US lawmaker voices concern on FCRA amendments; could hit bilateral ties

<p> Washington, Aug 4 (PTI): A US lawmaker on Tuesday voiced concern over the amendments proposed by India to its laws governing foreign donations received by NGOs, trusts, educational institutions and religious organisations, and said the move could affect bilateral relations.</p><p> US Congressman Riley Moore said the amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) would permit the Indian government to takeover churches and religious charities and would amount to “clear attack against Christians”.</p><p> “Christians have been in India since St Thomas the Apostle travelled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities,” Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, said in a post on X.</p><p> “This is a clear attack against Christians. If this bill proceeds in this way, it would be a point of major concern in our bilateral relationship with India,” said Moore, a first term Congressman.</p><p> The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to empower the government to create a "Designated Authority" to take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created using foreign contributions when an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or ceases because it is not renewed.</p><p> The bill also states that in case of assets that are a place of worship, the Authority must ensure that its religious character is maintained.</p><p> The proposed legislation also reduces the maximum penalty for violation of the Act from imprisonment of five years to one year.</p><p> As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received Rs 55,741 crore of foreign contribution between 2019 and 2022. The FCRA portal indicates that, as of July 15, 2026, there are 14,449 active FCRA certificates, 22,498 cancelled and 15,212 deemed as expired. PTI SKU SCY SCY</p><p><i>(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.)</i></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-lawmaker-voices-concern-on-fcra-amendments-could-hit-bilateral-ties-1860392

US Cancels 28,000 Commercial Trucker Licences; Indian Drivers Could Be Affected

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:4f9ce0a0-18d6-4490-9302-6c01553c64f5-118" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:4f9ce0a0-18d6-4490-9302-6c01553c64f5-118" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:4f9ce0a0-18d6-4490-9302-6c01553c64f5-118" data-testid="conversation-turn-26" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-15 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="782fda4c-78c2-4d12-bfef-0ee4ac5b5749" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="1024" data-end="1300">The administration of US President Donald Trump has cancelled the commercial driver's licences (CDLs) of more than 28,000 immigrants while launching a new initiative to replace them with military veterans, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday.</p> <p data-start="1302" data-end="1470">According to a press release issued by the administration, the licences of 24,000 non-citizens who could not speak or read English proficiently have been cancelled.</p> <p data-start="1472" data-end="1640">The administration also said it worked with states to shut down 9,500 driving schools that had helped these truckers obtain licences and drive in the United States.</p> <h2 data-section-id="xn9zob" data-start="1642" data-end="1678">Indian Truckers Could Be Affected</h2> <p data-start="1680" data-end="1765">The move is expected to affect Indian immigrants working in the US trucking industry.</p> <p data-start="1767" data-end="1977">According to data from the North American Punjabi Truckers Association, cited by The Indian Express, nearly 130,000 to 150,000 truck drivers in the United States come directly from Punjab and Haryana.</p> <p data-start="1979" data-end="2135">The cancellation of licences is expected to create a shortage of nearly 30,000 truck drivers who were involved in transporting goods across the country.</p> <h2 data-section-id="xpkk50" data-start="2137" data-end="2175">Part Of Wider Immigration Crackdown</h2> <p data-start="2177" data-end="2270">The action forms part of a broader crackdown on immigrant truck drivers in the United States.</p> <p data-start="2272" data-end="2442">According to the report, enforcement intensified after an August 2025 crash in Florida in which a truck driver allegedly made an illegal U-turn, killing three people.</p> <p data-start="2444" data-end="2600">Following the incident, the US Department of Transportation began enforcing existing English-language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers.</p> <p data-start="2602" data-end="2760">US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the driver involved in the crash, who was from India, should never have been issued a commercial driver's licence.</p> <p data-start="2762" data-end="2894">Since then, 26,000 drivers have reportedly been removed from the road for failing to adequately demonstrate English proficiency.</p> <p data-start="2762" data-end="2894"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-eyes-higher-costs-for-h-1b-extensions-indian-professionals-could-be-hit-hard-1860361">Trump Eyes Higher Costs For H-1B Extensions; Indian Professionals Could Be Hit Hard</a></strong></p> <p data-start="2896" data-end="3142">The federal government has also attempted to withhold millions of dollars in highway funding from California and New York, alleging that the states failed to revoke thousands of additional licences. The matter is currently before a court.</p> <p data-start="3144" data-end="3291">Several other states, including Pennsylvania, Minnesota and North Carolina, have also been warned that they could lose federal funding.</p> <h2 data-section-id="s0byi3" data-start="3293" data-end="3335">What Is The 'Freedom Haulers' Campaign?</h2> <p data-start="3337" data-end="3495">Alongside the crackdown, the Trump administration has launched the Freedom Haulers campaign to encourage military veterans to enter the trucking industry.</p> <p data-start="3497" data-end="3719">According to the Associated Press, the initiative promotes programmes that allow veterans who have recently operated large military vehicles to skip the required skills test for obtaining a commercial driver's licence.</p> <p data-start="3721" data-end="3926">US President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A Collins and Acting Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling launched the campaign at the White House last week.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1ha1xsw" data-start="3928" data-end="3974">'Veterans Are The Right People For The Job'</h2> <p data-start="3976" data-end="4051">According to a press release issued by the US Department of Transportation, "The initiative builds on President Trump's efforts to clean up America's roadways, crack down on dangerous foreign drivers, and support American truckers."</p> <p data-start="3976" data-end="4051"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TZtBEtZEs3k?si=Bm7wu0cDMk8xkDEd" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p data-start="4215" data-end="4256">Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, "Illegal immigrants who can't speak our language have no business getting behind the wheel of a big rig. Veterans &ndash; who have already demonstrated the grit, discipline, and skills to take on this vital task &ndash; are the right people for the job."</p> <p data-start="4506" data-end="4660" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">He added that the campaign would help US military veterans obtain their commercial licences more quickly and "start making real money in record time."</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/is-pakistan-on-verge-of-govt-change-shehbaz-sharif-s-minister-makes-explosive-claims-asim-munir-1860367">Is Pakistan On Verge Of Govt Change? Shehbaz Sharif's Minister Makes Explosive Claims</a></strong></div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-cancels-28-000-commercial-trucker-licences-indian-drivers-could-be-affected-1860382

