Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally and deputy chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev on Monday issued a hypersonic missile attack threat to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the global organisation, issued an arrest warrant against the Kremlin chief.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally and deputy chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev on Monday issued a hypersonic missile attack threat to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the global organisation, issued an arrest warrant against the Kremlin chief. Mincing no words, Medvedev suggested that the ICC judges 'watch the skies closely,' referring to an impending missile coming their way. "I'm afraid, gentlemen, everyone is answerable to God and missiles. It's quite possible to imagine how a hypersonic Oniks fired from a Russian warship in the North Sea strikes the court building in the Hague," Medvedev wrote on Telegram. "It can't be shot down, I'm afraid. And the court is just a pathetic international organisation, not the people of a NATO country. So, they won't start a war. They'll be scared. And no one will be sorry." ALSO READ | International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine Taking a swipe at international organisations, the Putin loyalist added, "All the foolish decisions of the UN and other organisations will be bursting at the seams. A dark decline of the entire system of international relations is coming. Trust has been exhausted." This is not the first instance when Medvedev has made rather hyperbolic statements. Putin's top ally previously said that a civil war will break out in the US in 2023 and that if Russia lost in the ongoing war, it could provoke the beginning of a 'nuclear war'. What did ICC do? Last week, the Hague-based ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. While ICC attempted to start a legal tussle, Moscow expectedly released a statement saying it will not be entertaining arrest warrants against any of its officials. The country withdrew its membership from ICC in 2016. "The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added. WATCH | Can Putin be arrested by the international criminal court? × The decision to file the case comes in the backdrop of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan visiting Ukraine last month and batting for Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin's top aide threatens 'hypersonic missile strike' on ICC after issuance of arrest warrant

The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for a nationwide shutdown on March 20 over increasing load shedding. Additional reasons for the strike are increasing inflation, recent corruption scandals involving the ruling African National Congress (ANC), and rising levels of insecurity.

Senegal: Tensions rise due to trial of main opposition leader | South Africa

Fresh from his performance at the Oscar awards 2023, singer Rahul Sipligunj spoke exclusively to WION about his iconic song Naatu Naatu. Rahul also recalled meeting Rihanna backstage at the Oscar awards ceremony, his relationship with Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani whom he calls his mentor, and the love he has been getting for singing Naatu Naatu. Listen in.

Naatu Naatu singer Rahul Sipligunj on performing at Oscars, meeting Rihanna and more

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning to explore ways to boost bilateral ties in areas, including defence, trade and investment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Kishida are also set to discuss priorities for India's presidency of G20 and Japan's presidency of the G7.

Kishida India Visit: Japan-India to also discuss China's growing influence in Asia

UBS group has agreed to buy Credit Suisse, the embedded bank for 3.2 billion dollar. It is to assume up to 5.4 billion dollar in losses. It's a deal that has been backed by a massive Swiss guarantee.

Credit Suisse shareholders take hit as UBS announces deal

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow today. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Xi Jinping Russia Visit: Official talks between Putin and Jinping to be held on March 21

The potential for recession which has outweighed a surge in demand from China and as the new worries emerge over global banking sector, Goldman Sachs has nudged its forecast down for all prices.

Recession fears to balance surge in China's oil demand

Japan's prime minister Fumio Kishida will be arriving in India later today. The meeting will focus on strengthening the special strategic and Global partnership between India and Japan. He will be holding talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kishida India Visit: Visit aims to strengthen special strategic ties with India

Scores of Khalistani sympathizers vandalized the Indian High Commission in London on Sunday after the Indian government issued an arrest warrant against Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher from India's Punjab state who has been accused of attempting to destabilize the state of Punjab.

Khalistani supporters vandalise Indian High Commission in London

West Asia is experiencing swift changes in its regional order. While Iran and Saudi Arabia had signed a peace pact with china's mediation, it now seems Syria and the UAE are looking at improving ties. Syrian president Bashar Al Assad met with president Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Regional powers have decided to strike new deals and repair relations

The Commons Privileges Committee, which is looking into at least four instances where the former prime minister may have purposefully misled Members with his promises that lockdown regulations were followed, will question the former prime minister for a considerable amount of time. Before being questioned by MPs about whether he misled to Parliament about the partygate affair, Boris Johnson is need to present a dossier of supporting documentation.

Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson to reveal evidence in his defence over partygate scandal

For the 11th consecutive Saturday night, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took part in nationwide protests against the government's attempts to shackle the court. These protests were highlighted by multiple acts of violence against protesters.

President Herzog: Israel at a turning point, civil war a red line | Israel Protests

Bengaluru, known for its traffic, can make you wait for hours even when travelling short distances. Many of us opt for auto&nbsp;and bike rides to avoid such situations, as they are more flexible and cheap compared to other forms of transport. However, increasing demand for bike rides has prompted over two lakh auto (two hundred thousand) auto drivers to begin a day's strike in support of their long-pending demands, which includes a ban on bike taxi services. The drivers will be on strike from Sunday (March 19) midnight to Monday (March 20) midnight. Auto drivers have argued that bike taxi services exploit youngsters by luring them with incentives while risking their lives. Here's everything you need to know why auto drivers are on strike and&nbsp;what are their&nbsp;demands, what bike taxi operators claim&nbsp;and what happens next.

