Iranians in Tehran took to the streets after prayers on Friday (April 19) in response to an apparent Israeli attack on Iran.

Earlier on Friday, explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources described to be&nbsp;an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.

The limited scale of the attack and Iran's muted response appeared to signal a successful effort by diplomats who have been working to avert all-out war since an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel last Saturday (April 13).

Iranian media and officials described a small number of explosions, which they said resulted from air defences hitting three drones over the central Iranian city. Notably, they referred to the incident as an attack by "infiltrators", rather than by Israel, obviating the need for retaliation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a>

However, speaking before Friday prayers in Tehran, the Iranian army ground forces commander Kiumars Heydari said, "The Zionist regime should know that if it makes a mistake, this time it will be punished harder and more severely."

Violence between Israel and Iranian proxies across the Middle East has intensified throughout six months of bloodshed in Gaza, raising fears that the longstanding foes' shadow war could spiral into a direct conflict.

Israel had said it would retaliate after Saturday's strikes, the first-ever direct attack on Israel by Iran, which caused no deaths after Israel and its allies shot down hundreds of missiles and drones.

Tehran launched those attacks in response to a presumed Israeli airstrike on April 1 that destroyed a building in Iran's embassy compound in Damascus and killed several Iranian officers including a top general.

Iranians in Tehran took to the streets after prayers on Friday (April 19) in response to an apparent Israeli attack on Iran. Earlier on Friday, explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources described to be an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.

Iranians in Tehran took to the streets after prayers on Friday (April 19) in response to an apparent Israeli attack on Iran. Earlier on Friday, explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources described to be an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war. The limited scale of the attack and Iran's muted response appeared to signal a successful effort by diplomats who have been working to avert all-out war since an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel last Saturday (April 13). Iranian media and officials described a small number of explosions, which they said resulted from air defences hitting three drones over the central Iranian city. Notably, they referred to the incident as an attack by "infiltrators", rather than by Israel, obviating the need for retaliation. Also read: US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran However, speaking before Friday prayers in Tehran, the Iranian army ground forces commander Kiumars Heydari said, "The Zionist regime should know that if it makes a mistake, this time it will be punished harder and more severely." Violence between Israel and Iranian proxies across the Middle East has intensified throughout six months of bloodshed in Gaza, raising fears that the longstanding foes' shadow war could spiral into a direct conflict. Israel had said it would retaliate after Saturday's strikes, the first-ever direct attack on Israel by Iran, which caused no deaths after Israel and its allies shot down hundreds of missiles and drones. Tehran launched those attacks in response to a presumed Israeli airstrike on April 1 that destroyed a building in Iran's embassy compound in Damascus and killed several Iranian officers including a top general.

Iranians protest after Friday prayers following drone attack on Iran

Preparations for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are underway in northeast India, with authorities overcoming difficult terrain and weather conditions. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing logistical challenges as officials have to travel for hours to reach outlying polling sites.

Preparations for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are underway in northeast India, with authorities overcoming difficult terrain and weather conditions. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing logistical challenges as officials have to travel for hours to reach outlying polling sites. Deployment and security measures Elections for the state assembly and Lok Sabha are scheduled to be held concurrently in Arunachal Pradesh, where 11,130 poll workers and 6,874 electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been deployed. The Union Home Ministry has assigned 80 companies, totalling 7,500 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) officers, to oversee peace and order throughout the election process. Traversing hazardous terrain Videos and images showing the journeys of election officials are making rounds on social media. "A polling team traverses difficult terrain to reach their respective polling booth in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh for polling in Lok Sabha elections tomorrow, 19th April," ANI wrote on X. #WATCH | A polling team traverses difficult terrain to reach their respective polling booth in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh for polling in Lok Sabha elections tomorrow, 19th April (Video source: CEO, Arunachal Pradesh) pic.twitter.com/tHVPPkBKXe — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024 × Also read: Indian election commission rejects claims over EVM error that 'favoured' BJP Ready for the polls Poll workers are being sent to outlying regions of the state in advance for the elections as two Lok Sabha seats are going to the polls in a single phase on April 19. Election schedule Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the election schedule on March 16, 2024. The voting process will unfold over seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1. The phases are scheduled as follows: April 19 (Phase 1), April 26 (Phase 2), May 7 (Phase 3), May 13 (Phase 4), May 20 (Phase 5), May 25 (Phase 6), and June 1 (Phase 7). Results for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be unveiled on June 4.

