<p>Vladimir Putin is set to assume a fifth term as Russia's president after he claimed a landslide victory in the presidential elections. With over 80 per cent of the votes counted by early Monday (Mar&nbsp;18), Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.15 per cent of total votes polled. The voter turnout across Russia topped 74 per cent, according to the country's election commission.</p>

<p>An Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Qatar's capital Doha on Monday for indirect talks about a temporary truce in the war-torn Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave. The delegation is led by Mossad Director David Barnea.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the East Sea or Sea of Japan, for the first time in the last two months. The South Korean military said that the missile was fired eastward from the Korean peninsula.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong>:</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-set-to-assume-fifth-term-as-russian-president-after-landslide-victory-701270"><strong>Putin set to assume fifth term as Russian president after landslide victory</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419148-russiaelections.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a landslide victory in the country's presidential elections extending his rule till 2030.&nbsp;With more than 80 per cent of the votes counted by 1 AM (Moscow Time), Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.15 per cent of total votes polled.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-delegation-to-head-to-doha-for-temporary-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-talks-reports-701290"><strong>Israeli delegation to head to Doha for temporary Gaza ceasefire, hostage release talks: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419159-yearender-2023-50.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>An Israeli delegation is expected to head to Doha, Qatar on Monday (Mar 18) for indirect talks about a temporary truce in Gaza and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave, reported the Israeli media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-toward-sea-of-japan-as-blinken-attends-seoul-summit-701275"><strong>North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419151-korea.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Kim Jong-un's North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the East Sea or Sea of Japan, for the first time in the last two months. The timing of the launch coincided with the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;to Seoul, where he was attending a conference hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-unveils-8-bn-aid-package-for-egypt-amid-looming-concerns-over-migration-701304"><strong>EU unveils $8 bn aid package for Egypt amid looming concerns over migration</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/18/419168-cvysejsq65n6xlpyl7ckhhzlnm.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The European Union (EU) has announced an aid package of €7.4 billion ($8.06 billion) for Egypt, aiming to strengthen the country's economy and enhance cooperation to address challenges surrounding migration.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan attacks TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan: Sources</strong></p>

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Vladimir Putin is set to assume a fifth term as Russia's president after he claimed a landslide victory in the presidential elections. With over 80 per cent of the votes counted by early Monday (Mar 18), Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.

Vladimir Putin is set to assume a fifth term as Russia's president after he claimed a landslide victory in the presidential elections. With over 80 per cent of the votes counted by early Monday (Mar 18), Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.15 per cent of total votes polled. The voter turnout across Russia topped 74 per cent, according to the country's election commission. An Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Qatar's capital Doha on Monday for indirect talks about a temporary truce in the war-torn Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave. The delegation is led by Mossad Director David Barnea. In other news from around the world, North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the East Sea or Sea of Japan, for the first time in the last two months. The South Korean military said that the missile was fired eastward from the Korean peninsula. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin set to assume fifth term as Russian president after landslide victory Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a landslide victory in the country's presidential elections extending his rule till 2030. With more than 80 per cent of the votes counted by 1 AM (Moscow Time), Putin was leading the race with an estimated 87.15 per cent of total votes polled. Israeli delegation to head to Doha for temporary Gaza ceasefire, hostage release talks: Reports An Israeli delegation is expected to head to Doha, Qatar on Monday (Mar 18) for indirect talks about a temporary truce in Gaza and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave, reported the Israeli media. North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit Kim Jong-un's North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the East Sea or Sea of Japan, for the first time in the last two months. The timing of the launch coincided with the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul, where he was attending a conference hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol. EU unveils $8 bn aid package for Egypt amid looming concerns over migration The European Union (EU) has announced an aid package of €7.4 billion ($8.06 billion) for Egypt, aiming to strengthen the country's economy and enhance cooperation to address challenges surrounding migration. Watch | Pakistan attacks TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan: Sources ×

Morning brief: Putin to become Russian president for fifth term; Gaza war updates, and more

<p>Police in China's Handan have arrested three school students on suspicion of killing their 13-year-old classmate, Chinese media reported on Sunday (Mar 17). The victim, a student in Handan's Feixiang district, went missing on March 10, a report by China Daily said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On March 11, his body was discovered in a vegetable greenhouse in Zhangzhuang village, which was around 100 metres away from one of the suspect's houses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victim was allegedly being bullied in school for a long time by the three suspects. The suspects, who are also aged 13, were detained on the suspicion of intentional killing, the local police in Handan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case is being jointly investigated by Handan and the Feixiang districts.</p>

<p>A report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) said that this case refocused attention on the plight of "left-behind children," which refers to children who are living alone or with relatives while their parents work away from home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As this case involves minors, local authorities called on the public to refrain from believing or spreading rumours to protect the privacy of the victim and avoid causing harm to his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Police in China's Handan have arrested three school students on suspicion of killing their 13-year-old classmate, Chinese media reported on Sunday (Mar 17). The victim, a student in Handan's Feixiang district, went missing on March 10, a report by China Daily said.

