PowerPuff Innovators," comprises three Grade VIII students  Emaan Zehra, Anaya Anas, and Ayra Rizvi aged 12 to 13 years.

Competing in the Future Innovators Junior category, they clinched 1st place at the Sindh Nationals and received the prestigious Girls in STEM Award.

Nationally, they ranked second overall among 51 teams from Punjab and Sindh.

Hailing from Haque Academy, the PowerPuff Innovators designed an AI-powered financial literacy robot.

Equipped with a smart camera system, the robot guides users to make informed purchasing decisions, promoting financial discipline and awareness.

The World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) is a prestigious international robotics competition that inspires creativity, innovation, and STEM skills among young students worldwide.

This year's theme, "The Future of Robots," challenges participants to design and build robotic solutions to real-world problems.

Representing Pakistan on the global stage, the PowerPuff Innovators will be the only team from Pakistan to compete at WRO Global 2025.

Their journey is an example of how STEM education is empowering the next generation of Pakistani girls to lead with innovation and confidence.

Interior minister orders inquiry into SIMs breach

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken immediate notice of the news regarding leakage of mobile phone SIMs data and formed a special team to investigate the matter within two weeks.

“Following the interior minister’s directives, the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency has constituted a special inves­tigation team to probe into the matter and submit its report within 14 days,” says an official press rel­ease issued by the Interior Ministry.

It said the team will thoroughly examine the circumstances and those involved in the data leakage will be identified and brought to justice through legal action.

Media reports say that data of all SIM holders, including Interior Minister Naqvi, was sold at Google.

They further said that information regarding mobile location was being sold for Rs500, mobile data record for Rs2,000 and details of foreign trips for Rs5,000.

A couple of months ago, the National Cyber Emer­gency Response Team of Pakistan (PKCERT) iss­ued an advisory warning that the login credentials and passwords of more than 180 million internet users in Pakistan have been stolen in a global data breach, urging people to take immediate protective measures. Media reports said PKCERT had identified the global breach involving a publicly accessible, unencrypted file containing more than 184 million unique account credentials.

“The breach exposed user names, passwords, emails and associated URLs tied to major social media services, as well as government portals, banking institutions, and healthcare platforms worldwide,” the reports said quoting the PKCERT’s advisory.

“The leaked database is believed to have been compiled using infostealer malware — malicious software that extracts sensitive information from compromised systems,” it added. “This data was stored in plain text and left completely unprotected, without encryption or password safeguarding.”

PKCERT is a federal government entity responsible for protecting Pakistan’s digital assets, sensitive information, and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, cyberterrorism, and cyber espionage.

It outlined the potential impacts of the data breach, warning that the stolen credentials could be used for account takeovers, identity theft and unauthorised access to government portals or other sensitive sites.

The advisory highlighted that the publicly hosted database was storing credentials stolen from “infected endpoints” without any form of authentication or protection and “included sensitive login information for major platforms, enterprises, government agencies, and financial institutions”.

“Attackers may exploit this breach through credential stuffing across services with reused passwords; phishing attacks using associated emails and historical data; targeted social engineering leveraging exposed personal content; unauthorised acc­ess to business and gove­rnment accounts; and malware deployment using credentials,” the advisory warned.

The advisory also recommended that people change their passwords annually and use a credible online service to find out about potential breaches.

In March 2024, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to probe a data leak from the National Database and Registr­ation Authority (Nadra), told the interior ministry that the credentials of as many as 2.7 million people had been compromised between 2019 and 2023.

Edtech giant PhysicsWallah moves to raise $437m via IPO

Indian education technology platform PhysicsWallah has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) worth 38.20 billion rupees ($437 million), draft documents revealed, as momentum builds in India’s listings market.

The country’s edtech sector has endured a tough few years, with SoftBank-backed Unacademy and Tiger Global-backed Vedantu cutting staff, while Byju’s  once valued at $22 billion faces insolvency pressures from U.S. lenders.

Backed by WestBridge and Hornbill Capital, PhysicsWallah aims to raise 31 billion rupees through fresh equity issuance, with the remainder coming from a share sale by co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Boob, according to Saturday’s filing.

Valued at $2.8 billion as of September last year, the platform plans to use the IPO proceeds to expand physical coaching centres, cover rentals, strengthen technology and marketing, and pursue acquisitions.

For the financial year ended March 31, PhysicsWallah's revenue from operations jumped 49% to 28.87 billion rupees, with its restated loss narrowing to 2.43 billion, from 11.31 billion a year earlier.

