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Category: Global

  • Israel halts Gaza electricity supply ahead of new truce talks

    Israel halts Gaza electricity supply ahead of new truce talks

    Israel ordered an immediate halt to Gaza’s electricity supply Sunday in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, even as it prepared for fresh talks on the future of its truce with the Hamas.

     

    Israel’s decision comes a week after it blocked all aid supplies to the territory, a move reminiscent of the initial days of the genocide when Israel announced a “siege” on Gaza.

    Hamas described the electricity cut as “blackmail,” a term it had also used after Israel blocked the aid.

    The truce’s initial phase ended on March 1 and both sides have refrained from returning to all-out genocide, despite sporadic violence including an air strike Sunday that Israel said targeted miltants.

    Hamas has repeatedly called for an immediate start to negotiations on the ceasefire’s second phase, aiming to end the genocide permanently.

    Israel says it prefers extending phase one until mid-April, and halted aid to Gaza over the impasse.

    On Sunday it ordered a cut in the electricity supply.

    “I have just signed the order to stop supplying electricity immediately to the Gaza Strip,” Energy Minister Eli Cohen said in a video statement.

    “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after” the war, he said.

    Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, described Israel’s move as “a desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance through cheap and unacceptable blackmail tactics”.

    Just days after the genocide, led by Israel, erupted on October 7, 2023 after Hamas’s attack, Israel cut electricity to Gaza, only restoring it in mid-2024.

    The sole power line between Israel and Gaza supplies the main desalination plant, and Gazans mainly rely now on solar panels and fuel-powered generators to produce electricity.

    Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza live in tents, with night-time temperatures now forecast around 12 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit).

    Situation ‘dire’

    Hamas representatives met Egyptian mediators over the weekend, emphasising the urgent need to resume aid deliveries “without restrictions or conditions”, a Hamas statement said.

    “We call on mediators in Egypt and Qatar, as well as the guarantors in the US administration, to ensure that the (Israeli) occupation complies with the agreement… and proceeds with the second phase according to the agreed-upon terms,” spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP.

    Hamas’s key demands for the second phase include a hostage-prisoner exchange, Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, border crossings reopening and lifting the blockade, he said.

    Former United States president Joe Biden had also outlined a second phase involving the release of remaining living hostages, the withdrawal of all Israeli forces left in Gaza, and establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

    After meeting mediators, another Hamas spokesman, Abdel Latif al-Qanoua, said indicators were so far “positive”.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it would send delegates to Doha on Monday.

    The truce largely halted more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza, where virtually the entire population was displaced by Israel’s relentless military campaign in response to the October 7 attack.

    The six-week first phase led to the exchange of 25 living Israeli hostages and eight bodies for the release of about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

    It also allowed in much-needed food, shelter and medical assistance.

    After Israel cut off the aid flow, UN rights experts accused the government of “weaponising starvation”.

    At a UN distribution of flour in Jabalia, northern Gaza, Abu Mahmoud Salman, 56, said that with the territory now closed off from fresh supplies, there are “fears of renewed famine in Gaza, where the situation remains dire”.

    Fears for hostages

    Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened further destruction of Gaza if all remaining hostages were not released, issuing what he called a “last warning” to Hamas leaders.

    He also said Gazans who “hold Hostages… are DEAD!”

    The threats came after his administration confirmed it had unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, which Washington had previously refused contact with since designating it a terrorist organisation in 1997.

    The official who held the talks with Hamas, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, told CNN on Sunday that a deal could be reached “within weeks” to “get all of the prisoners out, not just the Americans”.

    Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, 58 remain in Gaza, including five Americans of which four have been confirmed dead.

    Trump has floated a widely condemned plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza, prompting Arab leaders to offer an alternative that would see reconstruction financed through a trust fund, with the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority returning to govern the Hamas-ruled territory.

    On Sunday Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that proposal was “taking shape”.

    Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, while Israel’s retaliatory genocide has killed at least 48,458 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to data from both sides.

  • Mark Carney: Canada’s next PM charts unusual path to power

    Mark Carney: Canada’s next PM charts unusual path to power

    He was born near the Arctic, led the central banks of two major economies, and is about to become Canada’s next prime minister despite never having served in parliament.

    Mark Carney’s path to the top job in Canadian politics has been unusual but, as he said when he launched his campaign to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, so are the circumstances.

