Thursday, February 29, 2024

Norway gives Arctic foxes a helping hand amid climate woes February 28, 2024 at 11:56PM

Arctic foxes are being released in Norway's Hardangervidda National Park, but climate change has led to a scarcity of their traditional prey. To address this, feeding stations with dog food kibble have been set up. The captive breeding program aims to release 2,000 foxes in Scandinavia.

Russia says 'destroyed' Ukrainian commando landing in southern Ukraine February 29, 2024 at 12:05AM

Russia said Thursday it had defeated an attempted landing by Ukrainian special forces on the Tendra Spit sandbar in the Black Sea held by Russian troops, killing "up to 25" Ukrainian personnel. Ukrainian forces have managed to secure a bridgehead around the village of Krynky further to north from the attempted landing but attempts to move further have been fought off.

Erdogan's government seeks way to curb Turkey's top court February 28, 2024 at 11:04PM

Turkish president Erdogan seeks to curb the influence of Turkey's Constitutional Court after it ruled to free jailed opposition parliamentarian Can Atalay. The court's use of "individual applications" is a concern. The government is considering establishing a Turkish Human Rights Court.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Who is Oleg Orlov, jailed Russian rights activist February 28, 2024 at 02:04AM

The Norwegian Nobel Committee condemns the imprisonment of Russian human rights activist Oleg Orlov, denouncing it as a bid to silence dissent. Orlov, a prominent member of Memorial, received a 2½-year sentence for criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. International figures express alarm, highlighting concerns over shrinking space for dissent in Russia.

Paris Olympics security plans stolen from train February 28, 2024 at 01:12AM

A baggage holding a computer and two USB memory sticks containing sensitive information about the Paris Olympics' security plans was stolen from a Paris metro station on Monday, according to police. The regional transport police is investigating the matter. The bag which belonged to a Paris City Hall engineer, from a train at Gare du Nord station.

Chinese research ship departs from Maldives: Report February 28, 2024 at 12:16AM

Alexei Navalny's funeral to be held in Moscow on March 1 February 28, 2024 at 12:21AM

The funeral of Alexei Navalny, Russia's opposition leader and Putin's critic, will be held on March 1 at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in Moscow's southeast Maryino district. Supporters are urged to arrive early.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Minita Sanghvi, who could be first gay woman in NY senate, gets official Democratic nomination February 27, 2024 at 12:23AM

Indian American Minita Sanghvi secures Democratic nomination for New York’s 44th State Senate district. She is endorsed by Saratoga County Democratic Committee and Schenectady County Democratic Committee. Sanghvi is a marketing professor at Skidmore College and previously worked at Walmart. She is supported by Indian American Impact and will be the first openly gay woman in the New York Senate.

'No assembly session can be called without notifying reserved seats' February 26, 2024 at 11:08PM

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party claimed that no provincial assembly session may be called without first declaring the reserved seats, a day after Punjab and Sindh assemblies were summoned and chief ministers sworn in. Barrister Gohar Khan the head of Khan's PTI party said that new provincial assemblies should be constituted after all House members are notified.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Maryam Nawaz becomes first woman CM of Pakistan's Punjab province February 25, 2024 at 10:41PM

Maryam Nawaz, a prominent leader of the PML-N and the daughter of the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province. Maryam, aged 50 and serving as the senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, secured victory in the chief ministerial elections despite a walkout by lawmakers from Imran Khan's party-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

Australian pilot, two passengers released after brief kidnapping in Papua New Guinea February 25, 2024 at 10:43PM

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Bus Crash killed 9 African National Congress Supporters in South Africa February 25, 2024 at 12:22AM

A bus crash claimed the lives of nine supporters of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) who were returning home from an electoral rally on Sunday, said police. The incident occurred near the town of Paulpietersburg in the eastern region of the country where almost 70 individuals were on board the bus when it veered out of control and overturned, according to Road and traffic authorities.

British Indian doctor's rock band embarks on UK-wide tour February 24, 2024 at 07:10PM

A 25-year-old British Indian doctor whose passion for music resulted in a band with some of his fellow medical colleagues has embarked on his first UK-wide tour, with the launch show in London recently proving a sell-out. Gulzar (Gulz) Singh Dhanoya started the indie-rock band named Gulz during his university days as a medical student.

DLF to launch properties worth Rs 80,000 crore in 4 years to encash surge in demand February 24, 2024 at 11:02PM

DLF, the country's largest real estate firm, plans to launch properties worth nearly Rs 80,000 crore over the next 3-4 years. The surge in demand has led to a doubling of sale bookings and increased net profit for the December quarter.

Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko says he'll run for president in 2025 February 24, 2024 at 10:57PM

"Tell them (the exiled opposition) that I'll run," Lukashenko told journalists at a polling station after voting in parliamentary and local council elections.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Trial over Black transgender woman's death in rural South Carolina focuses on secret relationship February 23, 2024 at 10:59PM

Daqua Lameek Ritter is on trial for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman, to prevent exposure of their affair. The trial is the first federal trial over an alleged hate crime based on gender identity.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

'Russian forces threatened to shoot down aircraft patrolling Black Sea' February 21, 2024 at 11:18PM

Russian soldiers threatened to shoot down French flights patrolling international airspace over the Black Sea last month, signaling Moscow's "particularly aggressive" posture as its invasion of Ukraine stalled, France's defense minister said Thursday.

