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Watch top headlines of the hour: - Slovak PM attacker taken to court - North India simmers under heatwave - Situation calm: Kyrgyz Government - Poland to fortify eastern border - To Lam named new Vietnam President

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The French government sent more police to the Pacific island of New Caledonia on Thursday and said it would crack down on rioters, hoping to restore order after three nights of upheaval in which four people have been killed.

Rioters angry with an electoral reform have burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops and set up road barricades, causing a "dire situation" for access to medicine and food in the French-ruled Pacific island, authorities said.

"Everything's burning, people have literally no limits," New Caledonia student Olivia Iloa said.

France has declared a state of emergency on the island, put at least 10 people under house arrest and banned TikTok.

Numbers of police and gendarmes in New Caledonia will rise from 1,700 to 2,700 by Friday evening, with a small number of soldiers assisting.

"The situation in New Caledonia remains very tense, with looting, riots, fires, attacks which are unbearable," French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told reporters.

France will "show the utmost firmness towards looters and rioters" and toughen sanctions, he said.

Rioting erupted over a new bill, adopted by lawmakers in Paris on Tuesday, that will let French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years vote in provincial elections. Some local leaders fear the move will dilute the indigenous Kanak vote.

Electoral reform is the latest flashpoint in a decades-long tussle over France's role in the mineral-producing southwest Pacific island some 1,500 km (930 miles) east of Australia.

The government in Paris repeated past mistakes by not heeding warnings over the reform, said Dominique Fochi, secretary general of the Caledonian Union, a branch of the pro-independence FLNKS party which has called for calm but wants the reform shelved.

"We spoke in the void, and now things have exploded," Fochi told Reuters.

France annexed New Caledonia in 1853 and gave the colony the status of overseas territory in 1946. New Caledonia is the world's No. 3 nickel miner but its nickel industry is in crisis. Economic disparities also fuelled the riots, said Fochi.

'DESTROYED'

Attal said the French government would step in to help mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. The local chamber of commerce has estimated the cost of damage caused by the riots at 200 million euros ($217 million), broadcaster NC La 1ère said.

"Caledonia will have a hard time recovering from this crisis... Everything, 80%, is destroyed," said Noumea resident Yoan Fleurot, who has witnessed looting.

Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia's two airports and port, said France's High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, adding roads in Noumea were blocked by barricades of burning cars and car carcasses, some rigged with booby traps.

There were also confrontations overnight between members of Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), which organised the protests, and self-defence groups, he said.

Three young Kanaks have been killed in the riots, and a 22-year-old police official died after being shot in the head as he was talking to protesters, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said. Another gendarme was killed in an accidental shooting while preparing to deploy.

New Caledonia's Pacific neighbours called for a return to dialogue and for the electoral reform to be cancelled.

"These events could have been avoided if the French government had listened," said Vanuatu's prime minister, Charlot Salwai.

The French government says it wants to meet pro- and anti-independence leaders soon in Paris. It has opened the door to suspending the reform bill if there is a new deal soon on the future of the island.

President Emmanuel Macron cancelled a planned video call with political leaders from the island because leaders did not want to talk to each other, Elysee sources said.

France's foreign ministry will brief officials from several countries on the crisis, according to an invitation seen by Reuters.

Hinting at foreign interference, Darmanin told France 2 TV "some independence leaders had made a deal with Azerbaijan," a country with whom France's relationship has deteriorated over Paris' support for Armenia.

He gave no evidence, and Azerbaijan's foreign ministry swiftly denied what it called insulting allegations.

The French government sent more police to the Pacific island of New Caledonia on Thursday and said it would crack down on rioters, hoping to restore order after three nights of upheaval in which four people have been killed.

