US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold a call to discuss escalating tensions over Taiwan. The conversation highlights the growing geopolitical concerns and the delicate balance between the two nations.

China-Taiwan Tensions: Putin, Xi discuss Taiwan after Donald Trump's inauguration

China is increasing airspace incursions around Taiwan, with a record number of military aircraft violations reported in 2024—over 3,000 in total. This rise marks a significant escalation from previous years and demonstrates China's growing capability to threaten Taiwan. In 2022, there were 1,727 incursions, doubling from the prior year. These activities strain Taiwan’s military resources and morale while limiting their operational range. Changes in reporting have made it difficult to specify the types of aircraft involved, but the increasing diversity and frequency of PLA actions remain a significant concern for Taiwan.

Secret Plans Reveal China’s Military Strategy to Squeeze Taiwan Through Airspace Incursions

In Taiwan, authorities suspect that a Chinese-owned vessel damaged an undersea internet cable North-East of the island. On Friday, Taiwan's Coast guard briefly detained the Cameroon-registered vessel Shunxing 39 on suspicion of it having dragged its anchor over an international subsea cable. Watch this video to find out more.

China-Taiwan Ties: Taiwan Investigates Chinese Vessel Over Damage to Undersea Cable

China's cyber capabilities and intentions are a growing concern globally. This exploration delves into the nation's technological advancements, strategies, and potential threats to international cybersecurity.

China-Taiwan: what are China's cyber capabilities & intentions?

An Afghan minister cautions Pakistan against testing Afghanistan's patience as tensions between the two nations escalate.

Afghanistan-Pakistan: Afghan minister warns Pakistan not to test patience amid rising tensions

Taiwan now has hypersonic missiles that can strike China’s capital Beijing, capable of creating utter devastation. A day after Chinese President Xi Jinping said that no one can stop China’s unification with Taiwan.

Taiwan Ready To Hit Beijing With Hypersonic Missiles as Xi Threatens Conquest

China is constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, a project that has sparked global debate. The dam aims to generate vast amounts of energy, but concerns have arisen over environmental impacts and its potential influence on regional water resources.

China's Tibet Super-Dam Threatens Millions

Tensions rise as China remains silent regarding its military activity near Taiwan, fueling concerns over escalating tensions in the region. The lack of transparency has prompted increased scrutiny from international observers and governments.

China-Taiwan Tensions: China Silent About It's Activity Near Taiwan

Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a compromise deal, signaling a breakthrough in their longstanding tensions. The agreement was finalized in Ankara, marking a significant step towards improved diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Somalia, Ethiopia Agree On Compromise To End Tensions, Turkish Leader Says

Somalia and Ethiopia Reach Agreement to Resolve Tensions, Says Turkish Leader

Gold prices surged to a one-week high in the previous session-- that was supported by a weaker U.S. Dollar, as investors awaited signals from federal reserve officials regarding the future of U.S. Interest rates. Watch in for more details!

Geopolitical Tensions Spark Interest In Gold

China has reiterated that it will not renounce the use of force regarding Taiwan, emphasizing its stance on maintaining sovereignty over the island. This statement underscores ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, as Beijing continues to oppose any moves towards Taiwanese independence.

China-Taiwan Tensions: China Says It Won't Renounce Use Of Force Over Taiwan

The United States has deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the nation's defense capabilities. This advanced missile defense system is designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. The move comes amid rising tensions in the region, with Israel facing potential threats from hostile actors. The THAAD deployment is seen as a strong signal of U.S. support for Israel's security and a critical component of the broader defense partnership between the two nations.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: US Sends THAAD Defense System To Israel

One year on, the war in Gaza rages little is left of the enclave, which was once home to 2.3 million. In our top story we ask, why global diplomacy has failed Gaza?

Israel-Gaza War: Over 365 Days Of Gaza War

An Israeli airstrike on Thursday hit Rafida School in central Gaza, which was sheltering displaced people, killing at least 28 and injuring 54 others, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. The school, located near the Palestine Red Crescent Society headquarters in Deir Al-Balah, became the target of the strike. Gaza's Health Ministry condemned the attack, calling it a "new massacre" and reported that the victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Al Jazeera confirmed the casualties, emphasizing the devastating impact on civilians in the conflict-ridden area.

