<p>Aides of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called on Russians on Sunday to take to streets in order to save his life. Alexei Navalny is on a hunger strike in prison and his health is understood to be deteriorating.</p>

<p>"It's time to act. We are talking not just about Navalny's freedom but his life," Leonid Volkov said on Facebook as he urged Russians to turn out Wednesday evening, hours after President Vladimir Putin is to deliver his state of the nation address.</p>

<p>He said Wednesday's rally could become a decisive battle against "absolute evil" or Russia's last opposition rally for years to come.</p>

<p>"Call on all your acquaintances and take to central squares," wrote Volkov, who heads Navalny's regional offices, adding that Wednesday's street protests should become massive.</p>

<p>"Don't think that nothing depends on us."</p>

<p><strong>Navalny can 'die any minute', say doctors</strong></p>

<p>Doctors warned on Saturday that Alexei Navalny could 'die any minute'.</p>

<p>Navalny's personal doctor Anastasia Vasilyeva and three more doctors including cardiologist Yaroslav Ashikhmin have asked prison officials to grant them immediate access.</p>

<p>"Our patient can die any minute," Ashikhmin said on Facebook on Saturday, pointing to the opposition politician's high potassium levels and saying Navalny should be moved to intensive care.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fatal arrhythmia can develop any minute."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Aides of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called on Russians on Sunday to take to streets in order to save his life. Alexei Navalny is on a hunger strike in prison and his health is understood to be deteriorating.

Aides of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called on Russians on Sunday to take to streets in order to save his life. Alexei Navalny is on a hunger strike in prison and his health is understood to be deteriorating. "It's time to act. We are talking not just about Navalny's freedom but his life," Leonid Volkov said on Facebook as he urged Russians to turn out Wednesday evening, hours after President Vladimir Putin is to deliver his state of the nation address. He said Wednesday's rally could become a decisive battle against "absolute evil" or Russia's last opposition rally for years to come. "Call on all your acquaintances and take to central squares," wrote Volkov, who heads Navalny's regional offices, adding that Wednesday's street protests should become massive. "Don't think that nothing depends on us." Navalny can 'die any minute', say doctors Doctors warned on Saturday that Alexei Navalny could 'die any minute'. Navalny's personal doctor Anastasia Vasilyeva and three more doctors including cardiologist Yaroslav Ashikhmin have asked prison officials to grant them immediate access. "Our patient can die any minute," Ashikhmin said on Facebook on Saturday, pointing to the opposition politician's high potassium levels and saying Navalny should be moved to intensive care. "Fatal arrhythmia can develop any minute." (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny aides call for protests to save his life

<p>Civil war-hit Syria will hold a presidential election on May 26, speaker of the parliament announced on Sunday. This will be Syria's second presidential election in the shadow of the war. It is being seen as likely that President Bashar Al-Assad will stay in power.</p>

<p>Hamouda Sabbagh, speaker of the parliament, said in a statement that Syrians abroad will be "able to vote at embassies". He added that prospective candidates could hand in their applications from Monday.</p>

<p>Assad, who took power following the death of his father Hafez in 2000, has not yet officially announced that he will stand for re-election.</p>

<p>He won a previous election three years into Syria's devastating civil war in 2014, with 88 percent of the vote.<br />
Under Syria's 2012 constitution, a president may only serve two seven-year terms -- with the exception of the president elected in the 2014 poll.</p>

<p>Candidates contesting upcoming elections must have continuously lived in Syria for at least 10 years. This means that opposition figures in exile are barred from standing.</p>

<p>Candidates must also have the backing of at least 35 members of the parliament, which is dominated by Assad's Baath party.</p>

<p>Elections this time have come after Russian-backed Syrian government forces recaptured vital northern city of Aleppo and other areas. This has placed the government in control of two-thirds of the country.</p>

<p>But the poll also comes amid a crushing economic crisis.</p>

<p>The decade-long civil war has left at least 388,000 people dead and half of the population displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Civil war-hit Syria will hold a presidential election on May 26, speaker of the parliament announced on Sunday. This will be Syria's second presidential election in the shadow of the war.

