Your helper

Friday, October 16, 2026

US lawmakers urge FBI to probe Illinois temple plot as federal hate crime

Washington, Oct 16 (PTI): US Congressional Caucus on India on Friday demanded that the FBI and the Department of Justice thoroughly investigate the alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois as a federal hate crime.In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel, the House India Caucus demanded that the probe should determine whether anyone encouraged, assisted, or coordinated with the 19-year-old attacker, online or offline.“This plot did not emerge in isolation but reflects broader, troubling trends,” Congressmen Rich McCormick and Ro Khanna, co-chairs of the House India Caucus, said in the letter.The lawmakers asked the FBI and the Department of Justice to investigate the failed plot as a potential federal hate crime and bring all charges supported by the evidence.They also asked the FBI and the Justice Department to “share timely threat information with state and local law enforcement and with Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and other South Asian houses of worship, and offer them protective resources.The Congressmen also asked Blanche and Patel to brief the Caucus on threats facing Hindu Americans and Indian Americans and the steps the Department and FBI are taking to address them.The letter said that the FBI data showed an increase in reported hate crimes targeting Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist communities in 2025.The Centre for the Study of Organised Hate found that anti-South Asian hate posts on X rose roughly 240 per cent between January 2024 and June 2026. In the Carnegie Endowment's 2026 survey, one in four Indian American adults reported being called a slur since the start of 2025.The attempted attack in Aurora underscores the very real danger posed by this rising hostility.“Every American deserves to worship without fear. We urge you to treat this case, and the hate behind it, with the seriousness it demands,” McCormick and Khanna said. PTI SKU RDRD(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-lawmakers-urge-fbi-to-probe-illinois-temple-plot-as-federal-hate-crime-1871812

Thursday, October 15, 2026

US lawmakers express outrage over attempted mass shooting at Hindu temple

Washington, Oct 15 (PTI): US lawmakers on Thursday expressed outrage over the attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, saying the incident was a stark reminder of the racial hatred and threats faced by different communities.US lawmakers Rich McCormick, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Jamie Raskin, Haley Stevens, among others, said no American should have to fear for their safety when practising their faith.A 19-year-old was arrested in Palatine near Chicago for planning a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Aurora, Illinois on Sunday. The plan failed as the gun carried by the teenager jammed and could not fire. “Americans are outraged by this planned mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois. We must stand together—and strong—against white supremacist hate and violence targeted at temples, synagogues, churches and mosques,” Congressman Jamie Raskin said in a post on X.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois was at the temple in Aurora on Sunday when the planned mass shooting failed.“The plot to massacre innocent Americans at a Hindu temple is unequivocally wrong. Violence toward anyone based on a religion, political orientation, or race is evil,” Congressman Rich McCormick said.“As a Hindu American, I am angered by the attempted mass shooting at a Temple by a white supremacist. The shooter's evil is only surpassed by his ignorance. Hinduism teaches non-violence,” Congressman Ro Khanna from California said.Congressman Ami Bera said he was horrified to learn that Krishnamoorthi and his family were worshipping when a white supremacist attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans. “This incident is a stark reminder of the threats facing Hindu communities and other communities targeted by religious and racial hatred. Every American has the right to worship in peace. Congress must do more to combat hate-fueled violence and protect our communities from these threats,” Bera said.Congressman Shri Thanedar expressed shock over the attempted mass shooting targeting Congressman Krishnamoorthi and his family while they were worshipping, and called on Congress to "fight the horrifying rise in anti-Hindu attacks: everyone should be able to practice their faith without fear."“The rising trend of hate-filled violence, especially at Houses of Worship, must stop. No American should have to fear for their safety when practicing their faith,” Congresswoman Haley Stevens said.“I’m proud to represent one of the largest Indian American districts in Congress—they contribute so much to our community and our country. They deserve better,” said Stevens, who visited India recently.“I am incredibly grateful that local law enforcement thwarted this attempted mass shooting by a white supremacist and that the worshipers at this temple are safe,” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said.“Attacks on South Asians have been on the rise, online and by leaders in our own government. This hate, racism, and violence are absolutely unacceptable, are traumatising our communities, and must end,” Jayapal said.Congressman Nick LaLota condemned the "alleged plot" to target Hindu Americans during a religious gathering in Illinois, saying no American should fear for their life because of their faith, race or ancestry."Religious liberty is a cornerstone of our nation, and defending it is among our government's most solemn responsibilities," LaLota said. PTI SKU RD RDRD(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-lawmakers-express-outrage-over-attempted-mass-shooting-at-hindu-temple-1871633

