Your helper

Friday, July 17, 2026

'Use Less Power': Iran Issues Advisory After US Causes Damage To Electricity Infrastructure

Iran has acknowledged that its power infrastructure has come under attack amid the ongoing exchange of airstrikes with the United States, signalling that the conflict is increasingly affecting critical civilian infrastructure. The country's Energy Ministry has urged residents in southern provinces to reduce electricity consumption, citing a combination of extreme heat and damage to the power network. <h2>Energy Ministry Issues Power Conservation Appeal</h2> According to the ministry, southern regions are grappling with unusually high temperatures while also dealing with the impact of attacks on the electricity network. The ministry said the affected areas "are currently experiencing extreme heat and attacks on power infrastructure". It did not specify whether the strikes had damaged power plants, transmission lines or other components of the electricity system. The development comes after US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could target bridges and power plants as tensions with Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz escalated. <h2>Iran Says Electricity Grid Has Suffered Heavy Damage</h2> Separately, Mohammad Allah-Dad, Chief Executive of Iran's state-run Power Generation, Distribution, and Transmission Company (Tavanir), said the country's electricity grid has sustained significant damage following the recent attacks. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/watch-dashcam-video-camera-captures-deadly-china-landslide-as-buildings-crumble-8-dead-34-missing-1857088">WATCH: Camera Captures Deadly China Landslide As Buildings Crumble; 8 Dead, 34 Missing</a> According to Iran Wire, the national grid has lost around 4,200 megawatts of electricity generation capacity, while more than 2,000 locations across Iran's power infrastructure have been damaged. Allah-Dad said the financial losses to the electricity sector have exceeded 60 trillion tomans, which the company estimated at about US$1 billion at current free-market exchange rates. <h2>Grid Capacity Falls By 4,200 MW</h2> Speaking about the extent of the damage, Allah-Dad said parts of Iran's critical electricity infrastructure had suffered serious damage. He said technical assessments showed the grid's capacity had declined by around 4,200 megawatts and that damage to more than 2,000 locations had reduced the system's resilience while slowing restoration efforts during periods of peak electricity demand. He added that the combined impact of infrastructure damage, extreme summer temperatures and rising electricity consumption had placed heavy pressure on the national grid. <h2>Power Outages Reported Across Cities</h2> The latest assessment comes as residents in several Iranian cities have reported electricity outages lasting several hours during the peak summer season. The reported loss of 4,200 megawatts comes against the backdrop of years of recurring nationwide rolling blackouts. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/ministry-of-external-affairs-rejects-bullet-train-project-claims-by-former-japan-minister-1857082">MEA Hits Back At Former Japanese Minister Over Bullet Train Project Remarks</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-electricity-infrastructure-strike-iran-issues-advisory-iran-energy-ministry-1857089

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Trump Claims China Acquired 220 Million US Voter Files In 'Largest Data Breach' During 2020 Polls