Civil war-hit Syria will hold a presidential election on May 26, speaker of the parliament announced on Sunday. This will be Syria's second presidential election in the shadow of the war. It is being seen as likely that President Bashar Al-Assad will stay in power. Hamouda Sabbagh, speaker of the parliament, said in a statement that Syrians abroad will be "able to vote at embassies". He added that prospective candidates could hand in their applications from Monday. Assad, who took power following the death of his father Hafez in 2000, has not yet officially announced that he will stand for re-election. He won a previous election three years into Syria's devastating civil war in 2014, with 88 percent of the vote. Under Syria's 2012 constitution, a president may only serve two seven-year terms -- with the exception of the president elected in the 2014 poll. Candidates contesting upcoming elections must have continuously lived in Syria for at least 10 years. This means that opposition figures in exile are barred from standing. Candidates must also have the backing of at least 35 members of the parliament, which is dominated by Assad's Baath party. Elections this time have come after Russian-backed Syrian government forces recaptured vital northern city of Aleppo and other areas. This has placed the government in control of two-thirds of the country. But the poll also comes amid a crushing economic crisis. The decade-long civil war has left at least 388,000 people dead and half of the population displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria to hold presidential election on May 26, says parliament speaker

<p>We just have one planet. We may advance our know-how and dream of moving en-masse to other planets but no planet in the universe will nurture us like Mother Earth. And it is because of this, images of Earth taken from space have a special place. Sure, we'll have plenty of stars, planets and galaxies to click. But images of our blue planet will always be cherished. NASA has posted new images of Earth.</p>

<p>These new images have been captured from International Space Station (ISS). NASA has posted these images from their Instagram account.</p>

<p>The new images are in celebration of Earth Day, which is fast approaching (April 22).</p>

<p>"...Leading up to Earth Day, we invite you to celebrate our blue marble!..." says NASA in its Instagram post. The 'blue marble' is of course our Earth.</p>

<p>"In these stunning images, the natural systems – land, water, air, ice – connect to each other to bring life. No matter whether we are on land or in space, we are unified by this tiny blue planet – and that’s something to celebrate..." NASA said</p>

<p>It has posted four photos in total. Check them out below. Click on the arrows to see the next image in the frame below.</p>

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<p>In this universe, our gaze may be deep and wide. We may have the capacity to uncover deepest mysteries of the universe. But sometimes, once in a while, it doesn't hurt to look back and appreciate the planet that has let our roots grow strong.</p>


We just have one planet. We may advance our know-how and dream of moving en-masse to other planets but no planet in the universe will nurture us like Mother Earth.

We just have one planet. We may advance our know-how and dream of moving en-masse to other planets but no planet in the universe will nurture us like Mother Earth. And it is because of this, images of Earth taken from space have a special place. Sure, we'll have plenty of stars, planets and galaxies to click. But images of our blue planet will always be cherished. NASA has posted new images of Earth. These new images have been captured from International Space Station (ISS). NASA has posted these images from their Instagram account. The new images are in celebration of Earth Day, which is fast approaching (April 22). "...Leading up to Earth Day, we invite you to celebrate our blue marble!..." says NASA in its Instagram post. The 'blue marble' is of course our Earth. "In these stunning images, the natural systems – land, water, air, ice – connect to each other to bring life. No matter whether we are on land or in space, we are unified by this tiny blue planet – and that’s something to celebrate..." NASA said It has posted four photos in total. Check them out below. Click on the arrows to see the next image in the frame below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × In this universe, our gaze may be deep and wide. We may have the capacity to uncover deepest mysteries of the universe. But sometimes, once in a while, it doesn't hurt to look back and appreciate the planet that has let our roots grow strong.

NASA posts stunning new photos of Earth captured from International Space Station

<p>Authorities in Philippines said on Saturday that they had seized 200 tonnes of illegally harvested giant clamshells. The shells are worth USD 24.8 million. This is one of the biggest known operations of its kind in the country.</p>

<p>The coastguard said four suspects were arrested on the remote Green Island in the Sulu Sea that turned up the largest ever giant clamshell haul by law enforcers in the area.</p>

<p>"Taking the giant clams from their natural habitat is a form of inter-generational crime," Jovic Fabello, spokesman for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development told AFP.</p>

<p>"It will permanently affect the marine ecosystem and future generations will be deprived of the benefits accruing from it," he added.</p>

<p>He said the seized shells included those of the Tridacna gigas, the world's largest clam.</p>

<p>Growing up to 1.3 metres (4.5 feet) wide and weighing up to 250 kilogrammes (550 pounds), these host marine algae which are a basic food source for many of the fish species consumed by humans.</p>

<p>Conservationists say giant clam shells are used as an alternative material for products ranging from earrings to chandeliers as ivory becomes scarce.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Authorities in Philippines said on Saturday that they had seized 200 tonnes of illegally harvested giant clamshells. The shells are worth USD 24.8 million. This is one of the biggest known operations of its kind in the country.