Watch | Poll officials brave challenging terrain to reach polling stations in northeast India

A recent study has uncovered concerning information about a serious heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib, which has been dubbed the "silent killer.

A recent study has uncovered concerning information about a serious heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib, which has been dubbed the "silent killer." Contrary to previous beliefs, this condition appears to be affecting a significantly larger portion of the population than previously estimated, sparking alarm among health experts. AFib is called the "silent killer," because it often manifests without obvious symptoms. The study, conducted by researchers at Aalborg University in Denmark, examined the health records of millions of adults. Their findings discovered that AFib, characterised by an irregular heartbeat, doesn't only impact a quarter of adults. Instead, it affects one in three people. According to the study, individuals diagnosed with AFib face heightened risks of heart failure and stroke. Up to two in five patients with AFib are at risk of heart failure, while one in five may suffer a stroke. One of the challenges with AFib is that it is not easy to detect. Unlike other conditions that present noticeable symptoms, AFib can be difficult to detect without specialised diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor. This means that many cases of AFib may go undiagnosed until complications arise. Also read: Garbage to fuel aviation of future? Researchers show way for sustainable skies The Danish researchers analysed data from over 3.5 million individuals aged 45 and older with no prior history of AFib. Comparing two decades of data, from 2000 to 2010 and 2011 to 2022, they observed a concerning trend. The lifetime risk of developing AFib increased from 24 percent in the previous decade to 31 percent in more recent years. Moreover, the study noted that men faced a slightly higher risk of developing AFib compared to women. Effective management of AFib often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and sometimes procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.

One in three people suffer from 'silent killer' condition: Study

Amid recent controversies, the Digi Yatra Foundation said that it has complete control over the Digi Yatra application, clarifying its stance on the involvement of a former vendor.&nbsp;

The Digi Yatra Foundation emphasised on Wednesday (April 17) that the Digi Yatra application has always remained under its full control, despite concerns regarding a former vendor, Dataevolve Solutions, which previously provided billing account and management services.

Responding to queries regarding Dataevolve Solutions' current association with Digi Yatra, the foundation categorically stated, "There is no association of Digi Yatra with Dataevolve," it said.

The foundation clarified that while Digi Yatra initially operated on the CIC infrastructure of Niti Ayog, it later migrated to Dataevolve. "Only the billing account and management was by Dataevolve," it added.

Addressing concerns about passenger data security, CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi told PTI in an interview, "It is only in the phone (of the user) that the data is residing and it is in the control of the passenger himself or herself."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/technology/apple-google-meta-probed-under-eus-new-digital-markets-act-704214" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Meta probed under EU’s new Digital Markets Act</a>

Digi Yatra, powered by Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), facilitates contactless and seamless movement of passengers at airport checkpoints. Currently, the app boasts nearly 5 million users.

Access Now, a digital rights advocacy group, highlighted concerns regarding the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in Digi Yatra and said, "It remains unclear how a programme involving the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) without restraint at India's airports is being run by a not-for-profit entity, which is actually controlled by five Indian airports, with the Airport Authority of India having only a minor stake of 26 per cent."&nbsp;

To avail of Digi Yatra services, passengers must register on the app using Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. Subsequently, the boarding pass is scanned, and credentials are shared with the airport.

At the airport e-gate, passengers scan their bar-coded boarding pass, and the facial recognition system validates their identity and travel documents. Once verified, passengers can proceed through the e-gate, adhering to standard security protocols before boarding their flights.