US President Donald Trump on Thursday declassified intelligence that he said showed Chinese interference in US elections, alleging that Beijing obtained 220 million American voter files in what he described as "the largest compromise of election data in history." According to the White House, the alleged breach began during the 2020 election cycle and resulted in China's acquisition of voter records containing names, addresses and other information used for voter registration. "This data loss presents an unprecedented election security nightmare," Trump said during a 25-minute address in which he sought to place election security back at the centre of the political debate ahead of November's midterm elections. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7EtJrpwyRc?si=pGSGl6kK_DT9ERtl" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3 data-start="1336" data-end="1378">Trump Renews Election Security Push</h3> Trump used the speech to reiterate his calls for stricter election laws, urging fellow Republicans in Congress to pass legislation introducing new voter identification and citizenship requirements. He has long argued that tighter safeguards are needed, although longstanding findings have concluded that voter fraud in US elections is rare. The president also alleged that members of the US intelligence community deliberately withheld information about the extent of China's activities involving US voter data. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-asks-houthis-to-prepare-red-sea-bab-el-mandeb-closure-if-us-hits-power-grid-us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-1856900">Iran Asks Houthis To Prepare Red Sea Gateway Closure If US Hits Power Grid: Report</a> <h3 data-start="1894" data-end="1950">Assessment Found No Evidence Of Vote Manipulation</h3> Trump's claims stand in contrast to an unclassified 2021 assessment by the US intelligence community, which found no indication that any foreign actor attempted or succeeded in altering "any technical aspect" of the 2020 presidential election, including voter registrations, ballots, vote tabulations or election results. The assessment was conducted under John Ratcliffe, who served as Trump's director of national intelligence at the time and is now CIA director. The cover page of the report states that its classified version was briefed to Trump, senior administration officials, congressional leaders and intelligence committees on January 7, 2021, shortly before the end of his first presidential term. <h3 data-start="2665" data-end="2697">China Rejects Allegations</h3> Responding to Trump's claims, Liu Chang, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, denied any involvement by Beijing. "China has never and will never interfere in the presidential elections of the U.S.," Liu said. Ahead of Trump's address, some White House officials expressed concern that releasing the intelligence related to China could be misleading, Reuters reported, citing sources. The renewed accusations against Beijing also come at a sensitive time in US-China relations, which had stabilised after last year's costly trade dispute. Trump is expected to seek a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in September to discuss improving bilateral trade ties. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-iran-s-new-billboard-at-tehran-s-enghelab-square-showing-donald-trump-in-a-coffin-with-we-will-kill-trump-message-1856840">Trump In A Coffin, 'We Will Kill Trump': Iran's New Billboard At Tehran’s Enghelab Square</a> <h3 data-start="3432" data-end="3476">Election Claims Remain Under Scrutiny</h3> Trump has continued to question the integrity of US elections since his 2020 defeat to Democrat Joe Biden, repeatedly claiming the election was rigged. He has also promoted claims that mail-in voting is vulnerable to fraud, voting machines are insecure and non-citizen voting is widespread, despite repeated findings to the contrary by election officials and independent reviews.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-claims-china-acquire-220-million-us-voter-files-largest-data-breach-2020-polls-declassified-intelligence-1856904

Iran Eyeing Another Strait Closure? Tehran Asks Houthis To Shut Bab el-Mandeb If US Hits Power Grid: Report

Iran has asked Yemen's Houthi movement to be ready to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea, if the United States attacks Iranian power infrastructure, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing three sources familiar with the discussions. The proposal has been discussed within Iran's leadership and conveyed to the Tehran-backed Houthis, although it remains unclear whether the message was sent before or after US President Donald Trump's warning on Tuesday that Washington could target Iran's power infrastructure, the report stated, citing two senior Iranian sources and a regional source. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOYbYANGfyc?si=P2LTdI3XDskjaD6y" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2 data-start="1515" data-end="1565">Houthis Said To Be Ready To Target Shipping</h2> A source close to the Houthis told Reuters the group had completed preparations to attack commercial shipping by deploying missiles and drones near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and was awaiting orders to begin operations. The report also said representatives of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), already present in Yemen, would determine when any closure of the strategic waterway should take place. The development comes after the Houthis fired missiles at Saudi Arabia this week, accusing Riyadh of carrying out an airstrike on an airport under their control, ending a four-year truce between the two sides. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-iran-s-new-billboard-at-tehran-s-enghelab-square-showing-donald-trump-in-a-coffin-with-we-will-kill-trump-message-1856840">Trump In A Coffin, 'We Will Kill Trump': Iran's New Billboard At Tehran’s Enghelab Square</a> <h2 data-start="2191" data-end="2236">Fresh Threat To Global Energy Supplies</h2> The reported plan raises the possibility of simultaneous disruptions to the Middle East's two key oil export routes after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of conflict with Israel and the United States in late February. Since then, a significant share of Gulf oil exports has been diverted through Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu via an east-west pipeline. Any disruption at Bab el-Mandeb would threaten one of the few remaining alternative export routes and could intensify the global energy crisis. The Red Sea now carries about seven percent of global energy supplies, making it one of the few remaining alternatives for Gulf producers. Analysts warn that attacks on shipping or energy infrastructure along the route would have consequences well beyond the region. Torbjorn Soltvedt, principal Middle East analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft, said the renewed confrontation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia came at a particularly sensitive time. "If fighting intensifies and spills over into Red Sea export infrastructure and shipping, it will threaten the only major alternative route for oil exports from the region," he told Reuters. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/sonam-wangchuk-hunger-strike-updates-arvind-kejriwal-dimple-yadav-joins-cjp-protest-urges-youth-to-join-1856848">'I Salute Sonam Wangchuk': Arvind Kejriwal, Dimple Yadav Joins CJP Protest, Urges Youth To Join March</a> <h2>Saudi Arabia Monitoring Developments</h2> Regional sources told Reuters that Saudi Arabia was taking the threats seriously and believed the Houthis were coordinating closely with Tehran over the future of Red Sea shipping. Iran's leadership viewed the threat to the Red Sea as a way of increasing economic pressure on Washington by raising the potential cost to global trade and energy markets, the report said.  The closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would not require sophisticated weaponry. "Anybody with a firing rifle can interrupt the shipping. You don't have to have sophisticated missiles to interrupt the shipping," Reuters quoted its source as saying. Iran considers the Houthis part of its regional "Axis of Resistance", alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi Shi'ite armed groups. The United States has long accused Tehran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, funding and training, an allegation Iran denies