What do auto drivers demand?

The Bengaluru Auto Drivers Unions' Federation called for a one-day strike on Sunday, where Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers' Union president M Manjunath told news agency PTI, “We have been demanding the government to ban Rapido bike taxis and other whiteboard bike services which are affecting our livelihood. We&nbsp;have submitted a memorandum to the authorities appealing to them to meet our genuine demands, but it has been in vain."&nbsp;

He added that 21 autorickshaw drivers' associations have come together against the bike taxis. Manjunath also mentioned&nbsp;that even some students are using their bikes under the 'Rapido bike services,' to earn more money too.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;claimed they had warned the government not to provide permission, but the latter "turned of a blind eye" to their demands, and the bike drivers continue to operate in the city.

Auto drivers argue that for them it's a must to follow many rules and regulations such as getting permits, paying taxes, ensuring safety standards and charging fares fixed by the government. However, the bike taxis on the other hand do not have any such obligations to follow and charge lower rates.&nbsp;

What do the bike taxi operators say?

Following the accusations by the auto drivers, bike taxi operators have claimed that they have been&nbsp;providing all legal and essential services to the public, especially during the pandemic. They added that they are not competing with auto drivers but complementing them with another form of&nbsp;transport service.&nbsp;

They added that with this service, they are also providing employment to thousands of youngsters who otherwise would have been unemployed.&nbsp;

Bike taxi operators claimed that in states like Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan they have been allowed to operate "legally," and have urged the Karnataka government to do the same.

Where does the government stand on this?

The Karnataka government has not yet taken any clear stand on the issues, however, the transport department has granted permission to 'Bounce' to run 100 e-bikes in the capital under their Bike Taxi Scheme.&nbsp;

Transport minister Angad Singh while appealing to the auto unions to call off their strikes, said that he will soon hold a talk with auto unions and bike taxi aggregators to resolve the differences.&nbsp;

Bengaluru, known for its traffic, can make you wait for hours even when travelling short distances. Many of us opt for auto and bike rides to avoid such situations, as they are more flexible and cheap compared to other forms of transport.

Bengaluru, known for its traffic, can make you wait for hours even when travelling short distances. Many of us opt for auto and bike rides to avoid such situations, as they are more flexible and cheap compared to other forms of transport. However, increasing demand for bike rides has prompted over two lakh auto (two hundred thousand) auto drivers to begin a day's strike in support of their long-pending demands, which includes a ban on bike taxi services. The drivers will be on strike from Sunday (March 19) midnight to Monday (March 20) midnight. Auto drivers have argued that bike taxi services exploit youngsters by luring them with incentives while risking their lives. Here's everything you need to know why auto drivers are on strike and what are their demands, what bike taxi operators claim and what happens next. What do auto drivers demand? The Bengaluru Auto Drivers Unions' Federation called for a one-day strike on Sunday, where Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers' Union president M Manjunath told news agency PTI, “We have been demanding the government to ban Rapido bike taxis and other whiteboard bike services which are affecting our livelihood. We have submitted a memorandum to the authorities appealing to them to meet our genuine demands, but it has been in vain." He added that 21 autorickshaw drivers' associations have come together against the bike taxis. Manjunath also mentioned that even some students are using their bikes under the 'Rapido bike services,' to earn more money too. He claimed they had warned the government not to provide permission, but the latter "turned of a blind eye" to their demands, and the bike drivers continue to operate in the city. Auto drivers argue that for them it's a must to follow many rules and regulations such as getting permits, paying taxes, ensuring safety standards and charging fares fixed by the government. However, the bike taxis on the other hand do not have any such obligations to follow and charge lower rates. What do the bike taxi operators say? Following the accusations by the auto drivers, bike taxi operators have claimed that they have been providing all legal and essential services to the public, especially during the pandemic. They added that they are not competing with auto drivers but complementing them with another form of transport service. They added that with this service, they are also providing employment to thousands of youngsters who otherwise would have been unemployed. Bike taxi operators claimed that in states like Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan they have been allowed to operate "legally," and have urged the Karnataka government to do the same. Where does the government stand on this? The Karnataka government has not yet taken any clear stand on the issues, however, the transport department has granted permission to 'Bounce' to run 100 e-bikes in the capital under their Bike Taxi Scheme. Transport minister Angad Singh while appealing to the auto unions to call off their strikes, said that he will soon hold a talk with auto unions and bike taxi aggregators to resolve the differences.

Bengaluru auto strike: Why are thousands of drivers protesting against bike taxis? What are their demands?