Houthis Fire Missiles At Yemen’s Presidential Palace In Aden, Two Security Guards Killed

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels fired missiles at the presidential palace complex in the southern port city of Aden on Thursday, killing two security guards, according to two government officials cited by Reuters. Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and cabinet members present at the Maashiq palace were unharmed, Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said. Witnesses reported loud explosions around the complex, while the Associated Press said at least six blasts were heard. The strike marks a rare direct attack on the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognised government as fighting intensifies across the wider region. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Four ballistic missiles struck the Maashiq Palace, the seat of Yemen's internationally recognized government in Aden, Saudi Al-Hadath reports. Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and government ministers were unharmed. https://t.co/xeRD4r2L7K — Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) <a href="https://ift.tt/4SsIb79 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/nXBOFYv" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h2>PM, Ministers Safe</h2> Al-Eryani said the Houthis fired five missiles at the complex, where the prime minister and other cabinet members were present. Two government officials told Reuters that the attack killed two security guards. The Houthi-run Saba news agency, citing a military official, said the group targeted a military operations headquarters operated by Saudi officers and weapons depots inside the complex. The Houthis’ military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the strike was part of the group’s policy of targeting Saudi military build-ups. The attack has raised concerns about the security of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which operates from Aden and receives backing from Saudi Arabia. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/opinion-granting-statehood-to-ladakh-is-the-best-rebuff-to-china-1871625">OPINION | Granting Statehood To Ladakh Is The Best Rebuff To China</a> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Zb4sNv0tF8?si=jMRpZ9dma176_40k" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>Regional Tensions Rise</h2> The attack comes amid renewed hostilities between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition. The rebels have intensified strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities. The escalation follows a period of reduced fighting after a United Nations-brokered truce in 2022. The wider regional conflict has added another layer of uncertainty, with tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel continuing to shape security calculations across the Middle East. The Houthis have also targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea, raising concerns over maritime security and the potential disruption of international trade. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/28-children-killed-after-school-roof-collapses-in-peshawar-pakistan-1871585">28 Children Killed After School Roof Collapses In Peshawar, Pakistan</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/houthis-fire-missiles-at-yemen-s-presidential-palace-in-aden-two-security-guards-killed-1871629

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

PTI chairman challenges emergency, governor's rule in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Peshawar, Oct 14 (PTI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Wednesday challenged the imposition of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Peshawar High Court, seeking restoration of the party-led provincial government. President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday proclaimed an emergency under Article 232 and imposed governor's rule under Article 234 of the Constitution, with the federal government accusing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration of failing to effectively tackle rising militancy. The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, challenged the federal government's October 11 proclamation as well as the deployment of Pakistan Army troops, formation of an 11-member technocratic advisory council and removal of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The PTI chairman also sought the immediate restoration of Afridi and his cabinet with full executive powers and asked the court to set aside all actions taken under the emergency, including the establishment of an Area Development Secretariat in 12 districts. The petition argued that the emergency proclamation violated Article 232(1) of the Constitution as no prior resolution seeking such a measure had been passed by the provincial assembly. “No such resolution was ever moved, debated, or passed by the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” it said, arguing that transferring the provincial assembly's legislative powers to Parliament without fulfilling the constitutional requirement infringed upon provincial autonomy. The petition also challenged the deployment of army troops under Article 245, contending that it could not override the civilian administration or be invoked without a lawful request from the provincial government. It also sought the release of Afridi and other PTI leaders, alleging that their detention was unlawful. Gohar Ali Khan further sought the complete record used to justify the emergency, including the governor's report and the summary submitted to the federal cabinet. He also challenged the advisory council headed by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and the Area Development Secretariat, alleging they created parallel administrative structures. PTI AYZ SKS SKSSKS(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pti-chairman-challenges-emergency-governor-s-rule-in-pakistan-s-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-1871447

