US troops have begun construction of a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza that aims to speed the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave when it becomes operational in May, the Pentagon said.

US military's pier in Gaza to cost $320 million | How will the humanitarian pier in Gaza will work?

Russia continues to make advances in the battlefield but amidst the advances in the ongoing war, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has made an unannounced visit to Ukraine, making it his third visit to the country since the war broke out.

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO Chief Stoltenberg meets Zelensky in Ukraine, says 'not too late to win war'

EU governments are under pressure to supply more protective systems to Kyiv. But countries that have US-made Patriots, which Ukraine values highly to shoot down fast-moving ballistic missiles, were non-committal. “Westerners are dangerously balancing on the brink of a direct military clash between nuclear powers, which is fraught with catastrophic consequences,” - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

War in Ukraine changing gears: Russia missile attack on Odesa kills at least 4

Student protests against Israel’s war on Gaza have popped up on an increasing number of college campuses following last week’s arrest of more than 100 demonstrators at Columbia University. Watch in for more details!

US campus protests: Columbia University begins crackdown on Pro-Palestinian protests

The Congress party has appointed Devendra Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Congress. Yadav will also continue his role as the all India Congress Committee in charge for Punjab. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Devender Yadav appointed as interim chief of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday after his unexpected visit to the country's capital. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy stated, "Ukraine and NATO have reached the highest level of relations since our independence, but not yet the highest possible level."

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO chief says 'not too late' for Ukraine to win war

At the beginning of his trial, a former German soldier acknowledged he had spied for Russia, claiming he did it to prevent the conflict in Ukraine from getting worse. "It was incorrect. "I maintain my stance," declared the accused, identified solely as Thomas H., who is at the core of multiple espionage investigations unearthed in Germany following Russia's aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

Former German army officer admits to spying for Russia as trial opens in Berlin

A two judge bench of the high court passed an order to close schools because of the heatwave. All primary schools across the country and educational institutions in almost half of the districts including the capital, will remain closed.

Bangladesh: Temperatures climb to 43 degrees Celsius, Authorities tell people to stay indoors

The Londoners are all to elect a new Mayor and Members for the assembly. But before they do, businessman Tarun Ghulati has surfaced as a contender against the incumbent Sadiq Khan for the election.

UK: Indian-origin Tarun Ghulati joins the fray for London Mayoral Polls to be held on May 2

UK's King Charles will return to public duties next week for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer as he makes good progress following treatment. Watch in for more details!

UK Monarch returns to public duties post cancer diagnosis

Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has taken oath as the new chief of the Indian Naval staff. New Delhi hosted a Guard of Honour ceremony to mark his welcome. Watch in for more details!

India: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi takes over as new Navy Chief

After nearly seven months of Israel's war on Gaza, hopes for a long-awaited truce and hostage release agreement increased on Monday. According to his British counterpart, the proposal might result in the release of thousands of Palestinian detainees, and Washington's top diplomat expressed his "hopeful" acceptance of Hamas' offer.

Blinken's West Asia Trip: Blinken & Saudi Crown Prince discuss truce deal

The British Parliament has finally passed legislation to send some migrants to Rwanda, opening the runway for flights this summer. The British prime minister Rishi Sunak's policy of sending the Asylum Seekers to Rwanda has hit another roadblock this time. The home office has admitted that they simply can't find thousands of migrants who are set to be deported to Rwanda. Watch in for more details!

UK Rwanda Deportation Plan: UK Home Office unable to find thousands of migrants

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to&nbsp;China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election.

Sogavare is known for his unpredictable diplomacy. He criticised neighbour Australia, snubbed a White House meeting with Pacific leaders because he said he wanted to avoid a lecture, and declared "I'm back home" while stepping off a plane in Beijing a few months later.

At election rallies, Sogavare said he had put Solomon Islands on the map by striking a security pact with&nbsp;China. Yet he only narrowly won his East Choiseul seat during Wednesday's vote, as opposition parties highlighted how health services ran out of medicine as Beijing built sporting stadiums.

"He has bowed out because of the poor performance of his party," said Australian National University Pacific expert Graeme Smith.

Solomon Islands lawmakers will vote for a prime minister on Thursday, and Sogavare's party, which lost half its seats, has nominated former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as its candidate.

Opposition parties, who criticised the arrival of Chinese police in the archipelago in 2022, have formed a coalition, and will also seek to woo independents to reach the 26 seats needed to form a government.

The son of Seventh Day Adventist missionaries, Sogavare's thundering delivery in parliament&nbsp;was reminiscent of a preacher, and his rhetoric against Western-style democracy was often extreme, analysts said.