'Philippines watching US presidential race closely, seeks stronger ties' February 21, 2024 at 11:01PM

The Philippines closely watches the US presidential race. Security engagements against China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan have increased. The Philippines focuses on territorial defense. China-Philippines relations are strained due to territorial disputes. The United States remains committed to its alliance with the Philippines and the relationship is expanding in economic areas.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Syria says an Israeli strike that hit a Damascus residential area killed 2 people February 20, 2024 at 11:16PM

Israeli strikes hit a neighbourhood in the Syrian capital, killing two people. Missiles hit the western neighbourhood of Kfar Sousseh, damaging a 10-story building, nearby cars, an Iranian school and an empty bus. Israel has carried out numerous strikes in government-controlled parts of Syria, targeting Iran-allied militant groups like Hezbollah.

Iran dismisses plan by UN nuclear watchdog head to visit next month February 20, 2024 at 11:12PM

Iran's nuclear chief dismissed the suggestion of Rafael Grossi visiting Iran next month but invited him to attend Iran's first international nuclear energy conference in May. Grossi spoke about Iran's uranium enrichment at an elevated rate, bringing it close to weapons grade. The 2015 nuclear deal is all but disintegrated.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Israel orders new evacuations in northern Gaza, where UN says 1 in 6 children are malnourished February 19, 2024 at 10:52PM

Israel ordered evacuations from parts of Gaza City as a U.N. study found one in six children are acutely malnourished in the devastated north of the territory. The situation in Gaza is poised for an explosion in preventable child deaths due to a food crisis and the obstruction of aid groups.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Philippine troops clash with Muslim militants in a gunbattle that has left at least eight dead February 19, 2024 at 12:44AM

Palestinians accuse Israel of 'apartheid' at UN top court February 18, 2024 at 11:50PM

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al-Malki told the UN's top court Monday that his people were suffering "colonialism and apartheid" under the Israeli occupation, as judges weigh the legal conseqences of the Israeli occupation. "The Palestinians have endured colonialism and apartheid... There are those who are enraged by these words. They should be enraged by the reality we are suffering," Al-Malki said.

Dozens killed in tribal fighting in Papua New Guinea: ABC February 18, 2024 at 11:29PM

​At least 26 people were killed in tribal fighting in the northern highlands of Papua New Guinea, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) said on Monday, citing local police. The men were killed in an ambush in Enga Province, according to the Australian state broadcaster. A report by local newspaper the Post-Courier said the violence took place on Sunday and was connected to a battle between two tribes.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Alexei Navalny death: Over 400 detained in Russia as country pays tribute to Putin's fiercest foe February 18, 2024 at 12:01AM

Over 400 individuals were detained in Russia while paying their respects to opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who passed away at a remote Arctic penal colony. Navalny's sudden death at the age of 47 came as a devastating blow to many Russians who had placed their hopes for the future on President Vladimir Putin's strongest adversary.

Ukraine war matter of 'life and death' for Russia, President Putin says February 17, 2024 at 11:45PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the critical nature of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating that it could determine Moscow's fate. The Kremlin has consistently portrayed the war as a fight for Russia's survival, aiming to sustain patriotic sentiment among its population. Putin expressed the importance of understanding Russia's perspective, both for the country itself and for international listeners and viewers.

Four police hurt in riots between Eritreans in The Hague February 17, 2024 at 11:44PM

In The Hague, clashes between rival Eritrean groups injured four police officers. Police cars and a tour bus were set on fire. Tear gas was used, and several arrests were made. Witnesses and video footage are being sought.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML-N criticizes Imran Khan's PTI for seeking US intervention February 17, 2024 at 12:10AM

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has criticized imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for involving the United States in alleged election rigging on February 8. PML-N leaders Aurangzeb accused PTI of attempting to spread anarchy and advised addressing rigging complaints through legal channels, such as approaching the Election Commission and pursuing the matter in the high court and Supreme Court.

Ukraine troops withdraw from frontline city Avdiivka February 16, 2024 at 08:43PM

Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the frontline city of Avdiivka to avoid being encircled, new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Saturday, handing Russia its biggest symbolic victory following Kyiv's failed summer counter-offensive. Russia has been trying to capture Avdiivka for months. It is the most significant territorial gain for Russian forces since they seized the eastern city of Bakhmut last May.

Friday, February 16, 2024

South Korean president's office says handling of heckler within law February 16, 2024 at 12:01AM

South Korean security guards lawfully escorted a man who was disrupting President Yoon Suk Yeol's speech at a university graduation ceremony, according to the president's office. Videos shared on X showed the security detail removing the man, who seemed to be a student, from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) ceremony.

Gaza health ministry: 4 die in Israeli-raided hospital after oxygen cut February 16, 2024 at 12:04AM

Israeli forces raided a Gaza hospital, cutting off power and stopping generators. Witnesses report army snipers shooting at anyone inside. Patients in intensive care and children in the nursery are at risk. Weapons were found. Medical staff had to flee due to shelling.