Authorities in Philippines said on Saturday that they had seized 200 tonnes of illegally harvested giant clamshells. The shells are worth USD 24.8 million. This is one of the biggest known operations of its kind in the country. The coastguard said four suspects were arrested on the remote Green Island in the Sulu Sea that turned up the largest ever giant clamshell haul by law enforcers in the area. "Taking the giant clams from their natural habitat is a form of inter-generational crime," Jovic Fabello, spokesman for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development told AFP. "It will permanently affect the marine ecosystem and future generations will be deprived of the benefits accruing from it," he added. He said the seized shells included those of the Tridacna gigas, the world's largest clam. Growing up to 1.3 metres (4.5 feet) wide and weighing up to 250 kilogrammes (550 pounds), these host marine algae which are a basic food source for many of the fish species consumed by humans. Conservationists say giant clam shells are used as an alternative material for products ranging from earrings to chandeliers as ivory becomes scarce. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines: Giant clamshells worth USD 25 million seized in raid

<p>Hospitals in DR Congo's troubled North Kivu province have been overwhelmed by people wounded by weapons after violent protests over the UN's perceived failure to stem civilian massacres, the international Red Cross said Saturday.</p>

<p>Anger at the country's UN mission has built up over persistent deadly massacres by a local armed group, leading to protests -- and even a general strike -- since April 5 in which around 10 people have died.</p>

<p>More than 120 wounded people were being treated at hospitals in the North Kivu capital Goma and in the city of Beni with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross, it said in a statement.</p>

<p>As of April 14, medical teams in Beni were treating 51 people wounded by weapons, including "nine new cases linked to the recent demonstrations," it said.</p>

<p>"Currently we have reached our limit in terms of reception capacity" in Beni, which has 43 beds, and the 74 beds in Goma's hospitals were nearly full, Red Cross spokesman Kelnor Panglungtshang said.</p>

<p>"Teams have been deployed for more than a week to respond to this influx," he said.<br />
He added that the numbers had soared following the violence in several parts of North Kivu since the start of the week.</p>

<p>The demonstrations -- as well as a general strike in numerous cities including Beni, Goma and Butembo -- were called by activist groups and citizen movements to condemn the alleged inaction of UN mission MONUSCO in the face of repeated civilian massacres in the Beni region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the violence, earlier this week the provincial governor banned all protests in North Kivu.</p>

<p>Doctors Without Borders said that it had taken in "17 patients, the majority of them trauma cases" following clashes between armed groups in the Masisi territory on April 9 and 10.</p>

<p>Beni has seen more than 6,000 people, primarily civilians, killed since 2013, according to a recent tally by the Catholic Church.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities blame the massacres on an armed group, the Allied Democratic Forces, that the United States recently classified as a "terrorist" organisation affiliated with the Islamic State.</p>


Hospitals in DR Congo's troubled North Kivu province have been overwhelmed by people wounded by weapons after violent protests over the UN's perceived failure to stem civilian massacres, the international Red Cross said Saturday.

Hospitals in DR Congo's troubled North Kivu province have been overwhelmed by people wounded by weapons after violent protests over the UN's perceived failure to stem civilian massacres, the international Red Cross said Saturday. Anger at the country's UN mission has built up over persistent deadly massacres by a local armed group, leading to protests -- and even a general strike -- since April 5 in which around 10 people have died. More than 120 wounded people were being treated at hospitals in the North Kivu capital Goma and in the city of Beni with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross, it said in a statement. As of April 14, medical teams in Beni were treating 51 people wounded by weapons, including "nine new cases linked to the recent demonstrations," it said. "Currently we have reached our limit in terms of reception capacity" in Beni, which has 43 beds, and the 74 beds in Goma's hospitals were nearly full, Red Cross spokesman Kelnor Panglungtshang said. "Teams have been deployed for more than a week to respond to this influx," he said. He added that the numbers had soared following the violence in several parts of North Kivu since the start of the week. The demonstrations -- as well as a general strike in numerous cities including Beni, Goma and Butembo -- were called by activist groups and citizen movements to condemn the alleged inaction of UN mission MONUSCO in the face of repeated civilian massacres in the Beni region. In response to the violence, earlier this week the provincial governor banned all protests in North Kivu. Doctors Without Borders said that it had taken in "17 patients, the majority of them trauma cases" following clashes between armed groups in the Masisi territory on April 9 and 10. Beni has seen more than 6,000 people, primarily civilians, killed since 2013, according to a recent tally by the Catholic Church. Authorities blame the massacres on an armed group, the Allied Democratic Forces, that the United States recently classified as a "terrorist" organisation affiliated with the Islamic State.