Lowy Institute research fellow Mihai Sora, a former Australian diplomat in the Solomon Islands, said Sogavare has been a polarising figure, and "a lightning rod for international scrutiny, which also put a great deal of pressure on the national government".

"MPs may have decided this time around that a less strident figure would have a better chance of being accepted by an already frustrated community, and may reduce some of the recent tensions with international partners," he said.

Manele has "a strong track record of working well with all international partners", he added.

The 2022 security pact with&nbsp;China, details of which have never been disclosed, raised concerns&nbsp;China&nbsp;would increase its navy presence and upset neighbours including Australia, the biggest aid donor and traditional security partner.

Sogavare denied there were plans to establish a Chinese military base, which the United States said would cross a red line, but Beijing used the Honiara foothold to lobby other Pacific Islands to accept a Chinese police presence.

Sogavare refused U.S. offers of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding, telling the United Nations General Assembly that&nbsp;China's aid was less restrictive.

He skipped a ceremony to mark the World War Two battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, attended by former U.S. President John F Kennedy's daughter, U.S. ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy. John F Kennedy was saved by Solomon Islanders while serving in the war.

In 2022, Sogavare's government blocked the U.S. Coast Guard and British navy from refuelling on a patrol for illegal fishing.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidv8vpDF7mHnTB" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/chinas-coast-guard-expels-philippine-vessels-from-scarborough-shoal-state-media-says-716496" target="_blank">China tells Philippines to halt 'provocative actions' in South China Sea after shoal standoff</a>

On Monday, Sogavare said he was "under pressure from the United States and Western allies", after switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, and his time as prime minister "has not been easy".

Sogavare has held the prime minister's role four times, and was previously removed as leader because the government said he became "lost in conspiracies", Smith said.

Sogavare become unhappy with Australia in 2006, Smith said, after Australian police on a decade-long peace-keeping mission raided his office looking for evidence on Attorney-General Julian Moti. The Australian-born Moti was wanted in Australia for child sexual assault, and was later deported.

Sogavare accused Canberra of meddling in Solomon Islands internal affairs, and demanded the withdrawal of Australian police.

In 2021, Sogavare asked Australia to return its police to help restore order in Honiara during anti-government riots where his family home was also torched. Six months later he struck a security pact with&nbsp;China.

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election.

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election. Sogavare is known for his unpredictable diplomacy. He criticised neighbour Australia, snubbed a White House meeting with Pacific leaders because he said he wanted to avoid a lecture, and declared "I'm back home" while stepping off a plane in Beijing a few months later. At election rallies, Sogavare said he had put Solomon Islands on the map by striking a security pact with China. Yet he only narrowly won his East Choiseul seat during Wednesday's vote, as opposition parties highlighted how health services ran out of medicine as Beijing built sporting stadiums. "He has bowed out because of the poor performance of his party," said Australian National University Pacific expert Graeme Smith. Solomon Islands lawmakers will vote for a prime minister on Thursday, and Sogavare's party, which lost half its seats, has nominated former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as its candidate. Opposition parties, who criticised the arrival of Chinese police in the archipelago in 2022, have formed a coalition, and will also seek to woo independents to reach the 26 seats needed to form a government. The son of Seventh Day Adventist missionaries, Sogavare's thundering delivery in parliament was reminiscent of a preacher, and his rhetoric against Western-style democracy was often extreme, analysts said. Lowy Institute research fellow Mihai Sora, a former Australian diplomat in the Solomon Islands, said Sogavare has been a polarising figure, and "a lightning rod for international scrutiny, which also put a great deal of pressure on the national government". "MPs may have decided this time around that a less strident figure would have a better chance of being accepted by an already frustrated community, and may reduce some of the recent tensions with international partners," he said. Manele has "a strong track record of working well with all international partners", he added. The 2022 security pact with China, details of which have never been disclosed, raised concerns China would increase its navy presence and upset neighbours including Australia, the biggest aid donor and traditional security partner. Sogavare denied there were plans to establish a Chinese military base, which the United States said would cross a red line, but Beijing used the Honiara foothold to lobby other Pacific Islands to accept a Chinese police presence. Sogavare refused U.S. offers of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding, telling the United Nations General Assembly that China's aid was less restrictive. He skipped a ceremony to mark the World War Two battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, attended by former U.S. President John F Kennedy's daughter, U.S. ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy. John F Kennedy was saved by Solomon Islanders while serving in the war. In 2022, Sogavare's government blocked the U.S. Coast Guard and British navy from refuelling on a patrol for illegal fishing. Also read: China tells Philippines to halt 'provocative actions' in South China Sea after shoal standoff On Monday, Sogavare said he was "under pressure from the United States and Western allies", after switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, and his time as prime minister "has not been easy". Sogavare has held the prime minister's role four times, and was previously removed as leader because the government said he became "lost in conspiracies", Smith said. Sogavare become unhappy with Australia in 2006, Smith said, after Australian police on a decade-long peace-keeping mission raided his office looking for evidence on Attorney-General Julian Moti. The Australian-born Moti was wanted in Australia for child sexual assault, and was later deported. Sogavare accused Canberra of meddling in Solomon Islands internal affairs, and demanded the withdrawal of Australian police. In 2021, Sogavare asked Australia to return its police to help restore order in Honiara during anti-government riots where his family home was also torched. Six months later he struck a security pact with China.