South Africa: Protesters demand President Ramaphosa to step down

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), one of the main opposition parties, has called for a national shutdown in South Africa. Thousands take part in protests called by the Opposition. Protests against rolling blackouts, increasing unemployment rates and corruption scandals.

Thousands hold protests in South Africa | WION Shorts

First-of-its-kind invention, a 60-year-old Indian man has made an 'infinite years' calendar, toppling Australia's record of a calendar designed for 400 years. The calendar is pocket-sized and has 24 pages, which can show dates and days for infinite years.

Pocket-sized calendar made by Indian man marks infinite years

In a diplomatic turn of events, Egypt and Turkiye have taken another step towards mending their estranged relations. Ankara's top diplomat is visiting Cairo for the first time in ten years. In 2013, the relations between the two neighbouring nations were severely strained after Egypt's then-army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, led the ouster of Ankara's ally, the muslim brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry confirmed that talks to restore ties to the ambassadorial level would happen at an appropriate time. Calling the talks honest, deep and transparent, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkiye would upgrade its diplomatic relations with Egypt as soon as possible.

Ankara's top diplomat visits Cairo after 10 years

How big a fan are you of Jack Sparrow? Is your fandom crazy enough to build a chocolate statue of him? A chef from India, who has always been fascinated by the character which was played by Johnny Depp, has prepared a chocolate statue of Jack Sparrow. WION's Samarpita Das brings you more details.

The Jack Sparrow chocolate statue that won gold at India's culinary festival

Asia’s biggest international food and hospitality fair, Aahar 2023, took place in Delhi. This is a dream destination for food lovers and aspiring chefs. WION's Samarpita Das got the opportunity to interact with celebrity chef Uwe Micheel, who has been appointed as the chief jury this year.

Aahar 2023: Inside India's biggest culinary festival, celebrity chef Uwe Micheel meets young minds

The judge of the Islamabad high court has now allowed Imran Khan to leave after he marked his attendance outside the judicial complex in the Toshahkhana case.

Pakistan: Ex-Prime Minister appears in court as home raided

Donald Trump is again back on YouTube and Facebook! Returning back on these platforms after two years, Trump now has access to key online platforms. He can use this for political fundraising and reaching out to millions of his followers online as he runs for U.S. Presidency again.

Donald Trump posts 'I am back' on Facebook and YouTube after two years

Kosovo prime minister Albin Kurti and Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic have arrived in North Macedonia for a fresh round of talks with EU officials on a deal to normalise ties between both nations while thousands of Serbians took to the streets in Belgrade to protest the deal that they fear shall officially recognise Kosovo's independence from Serbia.

Kosovan PM Kurti meets with Serbian president Vucic on West-back EU entry deal

Israel is in a state of anarchy. A planned judicial reform has triggered massive protests. What is this reform all about?

Gravitas Plus: Will Israel descend into a civil war?

In an unusual incident, hundreds and thousands of dead fish were seen floating in Australia's second-largest river. It occurred near the small town of Menindee, some 600 kilometres away from Sydney.

Millions of fish found floating in river in Australia

The question that a lot of people are now asking is well the former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan now got arrested, what is next for him as the court proceedings are presently underway. Here are some dramatic scenes that actually happened when the pro Imran Khan protesters clenched with the police.

Pakistan: Police crackdown against Imran Khan supporters

Protests in Israel against the planned judicial reforms have now entered their eleventh week. Demonstrators once again gathered in the city of Tel Aviv. Like every Saturday, this time too Israelis flocked the streets of Tel Aviv as part of nationwide demonstrations against the judicial overhaul. Waiving national flags, the demonstrators chanted slogans and marched across the streets. Israeli forces could be seen pushing the protesters away in an effort to disperse. But protesters continued to showcase their disapproval. As the bill moves towards ratification---protests too are getting intensified. Protesters here also tried to block a highway at the site. This led to scuffle as police tried to clear off the protesters.

Israel: Demonstrators scuffle with security forces, protests over judicial reforms

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Wary West tries to decode China's motives in Ukraine-Russia war

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah hinted that proceedings could be initiated to declare the PTI, a banned outfit. This comes after the Punjab police found weapons including petrol bomb material while raiding Imran Khan's Lahore residence on Saturday.

Pakistan: Police file terror charges against Imran Khan

Rana Sanaullah: Legal proceedings could be initiated against PTI

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S invasion of Iraq. The war toppled the rule of dictator Saddam Hussein. It drew condemnation from nations across the world but the U.S justified it saying that Hussein had possessed weapons of mass destruction but now poll has revealed that the majority of American citizens believe that the invasion was unjustified.

Survey: Majority of Americans view invasion of Iraq negatively

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be quizzed by a panel of lawmakers. Johnson will be questioned on whether he intentionally had misled the parliament about the illegal parties during the coronavirus lockdowns.

Partygate Scandal: Panel to decide if Boris Johnson misled parliament

news

News, News on News, stories on News, articles on News, News stories at Wion, News news, News latest news