Wounded from anti-UN protests flood DR Congo hospitals

<p>The Czech government said it will expel 18 Russian that have been identified as secret agent of Russian intelligence service SVR and GRU.</p>

<p>"Eighteen employees of the Russian embassy must leave our republic within 48 hours," Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek told reporters.</p>

<p>Czexh PM Andrej Babis said that authorities had "clear evidence"</p>

<p>"We have good reason to suspect the involvement of GRU officers from unit 29155 in the explosion at the ammunition warehouse in Vrbetice" in the east of the country, Babis said.</p>

<p>He added he had received the information on Friday, without explaining why it had taken so long.</p>

<p>"The explosion led to huge material damage and posed a serious threat to the lives of many local people, but above all it killed two of our fellow citizens, fathers of families," Babis said.</p>

<p>Hamacek, who is the interior minister and also an interim foreign minister after his predecessor was sacked earlier this week, said he was sorry the incident would "fundamentally damage Czech-Russian relations".</p>

<p>"We are in a situation similar to that in Britain following the attempted poisoning in Salisbury in 2018," he said, referring to the case of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal who survived a nerve agent poisoning in Britain.</p>

<p>Russia denied involvement but some 300 diplomats were sent home in subsequent tit-for-tat expulsions.<br />
Hamacek said he had summoned Russian ambassador Alexander Zmeyevsky on Saturday evening to tell him about the decision.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</em></p>


The Czech government said it will expel 18 Russian that have been identified as secret agent of Russian intelligence service SVR and GRU. "Eighteen employees of the Russian embassy must leave our republic within 48 hours," Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek told reporters.

The Czech government said it will expel 18 Russian that have been identified as secret agent of Russian intelligence service SVR and GRU. "Eighteen employees of the Russian embassy must leave our republic within 48 hours," Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek told reporters. Czexh PM Andrej Babis said that authorities had "clear evidence" "We have good reason to suspect the involvement of GRU officers from unit 29155 in the explosion at the ammunition warehouse in Vrbetice" in the east of the country, Babis said. He added he had received the information on Friday, without explaining why it had taken so long. "The explosion led to huge material damage and posed a serious threat to the lives of many local people, but above all it killed two of our fellow citizens, fathers of families," Babis said. Hamacek, who is the interior minister and also an interim foreign minister after his predecessor was sacked earlier this week, said he was sorry the incident would "fundamentally damage Czech-Russian relations". "We are in a situation similar to that in Britain following the attempted poisoning in Salisbury in 2018," he said, referring to the case of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal who survived a nerve agent poisoning in Britain. Russia denied involvement but some 300 diplomats were sent home in subsequent tit-for-tat expulsions. Hamacek said he had summoned Russian ambassador Alexander Zmeyevsky on Saturday evening to tell him about the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Czech Republic expels 18 Russian diplomats over 2014 blast

<p>The tragic mass shootout in Indianapolis has sent a shock through the US and even world. Eight people were killed in the shootout that took place on Thursday. Four of them belonged to the Sikh community in the US. The families of the deceased are expressing their anger, fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the mass shooting.</p>

<p>Jaswinder Singh, who lost his life in the shooting, was due to get his first paycheck at the facility this month and was working on the night shift to sort out the mail.</p>

<p>"He was a simple man. He used to pray and meditate a lot, and he did community service," said Harjap Singh Dhillon," a relative of Singh, in a New York Times report.</p>

<p>Amarjit Sekhon, another deceased in the incident who began working at FedEx about six months ago, leaves behind two teenage sons who are yet to come to terms with their mother's death.</p>

<p>Rimpi Girn, Sekhon's niece, said she is struggling to explain her loss of her younger son.</p>

<p>"We can't even think of what to tell him. All of a sudden last night his mom went to work, and she never came back today," she was quoted as saying in the report.</p>

<p><strong>National embarrassment, says Joe Biden</strong></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden called the Indianapolis mass shootout a "national embarrassment" on Saturday.</p>