As discussions surrounding data privacy and technology governance continue, the Digi Yatra Foundation remains committed to ensuring the security and efficiency of its services while addressing any concerns raised by stakeholders.

Amid recent controversies, the Digi Yatra Foundation said that it has complete control over the Digi Yatra application, clarifying its stance on the involvement of a former vendor.

Amid recent controversies, the Digi Yatra Foundation said that it has complete control over the Digi Yatra application, clarifying its stance on the involvement of a former vendor. The Digi Yatra Foundation emphasised on Wednesday (April 17) that the Digi Yatra application has always remained under its full control, despite concerns regarding a former vendor, Dataevolve Solutions, which previously provided billing account and management services. Responding to queries regarding Dataevolve Solutions' current association with Digi Yatra, the foundation categorically stated, "There is no association of Digi Yatra with Dataevolve," it said. The foundation clarified that while Digi Yatra initially operated on the CIC infrastructure of Niti Ayog, it later migrated to Dataevolve. "Only the billing account and management was by Dataevolve," it added. Addressing concerns about passenger data security, CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi told PTI in an interview, "It is only in the phone (of the user) that the data is residing and it is in the control of the passenger himself or herself." Also read: Apple, Google, Meta probed under EU’s new Digital Markets Act Digi Yatra, powered by Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), facilitates contactless and seamless movement of passengers at airport checkpoints. Currently, the app boasts nearly 5 million users. Access Now, a digital rights advocacy group, highlighted concerns regarding the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in Digi Yatra and said, "It remains unclear how a programme involving the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) without restraint at India's airports is being run by a not-for-profit entity, which is actually controlled by five Indian airports, with the Airport Authority of India having only a minor stake of 26 per cent." To avail of Digi Yatra services, passengers must register on the app using Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. Subsequently, the boarding pass is scanned, and credentials are shared with the airport. At the airport e-gate, passengers scan their bar-coded boarding pass, and the facial recognition system validates their identity and travel documents. Once verified, passengers can proceed through the e-gate, adhering to standard security protocols before boarding their flights. As discussions surrounding data privacy and technology governance continue, the Digi Yatra Foundation remains committed to ensuring the security and efficiency of its services while addressing any concerns raised by stakeholders.

Digi Yatra Foundation says it has control over app amid data security, facial recognition controversies

Voting for phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections is underway in Manipur for its two Lok Sabha constituencies, Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur. On Friday (April 19), miscreants opened fire near a voting booth in the state.

Voting for phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections is underway in Manipur for its two Lok Sabha constituencies, Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur. On Friday (April 19), miscreants opened fire near a voting booth in the state. Where did the firing happen? The footage of the shooting is circulating on social media. The firing sparked panic among voters in the Inner Manipur constituency at Thamanpokpi under the Moirang Assembly segment. Three persons were hurt, according to The Hindu. Ethnic violence in Manipur Over the last year, there has been ethnic violence in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo tribal population and the majority Meiteis who live in the Imphal Valley. These events have resulted in over 200 deaths and displacement of tens of thousands of people. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Three generations of women exercise their right to vote As a result, strict security measures have been put in place for the state's first of the two-phased elections, with 15 of Outer Manipur's 28 Assembly seats voting on April 26. The Election Commission has set up temporary polling booths to accommodate displaced voters, authorities said. Voter turnout in Manipur Until 9:00 am on Friday, approximately 12.6% of the nearly 15.44 lakh voters in Manipur impacted by ethnic violence exercised their right to vote for the two Lok Sabha seats. The Inner Manipur constituency had 13. 82% turnout, while Outer Manipur had 11. 57% turnout in the first two hours of voting.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shots fired near polling booth in Manipur, three injured

On April 19, 2024, Meghalaya is voting for its two Lok Sabha constituencies Shillong and Tura in the first phase of India's Lok Sabha elections. The first phase is witnessing voting for 91 seats across 18 states and two union territories.