    “Our times are anything but ordinary,” Carney told supporters in the Western city of Edmonton in January. 

    Carney has called the threats posed by President Donald Trump “the most serious crisis of our lifetime” and said Sunday that the United States wants “our resources, our water, our land, our country.”

    He says his experience leading the Bank of Canada through the 2008-2009 financial crisis and then heading the Bank of England after the Brexit vote there has equipped him for the moment.

    Carney won 85.9 percent of the ballots cast in the Liberal Party leadership vote and will become prime minister over the coming days.

    Unique Background

    Carney may not be prime minister for long, with a general election due soon that the opposition Conservatives are slight favorites to win, according to polls. 

    No matter how long he serves, his tenure will be unique.

    Carney will be the first Canadian prime minister with no political experience. He has never held an elected public office or served in a government cabinet. 

    He was born in Fort Smith, a small town in the Northwest Territories, where his parents were teachers, but he was raised in Edmonton, Alberta’s capital. 

    Like many Canadians, he played hockey in his youth. He studied at Harvard in the United States and Oxford in England, and the initial part of his career saw him make a fortune as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, working in New York, London, Tokyo and Toronto. 

    Carney then joined the Canadian civil service, eventually being appointed governor of the Bank of Canada by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper in 2008.

    In 2013, the government of then-British prime minister David Cameron tapped him to lead the Bank of England, making Carney the first non-Briton to lead the bank in its more than 300-year history. 

    ‘Boring’ But ‘Reassuring’

    Daniel Beland, director of the Institute for the Study of Canada at McGill University, described Carney as a “technocrat.”

    “He’s a boring guy who in general doesn’t have a lot of charisma,” Beland said. 

    But he noted that with Canada rattled by Trump’s trade chaos and attacks on its sovereignty, rigorous competence with no flash may be appealing. 

    Carney presents “the image of a reassuring guy who knows what he is talking about,” Beland said. 

    Lori Turnbull of Dalhousie University cautioned that Carney’s potential struggles to connect with the public could prove a liability. 

    “He’s not a particularly great communicator when it comes to the public,” she said. 

    “He is unusually well-equipped to deal with economic crises” but “it’s very hard to see how anybody would be successful in politics if you can’t bring people on board with you,” she told AFP.

    The Conservatives are running attack ads branding Carney as “sneaky” — an early look at how they might plan to wage the campaign against him. 

    Carney is personally wealthy, spent significant parts of his career outside of Canada, worked for US-based Goldman Sachs and was chairman at one of Canada’s largest corporations, Brookfield. 

    “The Conservatives are trying to cast him as an elite who doesn’t understand what regular people go through. And I think if he can’t communicate well, then he runs the risk of being typecast in that way,” Turnbull said. 

    Climate change, and Carney’s plans to address it, are also certain to play a key role in the campaign.

    “Carbon Tax Carney” has emerged as a favorite Tory attack line, seeking to tie Carney to a deeply unpopular Trudeau policy that saw some homes face a marginal tax to offset emissions.

    Climate has been central to the latter part of Carney’s career, but he says his focus is on investment-led solutions, like green technology, that create profit and jobs. 

    “Very much we are emphasizing the commercial aspect of it, the competitiveness aspect,” he said recently in an interview with The Rest Is Politics podcast. 

    “This is where the world is going.”

  • WATCH: Indians start digging for gold after watching Chhaava movie

    WATCH: Indians start digging for gold after watching Chhaava movie

    Multiple videos have emerged online showing a large crowd of Indian locals digging in the fields of Asirgad village in the Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh after watching the movie Chhaava.

    As per details, the movie depicts the Mughals looting gold and treasure from the Marathas and burying it near Asirgarh Fort, an area surrounded by the village.

    After watching the movie, rumours spread that gold coins had been found in the fields, prompting hundreds of Indians, including women, men, elderly people, and children, to rush to the fields. As seen in the viral videos, people brought along tools, some simple and some sophisticated, and began digging in search of treasure.


    The footage further shows that some people utilized metal detectors in the darkness of the night in search of gold in Asirgad fields. 