PhysicsWallah filed draft papers with the market regulator through the confidential route to raise about 46 billion rupees, the Times of India newspaper said in March, citing sources.

The startup did not disclose if it is downsizing its offering.

After a slow start to the year, the Indian IPO market has picked up pace, with dairy products maker Milky Mist and Tiger Global-backed home and beauty services Urban Company filing to go public in recent months.

Saudi Arabia Starts Major Reconstruction in Damascus

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday humanitarian projects for Syria including the removal of wartime rubble around Damascus, weeks after inking investment deals worth billions to help rebuild the country's infrastructure.

The oil-rich Gulf kingdom has been a major backer of the new Syrian government, which came to power after an Islamist-led offensive toppled longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

At an event Sunday in Damascus, the Saudi state-run King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) announced an aid package that includes a project to clear more than 75,000 cubic metres of rubble from the capital and its surroundings.

The Saudi organisation's president Abdullah Al Rabeeah and Syrian minister for emergencies and disaster management Raed al-Saleh signed an agreement for the initiative, which includes plans to recycle at least 30,000 cubic metres of debris from destroyed homes and other buildings.

Saleh said the rubble hinders humanitarian efforts and reconstruction, and that unexploded "war remnants threaten the lives of civilians".

Other agreements inked on Sunday would see Riyadh support the reconstruction of 34 schools in Syria's Aleppo, Idlib and Homs provinces, as well as provide equipment for 17 hospitals nationwide, help rebuild some 60 bakeries, and rehabilitate sewage and water infrastructure in Damascus.

KSrelief chief Rabeeah said that the projects seek to "address several high-priority areas of urgent needs" and "alleviate the suffering of affected people".

Since Assad's overthrow in December, Syria's new authorities have worked to attract investment for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed in the country's 14-year civil war.

In late July, Riyadh pledged $6.4 billion in investment and partnership deals with Syria.

The war devastated much of Syria's infrastructure, with UN estimates putting the cost of reconstruction at more than $400 billion.

Canada’s PM Pushes “Build, Baby, Build” Strategy to Counter Trump

On the night of his election victory, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined his vision to boost the country’s economy in response to President Donald Trump’s challenges.

“Build, baby, build!” Carney told a cheering crowd of Liberal Party supporters in April.

In the first weeks of his term, Carney’s plans have started to take shape, highlighted by the launch of the new “Major Projects Office” last month.

The office will oversee construction initiatives including ports, highways, mines, and potentially a new oil pipeline a move that has drawn scrutiny from environmental groups.

The office, which will soon announce its top priorities, was established after Carney’s Liberals gained cross-party backing for legislation allowing the government to fast-track “nation-building projects.”

“We are moving at a pace not seen in generations,” Carney said, stressing the urgency needed as Trump reshapes the global economy.

While Trump’s threats to annex Canada have eased, his ongoing trade war continues to impact the Canadian economy. U.S. tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum have hit these key sectors, causing job losses.

Canada’s unemployment rate reached 7.1 percent in August, the highest level since 2016 outside the pandemic.

“That adds to evidence that the trade war is taking its toll on Canadian labor markets,” said RBC senior economist Claire Fan.

Economy in focus

Since entering politics earlier this year, Carney has emphasized that Canada must reduce its decades-long reliance on U.S. trade by boosting domestic commerce and exploring new markets in Europe and Asia.

During a visit to Germany last month, Carney highlighted that his government is “unleashing half a trillion dollars of investment” in infrastructure projects spanning energy, ports, and other critical sectors.

Jay Khosla, an energy expert at the Public Policy Forum, said the momentum to build would not have been possible without Trump.

"We know our economy is in peril," he said, noting Canada was effectively "captured economically," because of its closeness to the United States.

Energy superpower?

Canada is the world's fourth largest oil exporter and its crude reserves are the world's third largest.

Most of its resources are in the western province of Alberta, which exports almost exclusively to the United States, as Canada lacks the infrastructure to efficiently get energy products to other foreign markets.

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau, Carney's predecessor, put climate change at the center of his political brand and faced criticism from some over his perceived lack of support for the energy sector.

In a shift from the Trudeau era, Carney's Liberals now support exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe.

"What we heard loud and clear from German LNG buyers and LNG users is they believe there is demand and they want to buy our products" Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said in Berlin last week.

Carney has repeatedly said Canada "can be an energy superpower."

But not everyone is enthusiastic about that plan.