Balochistan protests persist amid allegations of election rigging February 15, 2024 at 11:26PM

Protests against alleged election rigging in Balochistan continue despite the reopening of national highways after a six-day blockade. Demonstrations and sit-ins are taking place in various regions, including Quetta, the provincial capital. "Our protest will persist against the alleged rigging, but we have opened the highways to ease the difficulties faced by the people," stated a leader of a protesting party. No roads are currently blocked.

Michigan school shooter's father wants a jury from outside the community February 15, 2024 at 11:32PM

James Crumbley, the father of the Michigan school shooter, wants jurors from a different county due to widespread publicity. His wife was recently convicted. Ethan Crumbley, the 15-year-old shooter, killed four students. The trial is scheduled for March 5, and the judge will consider defense objections and a gag order on prosecutors.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Why Russia is building a 30-km-long 'tsar train' barrier February 12, 2024 at 11:15PM

Russian air attack damages Dnipro power plant, Ukraine says February 12, 2024 at 11:08PM

Russia attacked the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro with missiles and drones on Tuesday, damaging a power plant and forcing authorities to close schools and evacuate a hospital, Ukrainian officials and media said. The city of just under one million people came under attack from a missile and four groups of drones approaching from the south, east and north, Ukraine's Air Force said on the Telegram messaging app.

UK sanctions 4 Israeli settlers accused of human rights abuses in West Bank February 12, 2024 at 11:18PM

The UK government has imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. The sanctions include an asset freeze and travel and visa ban. US President Joe Biden previously imposed similar sanctions on four other settlers involved in attacks on Palestinians.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Kremlin denies its troops use Elon Musk's Starlink February 11, 2024 at 11:50PM

​ The Kremlin said on Monday that Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet system was neither certified for use in, nor officially supplied to, Russia, and therefore could not be used. Ukraine, which has used Starlink for military communications throughout its conflict with Russia, said on Sunday that Russian troops were using Starlink in parts of Ukraine they control.

UAE diplomat says 'irreversible' progress to Palestinian state needed for Gaza reconstruction February 12, 2024 at 01:55AM

The United Arab Emirates' ambassador to the United Nations said on Monday that there must be an "irreversible progression" towards a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for a regional commitment to reconstruction of Gaza. Lana Nusseibeh said there was "a very strong" Arab consensus that such progress was needed for any contributions towards reconstruction in Gaza once the devastating war between Israel and Hamas is over.

Court orders Netherlands to stop F-35 parts delivery to Israel February 12, 2024 at 12:18AM

Yemen's Houthis target cargo ship in Red Sea February 11, 2024 at 11:25PM

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Violent protests erupt in Senegal against delayed presidential elections; 3 dead February 11, 2024 at 12:25AM

President Sall has justified the election postponement by citing a dispute between parliament and the Constitutional Council over the eligibility of certain candidates. He claimed to seek a process of 'appeasement and reconciliation.' However, both the United States and the European Union have criticised the decision to delay the election.

Ukrainian military claims Russian forces using Elon Musk's Starlink February 10, 2024 at 11:35PM

Friday, February 9, 2024

Danish defence minister warns Russia could attack Nato in 3-5 yrs: Media February 09, 2024 at 12:06AM

Denmark should accelerate its military investments after fresh intelligence shows that Russia is rearming quicker than predicted and could attack a Nato country within three to five years, according to the Danish defense minister on Friday. "It cannot be ruled out that within a three- to five-year period, Russia will test Article 5 and Nato's solidarity," he said.

After months of negotiation, a rare Russian compromise as Yandex changes hands February 08, 2024 at 11:15PM

Before Moscow's invasion of Ukraine two years ago, Russia's Nasdaq-listed search engine giant Yandex was briefly worth $30 billion. This week, a consortium of domestic investors agreed a deal to buy it for $5.2 billion.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

The ruined Fukushima nuclear plant leaked radioactive water, but no one was injured February 08, 2024 at 12:33AM

A leak of highly radioactive water occurred during maintenance work at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The leak from a SARRY treatment machine resulted in 5.5 metric tonnes of water seeping into the soil. This incident follows a previous accidental leak at the ALPS treatment facility.

Azerbaijan's Ilham Aliyev appears headed to a landslide win in election called after retaking Karabakh February 07, 2024 at 11:11PM

Ilham Aliyev is expected to win reelection in Azerbaijan's presidential election. The two main opposition parties, Musavat and the People's Front of Azerbaijan, did not participate in the vote, citing concerns over democratic processes and political freedom.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Ukrainian-born Miss Japan gives up her title after an article about her affair with a married man February 06, 2024 at 12:04AM

The Ukrainian-born winner of this year's Miss Japan beauty pageant and the contest's organisers say she has renounced her title after a magazine published an article about her affair with a married man. Carolina Shiino was crowned Miss Japan on January 22, setting off public discussion on an old question about what it means to be Japanese in a country where homogeneity and conformity are still valued.