On April 19, 2024, Meghalaya is voting for its two Lok Sabha constituencies Shillong and Tura in the first phase of India's Lok Sabha elections. The first phase is witnessing voting for 91 seats across 18 states and two union territories. List of candidates for 2024 polls in Meghalaya: The candidates running for Shillong (ST) are Ricky AJ Syngkon of the Voter's Party of India (VPP), Vincent Pala of the Indian National Congress, Ampareen Lyngdoh of the National People's Party (NPP), and Robertjune Kharjahrin of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Candidates for Tura (ST) are Saleng A. Sangma of the Indian National Congress, Agatha Sangma of the National People's Party (NPP), and Zenith Sangma of the All India Trinamool Congress. Also read: Mizoram Lok Sabha elections 2024: Polling dates, phases, candidates list and all you need to know Key contenders: CM Conrad Sangma told ANI, "We are confident of securing victory in both seats- Shillong and Tura in Meghalaya. The impact of the work carried out by NPP in Meghalaya in the last 6 years is evident, particularly in Garo Hills. The public will vote for the NPP for the development initiatives undertaken." "Our MP (Agatha Sangma) has made a significant contribution towards the development of the state. We urge people to come forward and support our MP. The opposition is currently fragmented, with leaders from the former Congress party dispersing into different factions. Due to this fragmented opposition, I believe we will secure victory by a considerable margin," he added. Lok Sabha elections 2024 schedule: Voting for the Lok Sabha elections will take place in seven phases: the first on April 19, the second on April 26, the third on May 7, the fourth on May 13, the fifth on May 20, the sixth on May 25, and the seventh on June 1. The outcome will be announced on June 4.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya votes in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial said on Thursday (April 17) that a juror had been excused from Donald Trump's criminal trial because she claimed to be terrified by the disclosure of some details of her identification.

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial said on Thursday (April 17) that a juror had been excused from Donald Trump's criminal trial because she claimed to be terrified by the disclosure of some details of her identification. Why did the judge excuse the juror? Speaking before the jury, the juror noted that after determining from press reports that she was a member of the jury, her friends, relatives, and coworkers had been in touch with her. "I don't believe at this point that I can be fair and unbiased, and let the outside influences not affect my decision-making in the courtroom," said the juror. Also read: Only one-third of Americans think Trump did something illegal as hush money trial gets underway On Tuesday, April 16, the second day of the jury selection process, the juror was selected along with six other people. The jurors, whose names are withheld from everybody but the attorneys involved in the case, will have to provide a verdict in the nation's first-ever criminal trial of a former president. What is the Trump hush money trial about? Evidence about claims that Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen engaged in a scheme to fabricate documents to conceal payments that Trump made to Cohen will be shown before the jury. The reimbursements were purportedly for a "hush money" payment that Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had an affair with Trump years prior, shortly before the 2016 election. In response to the accusations, Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied having an affair with Daniels. Prosecutors, according to him, are pursuing the case for political purposes. Numerous inhabitants of Manhattan are in the pool from which the jurors are selected. After stating that they can serve impartially, candidates are asked to provide information about their personal life, political beliefs, and news consumption patterns. Twelve jurors in all, plus six alternates, will make up the final jury.

Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence: What you need to know

According to a research by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), released on Thursday (April 18), "human-induced" climate change caused the heatwave that swept over Africa's Sahel area in early April and claimed multiple lives.