<p>"It`s not always these mass shootings that are occurring -- every single day, there`s a mass shooting in the United States, if you count all those who are killed out on the streets of our cities and our rural areas," he said.</p>

<p>"It`s a national embarrassment and must come to an end."</p>

<p>Biden and Democratic Party in general, is known for its stance of more gun controls in the US. This is fiercely opposed by the Republican Party.</p>

<p><strong>Reactions from India</strong></p>

<p>Chief Minister of Indian state of Punjab Amarinder Singh on Saturday expressed shock at the mass shootout.</p>

<p>"Shocked by the mass shooting incident at FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis which took the lives of 8 people including 4 Sikhs. Pray for strength to their families in this hour of grief" he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar offered all possible help to the families of the victims.</p>

<p>"Deeply shocked by the shooting incident at FedEx facility in Indianapolis. Victims include persons of Indian American Sikh community. Our Consulate (in Chicago) @IndiainChicago is in touch with the Mayor and local authorities in Indianapolis as well as the community leaders," he said in a tweet.</p>

<p>"Will render all possible assistance."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The tragic mass shootout in Indianapolis has sent a shock through the US and even world. Eight people were killed in the shootout that took place on Thursday. Four of them belonged to the Sikh community in the US.

The tragic mass shootout in Indianapolis has sent a shock through the US and even world. Eight people were killed in the shootout that took place on Thursday. Four of them belonged to the Sikh community in the US. The families of the deceased are expressing their anger, fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the mass shooting. Jaswinder Singh, who lost his life in the shooting, was due to get his first paycheck at the facility this month and was working on the night shift to sort out the mail. "He was a simple man. He used to pray and meditate a lot, and he did community service," said Harjap Singh Dhillon," a relative of Singh, in a New York Times report. Amarjit Sekhon, another deceased in the incident who began working at FedEx about six months ago, leaves behind two teenage sons who are yet to come to terms with their mother's death. Rimpi Girn, Sekhon's niece, said she is struggling to explain her loss of her younger son. "We can't even think of what to tell him. All of a sudden last night his mom went to work, and she never came back today," she was quoted as saying in the report. National embarrassment, says Joe Biden US President Joe Biden called the Indianapolis mass shootout a "national embarrassment" on Saturday. "It`s not always these mass shootings that are occurring -- every single day, there`s a mass shooting in the United States, if you count all those who are killed out on the streets of our cities and our rural areas," he said. "It`s a national embarrassment and must come to an end." Biden and Democratic Party in general, is known for its stance of more gun controls in the US. This is fiercely opposed by the Republican Party. Reactions from India Chief Minister of Indian state of Punjab Amarinder Singh on Saturday expressed shock at the mass shootout. "Shocked by the mass shooting incident at FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis which took the lives of 8 people including 4 Sikhs. Pray for strength to their families in this hour of grief" he said. Meanwhile, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar offered all possible help to the families of the victims. "Deeply shocked by the shooting incident at FedEx facility in Indianapolis. Victims include persons of Indian American Sikh community. Our Consulate (in Chicago) @IndiainChicago is in touch with the Mayor and local authorities in Indianapolis as well as the community leaders," he said in a tweet. "Will render all possible assistance." (With inputs from agencies)

Indianapolis shooting: Disbelief in Sikh community, ripples in India

Prince Philip makes his final journey

<p>Russia on Saturday expelled a Ukrainian diplomat who it said was caught "red-handed" trying to obtain sensitive information. Although Russia has detained a number of Ukrainian nationals in recent years, expulsion of a diplomat is rare and is being seen as sign of sharply rising tensions between the two countries.</p>

<p>"A Ukrainian diplomat, a consul of Ukraine's Consulate General in Saint Petersburg, Alexander Sosonyuk, has been detained by Russia's FSB," the security service said in a statement, using the Russian language spelling of his name.</p>

<p>The diplomat was detained on Friday, the security service said. Kiev said the diplomat had spent several hours in detention.</p>

<p>Russian foreign ministry said later on Saturday that it had summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires Vasyl Pokotylo and told him that the Ukranian diplomat had 72 hours to leave the country "beginning April 19"</p>

<p>"The Russian side pointed to the inadmissibility of such kind of activity," the foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>Russia's domestic intelligence agency said that Sosnyuk had been caught "red-handed" during a meeting with a Russian national as he sought to receive "classified" information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Such activity is not compatible with his diplomatic status and is of clearly hostile nature towards the Russian Federation," the FSB said.</p>