Police in China's Handan have arrested three school students on suspicion of killing their 13-year-old classmate, Chinese media reported on Sunday (Mar 17). The victim, a student in Handan's Feixiang district, went missing on March 10, a report by China Daily said. On March 11, his body was discovered in a vegetable greenhouse in Zhangzhuang village, which was around 100 metres away from one of the suspect's houses. The victim was allegedly being bullied in school for a long time by the three suspects. The suspects, who are also aged 13, were detained on the suspicion of intentional killing, the local police in Handan said. The case is being jointly investigated by Handan and the Feixiang districts. A report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) said that this case refocused attention on the plight of "left-behind children," which refers to children who are living alone or with relatives while their parents work away from home. As this case involves minors, local authorities called on the public to refrain from believing or spreading rumours to protect the privacy of the victim and avoid causing harm to his family. (With inputs from agencies)

Police in China’s Handan arrest three boys on suspicion of killing classmate: Reports

<p>Former United States vice president Mike Pence said on Friday (Mar 15) that he would not back his former boss Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections. In an interview with Fox News, Pence said, "It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year." Pence, 64, added that he was incredibly proud of his and Trump's record in office.</p>

<p>These are Pence's first remarks since Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee. He ran against Trump for the Republican party's nomination but dropped his bid before voting began in 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-rules-attorney-fani-willis-can-stay-on-trump-election-interference-trial-700498">Judge rules attorney Fani Willis can stay on Trump election subversion trial</a></strong></p>

<p>Pence was seen as one of Trump's most loyal defenders but broke his relationship with him by refusing to go along with the 77-year-old's unconstitutional scheme to try to remain in power after losing the 2020 presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“During my presidential campaign I made it clear that there were profound differences between me and President Trump on a range of issues, and not just our difference on my Constitutional duties that I exercised on January the 6th,” he told Fox News on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I mean, as I have watched his candidacy unfold, I’ve seen him walking away from our commitment to confronting the national debt. I’ve seen him starting to shy away from a commitment to the sanctity of human life,” Pence added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump launched CIA covert operation against China: Reports</strong></p>

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<p>To take part in the Republican primary debates, Pence was required to sign a pledge saying that he would support the party’s eventual nominee. During his first debate in Milwaukee, the former vice president was among the candidates who raised their hands when asked if they would support Trump even if he were convicted in one of his four criminal indictments, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.</p>

<p>“I believe anyone that puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again,” Pence had said during his campaign launch speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his interview with Fox, the 64-year-old declined to say whom he would be voting for in the elections. “I’m going to keep my vote to myself,” Pence said, adding, "I would never vote for Joe Biden. I’m a Republican."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States vice president Mike Pence said on Friday (Mar 15) that he would not back his former boss Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections.

Former United States vice president Mike Pence said on Friday (Mar 15) that he would not back his former boss Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections. In an interview with Fox News, Pence said, "It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year." Pence, 64, added that he was incredibly proud of his and Trump's record in office. These are Pence's first remarks since Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee. He ran against Trump for the Republican party's nomination but dropped his bid before voting began in 2023. Also read | Judge rules attorney Fani Willis can stay on Trump election subversion trial Pence was seen as one of Trump's most loyal defenders but broke his relationship with him by refusing to go along with the 77-year-old's unconstitutional scheme to try to remain in power after losing the 2020 presidential elections. “During my presidential campaign I made it clear that there were profound differences between me and President Trump on a range of issues, and not just our difference on my Constitutional duties that I exercised on January the 6th,” he told Fox News on Friday. “I mean, as I have watched his candidacy unfold, I’ve seen him walking away from our commitment to confronting the national debt. I’ve seen him starting to shy away from a commitment to the sanctity of human life,” Pence added. Also watch | Donald Trump launched CIA covert operation against China: Reports × To take part in the Republican primary debates, Pence was required to sign a pledge saying that he would support the party’s eventual nominee. During his first debate in Milwaukee, the former vice president was among the candidates who raised their hands when asked if they would support Trump even if he were convicted in one of his four criminal indictments, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. “I believe anyone that puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again,” Pence had said during his campaign launch speech. In his interview with Fox, the 64-year-old declined to say whom he would be voting for in the elections. “I’m going to keep my vote to myself,” Pence said, adding, "I would never vote for Joe Biden. I’m a Republican." (With inputs from agencies)

US presidential elections 2024: Will not endorse Trump, says ex-veep Mike Pence

<p>Two snatchers in Delhi targeted a jogger at the Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri on Saturday (Mar 16). Little did they know that the person they targeted was a decorated Delhi Police encounter specialist. According to a report by the Times of India (TOI), the snatchers tried to take away the chain of encounter specialist Vinod Badola but failed in their attempt to do so.</p>

<p>The snatchers then took out a pistol, assaulted Badola and threatened to shoot him, the report&nbsp;added. After snatching the chain, they walked away. But, Badola, 48, decided to take on the criminals on his own.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-condemns-officer-kicking-namazis-incident-in-new-delhi-698313">Delhi police condemn cop 'for kicking men offering namaz’ on road</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>An officer of the Delhi Police's special cell, Badola chased the snatchers on foot and got into a fight with them. The TOI report further&nbsp;said that the 48-year-old, despite being injured, pinned one of the snatchers to the ground and disarmed him, while the other managed to flee.</p>

<p>Badola informed the police control room (PCR) and then started hunting for the second snatcher along with the police. This criminal too was apprehended. According to the police, the snatchers were identified as Gaurav and Pawan Dev.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Badola has taken part in several high-profile operations and encounters, the report added. In 2013, Badola and his team tracked down gangster Nitu Dabodia, who instilled fear among Delhi's business people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two snatchers in Delhi targeted a jogger at the Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri on Saturday (Mar 16). Little did they know that the person they targeted was a decorated Delhi Police encounter specialist.