Trump Warns Iran Of 'Last Chance' Deal As Tehran Denies Any Negotiations

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations with Iran were underway, describing the current moment as Tehran&rsquo;s "last chance" to secure a favourable agreement to end the five-month-old war. Iran, however, swiftly rejected the claim, insisting that no talks with Washington were taking place or planned.</p> <p>The sharply conflicting statements from the two sides highlight the widening gap between Washington and Tehran and suggest that a diplomatic breakthrough remains unlikely in the immediate future.</p> <p>Speaking to reporters during an event in the Oval Office, Trump said discussions were already taking place. According to the U.S. president, the talks had begun at the request of Iran, as well as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, among others.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-news-live-news-update-no-plans-to-receive-us-delegation-or-send-one-to-washington-1860160">'No Plans To Receive US Delegation Or Send One To Washington': Iran Pours Cold Water On Fresh Talks</a></strong></p> <h2>Trump Repeats Call for Iran to Reach a Deal</h2> <p>"They are going on right now," Trump said when asked about the status of negotiations.</p> <p>Calling the current moment a critical opportunity, he warned that it was Iran's "last chance" to sign what he described as "a good document" that could bring the conflict to an end.</p> <p>Trump's remarks came shortly after his decision over the weekend to cancel what he said would have been "massive attacks" on Iran. He said the strikes were called off because talks were expected to take place, continuing a pattern in which he has announced major military action before later withdrawing it.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-uM_owNU4PU?si=OlZnBfu7QCQbjRFn" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h2>Iran Rejects Claims of Ongoing Negotiations</h2> <p>Earlier on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed Trump's claims, saying no negotiations with the United States were underway and that no meetings had been scheduled.</p> <p>Baghaei also said Iran had no plans to receive foreign delegations or send negotiators overseas in the coming days. He added that all Iranian negotiators remained inside the country, with the exception of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq.</p> <p>According to Baghaei, the only discussions currently taking place involved Oman and focused on the management of the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-us-war-live-no-deal-without-total-surrender-trump-claims-iranian-leadership-begged-for-talks-1860164">'No Deal Without Total Surrender': Trump Claims Iranian Leadership 'Begged' For Talks</a></strong></p> <h2>Fresh Claims Add to Diplomatic Uncertainty</h2> <p>A senior Iranian source also told Reuters that no talks with the United States were planned. The source added that Araghchi would remain unavailable at least until the end of the week.</p> <p>Later on Monday, Trump renewed his claims in a post on Truth Social, describing Iran's leadership as "unbelievably duplicitous". He said Tehran had requested a meeting and claimed that additional talks were scheduled for the "immediate future."</p> <p>The U.S. president also reiterated his assertion that the U.S. Navy had complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passed before the conflict. In the post, Trump wrote that nothing would reach Iran unless the United States allowed it and said that would remain the case until either "a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished."</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-talks-trump-warns-iran-of-last-chance-deal-tehran-says-no-negotiations-underway-1860185