According to a research by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), released on Thursday (April 18), "human-induced" climate change caused the heatwave that swept over Africa's Sahel area in early April and claimed multiple lives. Human-induced heatwave From April 1 to April 5, the West African countries of Mali and Burkina Faso experienced a heatwave that resulted in several deaths due to temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius. Researchers at the WWA found that "heatwaves with the magnitude observed in March and April 2024 in the region would have been impossible to occur without the global warming of 1.2C to date" and connected this finding to "human-induced climate change" based on observations and climate models. “Even minimum temperatures, overnight, remained relatively high, making it so that people did not get a break from the heat,” the study added. Once-in-a-200-year event According to the paper, the Sahel experiences high temperatures frequently during this time of year, but the heatwave in April would have been 1.4C colder "if humans had not warmed the planet by burning fossil fuels". Although the five days of intense heat were a once-in-a-200-year happening, "these trends will continue with future warming". Also read: Climate change could lead to losses worth $38 trillion every year by 2050, study warns Even though the people of the two nations were accustomed to high temperatures, the duration and intensity of the heat caused a rise in hospital admissions and casualties, according to the WWA. A lack of data in the affected countries made it impossible to know the exact number of deaths, the WWA said, adding there were likely hundreds, if not thousands, of other heat-related casualties. Countries in the Sahel region have had to contend with drought since the 1970s, as well as periods of intense rainfall from the 1990s.

'Human-induced' climate change sparked deadly heatwave in West Africa: Study

Iran has escalated its crackdown on the hijab restrictions sparking backlash and concern among opposition and human rights groups, several media reports have said.

<h2>The Nour Project</h2>

After the announcement of the 'Nour Project,' which aims to 'deal with anomalies' and has led to the presence of 'morality police' in various cities, reports from the ground indicate incidents of sexual harassment, beatings, and tasering, despite the police being instructed to promote 'positive behaviors' and refrain from 'negative behaviors'.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier made remarks on the significance of wearing the hijab. He said that "maintaining the hijab was of utmost importance," as "the enemy intends to regress the country to a pre-revolutionary era."&nbsp;

"I received credible reports that they [foreigners] hired some [women] to break the rules in the society and appear without hijab," he claimed.

<h2>Victims speak out</h2>

Dina Ghalibaf, a journalist and student at Tehran's Beheshti University, was arrested from her home on Tuesday after posting on X, "This is what the inside of a morality police van looks like, where they kidnap women for not wearing the hijab. These days in Iran, the Islamic Republic is using the cover of tensions with Israel to renew its war against women."

"As the spotlight of both Iranian and international media is centered on the mounting crisis between the Islamic Republic and Israel, morality police patrols have turned out in greater numbers to enforce mandatory hijab laws. This recent crackdown coincides with a speech given by Ali Khamenei on April 4, where he asserted that all Iranian women must comply with the state's dress code, regardless of their individual beliefs," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid9VEXVM7C4oiS" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/will-use-weapons-never-used-before-iran-issues-threat-as-israel-mulls-over-retaliation-711898" target="_blank">‘Will use weapons never used before’: Iran issues threat as Israel mulls over retaliation</a>

Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad wrote on X, "Heartbreaking Alert: Confrontation with Morality Police leads to a woman’s breakdown over hijab enforcement in Tajrish, Tehran. She’s assaulted and rushed to the hospital. The person who filmed this terrifying attack on her says that police arrested some who were filming."

"The regime in Iran is willing to kill women over the Islamic dress code, evident in the lack of punishment following the death of #MahsaAmini. I continuously hear from Iranian women that we won’t give up &nbsp;our fight against this oppressive regime," she added.

Reports suggest that plainclothes officers are being deployed to prevent interference during arrests. Despite the regime's efforts to enforce hijab laws, Iranian women continue to push back.

Iran has escalated its crackdown on the hijab restrictions sparking backlash and concern among opposition and human rights groups, several media reports have said.