Two snatchers in Delhi targeted a jogger at the Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri on Saturday (Mar 16). Little did they know that the person they targeted was a decorated Delhi Police encounter specialist. According to a report by the Times of India (TOI), the snatchers tried to take away the chain of encounter specialist Vinod Badola but failed in their attempt to do so. The snatchers then took out a pistol, assaulted Badola and threatened to shoot him, the report added. After snatching the chain, they walked away. But, Badola, 48, decided to take on the criminals on his own. Also read | Delhi police condemn cop 'for kicking men offering namaz’ on road An officer of the Delhi Police's special cell, Badola chased the snatchers on foot and got into a fight with them. The TOI report further said that the 48-year-old, despite being injured, pinned one of the snatchers to the ground and disarmed him, while the other managed to flee. Badola informed the police control room (PCR) and then started hunting for the second snatcher along with the police. This criminal too was apprehended. According to the police, the snatchers were identified as Gaurav and Pawan Dev. Badola has taken part in several high-profile operations and encounters, the report added. In 2013, Badola and his team tracked down gangster Nitu Dabodia, who instilled fear among Delhi's business people. (With inputs from agencies)

Snatchers in Delhi target a man, little did they know that he was a cop. And then this happened

<p>The St Patrick's weekend in the United States turned deadly after four people were killed in three separate shooting incidents. On Sunday (Mar 17), one person was killed and two others were injured during a shooting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The suspects are still at large. American media reports said that the police had shut down the beachfront bar district area and were working to identify the suspects.</p>

<p>Sergeant Tonya Tator said the police believed that multiple shooters were involved in the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Alabama's Birmingham, a 24-year-old man was killed late Saturday night. The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) found him lying unresponsive on the road suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, a report by CBS42 said. There is no one in custody in connection with the case yet, the report added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-police-say-two-people-killed-five-injured-in-shooting-701086">Washington DC: Police say two people killed, five injured in shooting</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the police said that multiple people were shot at a recreational facility early Sunday. The police said that the shooting was reported around 3:00 am near the intersection of 7th and P St., NW, near the Kennedy Recreation Center.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two people were killed, and five others were injured in the shooting, WION earlier reported.</p>

<p>"We're asking anyone who may have any information related to this incident or may have witnessed it to contact the Metropolitan Police Department," Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chicago River dyed green to celebrate St Patrick's Day</strong></p>

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<p>St Patrick's Day was celebrated with much enthusiasm in the US. In Chicago, the Chicago River was dyed green. In a tradition that dates back to 1962, the river was infused with 50 pounds of green dye, covering a quarter-mile stretch with vivid, algae-like colour.</p>

<p>The Chicago Plumbers Union had reassured that the environmentally friendly dye would not harm wildlife and would maintain its brilliant hue for approximately five hours.</p>

<p>In New York, Manhattan's Fifth Avenue turned green on Saturday as large crowds decked in festive emerald attire turned up to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Marching bands, performers, and politicians&nbsp;walked the parade route to celebrate Irish heritage, along with police and fire department officials.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, President Joe Biden hosted a St Patrick's Day brunch at the White House on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The St Patrick's weekend in the United States turned deadly after four people were killed in three separate shooting incidents. On Sunday (Mar 17), one person was killed and two others were injured during a shooting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

The St Patrick's weekend in the United States turned deadly after four people were killed in three separate shooting incidents. On Sunday (Mar 17), one person was killed and two others were injured during a shooting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The suspects are still at large. American media reports said that the police had shut down the beachfront bar district area and were working to identify the suspects. Sergeant Tonya Tator said the police believed that multiple shooters were involved in the incident. In Alabama's Birmingham, a 24-year-old man was killed late Saturday night. The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) found him lying unresponsive on the road suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, a report by CBS42 said. There is no one in custody in connection with the case yet, the report added. Also read | Washington DC: Police say two people killed, five injured in shooting Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the police said that multiple people were shot at a recreational facility early Sunday. The police said that the shooting was reported around 3:00 am near the intersection of 7th and P St., NW, near the Kennedy Recreation Center. Two people were killed, and five others were injured in the shooting, WION earlier reported. "We're asking anyone who may have any information related to this incident or may have witnessed it to contact the Metropolitan Police Department," Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll told reporters. Also watch | Chicago River dyed green to celebrate St Patrick's Day × St Patrick's Day was celebrated with much enthusiasm in the US. In Chicago, the Chicago River was dyed green. In a tradition that dates back to 1962, the river was infused with 50 pounds of green dye, covering a quarter-mile stretch with vivid, algae-like colour. The Chicago Plumbers Union had reassured that the environmentally friendly dye would not harm wildlife and would maintain its brilliant hue for approximately five hours. In New York, Manhattan's Fifth Avenue turned green on Saturday as large crowds decked in festive emerald attire turned up to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Marching bands, performers, and politicians walked the parade route to celebrate Irish heritage, along with police and fire department officials. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden hosted a St Patrick's Day brunch at the White House on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