Israel-Gaza War: Israeli Airstrike Targets Gaza School Sheltering Displaced People

The Philippine military said on Wednesday that the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats and seized their guns in the South China Sea this week in a confrontation that saw a Filipino sailor lose a thumb.

Chinese coast guard board Philippines' Navy boat, after ramming into the Filipino vessel

South China Sea tensions: Chinese coast guard board Philippines' Navy boat

Things are fast escalating on the ground in Ukraine. Russia has captured another village and shot down a Ukrainian warplane. Russian warships and a nuclear submarine have reached Cuba. Russia is holding nuclear drills with Belarus. What are these developments pointing at? Gravitas brings you the full story.

Russian warships, nuclear submarine in Cuba, fighter jet in NATO airspace. What happens next?

Ascent of the Cold War Russia has alarmed the West by deploying nuclear-capable submarines in America's backyard in Cuba. This provocative action has heightened tensions drawing parallels to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Russian nuclear-powered submarine to visit Cuba

Tensions escalate as Russia sends nuclear submarines to Cuba

Russia's state TV airs maps of missile targets

Tensions escalate as Russia sends submarines to Cuba

The last piece of privately owned land in the strategic Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic is up for grabs for 300 million euros ($326 million), spurring China-Norway tensions.

But why China?&nbsp; 
 
China's 2018 white paper on the region is seen as a sign of Beijing’s Arctic ambitions. Since then, the country has defined itself as a "near-Arctic state" and envisages to play a growing role in the strategically valuable geography of the region.&nbsp; 
 
The archipelago is located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, in an Arctic region that has taken on greater geopolitical and economic importance over the years.&nbsp;

As the sea ice melts, new shipping routes open, increasing its strategic value, while relations grow ever frostier between Russia and the West.

Spanning 60 square kilometres (23 square miles), the Sore Fagerfjord property in southwestern Svalbard is home to mountains, plains, a glacier and nearly five kilometres of coastline, but no infrastructure.

"It's the last private land in Svalbard, and, to our knowledge, the last private land in the world's High Arctic," said lawyer Per Kyllingstad, who represents the sellers.

"The Chinese are naturally potential buyers since they've been showing a real interest in the Arctic and Svalbard for a long time," he said, adding that he had received "concrete signs of interest" from the country.

<h2>The 1920 Svalbard Treaty</h2>

Svalbard is governed by a 1920 international treaty that recognises Norway's sovereignty over it. However, citizens of all signatories, including China, are equally entitled to exploit the region's natural resources.&nbsp;

Russia, for example, has maintained a coal mining community on Svalbard, via the state-run company Trust Arktikugol, for decades. 
 
But times have changed.&nbsp;

<h2>Norway keen on protecting its sovereignty</h2>

Any mention of possible Chinese interest in Svalbard property raises "a red flag to force the Norwegian authorities to do something." 
 
Norway’s intelligence services say that the Sore Fagerfjord property falling into Chinese hands poses the biggest security risk to the Scandinavian country after Russia.

Norway's Attorney General has therefore ordered the owners-- a company controlled by a Russian-born Norwegian, according to local media -- to call off the planned sale.

The Norwegian state owns 99.5 per cent of Svalbard and has declared most of the land, including the Sore Fagerfjord property, protected areas where construction and motorised transport, among other things, are prohibited.

Nevertheless, the sellers cite the 1920 treaty. “They are obliged to treat all the parties to the treaty equally,” said Kyllingstad.

"The land can't be sold without the Norwegian authorities' approval," said Cecilie Myrseth, Trade and Industry Minister of Norway.&nbsp;

"Nor is it possible to hold negotiations about the property," she added.

That argument is based on clauses of an old loan granted by the state in 1919. However, Kyllingstad insists the clauses' statute of limitations has expired.&nbsp;

In 2016, the government paid 33.5 million euros to acquire the second-last piece of private land on Svalbard, near Longyearbyen, which was also reportedly being eyed by Chinese investors. Critics subsequently accused the government of being misled over unsubstantiated arguments.