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-asks-houthis-to-prepare-red-sea-bab-el-mandeb-closure-if-us-hits-power-grid-us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-1856900

US introduces fixed-term for student, exchange visas

Washington, Jul 16 (PTI): The US on Thursday tightened the rules governing visas for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists, ending the old regime that allowed them to stay in the country indefinitely without government oversight. The new regulation establishes a fixed period of admission for nonimmigrant visa holders in F, J, and I classifications, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement here. The F category visas are for students, the J category for exchange visitors, and the I category is for journalists. Nonimmigrant students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) will be admitted for the length of their specific programme, not to exceed a maximum period of four years, the DHS said in a statement. “For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement here. Mullin said by implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the US is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within its borders. “This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home,” he said. The DHS said the decisive shift restores integrity to the nation’s immigration system, combats rampant visa abuse, and strengthens national security through regular vetting. It said a fixed period of admission is currently in place for many other types of nonimmigrant visas. Since 1978, foreign students have been admitted into the US for an unspecified period, enabling thousands to become “forever students” by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid departure. Visa holders requiring additional time to complete an academic programme must formally apply for an Extension of Stay directly through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This transitions oversight from university staff back to federal authorities and subjects applicants to biometric vetting, background checks, and fraud screenings, the DHS said. The time allowed for F-1 students to prepare for departure, transfer schools, or change status following graduation is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. The rule introduces strict limitations on academic changes. Current nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the US under the previous “duration of status” framework will transition to the new system automatically, with their authorised stay capped at a maximum of four years from the effective date of this rule. PTI SKU GRS GRS GRS(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-introduces-fixed-term-for-student-exchange-visas-1856895

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Hindus for Human Rights urge PM Modi to talk to Sonam Wangchuk

Washington, Jul 15 (PTI): An Indian diaspora group has voiced concern over the health of Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 18 days over the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET exams, and urged the government to reach out to the protestors. The Hindus for Human Rights, a US-based group, said the protesters have raised serious concerns about examination irregularities, educational governance, institutional accountability, and the consequences suffered by students when public systems fail. “The government must meet with the protesters, provide a substantive response to the examination and governance failures they have identified, and establish a credible, time-bound process for accountability,” the group said in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The government must meet the protesters now, answer the failures that brought them here, and act before indifference takes a life,” Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director, Hindus for Human Rights said in a statement. The group also appealed to Wangchuk and the fasting students to place their health and lives as a priority. “Their concerns have been heard by people across India and around the world. They should not be required to sacrifice their health to demonstrate the seriousness of their demands,” the group said. It also urged the government to send an authorised representative to meet with the fasting protesters; ensure unrestricted access to appropriate medical care; and provide a transparent public response to the allegations raised by students. The group also asked the government to establish a clear process for addressing examination and recruitment irregularities and to protect the right to peaceful protest without harassment or obstruction. PTI SKU GRS GRS(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/hindus-for-human-rights-urge-pm-modi-to-talk-to-sonam-wangchuk-1856696

Pakistan Scrambles To Contain PoK Protests, Muzaffarabad March Deferred To July 21