St Patrick's weekend in US turns deadly, four killed in three separate shooting incidents

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidlPr3OjcpBGa3" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>An abnormally warm March is speeding up the blooms of cherry blossoms in Washington. A report by The Washington Post on Sunday (Mar 17) said that this weather has propelled the American state's cherry blossoms to their second-earliest peak bloom in over a century. The report said that Sunday's peak bloom at the Tidal Basin, which is two weeks earlier than normal, came sooner in observations that go back to 1921.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The peak also preceded the official start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from March 20 to April 14. In a post on X, the National Park Service (NPS) said on Sunday, "PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?! The blossoms are opening &amp; putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon."</p>

<h2><strong>What does peak bloom mean?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Cherry Blossom Watch, peak bloom is the day when NPS horticulturists judge that 70 per cent of the Yoshino blossoms are out. The Cherry Blossom Watch's website states that there are different varieties of cherry trees around and near the Tidal Basin, but the Yoshino variety is by far the most numerous and famous.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?!<br />
The blossoms are opening &amp; putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon.<br />
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸! <a href="https://t.co/h04Gu0ksc1">https://t.co/h04Gu0ksc1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CherryBlossom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CherryBlossom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BloomWatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BloomWatch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WashingtonDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WashingtonDC</a> <a href="https://t.co/ElYKjPB3UH">pic.twitter.com/ElYKjPB3UH</a></p>
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalMallNPS/status/1769454755229610218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The website adds that peak bloom is the day when the 70 per cent threshold is passed. So when it is forecast that peak bloom is expected between so and so dates, it means horticulturists expect the threshold to be crossed between that period.</p>

<p>It also doesn't mean that the flowers will be at peak bloom for the entire period.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the past data</strong></h2>

<p>As per the Washington Post report, the peak bloom was March 23 in the year 2023, March 21 in the year 2022, March 28 in the year 2021, and March 20 in the year 2020. In March this year, temperatures averaged more than 9 degrees above normal, ranking second warmest on record.</p>

<p>The mild weather drew thousands of people to the Tidal Basin on Saturday as well as Sunday as blossoms reached their peak. Almost every tree at the basin was photographed either as a selfie or portrait.</p>

<p>The report added that a favourable forecast might allow people to enjoy the blossoms for another week or so.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An abnormally warm March is speeding up the blooms of cherry blossoms in Washington. A report by The Washington Post on Sunday (Mar 17) said that this weather has propelled the American state's cherry blossoms to their second-earliest peak bloom in over a century.

An abnormally warm March is speeding up the blooms of cherry blossoms in Washington. A report by The Washington Post on Sunday (Mar 17) said that this weather has propelled the American state's cherry blossoms to their second-earliest peak bloom in over a century. The report said that Sunday's peak bloom at the Tidal Basin, which is two weeks earlier than normal, came sooner in observations that go back to 1921. The peak also preceded the official start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from March 20 to April 14. In a post on X, the National Park Service (NPS) said on Sunday, "PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?! The blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon." What does peak bloom mean? According to Cherry Blossom Watch, peak bloom is the day when NPS horticulturists judge that 70 per cent of the Yoshino blossoms are out. The Cherry Blossom Watch's website states that there are different varieties of cherry trees around and near the Tidal Basin, but the Yoshino variety is by far the most numerous and famous. PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?! The blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸! https://t.co/h04Gu0ksc1 #CherryBlossom #BloomWatch #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/ElYKjPB3UH — National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 17, 2024 × The website adds that peak bloom is the day when the 70 per cent threshold is passed. So when it is forecast that peak bloom is expected between so and so dates, it means horticulturists expect the threshold to be crossed between that period. It also doesn't mean that the flowers will be at peak bloom for the entire period. A look at the past data As per the Washington Post report, the peak bloom was March 23 in the year 2023, March 21 in the year 2022, March 28 in the year 2021, and March 20 in the year 2020. In March this year, temperatures averaged more than 9 degrees above normal, ranking second warmest on record. The mild weather drew thousands of people to the Tidal Basin on Saturday as well as Sunday as blossoms reached their peak. Almost every tree at the basin was photographed either as a selfie or portrait. The report added that a favourable forecast might allow people to enjoy the blossoms for another week or so. (With inputs from agencies)

Abnormally warm March speeds up blooms of Washington's cherry blossoms

<p>Israel on Friday (Mar 15) approved a potential assault on the city of Rafah, but&nbsp;also kept ceasefire hopes alive with plans to send another delegation to Qatar for talks on a possible hostage deal with Hamas. A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that Hamas' demands for the release of hostages remained unrealistic, but an Israeli delegation would still head to Qatar's capital Doha once the security cabinet had discussed its position.</p>