India Calls On Russia, Ukraine To Ensure Safety Of Black Sea Shipping

Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru India has urged both Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the Black Sea as attacks on merchant vessels put Indian seafarers at risk and threaten to disrupt vital food and energy supplies. New Delhi says discussions with both sides are under way. "The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways must be restored at the earliest," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week. India accounts for more than 12% of the global seafaring workforce, with 311,936 maritime professionals, according to a 2026 industry report. And attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Black Sea in recent months have highlighted the risks facing civilian crews. The Turkish-owned MV Royad Mammadov, a cargo ship carrying grain from Ukraine, caught fire and sank following an attack on Monday, killing two crew members. The three Indian nationals aboard the vessel survived, but sustained injuries and were taken to Romania to receive medical treatment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia for launching the strike. The Defense Ministry in Moscow separately said it had struck two Ukrainian cargo vessels in the Black Sea but did not specifically identify the ships. The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio was also recently attacked by unmanned vessels off Russia's Black Sea coast near Sochi, according to Russian authorities. The vessel was carrying 23 Indians, but all of them were rescued. <h2>Can diplomacy deliver safety?</h2> Anil Wadhwa, a former Indian diplomat, said India's proposal to halt attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea covered energy infrastructure, safe passage for grain and energy exports, and an end to strikes on merchant vessels. "Securing an ironclad guarantee depends entirely on a broader cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the maritime theater," Wadhwa told DW. India's close relations with Russia and expanding engagement with Ukraine give New Delhi access to both sides, but do not guarantee either will honor a shipping arrangement. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has described India's proposal for a possible ceasefire with Russia as the "broadest" of the four offers Kyiv has received. Russia has not publicly endorsed a binding safe-passage deal proposed by India, despite welcoming New Delhi's peace efforts. Rajan Kumar of the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University said India could use its diplomatic leverage with Moscow to help bring the two sides towards an agreement. "India could play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, particularly on the issue of ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea," Kumar told DW. <h2>Working with other powers to reach a deal</h2> He argued that India should also work with other influential countries from the Global South, particularly China, Brazil and South Africa. "A coordinated approach with these countries could enhance their collective diplomatic leverage and strengthen their capacity to persuade both parties to adopt mutually acceptable arrangements for maritime security," said Kumar. India's initiative comes as US President Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine over the weekend, although its scope and implementation mechanism remain unclear. Harsh Pant, vice president of the New Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation, said Trump's intervention could help India's efforts but might produce a narrower agreement that fails to address New Delhi's wider concerns. "The energy ceasefire could be an initial confidence-building measure, whereas a Black Sea shipping arrangement requires additional commitments on attacks against merchant vessels, ports, maritime routes and the security of commercial traffic," Pant told DW. "India need not compete with Washington for the public credit of mediation. It could instead press for the inclusion of broader maritime provisions in any US agreement.” <h2>Will India face a higher import bill?</h2> Wadhwa said the proposed energy truce could also benefit Indian seafarers if it secured safe passage for energy cargoes. "Although Ukraine alleges that the Russians have already breached this so-called truce, there will be pressure on both sides to allow energy cargoes safe passage. India is bound to gain as far as its crews are concerned in such a scenario," he said. The disruption to Black Sea shipping also has other implications for India such as delays in shipments of key commodities and higher transport costs. "A prolonged Black Sea disruption would elevate India's import bill mainly via higher freight on Russian crude and constrained soft oil supplies, with the strongest near-term transmission to domestic edible oil prices and food inflation," said Lekha Chakraborty, professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. <div id="article-hstick-inner" class="abp-story-detail "> Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live. </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-calls-on-russia-ukraine-to-ensure-safety-of-black-sea-shipping-1871444

Three Indians Die In Germany Apartment Fire; Romanian Resident Arrested On Murder Suspicion

Three Indian nationals were killed in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, police said on Wednesday. A 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building has been arrested on initial suspicion of murder, while investigators are probing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The victims were two women aged 25 and 27, and a 26-year-old man, according to the police. Five other people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals in Bochum for treatment. Fire investigators have ruled out a technical defect as the cause of the blaze and are proceeding on the assumption that it was arson. However, authorities are yet to establish whether the fire was deliberately set or occurred accidentally. <h2>How The Fire Broke Out</h2> The fire broke out early Tuesday morning. Emergency responders discovered the bodies of the three Indian nationals in an apartment on the second floor of the building. Police received information about the incident at 4:16 am, following which rescue and firefighting operations were launched. According to local media reports, the rescue operation was particularly challenging because the flames had spread upwards through the stairwell. This prevented firefighters from using the staircase to evacuate residents, as they would ordinarily do. <h2>Romanian Resident Arrested</h2> Police arrested a 41-year-old Romanian resident of the apartment building on initial suspicion of murder. A homicide squad is investigating the case. Although investigators have ruled out a technical defect as the cause of the fire, they have yet to determine whether it was deliberately started or occurred accidentally. <h2>Police Had Responded To Dispute At Building Days Earlier</h2> According to local media reports, police were called to the same building on Sunday following a dispute. Authorities had also responded to several other incidents at the property in the past. However, initial information suggests that those incidents were unrelated to the fire.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/three-indians-die-in-bochum-apartment-fire-romanian-resident-arrested-on-murder-suspicion-1871441