<p>Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have seen sharp escalation in recent weeks. On Saturday, Russia reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea by sending two warships. These ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for assault landings.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been accusing Russia of having built up military presence on its borders to destroy "Ukrainian statehood"</p>

<p>Moscow claims that the troop build-up is defensive in nature.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Saturday expelled a Ukrainian diplomat who it said was caught "red-handed" trying to obtain sensitive information. Although Russia has detained a number of Ukrainian nationals in recent years, expulsion of a diplomat is rare and is being seen as sign of sharply rising tensions between the two countries.

Russia on Saturday expelled a Ukrainian diplomat who it said was caught "red-handed" trying to obtain sensitive information. Although Russia has detained a number of Ukrainian nationals in recent years, expulsion of a diplomat is rare and is being seen as sign of sharply rising tensions between the two countries. "A Ukrainian diplomat, a consul of Ukraine's Consulate General in Saint Petersburg, Alexander Sosonyuk, has been detained by Russia's FSB," the security service said in a statement, using the Russian language spelling of his name. The diplomat was detained on Friday, the security service said. Kiev said the diplomat had spent several hours in detention. Russian foreign ministry said later on Saturday that it had summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires Vasyl Pokotylo and told him that the Ukranian diplomat had 72 hours to leave the country "beginning April 19" "The Russian side pointed to the inadmissibility of such kind of activity," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia's domestic intelligence agency said that Sosnyuk had been caught "red-handed" during a meeting with a Russian national as he sought to receive "classified" information. "Such activity is not compatible with his diplomatic status and is of clearly hostile nature towards the Russian Federation," the FSB said. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have seen sharp escalation in recent weeks. On Saturday, Russia reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea by sending two warships. These ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for assault landings. Ukraine has been accusing Russia of having built up military presence on its borders to destroy "Ukrainian statehood" Moscow claims that the troop build-up is defensive in nature. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia expels Ukrainian diplomat after detaining him amid border tensions

<p>We cannot discuss future of Afghanistan without talking about Pakistan. It is a country that drives the conflict in Afghanistan. It has always supported Taliban and its proxies.</p>

<p>Pakistan's support to the Taliban is no secret.</p>

<p>According to one claim, the ISI's proxy war has killed more than 124,000 people in Afghanistan. Islamabad, or more accurately, Rawalpindi's influence with the Taliban is the reason why Pakistan has a seat at the table when future of Afghanistan is discussed.</p>

<p>It's the reason why Afghanistan and India are wary of Pakistan's intentions. Without naming Pakistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said foreign fighters need to leave Afghanistan. The National Security Advisor of Afghanistan agreed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that blame would fall squarely on one party for any escalation in violence.</p>

<p>Kabul has sent a warning to Islamabad saying that if it attempts escalation through the proxies, there will be a fierce pushback.</p>

<p>India shares similar worries. EAM was quite vocal about New Delhi's concerns over Pakistan. He said any solution must be backed up by all neighbours and not just a single party that likes to talk with force.</p>

<p>Supporting terrorism in Afghanistan and other countries has also had an effect on Pakistan. The terror-mongers and those who want to provide them safe havens gained importance in Pakistan's decision-making machinery. Ending support to terrorism is in the interest of Pakistan itself.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


We cannot discuss future of Afghanistan without talking about Pakistan. It is a country that drives the conflict in Afghanistan. It has always supported Taliban and its proxies.

We cannot discuss future of Afghanistan without talking about Pakistan. It is a country that drives the conflict in Afghanistan. It has always supported Taliban and its proxies. Pakistan's support to the Taliban is no secret. According to one claim, the ISI's proxy war has killed more than 124,000 people in Afghanistan. Islamabad, or more accurately, Rawalpindi's influence with the Taliban is the reason why Pakistan has a seat at the table when future of Afghanistan is discussed. It's the reason why Afghanistan and India are wary of Pakistan's intentions. Without naming Pakistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said foreign fighters need to leave Afghanistan. The National Security Advisor of Afghanistan agreed. He said that blame would fall squarely on one party for any escalation in violence. Kabul has sent a warning to Islamabad saying that if it attempts escalation through the proxies, there will be a fierce pushback. India shares similar worries. EAM was quite vocal about New Delhi's concerns over Pakistan. He said any solution must be backed up by all neighbours and not just a single party that likes to talk with force. Supporting terrorism in Afghanistan and other countries has also had an effect on Pakistan. The terror-mongers and those who want to provide them safe havens gained importance in Pakistan's decision-making machinery. Ending support to terrorism is in the interest of Pakistan itself.