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has once again come under the spotlight as protests continue across several parts of the region. Demonstrations have been underway for weeks, with people taking to the streets over issues including inflation, unemployment, power outages, governance and political rights. Protesters have also raised slogans against the Pakistani government and security forces in several places, while reports of violence and clashes have emerged during the agitation. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wbL587Eyz_Y?si=Szxic3knOA91n2tD" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> At the same time, social media has linked the protests to claims that PoK is seeking to merge with India or is "about to return to India". However, these claims have not been independently verified. <h2 data-section-id="lcfo6f" data-start="1615" data-end="1648">Why Are Protests Taking Place?</h2> Protests have been reported from Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and other parts of PoK. The demonstrations initially centred on inflation, the power crisis and demands for employment, education and basic public services. Over time, the movement broadened, with protesters also questioning the policies and administrative system of the Pakistani government. Clashes were reported between protesters and security forces at several locations. Local organisations have alleged that force was used to suppress the protests, while Pakistan has maintained that the situation concerns law and order. <h2 data-section-id="1obt1xj" data-start="2244" data-end="2281">What Are The Protesters Demanding?</h2> The key demands raised by protesters include: <ul data-start="2330" data-end="2557"> <li data-section-id="gdbgom" data-start="2330" data-end="2352">Control of inflation</li> <li data-section-id="1dyfxcn" data-start="2353" data-end="2384">An end to frequent power cuts</li> <li data-section-id="14t2vwz" data-start="2385" data-end="2429">Better education and healthcare facilities</li> <li data-section-id="1cm7ki" data-start="2430" data-end="2461">More employment opportunities</li> <li data-section-id="eg9hgc" data-start="2462" data-end="2508">Stronger political rights and representation</li> <li data-section-id="avvcuz" data-start="2509" data-end="2557">Release of people arrested during the protests</li> </ul> Several local organisations, including the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have said these demands have remained unaddressed for a long time. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pojk-pakistan-rangers-loot-mosque-snatch-quran-during-protests-updates-1855933">Pakistan Rangers Loot Mosque, Snatch Quran During Protests In PoJK</a> <h2 data-section-id="1o8bro3" data-start="2707" data-end="2743">Election Protests Add To Tensions</h2> The protests have also intensified ahead of the July 27 elections. Some organisations have alleged that reserved seats and the limited participation of local people in the political process are inadequate. As a result, calls have been made to boycott the elections. During this period, election campaigns of some political parties have also faced opposition, leading to tense situations in several areas. <h2 data-section-id="1fwpiyr" data-start="3153" data-end="3191">Is The Movement About Independence?</h2> Videos from the protests have shown anti-Pakistan slogans and demands for independence in some instances. However, it would be inaccurate to describe the entire movement as being centred on a single demand. Different groups are pursuing different objectives. While some organisations are seeking administrative reforms, others are demanding greater political rights, and some have called for separation from Pakistan. In this context, describing the entire movement as a demand for a merger with India cannot be considered factually correct. <h2 data-section-id="tc2jwj" data-start="3738" data-end="3757">India's Position</h2> India has consistently maintained that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is an integral part of India. Several senior leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, have publicly reiterated that PoK is part of India and will remain so. India has also repeatedly raised concerns over the alleged use of force against protesters and human rights violations in the region. <h2 data-section-id="1gmff7t" data-start="4206" data-end="4245">Why The Protests Matter For Pakistan</h2> The continuing unrest presents a challenge for Pakistan as PoK has long witnessed political and economic discontent. The economic crisis, rising inflation, the energy shortage and dissatisfaction with the administrative system have contributed to growing public anger. While the protests reflect deepening discontent in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, claims that the entire region is about to merge with India or will soon be handed over to India are not supported by available and verifiable facts. At present, the movement remains centred on political, economic and administrative issues, and its future direction remains uncertain. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pok-protest-region-called-occupied-territory-muzaffarabad-march-july-15-eidgah-ground-1856492">PoK Protesters Call Region 'Occupied Territory' Ahead Of Muzaffarabad March</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-scrambles-to-contain-pok-protests-muzaffarabad-march-deferred-to-july-21-1856693

Ukraine War: Russian Strikes On Odesa Kill 3, Moscow Intensifies Attacks On Southern Regions