Greenpeace has accused the prime minister of backing "climate-wrecking infrastructure" while ignoring clean energy.

Carney could likely press ahead despite concerns from pro-climate NGOs, but support from Indigenous leaders  for whom safeguarding the environment is top priority -- is seen as essential.

Despite Carney's efforts to secure Indigenous backing for his major projects push, their concern persists.

"We know how it feels to have Trump at our border. Let's not do that and have Trump-like policies," said Cindy Woodhouse, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, in a swipe at Carney's backing for energy infrastructure.

"Let's take the time and do things properly."

OpenAI plans $10bn investment in building its own AI chips

OpenAI is set to invest $10 billion in partnership with US semiconductor giant Broadcom to develop its own artificial intelligence chips, according to reports from the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal.

The collaboration aims to reduce OpenAI’s heavy reliance on Nvidia, whose processors currently dominate the global AI sector.

The first batch of custom chips is expected to roll out next year and will be deployed internally by OpenAI to train and operate models such as ChatGPT, along with other AI-powered products.

Broadcom had hinted at landing a major contract last week, though details of the deal only surfaced later.

For the California-based chipmaker, the agreement marks a major boost, with OpenAI emerging as one of its biggest customers.

So far, Nvidia has been the primary supplier of high-performance processors to major cloud providers including Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle.

Just recently, Oracle announced plans to acquire over $40 billion worth of Nvidia chips to power its new data centre linked to the “Stargate Project,” an initiative by AI companies to expand global computing infrastructure.

Earlier this year, signs of OpenAI’s in-house chip ambitions began to surface, as competition for processing power intensified.

Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are already designing their own AI chips to diversify beyond Nvidia.

Despite this, Nvidia remains in high demand.

The company reported a 56% rise in quarterly sales last week, underscoring its market strength.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the Trump administration could ease some trade restrictions, potentially reopening major international markets to Nvidia’s latest chips.

PTCL warns cable damage near Jeddah may disrupt internet across Pakistan

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) on Saturday warned that internet services across the country could face disruptions following cuts to submarine cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The company said the damage affected partial bandwidth on the SMW4 and IMEWE undersea cable systems, which are critical links connecting Pakistan to global internet networks.

PTCL added that international teams are working urgently to repair the damaged cables, while local teams are arranging alternative bandwidth to reduce the impact on users.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this period,” the statement read.

Data from Down Detector showed a noticeable rise in outage reports early Saturday, with complaints peaking around 10:09am.

Earlier this year, the Africa-1 submarine cable was linked to country internet infrastructure.

The 10,000-kilometre-long cable, with high transmission capacity, connects the country to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and France.

The project, approved by PTCL's Board of Directors in November 2020 at a cost of $59.5 million, is expected to be ready for service by the first quarter of 2026.

Trump warns EU of tariffs over ‘unjust’ Google decision

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday blasted the European Union for imposing what he called an “unfair” $3.47 billion antitrust fine on Google, warning that retaliatory tariffs were on the table unless the decision was reversed.

The remarks came a day after Trump hosted Google CEO Sundar Pichai and co-founder Sergey Brin, along with other tech leaders, at a White House dinner.

“Europe today ‘hit’ another great American company, Google, with a $3.5 billion dollar fine, effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American investments and jobs,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Very unfair, and the American taxpayer will not stand for it!”

Trump linked the ruling to previous EU actions against U.S. tech giants, including a 2016 decision ordering Apple to repay Ireland €13 billion in back taxes.
“They should get their money back!” he said, vowing that failure to do so would trigger retaliatory tariffs designed to “nullify the unfair penalties.”

At Thursday’s White House dinner, Trump had praised Pichai and Brin following a U.S. court ruling earlier in the week that rejected calls for Google to divest its Chrome browser in a separate antitrust case.

Khalid Hussain Magsi pledges tech-driven defense

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, in his message on Defence and Martyrs Day (September 6), paid rich tribute to the Armed Forces, martyrs, and veterans of Pakistan, emphasizing the nation’s unshakable resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.

He said that the day serves as a reminder of the “unparalleled sacrifices” made by the soldiers and the people of Pakistan in protecting the motherland.

“We salute the martyrs who laid down their lives and the veterans whose courage remains a source of pride and inspiration for the nation,” he added.

Highlighting the challenges of modern warfare, Magsi noted that threats now extend far beyond conventional weaponry, with adversaries employing propaganda, cyberattacks, disinformation, and psychological operations.