    In one video, a man can be heard saying, “Yaha par log sona khooj rahy hain, dekho yaha par sara ujala hi ujala kr diya hai. Is khait ma aisa kaha gaya hai kay sona nikal raha hai tu sab log auzaar la kr sonay kay sikky nikaal rahy hain. Ye dekhiye kitni public hai kitni bheer hai. (People are searching for gold. Look, the entire place is lit up. It is said that gold has been found in this field, so everyone has brought tools and is digging out gold coins. Just look at how many people are here, how big the crowd is).”


    As per details, people started digging around 7 pm on Thursday and continued until the wee hours of Friday.

    A few days ago, brass and gold coins were discovered, bearing inscriptions in Urdu and Arabic in Asirgad. This has led to speculation that they might date back to the Mughal era. Following this discovery, people began searching for more gold coins in the field, an Indian English outlet reported.

    Locals believe that Asirgad is home to a historical treasure trove. It is widely believed that in ancient times, soldiers and people used to bury their valuables in the ground. The soil removed during the construction of a four-lane road was dumped in the fields, after which some women were said to have found the coins while digging. 

    A member of the District Archaeological Association, Dr Manoj Agarwal, maintained that the entire area had been a big centre of power. Raja Asha Ahir was also the leader of the shepherds here. The British Raj, Nadir Shah, Nasir Farooqui and Akbar also dominated this place.

  • $1 trillion: Trump says he will visit Saudi Arabia for major business deal

    $1 trillion: Trump says he will visit Saudi Arabia for major business deal

    US President Donald Trump said Thursday he planned to visit Saudi Arabia, suggesting a deal for major investment from the kingdom that has become the key venue for US diplomacy with Russia and Ukraine.

    Trump, asked if he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia, confirmed his intention to visit the oil-rich Gulf nation but suggested that business was the main motive.

    “I’m going to Saudi Arabia,” Trump told reporters, without mentioning a date.

    “I said, I’ll go if you pay a trillion dollars, $1 trillion to American companies, (spreading) the purchase over a four-year period, of a trillion dollars,” he said, referring to the duration of his presidency.

    “They’ve agreed to do that, so I’m going to be going there.”

    Trump, who has yet to travel overseas since returning to the White House, made Saudi Arabia his first foreign destination after he took office in 2017.

    He said recently that he decided to visit Saudi Arabia rather than Britain on his first trip in 2017 because the Arab kingdom promised to buy $450 billion worth of US products.

    Trump has forged close business ties with Saudi Arabia, with the Trump Organization in December announcing a Trump Tower in Jeddah.

    In his last term, Trump boasted of shielding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from consequences over the killing of US-based Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with the president citing the importance of Saudi purchases of US weapons.

    Former president Joe Biden initially vowed to make the crown prince a “pariah” due to human rights but his administration later courted Saudi Arabia, including with a draft defense agreement, as it sought to encourage it to recognize Israel.

    The Trump administration has vowed to move full-speed with trying to persuade Saudi Arabia to normalize with Israel, in what would be a landmark step as the kingdom is home to Islam’s two holiest sites.

  • South Korea air force jet accidentally drops bombs, injures civilians

    South Korea air force jet accidentally drops bombs, injures civilians

    South Korea’s Air Force said Thursday that one of its fighter jets had accidentally dropped eight bombs in the wrong place during a training exercise, resulting in civilian injuries.

    “Eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were abnormally released from an Air Force KF-16 aircraft, landing outside the designated firing range,” the Air Force said.

    The incident occurred around 10:00 am (0100 GMT) in Pocheon, around 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with the nuclear-armed North.

    “We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery,” the Air Force said in a statement.

    It said it had established an accident response committee to investigate the incident, and said it would “take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages.”

    The Air Force said the military jet had been “participating in a joint live-fire exercise involving both the Air Force and Army.”

    South Korea was holding combined live-fire drills with the United States Thursday in Pocheon, the Yonhap news agency reported.

    South Korea’s National Fire Agency said that the bombs were “presumed to have fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise.”

    This resulted in “casualties and property damage, with many displaced residents,” it said, adding that four people had been seriously injured and three suffered minor injuries.

    One church building and sections of two houses were damaged, according to the statement.

    ‘Like a thunderclap’

    One local resident, who gave only his surname Park, told Yonhap that he had been at home, watching television when the accident happened.

    “I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook. When I went outside, everything was in chaos,” Park said.

    Even at a senior centre about a kilometre away, the accident was felt.