<ul> <li>Russian strikes have hit the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions in southern Ukraine</li> <li>Three people were killed in Odesa and at least four others were injured</li> <li>Officials said civilian, industrial and port infrastructure came under attack</li> <li>Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv for her 11th visit since Russia's full-scale invasion</li> <li>She said the EU would announce new steps to integrate European and Ukrainian defense industries</li> </ul> Here is a roundup of DW's coverage of developments regarding Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine on Wednesday, July 15. <hr /> <h2>Russian guided bombs kill 3 in Sumy region</h2> A Russian attack has killed at least three people and wounded 17 others in Ukraine's northern Sumy region. Regional Governor Oleh Hryhorov said Russian forces launched six guided aerial bombs during the daytime assault. One bomb struck near medical facilities, while others appeared to hit infrastructure, according to preliminary information. "Three people were killed and 17 were wounded," Hryhorov said. He said a woman and a man were among those killed. A third victim suffered such severe injuries that authorities were initially unable to determine the person's gender. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-launches-new-wave-of-airstrikes-on-iran-targets-military-assets-near-strait-of-hormuz-1856633">US Launches New Wave Of Airstrikes On Iran, Targets Military Assets</a> <hr /> <h2>Von der Leyen visits Kyiv with focus on defense ties</h2> European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv for her 11th visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Von der Leyen said she would unveil new initiatives to bring the EU and Ukrainian defense industries closer together and accelerate production. "It's a special moment," she wrote on X after arriving in the Ukrainian capital. "Ukraine has built a strong military momentum. The tide is turning." "I will announce new initiatives to integrate our defense industries. So we can produce more, and faster," she said. "We will also discuss accession and preparations for this winter." The EU is advancing accession negotiations with Kyiv, although Ukraine is not expected to complete the process before the next decade. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also due to present von der Leyen with the Order of Europe. Her spokeswoman said the award recognizes "outstanding personal merit in helping Ukraine defend its independence and the security of all of Europe." <hr /> <h2>Russian strikes on Odesa kill 3</h2> Russian forces have struck port and residential infrastructure across Ukraine's southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, killing three people and injuring at least four others. The attack on Odesa hit residential buildings, killing three people and leaving three more with moderate injuries, city military administration chief Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram. The wounded were taken to the hospital. Odesa regional Governor Oleh Kiper said Russia's "massive" combined drone and missile assault had continued for a fifth consecutive day, targeting civilian, industrial and port infrastructure. In the neighboring Mykolaiv region, a Russian drone strike on port facilities injured one man early on Wednesday, regional Governor Vitaliy Kim said. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed carrying out a combined attack on the Odesa region using air-launched precision weapons and combat drones. Moscow said it targeted fuel storage tanks and loading facilities allegedly used by the Ukrainian military at the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk, as well as a drone production site. Odesa has repeatedly come under Russian attack because of its strategic role as a major Black Sea port. Civilians have frequently been killed in strikes on the city since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-hamshahri-wanted-politicians-ali-khamenei-friedrich-merz-donald-trump-1856581">Iranian Newspaper Releases List Of 13 World Leaders 'Wanted' For Khamenei's Assassination</a> <hr /> <h2>Welcome to our coverage</h2> Thank you for joining us as we bring you the latest developments in Russia's war against Ukraine. First, let's take a look at what happened on Tuesday, when Russia launched another major attack on Kyiv, firing ballistic missiles and drones at the Ukrainian capital. Air defenses intercepted five ballistic missiles, but other weapons struck the city, damaging warehouses and a school and starting fires in at least two districts. Ukraine, meanwhile, carried out long-range drone attacks on two Russian oil refineries. One strike targeted an industrial facility in Salavat, in the republic of Bashkortostan, more than 1,400 kilometers from the front. Russian officials reported fires and smoke but said there were no casualties. At sea, Ukraine said it struck tankers and cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov, in the latest strikes on Russian commercial shipping. Moscow's Agriculture Ministry said "alternative shipping routes" were being sought. In Paris, around 500 troops from countries belonging to the "Coalition of the Willing" marched in the annual Bastille Day parade. Ukrainian troops were cheered along the Champs-Elysees, while Ukrainian and French pilots flew Mirage 2000B fighter jets overhead. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders. The display followed a summit at which Ukraine and nine partner countries announced plans to develop a shared European shield against ballistic missiles, as Kyiv seeks additional protection from intensifying Russian attacks. Ukraine also entered a period of political change after parliament approved Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko's resignation. President Zelenskyy ordered the government reshuffle, saying Ukraine needed to adjust its political strategy to meet new challenges. He had not yet named her replacement. 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.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/russian-strikes-odesa-mykolaiv-sumy-ukraine-von-der-leyen-defense-1856652