India warns of dangers of 'hidden agendas' in unviable projects or unsustainable debt October 11, 2023 at 01:38AM

India has warned countries in the Indian Ocean region to be cautious of "hidden agendas" in unviable projects or unsustainable debt, in an apparent reference to China's "debt trap" diplomacy. Speaking at a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, India's External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a free and open space.

Ecuador presidential hopefuls pledge action on ports, where bananas hide cocaine October 11, 2023 at 01:07AM

Presidential candidates in Ecuador are vowing to combat drug exports by using the military to crack down on drug trafficking in the country's ports. Cocaine is often hidden in banana shipments, and authorities have also found drugs concealed in tuna, pineapples, and sugar. Both candidates in the upcoming election have promised to militarize ports and airports to tackle drug trafficking.

UN rights chief condemns Israeli 'siege' of Gaza, militants' taking of hostages' October 10, 2023 at 02:13AM

Israeli air strikes targeted residential buildings and schools in the Gaza Strip, according to the UN Human Rights chief. The UN also condemned the mass killings by Palestinian armed groups and the abduction of hostages. The Israeli military has called up 300,000 reservists and imposed a total blockade on Gaza, possibly in preparation for a ground assault. The air strikes have hit UN relief agency premises and resulted in civilian casualties.

Court rejects complaint by US reporter Gershkovich against detention in Russia October 10, 2023 at 12:54AM

A Russian court has rejected US reporter Evan Gershkovich's complaint against the extension of his pre-trial detention. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March on charges of espionage, which he denies. The court's decision means that Gershkovich will remain in detention until at least November 30. No trial date has been set. Gershkovich is the first American journalist to be detained on spy charges in Russia since the Cold War.