    “A sudden explosion shook the building. The windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured and taken to the hospital,” the centre’s director, surnamed Yu, told Yonhap.

    “Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt, but they were so frightened that we sent them all home,” they added.

    Joint South Korea-US “Freedom Shield” military exercises, one of the security allies’ largest annual joint exercises, are set to begin later this month.

    The two Koreas remain technically at war since the 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

    The United States stations tens of thousands of soldiers in the South, in part to protect Seoul against Pyongyang.

    In 2022, a South Korean Hyunmu-2 short-range ballistic missile accidentally crashed into a military golf course in the South’s eastern Gangwon province, after it was fired in response to a North Korean missile launch.

    The missile did not explode and no one was injured in that incident.

  • Trump warns Gaza ‘you are dead’ if hostages not freed

    Trump warns Gaza ‘you are dead’ if hostages not freed

    US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened further destruction of Gaza if all remaining hostages are not released, and issued an ultimatum to Hamas leaders to flee.

    Strongly backing Israel as a ceasefire teeters, Trump said he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” as his administration expedites billions of dollars in weapons.

    “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform after meeting freed hostages.

    “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”

    Trump also made clear there would be repercussions for Gaza as a whole, where virtually the entire population has been displaced by Israel’s relentless military campaign in response to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.

    “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

    His comments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning of “consequences that you cannot imagine” if Hamas does not hand over the remaining hostages seized in the October 7 attack.

    The first phase of a ceasefire ended over the weekend after six weeks of relative calm that included exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

    While Israel has said it wants to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on a transition to the second phase, which should lead to a permanent end to the genocide.

    Israel has ramped up pressure not just with threats but also by halting the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza.

    “Hamas has indeed suffered a severe blow, but it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet accomplished,” Israel’s new military chief Eyal Zamir warned Wednesday.

    Also on Wednesday, France, Britain and Germany jointly called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “catastrophic,” and urged Israel to ensure the “unhindered” delivery of aid.

    South Africa said Israel’s restriction of aid into Gaza amounted to using starvation as a weapon of war.

    Talks with Hamas

    Trump’s hawkish language came after the United States confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, with the US envoy on hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, discussing American hostages.

    “Look, dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president” believes is right, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

    The United States had refused direct contact with the Palestinian militants since banning them as a terrorist organization in 1997. But Leavitt said that the hostage envoy “has the authority to talk to anyone”.

    Both the White House and Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel was consulted in advance.

    Five Americans are believed to remain among the hostages — four have been confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, is believed to be alive.

    The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, most of them civilians, while the Israel-led genocide of Palestinians in Gaza has killed at least 48,440 people, also mostly civilians, data from both sides show.

    Of the 251 captives taken during Hamas’s attack, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military has confirmed are dead.

    In an interview on Wednesday night, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Hamas to take seriously Trump’s threats of retaliation.

    “He doesn’t say these things and not mean it, as folks are finding out around the world. If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it,” Rubio said.

    Doubts on Arab plan

    Trump has floated a proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its people, an idea that has drawn wide condemnation around the world.

    Arab leaders have sought support for an alternative plan that would finance Gaza’s reconstruction through a trust fund.

    A draft seen by AFP outlined a five-year roadmap with a price tag of $53 billion — roughly the amount the United Nations estimated for Gaza’s reconstruction — but the figure was not included in the summit’s final statement.

    The summit also called for unified representation under the Palestine Liberation Organization to sideline Islamist Hamas.

    Hugh Lovatt at the European Council on Foreign Relations said the Arab leaders’ plan was “far more realistic than what the Trump administration is proposing.”

    But Ghassan Khatib, a Palestinian political analyst and former Palestinian Authority minister, was skeptical.

    “It doesn’t make sense to expect Israel to drop the plan of Trump and to adopt the plan of the Arabs. There’s no chance.”

    Speaking after a UN Security Council meeting on Gaza’s future, French diplomat Jay Dharmadhikari said the final plan should neither allow Hamas to continue governing nor eject Palestinians.

    “We are clear that any plan must have no role for Hamas, must ensure Israel’s security, must not displace Palestinians from Gaza,” he said.

  • Trump, Trudeau discuss tariffs war on 50-minute call

    Trump, Trudeau discuss tariffs war on 50-minute call

    Automakers received temporary reprieve Wednesday from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico, as concerns mounted over consumer impacts and talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yielded no immediate breakthrough.