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV Has Lung Cancer, Vatican Says; Lower Lobe Of Right Lung Removed In Surgery

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer, after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The Holy See Press Office announced the diagnosis following the procedure, which had been scheduled after doctors detected a nodule during a routine medical examination. The 71-year-old pontiff had disclosed the planned surgery just days earlier, describing the growth as “contained” and saying it had been detected “at a very early stage”. However, an examination of the tissue removed during the operation confirmed the suspected diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican said the surgery was successful, with no complications reported. Pope Leo XIV woke up normally following the procedure and was transferred back to his room after a brief period of observation. His official schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow him time to rest and recover. <h3>Surgery Successful</h3> According to the Holy See Press Office, the medical team removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The operation was carried out to ensure the complete removal of the affected tissue. The Vatican’s statement detailed the procedure and the pontiff’s condition afterwards. “The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled. To ensure a radical procedure, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the pre-operative tests." "The Holy Father was in the operating theatre for approximately three hours; the operation itself lasted about ninety minutes. The operation was successful and there were no complications. Following the operation, the Pope woke up normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the tenth floor,” it added. The Vatican also identified the doctors who conducted the surgery and managed the pontiff’s anaesthesia. “The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr Leonardo Petracca Caravella. The anaesthesia team consisted of Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr Giovanni Punzo and Dr Giuseppe Bello,” it added. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BUfqFAWQygw?si=7-QPo-8qA0bxuEfl" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> ALSO READ: <a title="Mamata Banerjee Allegedly Targeted With Knife During Durga Puja Pandal Visit, Woman Detained" href="https://ift.tt/jx5g2tb" target="_self">Mamata Banerjee Allegedly Targeted With Knife During Durga Puja Pandal Visit, Woman Detained</a> <h3>Pope Revealed Diagnosis</h3> Pope Leo XIV had personally informed the public about his upcoming operation after leading the traditional Angelus blessing on Sunday. Addressing people gathered in St Peter’s Square from the balcony overlooking the square, he said the lung growth was “contained” and had been identified “at a very early stage”. Although lung nodules are relatively common and can be benign, further examination was necessary to determine the nature of the growth. In the Pope’s case, the histological examination conducted during surgery confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, in line with the findings of pre-operative tests. The Vatican had indicated that the pontiff had not displayed signs of infection or illness before the procedure. The diagnosis was confirmed only after doctors examined the tissue removed from his right lung. With the operation completed, the immediate focus is on his recovery. His schedule remains cleared until October 20, giving him time to recuperate before resuming official engagements. ALSO READ:<a title=" CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Sent To 5-Day Judicial Custody" href="https://ift.tt/dCWNnOS" target="_self"> CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Sent To 5-Day Judicial Custody</a> <h3>November Trip In Focus</h3> The timing of the surgery has drawn attention because the Pope is expected to travel to Latin America in early November. Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo said on social media that he had met Leo on Monday and that the pontiff felt “nothing wrong” physically. According to the cardinal, the Pope wanted to undergo the procedure promptly because of his upcoming international travel commitments and his hope of proceeding with the planned visit. The trip is particularly significant because it includes Peru, where Leo served as a missionary before spending several years as a bishop. His connections to the country make the proposed visit an important part of his itinerary. The Vatican has not indicated in the provided statement whether the diagnosis will affect the planned journey. His recovery and medical condition will be important considerations ahead of the November visit. <h3>What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?</h3> Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells. It is a common form of lung cancer and belongs to a broader group of cancers that can originate in glandular tissue across different organs. Adenocarcinoma can occur in several parts of the body, including the lungs, breast, colon and rectum, oesophagus, pancreas, prostate and stomach. The condition is identified through medical investigations, including the examination of tissue samples.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pope-leo-xiv-diagnosed-with-lung-cancer-after-surgery-vatican-confirms-adenocarcinoma-rome-hospital-1871305