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Google shuts down China backed YouTube Channels

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Google disabled 210 YouTube channels that were found behaving in a coordinated manner while uploading videos relating to the Hong Kong protests, according to Shane Huntley of the company’s security threat analysis group.

Huntley, in an online post said, “This discovery was consistent with recent observations and actions related to China announced by Facebook and Twitter.” 

Twitter on Monday (August 19), said it had suspended 936 accounts which it said were seeking to “sow political discord” in Hong Kong and “undermine the legitimacy and political positions” of the pro-democracy protesters.  

“These accounts were deliberately and specifically attempting to sow political discord in Hong Kong, including undermining the legitimacy and political positions of the protest movement on the ground,” Twitter said, referring to the active accounts it shut down.

Facebook had also removed seven pages, three groups and five accounts which, together, had around 15,5000 followers. Facebook said some of the posts from accounts it banned compared the protesters in Hong Kong with Islamic State group militants, branded them “cockroaches” and alleged they planned to kill people using slingshots.

Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city and one of the world’s most important financial hubs, is in the grip of an unprecedented political crisis that has seen millions of people take to the streets demanding greater freedoms. The protest movement, in its eleventh week, has brought the region to a standstill. According to estimates, 1.7 million people have been involved in the protests, and there have been more than 700 arrests.

China’s communist rulers have warned they may be prepared to deploy force to quell the nearly three months of unrest, and likened violent protesters to “terrorists”.

As unrest intensifies in the region, the Chinese government is seeking to sway public opinion about Hong Kong behind the scenes through online, according to Twitter and Facebook.

“We are disclosing a significant state-backed information operation focused on the situation in Hong Kong, specifically the protest movement and their calls for political change,” Twitter said.

“Based on our intensive investigations, we have reliable evidence to support that this is a coordinated state-backed operation,” Twitter added.

Twitter and Facebook are banned in China as part of the government’s so-called “Great Firewall” of censorship. Due to the bans, many of the fake accounts were accessed using “virtual private networks” that give a deceptive picture of the user’s location, Twitter said.

“However, some accounts accessed Twitter from specific unblocked IP addresses originating in mainland China,” it said.

“Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found links to individuals associated with the Chinese government,” Facebook also said.

Earlier this month, the Chinese ambassador to the UK warned other states against “interfering” in Hong Kong issue. He also attacked international media for its coverage of the protests. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Times Square shooting sparks panic in New York, one injured

A shooting in New York’s Times Square left one person injured and caused panic among tourists and commuters before police detained a suspect.

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A shooting in New York City’s Times Square caused panic among hundreds of people on Thursday after gunfire erupted in the crowded entertainment and tourist district. Authorities said one person was injured in the incident, while police quickly detained a suspect and began an investigation.

Videos shared on social media showed people running through the streets and seeking cover as the sound of gunshots echoed through the area. The incident unfolded in one of Manhattan’s busiest locations, which is usually packed with tourists, office workers and commuters.

According to officials, emergency responders reached the scene shortly after the shooting was reported. The injured person was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not immediately released details about the victim’s condition.

Police officers already deployed in the area moved swiftly to secure the location and apprehend a suspect. Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the shooting and are working to determine whether any other individuals were involved.

Initial reports suggested that the gunfire may have followed an altercation, though officials have not confirmed a motive. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are reviewing evidence and witness accounts from the scene.

The shooting drew attention because of its location in Times Square, one of New York City’s most visited landmarks. Despite the brief period of chaos, law enforcement officers were able to restore order and secure the area.

Officials have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the shooting.

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US-Iran deal text released: Strait of Hormuz reopening, $300 billion fund and no-nuclear pledge among key provisions

The newly released US-Iran agreement includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, launching a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund and advancing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.

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The memorandum of understanding sets out a roadmap for restoring maritime trade, advancing nuclear negotiations and supporting Iran’s economic recovery through a proposed reconstruction fund.

The United States has released the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, laying out the framework for ending months of conflict and opening the door to broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme and economic future. The agreement includes commitments on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a pledge from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, and the creation of a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development fund.

According to the released text, Iran has agreed to ensure the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. The US, in turn, has committed to lifting its naval blockade and refraining from imposing new sanctions during a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader and more comprehensive agreement.

Hormuz reopening central to agreement

A major component of the deal focuses on restoring maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The memorandum calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to safe commercial navigation, a move expected to ease concerns in global energy markets after months of disruption.

The agreement also outlines cooperation between both sides to reduce tensions in the region and maintain freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

Iran reiterates no-nuclear weapons commitment

The released document states that Iran has reaffirmed its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. It also provides for cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and further discussions on the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as part of upcoming negotiations.

While the MoU establishes broad principles, several key nuclear issues are expected to be addressed during the 60-day negotiation process that follows the signing of the framework agreement.

$300 billion reconstruction fund proposed

One of the most significant economic elements of the agreement is a proposed $300 billion Reconstruction and Development Fund intended to support Iran’s recovery and investment needs. US officials have said the fund would be financed by private-sector investors and international partners rather than American taxpayers.

Officials have also stressed that access to the fund and broader economic benefits would depend on Iran meeting its commitments under the agreement, including compliance with nuclear-related obligations.

Next phase of negotiations

The memorandum establishes a 60-day period for negotiations on a final agreement covering sanctions, nuclear issues and broader regional security concerns. Both countries have pledged to avoid escalation during this period while working toward a longer-term settlement.

The deal is being viewed as an important step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East, though significant negotiations remain before a permanent agreement can be reached.

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Trump announces interim Iran agreement as peace talks move forward

US President Donald Trump has announced an interim agreement with Iran that seeks to maintain the ceasefire and establish a path toward broader peace negotiations in the Middle East.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States and Iran have signed an interim agreement intended to reduce tensions and support ongoing efforts to end the conflict that has destabilised parts of the Middle East.

According to officials familiar with the development, the agreement is designed to extend the current ceasefire and establish a framework for future negotiations between the two countries. The move is being viewed as a significant diplomatic step after months of heightened regional tensions.

Agreement focuses on ceasefire and future negotiations

Officials said the arrangement is aimed at maintaining stability while both sides work toward a broader and more permanent settlement. The agreement reportedly includes provisions intended to support continued dialogue and reduce the risk of renewed hostilities.

While the development has been welcomed as a positive breakthrough, reports indicate that several key issues remain unresolved and will require further negotiations. As a result, the current understanding is being described as an interim framework rather than a final peace treaty.

Long-term settlement still under discussion

Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in the coming weeks as negotiators seek to address outstanding concerns and work toward a more comprehensive agreement.

The announcement comes amid international calls for de-escalation in the region and renewed efforts to secure lasting stability through diplomatic engagement.

Analysts say the interim agreement could provide an opportunity for both sides to pursue further talks while reducing immediate security concerns. However, the success of the initiative will largely depend on progress made during future negotiations.

As discussions continue, global attention remains focused on whether the agreement can lead to a durable settlement and contribute to broader peace and stability across the Middle East.

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