<p>The statement added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were preparing operationally and for the evacuation of the population of Rafah.&nbsp;Israel's remarks come as the first ship towing a barge loaded with aid arrived on the Gaza shore. The ship is in a test run for a new aid route by sea from Cyprus into the devastated Palestinian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ship, arranged by the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, was carrying nearly 200 tonnes of aid to be delivered via a jetty being prepared in Gaza. A second ship is expected to sail soon.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas presents new ceasefire proposal</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, Hamas presented a ceasefire proposal in Gaza to mediators and the United States (US). A report by the news agency Reuters said that the proposal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom of Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-issues-ceasefire-proposal-to-mediators-those-to-be-released-include-israeli-female-recruits-700365">Hamas presents ceasefire proposal to mediators, Netanyahu govt dismisses it as 'unrealistic'</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas said that the initial release of Israelis would include women, children, elderly, and ill hostages in exchange for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners.</p>

<p>Israel, however, said that the new Hamas position was based on "unrealistic" demands.</p>

<p>Israel's global allies have urged Netanyahu to hold off attacking Rafah, fearing mass civilian casualties. However, Israel has said that it is one of the last strongholds of Hamas whom it has pledged to eliminate, and that residents will be evacuated.</p>

<p>More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million residents are sheltering in Rafah after five months of the conflict, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel to direct Palestinians out of Rafah ahead of offensive</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>UN's warning on Israeli offensive in Rafah</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the United Nations (UN) warned that the consequences of an Israeli ground operation in Rafah would be “catastrophic."</p>

<p>"I think the consequences of a ground operation in Rafah in the current circumstances would be catastrophic for the people of Gaza, for the Palestinians. It would be catastrophic for the humanitarian situation. It would be catastrophic all around. We very much hope that all of this can be avoided," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.</p>

<p>"We understand there's negotiations are still going on and we continue to hope that we will find, that the parties will find, a way to a ceasefire and to ensure the greater humanitarian access, to ensure the release of all the hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza. And frankly, to open up a way forward for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel," Dujarric added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Friday (Mar 15) approved a potential assault on the city of Rafah, but also kept ceasefire hopes alive with plans to send another delegation to Qatar for talks on a possible hostage deal with Hamas.

Israel on Friday (Mar 15) approved a potential assault on the city of Rafah, but also kept ceasefire hopes alive with plans to send another delegation to Qatar for talks on a possible hostage deal with Hamas. A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that Hamas' demands for the release of hostages remained unrealistic, but an Israeli delegation would still head to Qatar's capital Doha once the security cabinet had discussed its position. The statement added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were preparing operationally and for the evacuation of the population of Rafah. Israel's remarks come as the first ship towing a barge loaded with aid arrived on the Gaza shore. The ship is in a test run for a new aid route by sea from Cyprus into the devastated Palestinian territory. The ship, arranged by the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, was carrying nearly 200 tonnes of aid to be delivered via a jetty being prepared in Gaza. A second ship is expected to sail soon. Hamas presents new ceasefire proposal On Friday, Hamas presented a ceasefire proposal in Gaza to mediators and the United States (US). A report by the news agency Reuters said that the proposal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom of Palestinian prisoners. Also read | Hamas presents ceasefire proposal to mediators, Netanyahu govt dismisses it as 'unrealistic' Hamas said that the initial release of Israelis would include women, children, elderly, and ill hostages in exchange for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel, however, said that the new Hamas position was based on "unrealistic" demands. Israel's global allies have urged Netanyahu to hold off attacking Rafah, fearing mass civilian casualties. However, Israel has said that it is one of the last strongholds of Hamas whom it has pledged to eliminate, and that residents will be evacuated. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million residents are sheltering in Rafah after five months of the conflict, Reuters reported. Also watch | Israel to direct Palestinians out of Rafah ahead of offensive × UN's warning on Israeli offensive in Rafah On Friday, the United Nations (UN) warned that the consequences of an Israeli ground operation in Rafah would be “catastrophic." "I think the consequences of a ground operation in Rafah in the current circumstances would be catastrophic for the people of Gaza, for the Palestinians. It would be catastrophic for the humanitarian situation. It would be catastrophic all around. We very much hope that all of this can be avoided," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. "We understand there's negotiations are still going on and we continue to hope that we will find, that the parties will find, a way to a ceasefire and to ensure the greater humanitarian access, to ensure the release of all the hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza. And frankly, to open up a way forward for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel," Dujarric added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu approves Rafah offensive plan as first ship with aid reaches Gaza shore

<p>Sam&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;should spend between 40 and 50 years in prison after being convicted for stealing $8 billion from customers of his now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange, prosecutors said on Friday.</p>

<p>In November, a jury found&nbsp;Bankman-Fried, 32, guilty on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said "thousands of everyday people" including residents of war-torn and unstable countries had entrusted their nest eggs to FTX.</p>

<p>"Even now&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;refuses to admit what he did was wrong," prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. "His life in recent years has been one of unmatched greed and hubris; of ambition and rationalization; and courting risk and gambling repeatedly with other people's money."</p>

<p>They are seeking $11 billion in forfeiture, to account for losses FTX's investors and Alameda's lenders suffered as well.</p>

<p>The former billionaire's lawyer Marc Mukasey told US&nbsp;District Judge Lewis Kaplan that a 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 year prison term would be appropriate. They said FTX clients would get most of their money back, and that&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;did not set out to steal.</p>