Iran has escalated its crackdown on the hijab restrictions sparking backlash and concern among opposition and human rights groups, several media reports have said. The Nour Project After the announcement of the 'Nour Project,' which aims to 'deal with anomalies' and has led to the presence of 'morality police' in various cities, reports from the ground indicate incidents of sexual harassment, beatings, and tasering, despite the police being instructed to promote 'positive behaviors' and refrain from 'negative behaviors'. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier made remarks on the significance of wearing the hijab. He said that "maintaining the hijab was of utmost importance," as "the enemy intends to regress the country to a pre-revolutionary era." "I received credible reports that they [foreigners] hired some [women] to break the rules in the society and appear without hijab," he claimed. Victims speak out Dina Ghalibaf, a journalist and student at Tehran's Beheshti University, was arrested from her home on Tuesday after posting on X, "This is what the inside of a morality police van looks like, where they kidnap women for not wearing the hijab. These days in Iran, the Islamic Republic is using the cover of tensions with Israel to renew its war against women." "As the spotlight of both Iranian and international media is centered on the mounting crisis between the Islamic Republic and Israel, morality police patrols have turned out in greater numbers to enforce mandatory hijab laws. This recent crackdown coincides with a speech given by Ali Khamenei on April 4, where he asserted that all Iranian women must comply with the state's dress code, regardless of their individual beliefs," she added. Also read: ‘Will use weapons never used before’: Iran issues threat as Israel mulls over retaliation Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad wrote on X, "Heartbreaking Alert: Confrontation with Morality Police leads to a woman’s breakdown over hijab enforcement in Tajrish, Tehran. She’s assaulted and rushed to the hospital. The person who filmed this terrifying attack on her says that police arrested some who were filming." "The regime in Iran is willing to kill women over the Islamic dress code, evident in the lack of punishment following the death of #MahsaAmini. I continuously hear from Iranian women that we won’t give up our fight against this oppressive regime," she added. Reports suggest that plainclothes officers are being deployed to prevent interference during arrests. Despite the regime's efforts to enforce hijab laws, Iranian women continue to push back.

Iran escalates hijab crackdown, victims speak out against morality police abuse

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election.

The unfolding contest has cast the spotlight on China's efforts to stamp its mark on the South Pacific, and has been pitched in part as a referendum on Beijing's growing influence in the country.

Prominent opposition figure Peter Kenilorea further underlined the stakes by pledging to scrap a contentious security pact inked with China in 2022.

"If we are in government, we will abolish the security treaty," leadership aspirant Kenilorea told AFP from his village base on the island of Malaita.

"We don't think that it's beneficial to the Solomon Islands," the former top diplomat said.

Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has championed deeper ties with Beijing since coming to power in 2019.

He has praised Chinese aid, trade and investment as the key to lifting living standards in one of the poorest nations in the world.

The centrepiece of Sogavare's embrace was a 2022 security pact that has seen rotating teams of Chinese police deployed in the archipelago.

The United States and Australia -- two of Solomon Islands' traditional security partners -- fear this pact could one day pave the way for a Chinese military base.

Kenilorea, a former United Nations official, lamented his country's uneasy position in the middle of the world's two largest military and economic powers, China and the United States.

"We don't have natural enemies," he said.

"It has put us on the map for the wrong reasons. To raise tensions unnecessarily here, in the geopolitical scheme of things, is something we don't really need."

<h2>'Blatantly misleading'</h2>

Ballots were trucked into a heavily guarded counting centre in the capital Honiara on Thursday morning, watched over by international teams of uniformed Fijian soldiers and Australian police.

Startling and unproven claims of foreign interference upped the ante for what was already billed as Solomon Islands' most crucial vote in a generation.

State-backed Chinese news outlets have pushed reports that the United States might orchestrate riots and unrest to block Sogavare from returning to power.

US Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock has denounced such rumours as "blatantly misleading".

"We strongly refute allegations being made in known propaganda outlets that claim USAID and the US Government has sought to influence the upcoming election in Solomon Islands," she said in a statement.

If Sogavare fails in his bid to return as prime minister, it would not necessarily spell the end of China's ambitions in Solomon Islands.

While his most prominent rivals view Beijing with a mix of scepticism and alarm, there is no shortage of other candidates who are happy with the status quo.

China has paid tens of millions of dollars into a discretionary development fund used by Solomon Islands' politicians during the last term of government, according to Australian researchers.

Critics suggest this fund was essentially a means to curry favour with key members of the government.

<h2>Backroom bargaining</h2>

Candidates have begun winging their way back to Honiara in anticipation of the backroom bartering that will decide the new government.

Once the parliament's 50 members are decided, they will begin negotiating behind closed doors to cobble together a ruling coalition.