In 2018-2019, the state had already engaged in negotiations to buy Sore Fagerfjord but the talks collapsed over the price.

Trade and Industry Minister Myrseth said the option was still open if the terms were "realistic".

While the sellers thought it fair to offer the land to the Norwegian government, they will ultimately sell to the highest bidder on the open market, said Kyllingstad.

(With inputs from agencies)

The last piece of privately owned land in the strategic Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic is up for grabs for 300 million euros ($326 million), spurring China-Norway tensions.

The last piece of privately owned land in the strategic Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic is up for grabs for 300 million euros ($326 million), spurring China-Norway tensions. But why China? China's 2018 white paper on the region is seen as a sign of Beijing’s Arctic ambitions. Since then, the country has defined itself as a "near-Arctic state" and envisages to play a growing role in the strategically valuable geography of the region. The archipelago is located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, in an Arctic region that has taken on greater geopolitical and economic importance over the years. As the sea ice melts, new shipping routes open, increasing its strategic value, while relations grow ever frostier between Russia and the West. Spanning 60 square kilometres (23 square miles), the Sore Fagerfjord property in southwestern Svalbard is home to mountains, plains, a glacier and nearly five kilometres of coastline, but no infrastructure. "It's the last private land in Svalbard, and, to our knowledge, the last private land in the world's High Arctic," said lawyer Per Kyllingstad, who represents the sellers. "The Chinese are naturally potential buyers since they've been showing a real interest in the Arctic and Svalbard for a long time," he said, adding that he had received "concrete signs of interest" from the country. The 1920 Svalbard Treaty Svalbard is governed by a 1920 international treaty that recognises Norway's sovereignty over it. However, citizens of all signatories, including China, are equally entitled to exploit the region's natural resources. Russia, for example, has maintained a coal mining community on Svalbard, via the state-run company Trust Arktikugol, for decades. But times have changed. Norway keen on protecting its sovereignty Any mention of possible Chinese interest in Svalbard property raises "a red flag to force the Norwegian authorities to do something." Norway’s intelligence services say that the Sore Fagerfjord property falling into Chinese hands poses the biggest security risk to the Scandinavian country after Russia. Norway's Attorney General has therefore ordered the owners-- a company controlled by a Russian-born Norwegian, according to local media -- to call off the planned sale. The Norwegian state owns 99.5 per cent of Svalbard and has declared most of the land, including the Sore Fagerfjord property, protected areas where construction and motorised transport, among other things, are prohibited. Nevertheless, the sellers cite the 1920 treaty. “They are obliged to treat all the parties to the treaty equally,” said Kyllingstad. "The land can't be sold without the Norwegian authorities' approval," said Cecilie Myrseth, Trade and Industry Minister of Norway. "Nor is it possible to hold negotiations about the property," she added. That argument is based on clauses of an old loan granted by the state in 1919. However, Kyllingstad insists the clauses' statute of limitations has expired. In 2016, the government paid 33.5 million euros to acquire the second-last piece of private land on Svalbard, near Longyearbyen, which was also reportedly being eyed by Chinese investors. Critics subsequently accused the government of being misled over unsubstantiated arguments. In 2018-2019, the state had already engaged in negotiations to buy Sore Fagerfjord but the talks collapsed over the price. Trade and Industry Minister Myrseth said the option was still open if the terms were "realistic". While the sellers thought it fair to offer the land to the Norwegian government, they will ultimately sell to the highest bidder on the open market, said Kyllingstad. (With inputs from agencies)

Strategic land in Arctic archipelago up for sale, stirs up China-Norway tensions

Philippines summoned a senior Chinese envoy on Thursday to protest a water cannon incident that damaged two Philippine vessels during a patrol in the South China Sea.

Philippines summons China envoy over water cannon incident

Tensions escalated across different university campuses in the United States on Tuesday (April 23) as pro-Palestinian protests by angry students led to mass arrests and the closure of classes.