“In such circumstances, self-reliance in science and technology and the modernization of our defense systems are indispensable for national security,” he stressed, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and defense capabilities.

The Minister urged collective efforts to build a secure, advanced, and prosperous Pakistan.

“Honoring the families of martyrs and preserving the memory of their sacrifices is our moral and national duty,” he stated, adding that the spirit of September symbolizes both the bravery of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and the resilience of its people.

“No force can deter us from the path of sovereignty, freedom, and dignity,” Magsi concluded.

Trump plans blacklist for nations jailing American citizens

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday paving the way for a new blacklist of countries accused of unjustly detaining American citizens, warning of tough penalties including travel bans.

The order allows Washington to designate nations as “state sponsors of wrongful detention,” a move likened to the powerful designation of state sponsors of terrorism.

“With this executive order, the president is making it clear that American citizens will not be used as bargaining chips,” White House aide Sebastian Gorka told reporters in the Oval Office.

While no country was immediately named, a senior official said China, Iran, and Afghanistan are under review for their alleged involvement in what the US calls “hostage diplomacy.”

Nations placed on the list could face sanctions, tighter export controls, and visa bans for officials involved in detentions.

In a rarely used measure, the State Department may also prohibit US citizens from traveling to blacklisted countries.

At present, North Korea is the only country where such a travel ban is in force imposed after American student Otto Warmbier was imprisoned there in 2016 and later returned in a coma, dying shortly after.

Officials added that the new blacklist could also extend to groups controlling territory without international recognition.

The United States across administrations has put a top priority on freeing Americans overseas, negotiating prisoner swaps to free high-profile detainees including in Russia.

Trump has trumpeted his record on freeing Americans, with officials saying 72 prisoners have been released overseas under his watch.

A US official said that the new executive order would make it easier to take action without going through a "burdensome" process.

The United States can also remove countries if it decides they have come into compliance.

The State Department routinely helps Americans detained overseas and then assesses whether they were jailed for wrongful reasons, including as political bargaining chips.

Under former president Joe Biden, China released all Americans considered wrongfully detained in part in return for the United States loosening a warning against Americans traveling to the Asian power, advice that had hurt the business climate.

'Unfair' Google ruling

US President Donald Trump lashed out at the European Union Friday for slapping Google with an "unfair" $3.47 billion antitrust fine, threatening retaliatory tariffs if the bloc does not repeal the measure.

Trump's intervention came a day after he hosted tech titans for a gala dinner at the White House including Google's chief executive Sundar Pichai and co-founder Sergey Brin.

"Europe today 'hit' another great American company, Google, with a $3.5 Billion Dollar fine, effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American Investments and Jobs," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

"Very unfair, and the American taxpayer will not stand for it!" Trump said.

Trump said the Google fine came on top of a series of other cases including Apple, which in 2016 was ordered by Brussels to pay Ireland back taxes totalling 13 billion euros plus interest.

"They should get their money back!" he said, adding that if not then he would start proceedings for retaliatory tariffs to "nullify the unfair penalties."

During the White House dinner on Thursday, Trump had congratulated Pichai and Brin over a US judge's ruling earlier this week which rejected the government's demand that Google sell its Chrome web browser as part of a major antitrust case.

Russian President warns: Western troops in Ukraine can be attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western forces sent to Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate" target for Moscow's military. His remarks came a day after Kyiv’s allies confirmed plans to deploy troops if a peace deal is reached.

On Thursday, two dozen countries, led by France and Britain, pledged to join a "reassurance" force across land, sea, and air to monitor any agreement.

Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said, "If some troops appear there, especially during active fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets."

He added that the deployment of such forces would not support long-term peace and cited Ukraine's growing military ties with the West as one of the "root causes" of the conflict.

Ukraine’s allies have not provided detailed information about the plan, including troop numbers or each country’s specific role.

Kyiv maintains that security guarantees backed by Western forces are essential to prevent Russia from restarting its offensive.

Since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and much of eastern and southern Ukraine has been devastated.

Putin said if a deal could be struck, there was no need for the troops.

"If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don't see the point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine.

"Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full," he said.

Ukraine and the West point to a long list of times Russia has broken agreements, including between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists were fighting Kyiv's army in the east of the country.

Trump moves to rename Defence Department the ‘Department of War’

US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Friday to rename the Department of Defence as the "Department of War," a White House official confirmed on Thursday. The move, aimed at reshaping the identity of the government’s largest institution, is being seen as part of Trump’s effort to leave his imprint on federal agencies.