Pro-China Sogavare out of the race as Solomon Islands votes for next leader

Three law enforcement officers have been shot dead and four others were injured in the United States. Two suspects have been killed. The Police Department Chief said that the slain officers were part of US Marshals' task force.

US Officers gunned down in shootout, suspect killed in retaliatory firing

Ecuador said on Monday (Apr 29) it is taking legal action against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking the UN tribunal known as the World Court to rule that Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal.

Mexico's government on Monday questioned why Ecuador waited weeks to file its lawsuit.

The case revolves around former Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted of corruption twice and now faces new charges. He was arrested on April 5 after Ecuadorean police conducted an armed raid on Mexico's embassy in Quito. Glas had been residing at the embassy as a guest since December and had recently been granted asylum status just before the raid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-referendum-says-yes-to-anti-mafia-measures-no-to-economic-reforms-713739" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-referendum-says-yes-to-anti-mafia-measures-no-to-economic-reforms-713739&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi61-Hg0OmFAxXp2DgGHUmUDl8QFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-hjM_IX9xl6BBmjUEo3Qs&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-referendum-says-yes-to-anti-mafia-measures-no-to-economic-reforms-713739" target="_blank">Ecuador&nbsp;referendum says yes to anti-mafia measures</a>

Ecuador filed a lawsuit, accusing Mexico of committing "a series of violations" since Jorge Glas began living at Mexico's embassy in Quito, according to a statement from Ecuador's foreign ministry on Monday.&nbsp;

Ecuadorean officials contend that Mexico breached international law by meddling in their internal affairs and wrongfully granting Glas political asylum despite the criminal charges pending against him.

"It's noteworthy that these arguments are presented nearly a month after the violent invasion of the Mexican embassy," Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it will formally respond to them later.

Mexico filed its own lawsuit against Ecuador at the ICJ earlier this month, accusing Ecuador of violating international law by carrying out the raid on its mission.

The ICJ will hold so-called emergency measures hearings on Tuesday, while Ecuador is expected to defend itself at a Wednesday hearing.

Video:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-there-unrest-in-ecuador-679412" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-there-unrest-in-ecuador-679412&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi61-Hg0OmFAxXp2DgGHUmUDl8QFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3GHlaDrE4BNl_yyRUaFZwG&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-there-unrest-in-ecuador-679412" target="_blank">Why is there unrest in&nbsp;Ecuador?</a>

ICJ cases typically take years before being heard on the merits, and while its rulings are legally binding, the tribunal has no means to enforce them.

Ecuador's suit also mentions "insulting" statements by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

 
Prior to the highly unusual raid, Ecuador complained about comments from Lopez Obrador a couple of days before Glas' arrest in which he weighed in on the violence in last year's Ecuadorean presidential election.

An Ecuadorean court has decided that although Glas's arrest was unlawful, he must stay in prison because of his prior convictions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi61-Hg0OmFAxXp2DgGHUmUDl8QFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0bNc3sFFCIxysq-ppjUJCv&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295" target="_blank">Ecuador&nbsp;violence prompts several prison raids across the region</a>

His legal team has vowed to appeal. Glas faces charges of misappropriating funds raised for the reconstruction of the coastal Manabi province following the devastating earthquake in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador said on Monday (Apr 29) it is taking legal action against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking the UN tribunal known as the World Court to rule that Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal.