<p>Mark Botnick, a spokesman for&nbsp;Bankman-Fried, said Mukasey would file a response next week to prosecutors' memorandum.</p>

<p>Kaplan is scheduled to sentence&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;on March 28 in Manhattan federal court.&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;plans to appeal his conviction and sentence.</p>

<p>Bankman-Fried&nbsp;is the son of two Stanford Law School professors. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;worked on Wall Street before riding a boom in the values of digital assets such as bitcoin to a net worth Forbes magazine once estimated at $26 billion.</p>

<p>His fortune evaporated in November 2022, when FTX declared bankruptcy after a wave of customer withdrawals.</p>

<p>In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors pointed to his privileged upbringing and elite education as reasons he should face an especially harsh sentence.</p>

<p>"He knew what society deemed illegal and unethical, but disregarded that based on a pernicious megalomania guided by the defendant's own values and sense of superiority," they wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>Politicians return donations</strong></h2>

<p>At his trial, three former close associates testified that&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;directed them to loot FTX customer funds to plug losses at his Alameda Research hedge fund, while portraying himself publicly as a responsible steward in the volatile cryptocurrency market.</p>

<p>Prosecutors said&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;also used customer funds to buy luxury real estate in the Bahamas and to donate to US&nbsp;politicians who might support cryptocurrency-friendly regulations.</p>

<p>So far, 251 US&nbsp;political candidates and committees have returned to the government some $3.3 million in contributions from&nbsp;Bankman-Fried&nbsp;and other FTX executives, prosecutors said. Democratic President Joe Biden's campaign and the Republican National Committee are among those that have returned funds.</p>

<p>Bankman-Fried&nbsp;testified that he did not realize how much Alameda owed to FTX until shortly before both failed. His trial lasted one month.</p>

<p>In a letter to Kaplan,&nbsp;Bankman-Fried's parents said their son took responsibility for the errors that led to FTX's collapse, and worked hard before his arrest to help recover customers' money.</p>

<p>Bankman-Fried&nbsp;was arrested in December 2022 in the Bahamas, where FTX was based, and extradited to the US.</p>

<p>He has been jailed at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since August, when Kaplan revoked his bail after finding that he likely tampered with witnesses.</p>


Sam Bankman-Fried should spend between 40 and 50 years in prison after being convicted for stealing $8 billion from customers of his now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange, prosecutors said on Friday.

Sam Bankman-Fried should spend between 40 and 50 years in prison after being convicted for stealing $8 billion from customers of his now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange, prosecutors said on Friday. In November, a jury found Bankman-Fried, 32, guilty on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said "thousands of everyday people" including residents of war-torn and unstable countries had entrusted their nest eggs to FTX. "Even now Bankman-Fried refuses to admit what he did was wrong," prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. "His life in recent years has been one of unmatched greed and hubris; of ambition and rationalization; and courting risk and gambling repeatedly with other people's money." They are seeking $11 billion in forfeiture, to account for losses FTX's investors and Alameda's lenders suffered as well. The former billionaire's lawyer Marc Mukasey told US District Judge Lewis Kaplan that a 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 year prison term would be appropriate. They said FTX clients would get most of their money back, and that Bankman-Fried did not set out to steal. Mark Botnick, a spokesman for Bankman-Fried, said Mukasey would file a response next week to prosecutors' memorandum. Kaplan is scheduled to sentence Bankman-Fried on March 28 in Manhattan federal court. Bankman-Fried plans to appeal his conviction and sentence. Bankman-Fried is the son of two Stanford Law School professors. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bankman-Fried worked on Wall Street before riding a boom in the values of digital assets such as bitcoin to a net worth Forbes magazine once estimated at $26 billion. His fortune evaporated in November 2022, when FTX declared bankruptcy after a wave of customer withdrawals. In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors pointed to his privileged upbringing and elite education as reasons he should face an especially harsh sentence. "He knew what society deemed illegal and unethical, but disregarded that based on a pernicious megalomania guided by the defendant's own values and sense of superiority," they wrote. Politicians return donations At his trial, three former close associates testified that Bankman-Fried directed them to loot FTX customer funds to plug losses at his Alameda Research hedge fund, while portraying himself publicly as a responsible steward in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Prosecutors said Bankman-Fried also used customer funds to buy luxury real estate in the Bahamas and to donate to US politicians who might support cryptocurrency-friendly regulations. So far, 251 US political candidates and committees have returned to the government some $3.3 million in contributions from Bankman-Fried and other FTX executives, prosecutors said. Democratic President Joe Biden's campaign and the Republican National Committee are among those that have returned funds. Bankman-Fried testified that he did not realize how much Alameda owed to FTX until shortly before both failed. His trial lasted one month. In a letter to Kaplan, Bankman-Fried's parents said their son took responsibility for the errors that led to FTX's collapse, and worked hard before his arrest to help recover customers' money. Bankman-Fried was arrested in December 2022 in the Bahamas, where FTX was based, and extradited to the US. He has been jailed at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since August, when Kaplan revoked his bail after finding that he likely tampered with witnesses.