Prolonged and secret discussions have stoked unrest in the past, as voters begin to suspect the involvement of foreign interests.

These election "camps" are often held inside the casino hotels that line the Honiara foreshore.

"We might not know what is going to happen until a good two or three weeks after the election," Pacific watcher Graeme Smith from Australian National University told AFP in the lead-up to voting day.

"It's a very unpredictable process. It comes down, essentially, to who is the most charismatic man in the room."

Election authorities and the sizable police presence roaming the streets of Honiara have so far kept a lid on possible sources of discontent.

Chief electoral officer Jasper Anisi said Thursday that "everything is peaceful" -- no mean feat in a nation where elections have turned violent in the past.

Election officials anticipate early results should start trickling in on Friday.

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election.

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election. The unfolding contest has cast the spotlight on China's efforts to stamp its mark on the South Pacific, and has been pitched in part as a referendum on Beijing's growing influence in the country. Prominent opposition figure Peter Kenilorea further underlined the stakes by pledging to scrap a contentious security pact inked with China in 2022. "If we are in government, we will abolish the security treaty," leadership aspirant Kenilorea told AFP from his village base on the island of Malaita. "We don't think that it's beneficial to the Solomon Islands," the former top diplomat said. Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has championed deeper ties with Beijing since coming to power in 2019. He has praised Chinese aid, trade and investment as the key to lifting living standards in one of the poorest nations in the world. The centrepiece of Sogavare's embrace was a 2022 security pact that has seen rotating teams of Chinese police deployed in the archipelago. The United States and Australia -- two of Solomon Islands' traditional security partners -- fear this pact could one day pave the way for a Chinese military base. Kenilorea, a former United Nations official, lamented his country's uneasy position in the middle of the world's two largest military and economic powers, China and the United States. "We don't have natural enemies," he said. "It has put us on the map for the wrong reasons. To raise tensions unnecessarily here, in the geopolitical scheme of things, is something we don't really need." 'Blatantly misleading' Ballots were trucked into a heavily guarded counting centre in the capital Honiara on Thursday morning, watched over by international teams of uniformed Fijian soldiers and Australian police. Startling and unproven claims of foreign interference upped the ante for what was already billed as Solomon Islands' most crucial vote in a generation. State-backed Chinese news outlets have pushed reports that the United States might orchestrate riots and unrest to block Sogavare from returning to power. US Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock has denounced such rumours as "blatantly misleading". "We strongly refute allegations being made in known propaganda outlets that claim USAID and the US Government has sought to influence the upcoming election in Solomon Islands," she said in a statement. If Sogavare fails in his bid to return as prime minister, it would not necessarily spell the end of China's ambitions in Solomon Islands. While his most prominent rivals view Beijing with a mix of scepticism and alarm, there is no shortage of other candidates who are happy with the status quo. China has paid tens of millions of dollars into a discretionary development fund used by Solomon Islands' politicians during the last term of government, according to Australian researchers. Critics suggest this fund was essentially a means to curry favour with key members of the government. Backroom bargaining Candidates have begun winging their way back to Honiara in anticipation of the backroom bartering that will decide the new government. Once the parliament's 50 members are decided, they will begin negotiating behind closed doors to cobble together a ruling coalition. Prolonged and secret discussions have stoked unrest in the past, as voters begin to suspect the involvement of foreign interests. These election "camps" are often held inside the casino hotels that line the Honiara foreshore. "We might not know what is going to happen until a good two or three weeks after the election," Pacific watcher Graeme Smith from Australian National University told AFP in the lead-up to voting day. "It's a very unpredictable process. It comes down, essentially, to who is the most charismatic man in the room." Election authorities and the sizable police presence roaming the streets of Honiara have so far kept a lid on possible sources of discontent. Chief electoral officer Jasper Anisi said Thursday that "everything is peaceful" -- no mean feat in a nation where elections have turned violent in the past. Election officials anticipate early results should start trickling in on Friday.