Pakistan: The country that influences conflict in Afghanistan

<p>Russia on Saturday reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels. These monoeuvres have come at a time when Russia-Ukraine relations are strained over Russian military presence on its border with the country.</p>

<p>Moscow calls the huge troop buildup a temporary defensive exercise.</p>

<p>The Russian warships that transited the Bosphorus are Ropucha-class landing ships from Russia's Northern fleet. The ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for the coastal assault.</p>

<p>More Russian naval reinforcements in the form of two more landing ships, this time from Russia's Baltic Fleet, are expected to imminently transit the Bosphorus.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-may-acquire-nuclear-weapons-amid-conflict-with-russia-diplomat-suggests-378137">Ukraine may acquire nuclear weapons amid conflict with Russia, diplomat suggests</a></strong></p>

<p>The RIA news agency on Saturday also reported that 15 smaller vessels from Russia's Caspian Flotilla have completed their transfer to the Black Sea as part of an exercise.</p>

<p>In a further sign of heightened tensions in the region, a ship carrying logistics trucks and equipment for NATO forces in Romania transited the Bosphorus on Friday evening. This was reported by Reuters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Saturday reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels.

Russia on Saturday reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels. These monoeuvres have come at a time when Russia-Ukraine relations are strained over Russian military presence on its border with the country. Moscow calls the huge troop buildup a temporary defensive exercise. The Russian warships that transited the Bosphorus are Ropucha-class landing ships from Russia's Northern fleet. The ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for the coastal assault. More Russian naval reinforcements in the form of two more landing ships, this time from Russia's Baltic Fleet, are expected to imminently transit the Bosphorus. Also Read | Ukraine may acquire nuclear weapons amid conflict with Russia, diplomat suggests The RIA news agency on Saturday also reported that 15 smaller vessels from Russia's Caspian Flotilla have completed their transfer to the Black Sea as part of an exercise. In a further sign of heightened tensions in the region, a ship carrying logistics trucks and equipment for NATO forces in Romania transited the Bosphorus on Friday evening. This was reported by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sends two warships to Black Sea amid tensions with Ukraine

<p>Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will join a special ASEAN summit next week, said Thai foreign ministry on Saturday. This will be his first official trip since Myanmar military's February 1 coup that toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.</p>

<p>"Several leaders have confirmed their attendance including Myanmar’s MAH (Min Aung Hlaing)," said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat in a message to reporters.</p>

<p>The meeting of 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to take place in Jakarta on April 24.</p>

<p>Activists were not pleased with Myanmar junta leader attending the ASEAN meet.</p>

<p>"#ASEAN do not legitimize the Myanmar Military junta as a government by inviting MAH to attend the summit," said prominent activist Wai Wai Nu on Twitter. "(The) Junta is illegitimate and illegal."</p>

<p>Myanmar has seen fierce anti-democracy protests after February 1 coup. This has seen thousands of people taking to streets in cities across Myanmar to declare their support for democratic government.</p>

<p>The military junta has used strong-handed tactics including use of firearms that has seen hundreds of protesters getting killed till date.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will join a special ASEAN summit next week, said Thai foreign ministry on Saturday. This will be his first official trip since Myanmar military's February 1 coup that toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will join a special ASEAN summit next week, said Thai foreign ministry on Saturday. This will be his first official trip since Myanmar military's February 1 coup that toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. "Several leaders have confirmed their attendance including Myanmar’s MAH (Min Aung Hlaing)," said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat in a message to reporters. The meeting of 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to take place in Jakarta on April 24. Activists were not pleased with Myanmar junta leader attending the ASEAN meet. "#ASEAN do not legitimize the Myanmar Military junta as a government by inviting MAH to attend the summit," said prominent activist Wai Wai Nu on Twitter. "(The) Junta is illegitimate and illegal." Myanmar has seen fierce anti-democracy protests after February 1 coup. This has seen thousands of people taking to streets in cities across Myanmar to declare their support for democratic government. The military junta has used strong-handed tactics including use of firearms that has seen hundreds of protesters getting killed till date. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta leader to attend ASEAN summit

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Manas Joshi

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