Ecuador said on Monday (Apr 29) it is taking legal action against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking the UN tribunal known as the World Court to rule that Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal. Mexico's government on Monday questioned why Ecuador waited weeks to file its lawsuit. The case revolves around former Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted of corruption twice and now faces new charges. He was arrested on April 5 after Ecuadorean police conducted an armed raid on Mexico's embassy in Quito. Glas had been residing at the embassy as a guest since December and had recently been granted asylum status just before the raid. Also read: Ecuador referendum says yes to anti-mafia measures Ecuador filed a lawsuit, accusing Mexico of committing "a series of violations" since Jorge Glas began living at Mexico's embassy in Quito, according to a statement from Ecuador's foreign ministry on Monday. Ecuadorean officials contend that Mexico breached international law by meddling in their internal affairs and wrongfully granting Glas political asylum despite the criminal charges pending against him. "It's noteworthy that these arguments are presented nearly a month after the violent invasion of the Mexican embassy," Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it will formally respond to them later. Mexico filed its own lawsuit against Ecuador at the ICJ earlier this month, accusing Ecuador of violating international law by carrying out the raid on its mission. The ICJ will hold so-called emergency measures hearings on Tuesday, while Ecuador is expected to defend itself at a Wednesday hearing. Video: Why is there unrest in Ecuador? ICJ cases typically take years before being heard on the merits, and while its rulings are legally binding, the tribunal has no means to enforce them. Ecuador's suit also mentions "insulting" statements by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Prior to the highly unusual raid, Ecuador complained about comments from Lopez Obrador a couple of days before Glas' arrest in which he weighed in on the violence in last year's Ecuadorean presidential election. An Ecuadorean court has decided that although Glas's arrest was unlawful, he must stay in prison because of his prior convictions. Also read: Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region His legal team has vowed to appeal. Glas faces charges of misappropriating funds raised for the reconstruction of the coastal Manabi province following the devastating earthquake in 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador files lawsuit against Mexico at World Court over asylum decision

On May 2, the residents of London will vote to elect a new mayor and 25 members of the London Assembly. This time, Indian-origin candidate, Tarun Ghulati is challenging two-time winner incumbent Sadiq Khan for the position of mayor.

On May 2, the residents of London will vote to elect a new mayor and 25 members of the London Assembly. This time, Indian-origin candidate, Tarun Ghulati is challenging two-time winner incumbent Sadiq Khan for the position of mayor. Who is Tarun Ghulati? Delhi-born Tarun Ghulati is among the 13 individuals competing for the position of mayor. The 63-year-old is an investment banker and businessman who did his MBA from Delhi University. Ghulati has lived in several countries spread across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the United Kingdom and has worked in six of them. He has previously worked as an International Manager for Citibank and HSBC. Currently, Ghulati is the CEO and President of the London-based company Squared Watermelon Ltd. In addition, he is also the longest-serving committee member and former Deputy Chairman of the Asian Business Association at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also read: Kevin Pietersen slams London Mayor Sadiq Khan over prevailing law and order situation Furthermore, according to his official website, Ghulati is a Strategic Advisory Committee Member of the Global Cyber Alliance with United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, which "entails working internationally to help in eradicating cyber risk and improving our connected world". What are Tarun Ghulati's plans for London? "I view London as a unique global city, akin to the 'global bank of the world' where diverse cultures converge to flourish. As Mayor, I will build London's balance sheet such that it is the premier choice for investment, safeguarding safety and prosperity for all its residents," he said in a speech. "I will transform and run London effectively and efficiently like a seasoned CEO. London will be a profitable corporation where profitability means the well-being of all. You will all be part of the journey. Let's do it for our London, our home," Ghulati added. Ghulati's primary policy plans include repealing parts of Labour Party incumbent Sadiq Khan's controversial policies, such as the high costs related to Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) around the city.

Who is Tarun Ghulati, Indian-origin London mayoral candidate running against Sadiq Khan?

The debris from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on January 2 was from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile. As per Russian state media, the document cannot be considered an expert report as it was prepared by several specialists with a different sphere of expertise. Is Pyongyang providing missiles to Russia? What's Russia's give and take relationship with North Korea?

Is Russia using North Korean missiles against Ukraine?

The incumbent prime minister of Solomon Islands was set to fall short of an outright election majority Monday, forcing the pro-Beijing Pacific leader to woo an unwieldy mix of potential coalition partners. Watch in for more details!

Pro-China Solomon Islands PM out of race, says 'not competing for new term'

China is at it, again. Beijing is provoking India at Siachen, the world's highest battleground, by building a road in the Indian territory. Is this road meant for troops and tanks? How will India respond to the development?

China building roads near India's Siachen; new road in Shaksgam Valley, part of PoK

China will send a robotic spacecraft in coming days on a round trip to the moon's far side in the first of three technically demanding missions that will pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole.

A new space race underway: The far side of moon is China's next target

UK's contentious Rwanda bill is set to see action. The Home Office will begin to detain asylum seekers across the country from today. The move comes ahead of their planned deportation to the East African country.

UK: Another setback to Rwanda migrant's plan, Home Office loses contact with some migrants

Blinken's West Asia trip: Blinken says, 'Accept Israel's extraordinarily generous Gaza deal'

The US and its allies owned the skies, no opponents of theirs could compete with them in the air but now concerns are being raised as China is rapidly catching up with the West.

How China is fast catching up with the West | China 'pulling ahead' in air-to-air missiles

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