Solomons' PM contender vows to abolish China security pact

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16).

US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine.

According to the Pentagon, Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun spoke about "defence relations" and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's unjustified conflict in Ukraine. "Respect for high seas freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea," was another point made by the US Defense Secretary.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405" hreflang="en">Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation</a>

Conversely, Beijing said that it would not hesitate to employ force to get access to the South China Sea and seize control of Taiwan. China has employed underwater barriers, a military-grade laser, and collision and ramming methods to thwart Philippine patrol and resupply operations amid escalating tensions with the Philippines.

A senior defence official, &nbsp;ahead of the talks, said the call between Austin and Dong was an “important step” in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers.

“These engagements provide us with opportunities to prevent competition from veering into conflict by speaking candidly about our concerns. That includes the People’s Republic of China's behaviour in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” a senior defence official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Dong, who has been China's minister of national defence since December, had never before talked to Austin before the call on Tuesday. The conversation between Austin and Dong is the latest in a string of recent discussions between US and Chinese defence officials. In December, US General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked with his Chinese military counterpart.

&nbsp;

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16). US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine.

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16). US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun spoke about "defence relations" and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's unjustified conflict in Ukraine. "Respect for high seas freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea," was another point made by the US Defense Secretary. Also read: Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation Conversely, Beijing said that it would not hesitate to employ force to get access to the South China Sea and seize control of Taiwan. China has employed underwater barriers, a military-grade laser, and collision and ramming methods to thwart Philippine patrol and resupply operations amid escalating tensions with the Philippines. A senior defence official, ahead of the talks, said the call between Austin and Dong was an “important step” in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers. “These engagements provide us with opportunities to prevent competition from veering into conflict by speaking candidly about our concerns. That includes the People’s Republic of China's behaviour in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” a senior defence official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Dong, who has been China's minister of national defence since December, had never before talked to Austin before the call on Tuesday. The conversation between Austin and Dong is the latest in a string of recent discussions between US and Chinese defence officials. In December, US General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked with his Chinese military counterpart.

US defence secretary and Chinese counterpart hold first talks since 2022

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space.

"China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request.

"We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme. And I think, in effect, we are in a race."

Nelson also stressed that it was "incumbent on us" get to the moon, first as he warned: "my concern is if China got there first and suddenly said 'ok this is our territory, you stay out'."

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid9VEXVM7C4oiS" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/science/nasas-juno-captures-erupting-volcanoes-on-jupiters-moon-io-watch-712172" target="_blank">NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch!</a>

The NASA chief said that the US was not going to lose its "global edge" in space, "but you got to be realistic that China is really throwing a lot of money at it and they've got a lot of room in their budget to grow."

"I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added.

The NASA chief said he hoped "the Chinese space programme would come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses," but added: "We have not seen that demonstrated by China."

With the Artemis programme NASA wants to put humans on the moon again after more than 50 years. The moon landing mission Artemis 3 was recently postponed to September 2026.

The long-term goal of Artemis is to establish a permanent lunar base as a foundation for missions to Mars.

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. "China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request.

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. "China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request. "We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme. And I think, in effect, we are in a race." Nelson also stressed that it was "incumbent on us" get to the moon, first as he warned: "my concern is if China got there first and suddenly said 'ok this is our territory, you stay out'." Also read: NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch! The NASA chief said that the US was not going to lose its "global edge" in space, "but you got to be realistic that China is really throwing a lot of money at it and they've got a lot of room in their budget to grow." "I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added. The NASA chief said he hoped "the Chinese space programme would come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses," but added: "We have not seen that demonstrated by China." With the Artemis programme NASA wants to put humans on the moon again after more than 50 years. The moon landing mission Artemis 3 was recently postponed to September 2026. The long-term goal of Artemis is to establish a permanent lunar base as a foundation for missions to Mars.

NASA chief warns of China's secretive space militarisation, urges accelerated moon mission

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Prapti Upadhayay

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.