Tensions escalated across different university campuses in the United States on Tuesday (April 23) as pro-Palestinian protests by angry students led to mass arrests and the closure of classes. At Columbia University in New York, from where the protests flared, the students have been appealing to the university to divest from companies "that profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide and occupation in Palestine." The protests appeared to be turning violent as New York Police Department (NYPD) officers said students pelted bottles at them and someone even bashed a chair on a police personnel's helmet. Also Read: Pro-Palestine protests rock US schools, teachers stage walkout over mass arrests on campus Speaking to WABC, Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said, “As you can see, our officers were professional. Looks like they’re getting hurt with bottles, chairs, and so the individual that threw the chair at the officer, we are doing a video compilation, and we’re gonna find you, we’re gonna arrest you for attempted assault. You’re gonna have the full weight of Police Commissioner Caban’s police department coming for you.” On Monday, nearly 120 people were arrested from the private universities, according to NYPD. Meanwhile, Columbia University's president announced a midnight deadline for students and others to reach an agreement regarding dismantling an encampment inside the campus. In a letter, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said, “The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and at times hostile environment for many members of our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it." “I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate,” Shafik added. Trump calls Columbia University's decision to extend remote classes 'a grave mistake' Former US President Donald Trump Tuesday (April 23) said that Columbia University's leadership made a “grave mistake” in making all classes hybrid at its main campus till the spring semester ends. “What's going on with the colleges where they're closing Columbia now? I mean, it's just crazy. Columbia should gain a little strength, and a little courage and keep their school open. It's crazy. Because that means the other side wins,” said Trump. “The people running Columbia have made a grave mistake," he added. University of New Mexico also joins other universities in pro-Palestine demonstration Students, along with the staff and faculty at the University of New Mexico, also began protesting in support of Gaza in a peaceful manner. On Tuesday, "members of our UNM community assembled at the UNM Duck Pond in peaceful protest," said the university in a statement. Watch: US: Jewish students continue to feel targeted A few of them also set up tents and brought sleeping bags, which is in violation of school policy, they said. "Police monitored the situation throughout the evening, without incident, and around midnight advised those who were remaining that their tents needed to be taken down or they would be cited," read the statement. "The tents were eventually taken down, with some people remaining at the duck pond," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Tensions flare across US universities as pro-Palestine protesters clash with police

Blind psychic Baba Vanga, who apparently had rightfully predicted the 9/11 attacks as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, also made a scary prediction of World War III in 2024.

Now, with Iran attacking Israel and the latter planning out a retaliation, the predictions of the next world war have come to the fore, leaving many concerned.

<h2>Who was Baba Vanga?</h2>

Baba Vanga was a Bulgarian prophetess who emerged as an important figure among conspiracy theorists after some of her pronouncements came true. She died 27 years ago in 1996.

Baba Vanga, who is famously called the Nostradamus of the Balkans, predicted an event which will happen every year till 5079, when according to her the world will end.

For the year 2024, the mystic predicted numerous dark events which included biological attacks, terrorist attacks in Europe as well as World War 3, which some are finding eerily possible as tensions escalated in the Middle East and Iran launched nearly 300 missiles and drones on Israel on Saturday (April 13).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-new-sanctions-against-iran-hopes-allies-will-follow-footsteps-712071">US plans new sanctions against Iran, hopes allies will follow in its footsteps</a>

As per media reports, the prophetess had predicted a wave of terror and said that a 'major country' may dabble with biological warfare.&nbsp;

The blind psychic had warned that the developments may take place after the invasion of southern Israel by Hamas.

Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Dimitrova, had claimed to have a rare gift from God which helped her see into the future after she lost her sight at the age of 12.

<h2>Predictions of Baba Vanga which became true</h2>

The most important predictions made by Baba Vanga which became true were the 9/11 attacks in New York City and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In her 50-year-long career, the prophetess also predicted the coronavirus pandemic, the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine in 1986.

Watch:&nbsp;Operation 'True Promise' revealed: Iran warns Israel against 'slightest' response to weekend attack

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-true-promise-revealed-iran-warns-israel-against-slightest-response-to-weekend-attack-712167/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While predicting about coronavirus pandemic 'years ago', Baba Vanga said, "The coronavirus will be all over us."&nbsp;

In 1989, the psychic speaking about the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, said, "Horror, horror! The American brethren will fall after being attacked by the steel birds. The wolves will be howling in a bush, and innocent blood will be gushing."