The order would authorise Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defence Department and subordinate officials to use secondary titles such as "Secretary of War," "Department of War," and "Deputy Secretary of War" in official correspondence and public communications, according to a White House fact sheet.

The move would instruct Hegseth to recommend legislative and executive actions required to make the renaming permanent.

Since taking office in January, Trump has set out to rename a range of places and institutions, including the Gulf of Mexico, and to restore the original names of military bases that were changed after racial justice protests.

Department name changes are rare and require congressional approval, but Trump's fellow Republicans hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and the party's congressional leaders have shown little appetite for opposing any of Trump's initiatives.

The US Department of Defence was called the War Department until 1949, when Congress consolidated the Army, Navy and Air Force in the wake of World War Two.

The name was chosen in part to signal that in the nuclear age, the US was focused on preventing wars, according to historians.

Changing the name again will be costly and require updating signs and letterheads used not only by officials at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., but also military installations around the world.

An effort by former President Joe Biden to rename nine bases that honored the Confederacy and Confederate leaders was set to cost the Army $39 million.

That effort was reversed by Hegseth earlier this year.

The Trump administration's government downsizing team, known as the Department of Government Efficiency, has sought to carry out cuts at the Pentagon in a bid to save money.

"Why not put this money toward supporting military families or toward employing diplomats that help prevent conflicts from starting in the first place?" said Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a military veteran and member of the Senate's Armed Services Committee.

"Because Trump would rather use our military to score political points than to strengthen our national security and support our brave servicemembers and their families - that's why," she told Reuters.

Long time in the making

Critics have said the planned name change is not only costly, but an unnecessary distraction for the Pentagon.

Hegseth has said that changing the name is "not just about words — it's about the warrior ethos."

This year, one of Trump's closest congressional allies, Republican US House of Representatives Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, introduced a bill that would make it easier for a president to reorganise and rename agencies.

"We're just going to do it. I'm sure Congress will go along if we need that ... Defence is too defensive.

We want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be," Trump said last month.

Trump also mentioned the possibility of a name change in June, when he suggested that the name was originally changed to be "politically correct."

But for some in the Trump administration, the effort goes back much further.

During Trump's first term, current FBI Director Kash Patel, who was briefly at the Pentagon, had a sign-off on his emails that read: "Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense & the War Department."

"I view it as a tribute to the history and heritage of the Department of Defence," Patel told Reuters in 2021.

Trump Criticizes China for Ignoring America in WWII Commemoration

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China’s “beautiful ceremony” marking the end of World War II should have acknowledged the United States’ role in defeating Japan.

"I thought it was a beautiful ceremony. I thought it was very, very impressive," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, hours after he suggested on social media that foreign leaders meeting in Beijing might be conspiring against the US.

"I watched the speech last night. President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought that the United States should have been mentioned last night during that speech, because we helped China very, very much."

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made the 80th anniversary of the war's end a major showcase for his government and its close ties with countries at odds with Washington.

Flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Xi spoke before a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square.

He surveyed a parade of goose-stepping troops and cutting-edge military equipment aimed at deterring would-be adversaries including the United States.

Japan's invasion of China in 1937 was a major escalation in fighting that would lead to World War Two, and Japan's surrender in 1945 marked the end of the conflict.

The US joined the war in 1941, aiding Chinese forces fighting the Japanese military and playing a decisive role in Japan's defeat.

Deploying history to wage present-day political battles, Xi has cast World War Two as a major turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" now ruled by his Chinese Communist Party, and its allies.

On Wednesday, Xi thanked "the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people," according to an official. But he did not dwell on the role of the United States in the war.

 The two sides are at odds on a range of security issues, from Ukraine to the South China Sea, and are wrangling over a broad trade deal to stave off tariffs on each other's goods.

But Trump has repeatedly touted a positive personal relationship with Xi that his aides say can steer the world's two largest economies in a constructive direction. He has also said he might soon meet with Xi.

In a post directed at Xi on Truth Social as the parade kicked off, Trump said, "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America."

Federal jury fines Google $425m for tracking users despite privacy settings

A federal jury determined on Wednesday that Alphabet’s Google must pay $425 million for invading users’ privacy by continuing to collect data for millions of users who had switched off a tracking feature in their Google accounts.

The verdict comes after a trial in the federal court in San Francisco over allegations that Google, over an eight-year period, accessed users’ mobile devices to collect, save, and use their data, violating privacy assurances under its Web and App Activity setting.

The users had been seeking more than $31 billion in damages.