    The two leaders reportedly spoke for 50 minutes on phone, discussing fentanyl smuggling and trade.

    Following discussions with the “Big Three” US automakers — Stellantis, Ford and General Motors — Trump decided to “give a one-month exemption on any autos coming through USMCA,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, referring to the North American free trade pact.

    “They made the ask, and the president is happy to do it,” Leavitt told reporters.

    Wall Street stocks rallied after the announcement, with shares of the three automakers each surging about six percent or more.

    The American Automotive Policy Council said it applauded Trump’s move.

    But prospects of wider relief were dampened after Trump’s call with Trudeau. The US leader said he was unconvinced that Ottawa had done enough to address Washington’s concerns over smuggling of the dangerous drug fentanyl.

    Canada contributes less than one percent of fentanyl to the United States’ illicit supply, according to Canadian and US government data. But Trump has shrugged off these figures.

    On social media, Trump accused Trudeau of using the dispute to “stay in power,” but noted their discussion ended in a “somewhat” friendly manner.

    Later on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, according to a US statement.

    “Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the importance of US-Canadian relations and reiterated that the Trump Administration will continue to put Americans’ safety and national security first,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

    Trump’s sharp 25-percent tariffs on US imports from Canada and Mexico — with a lower rate for Canadian energy — kicked in Tuesday, sending global markets tumbling and straining ties between the neighbors.

    Ottawa swiftly announced retaliatory levies, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to unveil her response at a mass rally on Sunday.

    Trump has cited illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking in imposing tariffs, though he frequently lambasts alleged trade imbalances when discussing levies.

    More exemptions?

    Consumer items appear poised for US price hikes after Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

    These include products like avocados, strawberries, electronics and gasoline.

    Of the agricultural products imported from Mexico to the United States in 2023, more than 72 percent were fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as beer and other alcohol, government figures showed.

    Trump said Tuesday that tariffs would bring “a little disturbance” to the world’s biggest economy.

    Leavitt defended Trump’s remarks Wednesday as “realistic,” saying that standing up to foreign nations “requires a little bit of disruption.”

    But she added of tariffs: “The president is open to hearing about additional exemptions.”

    Earlier Wednesday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Trump was mulling market segments where he could provide temporary relief.

    Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada are a heavy blow given that the three countries have a trade pact — which the US president renegotiated in his first term.

    ‘Other trading partners’

    Sheinbaum said Wednesday that Mexico has to take key decisions for its future, adding that “if necessary, other trading partners will be sought.”

    Expressing a preference for a negotiated solution, she has said she anticipates speaking to Trump by phone on Thursday about tariffs on Mexican goods.

    She earlier vowed retaliatory action and called for supporters to gather in Mexico City’s main square on Sunday to hear details on her government’s response.

    Lutnick told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday that broader reciprocal levies, tailored to each US trading partner, were still coming on April 2.

    Trump has vowed tariffs targeting friend and foe to remedy practices deemed as unfair, slamming the European Union particularly.

    Some of these duties could come immediately, although Lutnick said others could take a month or longer.

    France’s President Emmanuel Macron called planned US tariffs on European products “incomprehensible,” adding Wednesday that he hoped to “dissuade” Trump from them.

    This week, Trump also inked an order doubling an additional tariff rate on Chinese imports from 10 percent to 20 percent, similarly over the country’s alleged role in illicit fentanyl entering the United States.

    The duties pile atop existing ones on Chinese products.

    Beijing hit back, promising 10-percent and 15-percent tariffs on a range of US agricultural imports.

    Economists warn that tariff hikes stand to bog down economic growth and add to US inflation.

  • Bodybuilder bride from Karnataka takes social media by storm

    Bodybuilder bride from Karnataka takes social media by storm

    A female bodybuilder from the Indian state of Karnataka, Chitra Purushotham, has gone viral on social media after pictures from her wedding surfaced online. The sight of a muscular bride in traditional attire has captivated netizens.

    According to media reports, Chitra Purushotham chose a saree as her bridal outfit, complemented by heavy jewellery, creating a striking contrast with her well-defined physique.

    Chitra, who has been passionate about bodybuilding for years, faced resistance from close ones because of her unconventional pursuit. However, she remained committed to her dream despite the criticism.