Baba Vanga also made a correct prediction about Barack Obama becoming the first black president of the United States, although she said that he would be the very last.

(With inputs from agencies)

Blind psychic Baba Vanga, who apparently had rightfully predicted the 9/11 attacks as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, also made a scary prediction of World War III in 2024.

Blind psychic Baba Vanga, who apparently had rightfully predicted the 9/11 attacks as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, also made a scary prediction of World War III in 2024. Now, with Iran attacking Israel and the latter planning out a retaliation, the predictions of the next world war have come to the fore, leaving many concerned. Who was Baba Vanga? Baba Vanga was a Bulgarian prophetess who emerged as an important figure among conspiracy theorists after some of her pronouncements came true. She died 27 years ago in 1996. Baba Vanga, who is famously called the Nostradamus of the Balkans, predicted an event which will happen every year till 5079, when according to her the world will end. For the year 2024, the mystic predicted numerous dark events which included biological attacks, terrorist attacks in Europe as well as World War 3, which some are finding eerily possible as tensions escalated in the Middle East and Iran launched nearly 300 missiles and drones on Israel on Saturday (April 13). Also Read: US plans new sanctions against Iran, hopes allies will follow in its footsteps As per media reports, the prophetess had predicted a wave of terror and said that a 'major country' may dabble with biological warfare. The blind psychic had warned that the developments may take place after the invasion of southern Israel by Hamas. Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Dimitrova, had claimed to have a rare gift from God which helped her see into the future after she lost her sight at the age of 12. Predictions of Baba Vanga which became true The most important predictions made by Baba Vanga which became true were the 9/11 attacks in New York City and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In her 50-year-long career, the prophetess also predicted the coronavirus pandemic, the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine in 1986. Watch: Operation 'True Promise' revealed: Iran warns Israel against 'slightest' response to weekend attack While predicting about coronavirus pandemic 'years ago', Baba Vanga said, "The coronavirus will be all over us." In 1989, the psychic speaking about the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, said, "Horror, horror! The American brethren will fall after being attacked by the steel birds. The wolves will be howling in a bush, and innocent blood will be gushing." Baba Vanga also made a correct prediction about Barack Obama becoming the first black president of the United States, although she said that he would be the very last. (With inputs from agencies)

After 9/11 and pandemic, is Baba Vanga’s prediction of WWIII coming true with Iran-Israel tensions?

Prior to joint military drills with its partners, the Philippines has claimed that two Chinese coastguard ships "harassed" Filipino fishing vessels within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the disputed South China Sea. Watch to know more.

China-Philippines tensions: Philippines accuses ‘harassment’ by Chinese vessels

Days before national elections in Pakistan, the courts came down hard on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He's been handed two big jail sentences in cases of fraud and leaking of national secrets. The verdicts hold an uncanny similarity to the arrest of present election front-runner Nawaz Sharif in 2018. The Pakistan army controlling who comes in and who goes out of power shows through.

Iran-Pakistan: Bonhomie amid the boil

The attack came hours before Iran's FM's visit to Pakistan. A week ago Pakistan & Iran exchanged deadly cross-border fire. Gunmen in Iran killed nine Pakistanis days after Tit-For-Tat strike. The gunmen attacked vehicle repair shop in Southern Iran. The attack injured 3 Pakistanis. Watch to know more!

Pakistan-Iran Border Tensions: Attack in Iran kills 9, injures 3 Pakistanis

Former Ambassador to Iran DP Srivastava explains the implications of Iran-Pakistan attacks amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Iran-Pakistan tensions: Iran & Pakistan trade airstrikes this week

This week, tensions rose between Iran and Pakistan as the two countries exchanged fire. Iran struck militant targets in Pakistan's Balochistan on January 16. Pakistan and Iran say they targeted domestic militants across the border. Watch to know more!

Iran-Pakistan tensions: Pakistan & Iran agree to 'de-escalate' after trading air strikes

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