Sam Bankman-Fried deserves 40-50 years in prison for FTX fraud, prosecutors tell court

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<p>The dates of the Lok Sabha elections in India were announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (Mar 16). The elections will be held in seven phases from April 19, and the counting of votes will be on June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the run-up to the dates being announced, political parties already named their candidates for the elections. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India released two lists of candidates who will be contesting the elections. The main opposition party Congress also released two lists of candidates.</p>

<p>The ECI has been supervising all developments in the run-up to the elections and also when the elections happen and conclude. So what is the ECI, and what are its functions as India's poll body?</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look:</strong></h3>

<h2><strong>History</strong></h2>

<p>The ECI was established under the Indian Constitution on January 25, 1950. Initially, the ECI only had a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), but it currently comprises the CEC and two election commissioners. A few days back, a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new election commissioners. Kumar and Sandhu took charge of the office on Friday.</p>

<p>According to ECI's website, for the very first time, two additional commissioners were appointed on October 16, 1989, but they only had a tenure till January 1, 1990. "Later, on October 1, 1993, two additional Election Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision-making power by majority vote," the website states.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the appointment of officials</strong></h2>

<p>The President of India appoints the CEC and the election commissioners. They have a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to judges of the Supreme Court.</p>

<h2><strong>Functions of the ECI</strong></h2>

<p>The ECI is responsible for administering Union and State election processes in the country. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It determines the budget setup for polling processes. The commission also issues symbols to political parties and recognises the parties for elections at any level- national, regional, or state.&nbsp;</p>


The dates of the Lok Sabha elections in India were announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (Mar 16). The elections will be held in seven phases from April 19, and the counting of votes will be on June 4.

The dates of the Lok Sabha elections in India were announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (Mar 16). The elections will be held in seven phases from April 19, and the counting of votes will be on June 4. In the run-up to the dates being announced, political parties already named their candidates for the elections. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India released two lists of candidates who will be contesting the elections. The main opposition party Congress also released two lists of candidates. The ECI has been supervising all developments in the run-up to the elections and also when the elections happen and conclude. So what is the ECI, and what are its functions as India's poll body? Here's a look: History The ECI was established under the Indian Constitution on January 25, 1950. Initially, the ECI only had a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), but it currently comprises the CEC and two election commissioners. A few days back, a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new election commissioners. Kumar and Sandhu took charge of the office on Friday. According to ECI's website, for the very first time, two additional commissioners were appointed on October 16, 1989, but they only had a tenure till January 1, 1990. "Later, on October 1, 1993, two additional Election Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision-making power by majority vote," the website states. A look at the appointment of officials The President of India appoints the CEC and the election commissioners. They have a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to judges of the Supreme Court. Functions of the ECI The ECI is responsible for administering Union and State election processes in the country. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President. It determines the budget setup for polling processes. The commission also issues symbols to political parties and recognises the parties for elections at any level- national, regional, or state.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: What is the Election Commission of India? Details about the poll body

<p>A massive fire broke out at the Al-Ahram Studio in Egypt's Giza on Saturday (Mar 16). Al-Ahram is one of the oldest cinematography studios in the country. Citing civil protection forces, a report by the news agency Reuters said that they controlled the fire with no casualties. Several fire tenders were dispatched to extinguish the fire&nbsp;at the studio, the Giza Governorate said.</p>

<p>State media reported that the fire resulted in several people suffering from suffocation. However, the government has not issued any statement regarding the number of those affected or the nature of&nbsp;injuries.</p>

<h2><strong>Cause of fire not yet known</strong></h2>

<p>People living in neighbouring properties were evacuated as a preventive measure. The fire originated from the decorations of the "traditional area" where one of the Ramadan works was being filmed, according to the country's ministry of culture.</p>

<p>The ministry said that the affected decorations were situated on land far from the plazas, studios, and the main and historical buildings of the studio. The ministry added that it was awaiting the results of the investigations being done by public prosecution and the forensic laboratory to determine the cause of the fire.</p>

<p>The ministry has also formed a specialised committee to assess the losses and damages accurately.</p>

<h2><strong>PM visits site damaged by fire</strong></h2>

<p>The Al-Ahram Studio was founded in the 1940s and is located in Giza's Omraniya neighbourhood. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the site alongside other officials to assess the damage.</p>

<p>According to the state information service, Prime Minister Madbouly announced that each family affected by fire in the nearby buildings would be given $300 to help rent apartments until their own are repaired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A massive fire broke out at the Al-Ahram Studio in Egypt's Giza on Saturday (Mar 16). Al-Ahram is one of the oldest cinematography studios in the country. Citing civil protection forces, a report by the news agency Reuters said that they controlled the fire with no casualties.