The jury found Google liable on two of the three claims of privacy violations brought by the plaintiffs. The jury found that Google had not acted with malice, meaning it was not entitled to any punitive damages.
Google plans to appeal, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said.

“This decision misunderstands how our products work,” Castaneda said. “Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalisation, we honor that choice.”

David Boies, a lawyer for the users, said in a statement they were “obviously very pleased with the verdict the jury returned.”

The class action lawsuit, filed in July 2020, claimed Google continued to collect users’ data even with the setting turned off through its relationship with apps such as Uber, Venmo and Meta’s Instagram that use certain Google analytics services.

At trial, Google said the collected data was “nonpersonal, pseudonymous, and stored in segregated, secured, and encrypted locations.” Google said the data was not associated with users’ Google accounts or any individual user’s identity.

US District Judge Richard Seeborg certified the case as a class action covering about 98m Google users and 174m devices.

Google has faced other privacy lawsuits, including one earlier this year where it paid nearly $1.4bn in a settlement with Texas over allegations the company violated the state’s privacy laws.

Google in April 2024 agreed to destroy billions of data records of users’ private browsing activities to settle a lawsuit that alleged it tracked people who thought they were browsing privately, including in “Incognito” mode.

North Korea promises full military support to Russia, calls it a ‘brotherly obligation’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country would “fully support” Russia’s military as a “fraternal duty,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin described ties between the two nations as “special.” The comments, reported by state media KCNA on Thursday, underscore the close political and strategic alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Kim and Putin held a meeting on Wednesday on the sidelines of China’s celebrations to mark the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two in Beijing.

The pair flanked Chinese President Xi Jinping at a massive military parade for the first such gathering of the three countries’ leaders since the early days of the Cold War.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they attend a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Beijing, China.

Kim’s Beijing trip offered his first-ever chance to meet Putin and Xi together, as well as mingle with the more than two dozen other national leaders who attended the events.

State media photos showed Kim standing or walking with Putin and Xi side by side with a smile.

“Comrade Kim Jong Un and President Putin exchanged candid opinions on important international and regional issues,” KCNA said.

Putin “highly praised” North Korean soldiers fighting against Ukraine and said the two countries’ relations are “special ones of trust, friendship and alliance”, KCNA added.

North Korea has sent soldiers, artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, China. – Reuters
South Korea’s intelligence agency estimated this week that some 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to fight for Russia have been killed.

It believes North Korea plans to deploy another 6,000 troops, with about 1,000 combat soldiers already in Russia.

Kim and Putin discussed in detail the long-term plans for partnership and reaffirmed their “steadfast will” to elevate bilateral relations to a high level, according to KCNA.

Last year, the two leaders signed a mutual defence treaty, which calls for each side to come to the other’s aid in case of an armed attack.

Parental controls coming to ChatGPT after US teen tragedy

American artificial intelligence company OpenAI announced on Tuesday that it will introduce parental controls in its chatbot ChatGPT, following a lawsuit by a US couple who claim the system played a role in their teenage son’s suicide.

According to OpenAI, the new feature will be rolled out within a month, allowing parents to link their accounts with their teen’s profile and set age-appropriate behaviour rules for the chatbot.

Parents will also receive alerts whenever the system detects signs of “acute distress” in conversations.

The move comes after Matthew and Maria Raine filed a case in a California court last week, alleging that ChatGPT built an intimate relationship with their 16-year-old son, Adam, over several months in 2024 and 2025, before he took his own life.

The lawsuit claims that in their final exchange on April 11, 2025, ChatGPT advised Adam on how to steal vodka from his parents and even analysed the technical viability of a noose he had tied, confirming it “could potentially suspend a human.” Adam was later found dead, having used the same method.

Attorney Melodi Dincer of The Tech Justice Law Project, which helped prepare the case, said:

“When someone uses ChatGPT, it feels like they’re speaking to another being. These features can gradually encourage vulnerable users, like Adam, to overshare personal details and seek guidance from a system that seems to have all the answers.”

Product design features set the scene for users to slot a chatbot into trusted roles like friend, therapist or doctor, she said.

Dincer said the OpenAI blog post announcing parental controls and other safety measures seemed “generic” and lacking in detail.

“It’s really the bare minimum, and it definitely suggests that there were a lot of (simple) safety measures that could have been implemented,” she added.

“It’s yet to be seen whether they will do what they say they will do and how effective that will be overall.”