US: 25 Democratic states move court against Trump's forced-labour tariffs

<p>Washington, Aug 4 (PTI): A group of 25 Democratic-ruled states has moved a US court against President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on 60 economies accounting for 99.4 per cent of American imports.</p><p>Last month, the US imposed a fresh round of tariffs ranging between 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent on these 60 countries, citing failure on the issue of forced labour, to replace the 10 per cent global levies that expired on July 24.</p><p>The 25 states moved the US Court of International Trade on Monday against the Trump administration for again implementing tariffs on several countries, contending that it will raise costs for consumers and businesses nationwide.</p><p>New York Attorney General Letitia James, Governor Kathy Hochul and the coalition of the Democratic states are asking the Court of International Trade to declare these tariffs illegal.</p><p>"After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs," James said in a statement.</p><p>India, along with 16 other countries, faces a 10-per cent tariff rate. Earlier, the US had proposed a 12.5-per cent tariff rate for India.</p><p>The reprieve followed India amending its foreign trade policy on June 14 to ban imports of goods made with forced labour.</p><p>While the administration claims to be using section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to combat forced labour in global trade, the lawsuit argues that this is a pretext for imposing the same sweeping tariffs the administration has repeatedly tried and failed to enact, the statement said.</p><p>It said the administration has violated the law by failing to follow section 301 requirements for imposing tariffs and implementing new tariffs without any clear connection to their stated goal of combatting forced-labour practices.</p><p>"No matter how the administration tries to justify it, the law and our Constitution are clear that the president does not have the power to impose sweeping tariffs on whatever countries he wants," the New York attorney general said.</p><p>"Tariffs are taxes, and the American people cannot and should not shoulder the extra costs that come from the President's failed and illegal economic policy -- no matter how much the President wants them to," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.</p><p>The lawsuit details how the tariffs are arbitrarily imposed, with little connection to the administration's stated goal of combatting forced labour.</p><p>It contends that the tariffs contain product exemptions that undermine their supposed goal.</p><p>The administration's report on its investigation identified just three products made with forced labour to justify tariffs on dozens of countries.</p><p>The lawsuit explains that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) failed to engage with testimony from countries and comments submitted during the shortened development of these tariffs, which overwhelmingly contradicted the administration's claims that the tariffs would address the harms of forced labour. PTI SKU RC</p><p><i>(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.)</i></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-25-democratic-states-move-court-against-trump-s-forced-labour-tariffs-1860183

Pakistan Blocks Al Jazeera, News Websites Amid PoK Protest Coverage: Report

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="29" data-end="225">Several local and regional digital news platforms, along with international broadcaster Al Jazeera English, have reportedly become inaccessible to users in parts of Pakistan, according to ANI.</p> <p data-start="227" data-end="413">The reported restrictions come amid heightened digital censorship following extensive coverage of the ongoing protests and alleged security crackdowns in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).</p> <h2 data-section-id="d4av43" data-start="415" data-end="459">Reports Of Digital Curbs Amid PoK Unrest</h2> <p data-start="461" data-end="774">Social media users also claimed that Al Jazeera had been blocked in Pakistan. A post purportedly issued by Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Ministry, circulating on X, alleged that the government had taken note of what it described as the Qatari broadcaster's "selective reporting" on the PoK protests.</p> <p data-start="776" data-end="942">The restrictions are reportedly aimed at platforms covering the continuing demonstrations, alleged security action, and public discontent in the region, ANI reported.</p> <p data-start="944" data-end="1263">The protests continued through Sunday (August 2), with demonstrations also reported from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Parts of PoK remain tense as constitutional assembly elections are being held in phases until August 10. More than 40 people have reportedly been killed in violence that has gripped the region since June.</p> <h2 data-section-id="12otek6" data-start="1265" data-end="1320">Pakistan I&amp;B Ministry Alleges 'Selective Reporting'</h2> <p data-start="1322" data-end="1529">A purported post by Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Ministry, widely shared on social media, accused Al Jazeera of engaging in "yellow journalism" and presenting a distorted picture of the elections. "We have taken note of Al Jazeera's selective reporting from handpicked polling stations in Muzaffarabad today. Through carefully chosen timings and scripted statements from selected individuals, the channel has sought to misrepresent the elections and voting process," the post allegedly said.</p> <p data-start="1322" data-end="1529">ABP News could not independently verify the authenticity of the post.</p> <p data-start="1896" data-end="2312">Earlier, Al Jazeera reported that Muzaffarabad "looked remarkably" like a city that had "decided not to" vote. The broadcaster also alleged that an internet shutdown lasting more than 50 days had severely hampered reporting from the region. It further claimed that markets, banks and petrol stations had remained shut across Muzaffarabad since the previous Friday, while public transport services had been suspended.</p> <p data-start="2314" data-end="2521">In July, Al Jazeera had also reported that an Islamabad judicial magistrate's court sought to block several YouTube channels following a June 2 report by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-blocks-al-jazeera-news-websites-amid-pok-protest-coverage-report-1860175