A massive fire broke out at the Al-Ahram Studio in Egypt's Giza on Saturday (Mar 16). Al-Ahram is one of the oldest cinematography studios in the country. Citing civil protection forces, a report by the news agency Reuters said that they controlled the fire with no casualties. Several fire tenders were dispatched to extinguish the fire at the studio, the Giza Governorate said. State media reported that the fire resulted in several people suffering from suffocation. However, the government has not issued any statement regarding the number of those affected or the nature of injuries. Cause of fire not yet known People living in neighbouring properties were evacuated as a preventive measure. The fire originated from the decorations of the "traditional area" where one of the Ramadan works was being filmed, according to the country's ministry of culture. The ministry said that the affected decorations were situated on land far from the plazas, studios, and the main and historical buildings of the studio. The ministry added that it was awaiting the results of the investigations being done by public prosecution and the forensic laboratory to determine the cause of the fire. The ministry has also formed a specialised committee to assess the losses and damages accurately. PM visits site damaged by fire The Al-Ahram Studio was founded in the 1940s and is located in Giza's Omraniya neighbourhood. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the site alongside other officials to assess the damage. According to the state information service, Prime Minister Madbouly announced that each family affected by fire in the nearby buildings would be given $300 to help rent apartments until their own are repaired. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive fire breaks out at one of Egypt's oldest cinematography studios

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<p>The presidential elections in Russia entered the third&nbsp;and final day on Sunday (Mar 17) with Moscow accusing Ukraine of using air attacks to try to sabotage the polls. Citing local Russian officials, a report by the news agency Reuters said that Ukrainian forces continued their strikes on Russian regions along the Ukraine border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not address the reported attacks in his nightly video address on Saturday.</p>

<p>On Friday, the first day of the elections, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the polls with its intensified drone and missile attacks inside Russia and on Moscow-held territory in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/governor-shuts-schools-and-shopping-centers-in-belgorod-for-safety-reasons-700862">Governor of Russia’s Belgorod shuts schools and shopping centres for safety reasons</a></strong></p>

<p>More than half of the Russian voters have&nbsp;cast their votes on Friday and Saturday. The elections are expected to keep President Putin in power for another six terms.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Noon against Putin'</strong></h2>

<p>Sunday will test the strength of the country's opposition, which called for all its supporters to vote at the same time at noon, in an action called "Noon Against Putin." This initiative has been endorsed by the now-deceased Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia is ready for nuclear conflict in the Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<p>Supporters of Navalny called on people across Russia to vote at the same time at noon on Sunday in each of the country's 11 time zones. "Today we want to say to all of us - noon is the very beginning. Yes, some of us are scared. Yes, the choice is not easy. But we are the people. And we will cope with both the choice and the responsibility," the initiative wrote on Telegram on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainians forced to vote at gunpoint</strong></h2>

<p>With Russia accusing Ukraine of sabotaging the elections, Ukrainians living in territories occupied by Russian forces were allegedly being forced to vote at gunpoint.</p>

<p>A report by The Washington Post early Sunday said that heavily armed, masked Russian soldiers were accompanying election officials going from house to house and forcing Ukrainians to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yevheniia Hliebova, the head of the Novomykolaivka village military administration in Kherson, described the situation as an election at gunpoint. Hliebova, who has left the occupied region, told the publication that Ukrainians who refused to vote were threatened with repercussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


The presidential elections in Russia entered the third and final day on Sunday (Mar 17) with Moscow accusing Ukraine of using air attacks to try to sabotage the polls.

The presidential elections in Russia entered the third and final day on Sunday (Mar 17) with Moscow accusing Ukraine of using air attacks to try to sabotage the polls. Citing local Russian officials, a report by the news agency Reuters said that Ukrainian forces continued their strikes on Russian regions along the Ukraine border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not address the reported attacks in his nightly video address on Saturday. On Friday, the first day of the elections, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the polls with its intensified drone and missile attacks inside Russia and on Moscow-held territory in Ukraine. Also read | Governor of Russia’s Belgorod shuts schools and shopping centres for safety reasons More than half of the Russian voters have cast their votes on Friday and Saturday. The elections are expected to keep President Putin in power for another six terms. 'Noon against Putin' Sunday will test the strength of the country's opposition, which called for all its supporters to vote at the same time at noon, in an action called "Noon Against Putin." This initiative has been endorsed by the now-deceased Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya. Also watch | Russia is ready for nuclear conflict in the Ukraine war × Supporters of Navalny called on people across Russia to vote at the same time at noon on Sunday in each of the country's 11 time zones. "Today we want to say to all of us - noon is the very beginning. Yes, some of us are scared. Yes, the choice is not easy. But we are the people. And we will cope with both the choice and the responsibility," the initiative wrote on Telegram on Sunday. Ukrainians forced to vote at gunpoint With Russia accusing Ukraine of sabotaging the elections, Ukrainians living in territories occupied by Russian forces were allegedly being forced to vote at gunpoint. A report by The Washington Post early Sunday said that heavily armed, masked Russian soldiers were accompanying election officials going from house to house and forcing Ukrainians to vote. Yevheniia Hliebova, the head of the Novomykolaivka village military administration in Kherson, described the situation as an election at gunpoint. Hliebova, who has left the occupied region, told the publication that Ukrainians who refused to vote were threatened with repercussions. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia presidential polls 2024: Moscow accuses Ukraine of election sabotage

North Korea has unwelded a new battle tank. The state news agency claims that the country's leader Kim Jong-un even drove this new tank and the heavy armored fighting vehicle was unveiled during a training match between tank units. Watch to know more!

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches military exercises alongside his daughter

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