The Raines’ case was just the latest in a string that have surfaced in recent months of people being encouraged in delusional or harmful trains of thought by AI chatbots prompting OpenAI to say it would reduce models’ “sycophancy” towards users.

“We continue to improve how our models recognise and respond to signs of mental and emotional distress,” OpenAI said on Tuesday.

The company said it had further plans to improve the safety of its chatbots over the coming three months, including redirecting “some sensitive conversations… to a reasoning model” that puts more computing power into generating a response.

“Our testing shows that reasoning models more consistently follow and apply safety guidelines,” OpenAI said.

Google extends Chrome Search Agreement with Apple

Google won’t have to sell its Chrome browser, a judge in Washington said on Tuesday, handing a rare win to Big Tech in its battle with U.S. antitrust enforcers, but ordering Google to share data with rivals to open up competition in online search.

Google parent Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O), opens new tab shares were up 7.2% in extended trading on Tuesday as investors cheered the judge’s ruling, which also allows Google to keep making lucrative payments to Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab that antitrust enforcers said froze out search rivals. Apple shares rose 3%.

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U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta also ruled Google could keep its Android operating system, which together with Chrome help drive Google’s market-dominating online advertising business.

The ruling results from a five-year legal battle between one of the world’s most profitable companies and the U.S., where antitrust regulators and lawmakers have long questioned Big Tech’s market domination. Mehta ruled last year that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search and related advertising.

But the judge approached the job of imposing remedies on Google with “humility,” he wrote, pointing to competition created by artificial intelligence companies since the case began.

“Here the court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judge’s forte,” Mehta wrote.

While sharing data with competitors will strengthen rivals to Google’s advertising business, not having to sell off Chrome or Android removes a major concern for investors who view them as key pieces to Google’s overall business.

Google faces a major threat from increasingly popular AI tools including OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT chatbot, which are already eroding Google’s dominance. If allowed to access the data Google is required to share, AI companies could bolster their development of chatbots and, in some cases, AI search engines and web browsers.

“The money flowing into this space, and how quickly it has arrived, is astonishing,” Mehta wrote, saying AI companies are already better placed to compete with Google than any search engine developer has been in decades.

Deepak Mathivanan, an analyst for Cantor Fitzgerald, said the data-sharing requirements pose a competitive risk to Google but not right away.

“It will take a longer period of time for consumers to also embrace these new experiences,” he said.

U.S. antitrust enforcers are considering their next steps, Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater said on X.

Google said in a blog post it was worried data sharing “will impact our users and their privacy, and we’re reviewing the decision closely.”

Google has said previously that it plans to file an appeal, which means it could take years before the company is required to act on the ruling. The case is likely to end up in the Supreme Court.

“Judge Mehta is aware that the Supreme Court is the likely final destination for the case, and he has chosen remedies that stand a good chance of acceptance by the Court,” said William Kovacic, director of the competition law center at George Washington University.

BILLIONS IN PAYMENTS

The ruling was also a relief for Apple and other device and Web browser makers, whom Mehta said can continue to receive advertising revenue-sharing payments from Google for searches on their devices. Google pays Apple $20 billion annually, Morgan Stanley analysts said last year.

Banning the payments is even less necessary amid the rise of AI, Mehta wrote, where products such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT “pose a threat to the primacy of traditional internet search.”

The ruling also made it easier for device makers and others who set Google search as a default to load apps created by Google’s rivals, by barring Google from entering exclusive contracts.

Google itself had proposed loosening those agreements, and its most recent deals with device makers Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), opens new tab and Motorola and wireless carriers AT&T and Verizon allow them to load rival search offerings.

Xi calls China 'unstoppable' during nation's biggest military parade

President Xi Jinping declared China “unstoppable” during a speech on Wednesday, opening a massive parade in Beijing to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among 26 world leaders present to witness China’s largest-ever military parade, a display of strength orchestrated by Xi to highlight Beijing’s growing influence on the global stage.

“The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and humanity’s pursuit of peace and development will prevail,” Xi said in a televised address.

“Humanity once again faces a choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games,” he added.

The president urged countries around the world “to eliminate the root causes of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.”

“Common security can only be maintained when nations treat one another as equals, live in harmony, and provide mutual support,” he said.

China’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday showcased its growing firepower and geopolitical clout, as Xi seeks to present Beijing as the custodian of a post-U.S. international order.

Accompanied by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Xi was shown on television walking along a red carpet to take his seat at the lavish Tiananmen Square event, commemorating 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II.