Sheikh Hasina To Attend First Public Event In India Since Ouster: When And Where Is It?

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="92" data-end="308">Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first public appearance in India exactly two years after she was ousted from power during the student-led mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024.</p> <p data-start="310" data-end="543">Hasina will participate virtually in an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi, where she is expected to speak about her future plans and her proposed return to Bangladesh.</p> <p data-start="310" data-end="543"><em><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/two-firefighting-helicopters-collide-as-greece-battles-massive-wildfires-100-homes-destroyed-watch-video-1860001">Two Firefighting Helicopters Collide As Greece Battles Massive Wildfires | VIDEO</a></strong></em></p> <h2 data-section-id="1qr1ox6" data-start="545" data-end="586">Virtual Event In New Delhi On August 5</h2> <p data-start="588" data-end="743">The programme will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road in New Delhi, according to several media reports.</p> <p data-start="745" data-end="807">The event will also be livestreamed on social media platforms.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-D7ah9E7pOo?si=HZ0D3QXIwCjFTuWf" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h2 data-section-id="17t95sp" data-start="809" data-end="857">First Public Address Since Leaving Bangladesh</h2> <p data-start="859" data-end="988">The event coincides with the second anniversary of Sheikh Hasina's removal from power, ending her 15-year rule in Bangladesh.</p> <p data-start="990" data-end="1265">On August 5, 2024, a student movement that began against the quota system evolved into a nationwide anti-government protest, ultimately forcing Hasina to step down and leave the country. Facing threats from protesters and fearing for her safety, she took refuge in India.</p> <p data-start="1267" data-end="1484">Since arriving in India, Hasina has largely stayed away from public events and formal media interactions. Her virtual address is therefore expected to mark her first significant public appearance since leaving office.</p> <h2 data-section-id="58zciz" data-start="1486" data-end="1530">Several Bangladeshi Dignitaries To Attend</h2> <p data-start="1532" data-end="1713">According to the invitation issued by FCC South Asia, several prominent Bangladeshi political leaders, diplomats and public figures are expected to participate in the programme.</p> <p data-start="1532" data-end="1713"><em><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/scuffle-erupts-at-pappu-yadav-s-press-meet-over-ram-temple-skit-knife-seen-in-video-watch-1859994">Scuffle Erupts At Pappu Yadav's Press Meet Over Ram Temple Skit; Knife Seen In Video | WATCH</a></strong></em></p> <p data-start="1715" data-end="1997" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The invitee list includes Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina's son and former ICT adviser to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nofel, and Bangladesh Human Rights Watch General Secretary Mohammad Ali Siddiqui, among others.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/two-years-after-ouster-sheikh-hasina-to-make-first-public-appearance-in-india-at-delhi-event-on-august-5-1860002

Two Firefighting Helicopters Collide As Greece Battles Massive Wildfires; 100+ Homes Destroyed | Video

