World / The Times of India
AUSTRALIA-CHINA/Australia keen to make progress on Chinese export hurdles for beef, lobsters
Japan is set to resume funding for the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), which aids Gaza, after a temporary halt. Israel's allegations of Hamas ties led to the funding pause, with Japan being one of many contributors. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa discussed governance improvements with UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in Tokyo.
Haiti faces severe gang violence, requiring 4,000-5,000 international police as per UN expert William O'Neill. Urgent action is needed to address corruption, sexual violence, and trafficking of weapons, restore security, and aid the transitional presidential council for stability.
Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, known for advancing behavioural economics with Amos Tversky, died. His work reshaped traditional economic thinking, exploring concepts like loss-aversion and cognitive biases.
UK govt officials stress importance of resolving Christian Michel's case with India amid bribery and corruption allegations, extradition from Dubai, and UN Working Group ruling on detention.
The UK government refutes claims of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seizing Rs 100 crore from 300 Khalistani bank accounts in Britain. Reports alleged a crackdown on Khalistani supporters with scrutiny on 5,000 accounts, seizing Rs 20 crore from Sikhs for Justice. UK Home Office denies these allegations, emphasizing zero tolerance for extremism.
Timekeepers worldwide are grappling with the impact of climate change on Earth's rotation, potentially delaying the need for a 'negative leap second' by three years. The delicate balance between Earth's rotation and atomic time poses challenges for global timekeeping infrastructure, with uncertainties and skepticism surrounding the introduction of a negative leap second.
King Charles III emphasized friendship and serving like Jesus in a recorded message as he skipped a traditional pre-Easter church service. Queen Camilla represented the king at the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral, where she handed out specially minted coins to individuals recognized for their public service. King Charles stresses importance of kindness 'in time of need' as he skips pre-Easter service.
Venezuelan migrants face challenges in Mexico on their journey to the US border. The Biden administration's crackdown has hit them hard. Despite risks, they continue to seek entry using the CBP One app for a chance at a better future.
China donates water from Tibetan glaciers to combat rising sea levels in the Maldives. The nation faces saltwater intrusion, relies on desalination, and plans land reclamation to combat uninhabitability due to climate change.
Houthi rebels constructing airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island. UAE's presence in Socotra triggers clashes. Sky News Arabia reports US missile defenses on Socotra. Dragon Blood tree on Socotra.
French lawmakers debate groundbreaking bill to ban hair discrimination, facing opposition but supported by President Macron's party. The law, proposed by Olivier Serva, aims to address race-based discrimination, potentially making France a global pioneer in the fight against hair discrimination.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear cautionary message regarding the possible introduction of US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets into Ukraine, affirming Russia's intent to neutralize and eliminate these aircraft, akin to its actions with other Western-provided military assets. This statement arises amid ongoing deliberations among various NATO nations regarding the provision of F-16s to Kiev and the training of Ukrainian pilots, with no deliveries having taken place thus far.
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed claims of Russia planning to attack Europe post-Ukraine as onsense, citing vast military spending differences with NATO. He suggested such notions aim to instill fear and boost funding. Moreover, he assured Eastern European nations, often seen as US allies, that they have nothing to fear from Russia in terms of a potential incursion.
Thailand's House approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, advancing to the Senate. If passed, Thailand could lead Southeast Asia in recognizing such marriages, granting LGBTQ+ couples tax benefits, inheritance rights, medical consent, and adoption rights.
Rose floats on a balsa wood door piece as Jack clings in 'Titanic.' A late rescue, 17 million gallons tank. Door sells for $718,750 at a Planet Hollywood auction for $15.7 million.
The US government approves a $1.5 billion loan to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant, set for revival by late 2025 with support from Michigan state and the Biden administration. Governor Whitmer hails it as a significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of nuclear power for clean electricity and job creation.
Former United States senator Joe Lieberman, who made waves in American politics as a Democratic vice-presidential candidate and later as an independent, has passed away at the age of 82. Joe Lieberman's family confirmed his death in New York City, citing complications from a fall as the cause.
Pakistani high court judges accuse ISI of interference, seek investigation by the Supreme Judicial Council. Allegations include abduction, torture, and surveillance to influence case outcomes, involving high-profile figures like Imran Khan.
Pakistani authorities plan DNA testing on remains of suicide bomber in Shangla district attack that killed 5 Chinese nationals and a local driver. The area is crucial for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with workers on projects like Dasu Dam. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured a prompt resolution during discussions with the Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong.
Protesters gathered in Budapest near parliament, demanding the resignation of Chief Prosecutor and Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The call for resignation came after a former government insider alleged that a senior aide to Orban attempted to interfere in a corruption case. Chanting Resign, resign, the protesters marched from the chief prosecutor's office towards parliament, many holding torches.
A rocket fired from Lebanon killed a civilian who was trapped in a building in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona Wednesday, Israeli medical organization Magen David Adom said.
Recent archaeological excavations in central Mexico's Puebla state reveal stone pyramids used by indigenous communities for ceremonies over 3,000 years ago. The site's astronomical significance for monitoring agriculture was confirmed. Despite damage, artifacts including burned ceramics were found. The main pyramid was aligned with Canopus. After abandonment, locals returned to honor ancestors. Further research is planned, with the site remaining closed to the public.
The iconic door frame from the conclusion of the film Titanic was auctioned for a staggering $718,750 by Heritage Auctions, surpassing expectations and setting a record for the auction house. The prop had been in storage for nearly two decades after being displayed at a Planet Hollywood in Orlando, Florida.
US has broken tradition by abstaining at the UN on the immediate ceasefire vote during the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to policy shifts. International community is scrutinizing the evolving US-Israel dynamics as Secretary Blinken justifies the decision. A senior Hamas officia attributed the policy shift to combination of international pressure and domestic concerns within the United States
The Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, reaffirmed the group's commitment to harsh policies towards women, including public punishment for adultery. Despite international condemnation, the Taliban continues to enforce draconian measures, citing adherence to Islamic Sharia law. Akhundzada's remarks signal a defiance against democratic values and international norms, posing a significant setback for human rights, particularly for Afghan women.
A public dispute has emerged between the judiciary and Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with the Islamabad high court calling for action against the ISI's alleged meddling in legal affairs. The high court has requested the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to hold a special session to address the reported interference. Seven Islamabad high court judges have highlighted concerns.
A United Nations panel's report highlights North Korea's ongoing cyberattacks, netting $3 billion in six years, primarily funding its weapons programs. The Lazarus Group's crypto thefts, targeting large entities, raise industry concerns. International efforts for cyberattack legislation face hurdles. South Korea intensifies security measures against North Korean cyber threats.
Japan's government on Tuesday relaxed military equipment export restrictions, the second change in less than four months, to allow future overseas sales of an advanced jet fighter it is developing with Britain and Italy. The rule change applies only to Cabinet-approved jet fighter exports and will be limited to countries - currently 15 - that have defence equipment transfer agreements with Tokyo.
Germany faces increasing Russian cyber threats ahead of elections. Hybrid warfare combines military and unconventional tactics to influence public opinion. Combatting disinformation and ensuring cybersecurity are crucial in countering these threats.
The two countries say they will raise an investment fund over the next four years to protect the Amazon rainforest. Relations between Paris and Brasilia have improved since the Lula da Silva's became president again.