Wearing a suit in the style of those worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Xi earlier greeted around two dozen largely non-western leaders in attendance, including Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto, who made a surprise appearance despite widespread protests at home.

He was shown saying "Nice to meet you" and "Welcome to China" in English.

The highly choreographed "Victory Day" spectacle comes as US President Donald Trump's "America First" stance and trade wars have strained Washington's long-standing alliances.

Asked whether he sees the parade as a challenge to the United States on Tuesday, Trump said he didn't and reiterated his "very good relationship" with Xi.

"China needs us much more than we need them," he added.

More than 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square packed into stands in Tiananmen Square awaiting the 70-minute showcase of aerial displays, marching troops as well as cutting-edge military equipment such as hypersonic missiles, unmanned drones and outfitted tanks.

Major roads and schools have been closed in Beijing for the parade, the culmination of weeks of painstaking security preparations and midnight rehearsals.

Xi will review the troops lined up in formation before delivering a keynote speech atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, where a portrait of China's late Chairman Mao Zedong overlooks Tiananmen Square.

Vision for new global order
Xi has described World War Two as a turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", in which it overcame Japanese invasion and humiliation to emerge as a rising global power.

He is expected to emphasise China and Soviet Russia’s role in defeating fascism and defending the postwar international order in his address.

Earlier this week, Xi outlined his vision of a new global order at a regional security summit, urging unity against "hegemonism and power politics" widely seen as a swipe at the United States and Trump’s tariffs on both allies and rivals.

Putin has already used the occasion to sign deeper energy deals with China, while the gathering offers Kim an opportunity to gain tacit backing for his sanctioned nuclear programme.

Kim, attending his first major multilateral event, is the first North Korean leader to join a Chinese military parade in 66 years.

His daughter Ju Ae, viewed by South Korean intelligence as his likely successor, is making her first international appearance after years of being seen alongside him at domestic events.

Authorities have left nothing to chance for the high-profile event.

Local governments across China have mobilised tens of thousands of volunteers and Communist Party members to maintain security and prevent unrest ahead of the parade, according to online recruitment notices.

"President Xi will use this opportunity to demonstrate that the military is firmly behind him," said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.

Death toll in Afghan quake jumps to 1,411

The death toll in the earthquake in Afghanistan, the worst in the region in years, has surged to 1,411, the Taliban administration's spokesperson said on Tuesday.

At least 3,251 people have been injured and more than 8,000 houses have been destroyed in the disaster, the group said.

Rescuers will try to reach isolated villages in the eastern region of Kunar, the epicentre of an earthquake, one of the deadliest seismic activity nation has witnessed.

Rescue operations were carried out in four villages in Kunar after the quake struck and efforts will now be focused on reaching more remote mountain areas, said Ehsanullah Ehsan, the provincial head of disaster management.

"We cannot accurately predict how many bodies might still be trapped under the rubble," said Ehsan. "Our effort is to complete these operations as soon as possible and to begin distributing aid to the affected families."

One of Afghanistan's worst earthquakes, with a magnitude of 6, struck around midnight local time on Monday, at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), killing 812 people in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar.

Mountainous terrain and inclement weather have hindered rescuers reaching remote areas along the Pakistani border where the quake flattened mudbrick homes.

Gaining access for vehicles on the narrow mountain roads was the main obstacle for relief work, said Ehsan, adding machinery was being brought in to clear roads of debris.

A line of ambulances was on the damaged mountain road trying to reach Kunar villages, as helicopters flew in, bringing aid supplies and taking the injured to hospitals, according to a Reuters witness.

Some of those injured have been transferred to hospitals in Kabul and the adjacent province of Nangarhar, said Ehsan.

Taliban soldiers were deployed in the area, providing help and security. The disaster has further stretched the war-torn nation's Taliban administration, already grappling with a sharp drop in foreign aid and deportations of hundreds of thousands of Afghans by neighbouring countries.

"National and international organisations are present in the area, have organised their assistance, and, God willing, aid will be distributed in an orderly manner," said Ehsan.

Rescue teams and authorities are trying to dispose of animal carcasses quickly so as to minimise the risk of contamination to water resources, a UN official said on Monday.

"Damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and remote locations of many villages severely impede the delivery of aid," the World Health Organisation said in a situation update, adding that over 12,000 people had been affected by the quake.

"The pre-earthquake fragility of the health system means local capacity is overwhelmed, creating total dependence on external actors," said the update.

Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake that killed 1,000 people in the eastern region in 2022 was the first major natural disaster faced by the Taliban government.