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:1ea5b596-5a32-4e3e-8985-d9d30b3d6eb3-26" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:1ea5b596-5a32-4e3e-8985-d9d30b3d6eb3-26" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:1ea5b596-5a32-4e3e-8985-d9d30b3d6eb3-26" data-testid="conversation-turn-52" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="38c4ad81-0081-43b2-8a65-5b4dd51807be" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="101" data-end="470">Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a massive wildfire in Greece on Sunday, as the country grappled with rapidly spreading blazes that have already destroyed more than 100 homes northwest of Athens. Meanwhile, a fresh wildfire forced evacuations on the popular tourist island of Kefalonia, highlighting the worsening fire crisis across southern Europe.</p> <p data-start="472" data-end="628">The collision occurred during an aerial firefighting operation near Psatha in the Attica region, west of Athens, according to Greece's fire service.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔴 Two Bell 214ST firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a major forest fire in the Psatha area, west of Athens, Greece, triggering a search and rescue operation.<br /><br />✈️ Aircraft involved: One helicopter was Bell 214ST N511EV (serial 28105, built in 1982), while&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Jwd3qpLAfj">pic.twitter.com/Jwd3qpLAfj</a></p> &mdash; FL360aero (@fl360aero) <a href="https://ift.tt/7DFaUuT 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/rQNJVck" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h2 data-section-id="1ylqosv" data-start="630" data-end="681">Helicopter Collision During Firefighting Mission</h2> <p data-start="683" data-end="886">Authorities said one helicopter crew was located safely and medical teams were dispatched to the site. The second helicopter was also located, but search-and-rescue operations were launched for its crew, Reuters reported.</p> <p data-start="888" data-end="1096">A video circulating on social media appeared to show one helicopter's rotor striking another aircraft before crashing in flames. Reuters said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1oa3q0s" data-start="1098" data-end="1132">Wildfire Spreads Towards Megara</h2> <p data-start="1134" data-end="1409">Strong winds, which had fuelled the blaze near Porto Germeno on the Gulf of Corinth, later eased. However, the fire crossed a mountain ridge, reached the settlement of Veniza, and spread to a nearby military firing range, where unexploded ordnance reportedly ignited.</p> <p data-start="1411" data-end="1554">Firefighters concentrated efforts on preventing the flames from advancing towards the coastal town of Megara, home to around 30,000 people.</p> <p data-start="1556" data-end="1788">Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the scale of the crisis, saying there are times when "the force of nature and the intensity of weather conditions exceed all human planning and every operational capability."</p> <p data-start="1790" data-end="1918">Emergency evacuation alerts were issued for several settlements across western Attica, including an industrial area near Megara.</p> <p data-start="1920" data-end="2070">Residents in affected villages also joined firefighting efforts. In Agios Konstantinos, locals used water hoses to stop the flames from spreading.</p> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-D7ah9E7pOo?si=HZ0D3QXIwCjFTuWf" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p data-start="2072" data-end="2244">According to Greek daily <em data-start="2097" data-end="2109">Protothema</em>, more than 10,000 hectares of land may already have been destroyed, with authorities racing to stop the fire from reaching Megara.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1gukana" data-start="2246" data-end="2290">New Blaze Forces Evacuations In Kefalonia</h2> <p data-start="2292" data-end="2494">A separate wildfire broke out overnight in the Pastra area of Kefalonia, prompting authorities to evacuate several settlements on the Ionian island as firefighters battled to contain the flames.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1kgynnh" data-start="2496" data-end="2539">Europe Battles Worsening Wildfire Season</h2> <p data-start="2541" data-end="2742">Greece is among several European countries facing an intense wildfire season following prolonged heatwaves and below-average rainfall, conditions scientists say have been intensified by climate change.</p> <p data-start="2744" data-end="2885">Wildfires in France's Gironde and Var regions showed signs of easing over the weekend, with authorities reporting only limited flare-ups.</p> <p data-start="2887" data-end="3180">In Spain, firefighters largely brought major blazes under control, although they continued tackling fresh flare-ups in some regions. Around 800 residents evacuated from Caceres were allowed to return home, though restrictions remained in place as firefighting operations continued.</p> <h2 data-section-id="xvijrj" data-start="3182" data-end="3212">Drought Hits Central Europe</h2> <p data-start="3214" data-end="3309">The prolonged dry spell has also pushed water levels in major European rivers to historic lows.</p> <p data-start="3311" data-end="3556">In Hungary, falling water levels in the Danube forced the country's only nuclear power plant to shut down for the first time in more than four decades, while authorities imposed water-use restrictions across more than 100 towns and villages.</p> <p data-start="3558" data-end="3788" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">In neighbouring Serbia, record-low Danube water levels have reduced output at the country's largest hydropower plant to around 20% of its normal capacity, underscoring the broader impact of Europe's extreme weather crisis.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/two-firefighting-helicopters-collide-as-greece-battles-massive-wildfires-100-homes-destroyed-watch-video-1860001