    Her family was once concerned about her marriage prospects, wondering who would accept a female bodybuilder as a life partner. But Chitra proved everyone wrong by marrying her longtime friend, turning their bond into a lifelong commitment.

    Her wedding has become a hot topic on social media, with users expressing amazement at seeing a bodybuilder bride for the first time.

    Many were impressed that she even struck bodybuilding poses during the wedding, staying true to her passion. While some found it unusual, most sent their best wishes to the newlyweds, celebrating their inspiring love story.

  • MrBeast denies viral misquote, calls out fake news

    MrBeast denies viral misquote, calls out fake news

    Famous YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is facing criticism over a viral claim that he said, “Life is so much easier when you’re broke.”  

    However, he has denied ever making this statement and is pushing back against misinformation.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter), MrBeast addressed the controversy, saying, “A news site lied and said I said ‘life is so much easier when you’re broke,’ which I didn’t say. Now I’m waking up to millions of people believing the lie and hating me. Being famous is so much fun.”

    The misquote spread quickly, sparking backlash. In response, MrBeast shared a video of his actual interview with Kotaku, proving the claim was false.

    “Here’s what I actually said, It’s such a shame that only a small percentage of the people who saw the slanderous article will see this. Sigh,” he wrote.

    Even after clarifying, he admitted that once false news spreads, it’s difficult to contain. So far, the news site that published the alleged misquote has not responded.

  • Muslims have iftar at Windsor Castle for the first time in 1000 years

    Muslims have iftar at Windsor Castle for the first time in 1000 years

    In a historic first, Windsor Castle, one of the most important seats of the British monarchy, has welcomed guests for an open Iftar, providing Muslims the opportunity to break their Ramadan fast within the esteemed halls of the royal residence. The gathering took place on Sunday in the magnificent St George’s Hall, where more than 350 individuals came together to participate in the meaningful event.

    For numerous attendees, the experience felt almost surreal. “The atmosphere is incredible – it hardly feels real,” one participant commented, capturing the significance of the event.

    The event at Windsor Castle was organized by the Ramadan Tent Project, a charity based in London committed to promoting community spirit through open Iftar gatherings.

    Simon Maples, the director of visitor operations at Windsor Castle, highlighted King Charles’ enduring dedication to interfaith dialogue and religious inclusion. “The King has consistently advocated for religious diversity and promotes open discussions among different faiths,” he stated.

    St George’s Hall, which is typically used for state banquets and significant royal events, hosted a unique display of unity as the call to prayer filled the space. As the moment of breaking the fast approached, guests adhered to tradition by consuming dates and offering prayers.

    For many, the experience of entering the royal residence as part of a religious observation was truly memorable. “It’s extremely generous of the Royal Family to invite us into their home,” one participant noted, while another expressed their surprise, saying, “We never imagined we would be here breaking our fast. It symbolizes how far we’ve progressed.”

    One of the attendees was a history graduate, who found the experience particularly meaningful. “I studied history at university, but I never imagined I’d be breaking my fast inside Windsor Castle. It’s an honor to identify my Muslim faith with such a significant setting.” 

    Another visitor, who was making their first visit to Windsor Castle, was equally moved: “Being here for the first time and doing so in an Islamic way—it’s just amazing.”


    The warmth and acceptance of the evening even generated an invitation from one visitor, who playfully welcomed the King to join them for Iftar anytime. “We’ve got 30 days of Ramadan—just let us know when you’re ready!” 

    Omar Salha, the founder and CEO of the Ramadan Tent Project, hailed the King’s commitment to promoting unity. “His Majesty is a remarkable ambassador for interfaith harmony, and we are deeply grateful for his support of the British Muslim community.” 

    The event was part of a larger project that hosted open Iftars across the UK, bringing people of all faiths and backgrounds together to share the spirit of Ramadan. From England to Scotland, Wales to Northern Ireland, the message was clear: Ramadan is a season of unity, and this gathering at Windsor Castle demonstrated that inclusivity in action.

    Windsor Castle, though not the official residence of the British monarchs, was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite residences. St George’s Chapel, located inside the castle, was the site of the funeral of both the Queen and her husband Prince Philip. The two are buried at the Chapel alongside a host of other Royals including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It is also the site of many important royal events, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.