The French government sent more police to the Pacific island of New Caledonia on Thursday and said it would crack down on rioters, hoping to restore order after three nights of upheaval in which four people have been killed. Rioters angry with an electoral reform have burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops and set up road barricades, causing a "dire situation" for access to medicine and food in the French-ruled Pacific island, authorities said. "Everything's burning, people have literally no limits," New Caledonia student Olivia Iloa said. France has declared a state of emergency on the island, put at least 10 people under house arrest and banned TikTok. Numbers of police and gendarmes in New Caledonia will rise from 1,700 to 2,700 by Friday evening, with a small number of soldiers assisting. "The situation in New Caledonia remains very tense, with looting, riots, fires, attacks which are unbearable," French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told reporters. France will "show the utmost firmness towards looters and rioters" and toughen sanctions, he said. Rioting erupted over a new bill, adopted by lawmakers in Paris on Tuesday, that will let French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years vote in provincial elections. Some local leaders fear the move will dilute the indigenous Kanak vote. Electoral reform is the latest flashpoint in a decades-long tussle over France's role in the mineral-producing southwest Pacific island some 1,500 km (930 miles) east of Australia. The government in Paris repeated past mistakes by not heeding warnings over the reform, said Dominique Fochi, secretary general of the Caledonian Union, a branch of the pro-independence FLNKS party which has called for calm but wants the reform shelved. "We spoke in the void, and now things have exploded," Fochi told Reuters. France annexed New Caledonia in 1853 and gave the colony the status of overseas territory in 1946. New Caledonia is the world's No. 3 nickel miner but its nickel industry is in crisis. Economic disparities also fuelled the riots, said Fochi. 'DESTROYED' Attal said the French government would step in to help mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. The local chamber of commerce has estimated the cost of damage caused by the riots at 200 million euros ($217 million), broadcaster NC La 1ère said. "Caledonia will have a hard time recovering from this crisis... Everything, 80%, is destroyed," said Noumea resident Yoan Fleurot, who has witnessed looting. Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia's two airports and port, said France's High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, adding roads in Noumea were blocked by barricades of burning cars and car carcasses, some rigged with booby traps. There were also confrontations overnight between members of Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), which organised the protests, and self-defence groups, he said. Three young Kanaks have been killed in the riots, and a 22-year-old police official died after being shot in the head as he was talking to protesters, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said. Another gendarme was killed in an accidental shooting while preparing to deploy. New Caledonia's Pacific neighbours called for a return to dialogue and for the electoral reform to be cancelled. "These events could have been avoided if the French government had listened," said Vanuatu's prime minister, Charlot Salwai. The French government says it wants to meet pro- and anti-independence leaders soon in Paris. It has opened the door to suspending the reform bill if there is a new deal soon on the future of the island. President Emmanuel Macron cancelled a planned video call with political leaders from the island because leaders did not want to talk to each other, Elysee sources said. France's foreign ministry will brief officials from several countries on the crisis, according to an invitation seen by Reuters. Hinting at foreign interference, Darmanin told France 2 TV "some independence leaders had made a deal with Azerbaijan," a country with whom France's relationship has deteriorated over Paris' support for Armenia. He gave no evidence, and Azerbaijan's foreign ministry swiftly denied what it called insulting allegations.

France sends more police to New Caledonia in attempt to restore calm

According to interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani, four foreign nationals and three Afghans were injured in the attack when gunmen opened fire. Four people were arrested, he added.

Afghanistan: 4 suspects arrested at scene of attack in Bamiyan province

Vietnam's Communist Party has nominated public security minister To Lam to be the country's new president, state media said Saturday, after his predecessor resigned as part of a sweeping anti-graft purge.

Thousands of people -- including top officials and senior business leaders -- have been caught up in the Southeast Asian country's "blazing furnace" crackdown on graft, led by Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The party's central committee agreed to "the nomination of Comrade To Lam, Politburo member, Minister of Public Security to be elected as President", the&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;News Agency reported.

Lam, 66,&nbsp;has been public security minister since 2016 and has taken a hard line on human rights movements in the communist country.

His nomination follows Vo Van Thuong's resignation in March after just one year as president, becoming the latest high-profile leader to fall in the anti-corruption drive.

Tran Thanh Man, 61, was also nominated as the new head of&nbsp;Vietnam's National Assembly, state media said, becoming one of the country's four most powerful leaders.

Man, currently the rubber-stamp National Assembly's deputy chairman, succeeds Vuong Dinh Hue, who asked to step down last month because of "violations and shortcomings".

The nominations have been accepted by the party's central committee but will be officially voted in by the National Assembly, which is due to meet next week.

All top leadership "must be truly united, truly exemplary, wholehearted and devoted to the common cause", VNA reported the central committee as saying.

<h2>- Crackdown -</h2>

On Thursday, Truong Thi Mai also resigned. She was the permanent member of the secretariat in the central party committee -- the most important position in Vietnamese politics outside its four-pillar leadership structure.

With the resignation of Mai, the once 18-strong politburo fell to 12 after also losing two presidents, the National Assembly chairman, a deputy prime minister and the head of the party's economic commission in the past 18 months.

However, the party said Thursday four new members had been appointed, including Bui Thi Minh Hoai, replacing Mai as the only woman in the politburo.

The political upheaval is highly unusual in&nbsp;Vietnam, where for years all changes were carefully orchestrated with an emphasis on cautious stability.

The anti-corruption drive has proved popular with the public.

But analysts warn the turmoil may threaten the country's reputation for stability, which has helped it build a highly successful export-driven manufacturing economy, making products for major global brands.

As well as political leaders, major business figures have also fallen foul of the purge, with property tycoon Truong My Lan sentenced to death last month in a multi-billion-dollar fraud case.

All of this comes as&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;seeks increased foreign investment -- particularly from the United States -- to develop its economy from low-value manufacturing jobs to high-tech industries.

<h2>- Golden steak -</h2>

Lam has spent his whole career within the secretive ministry of public security, which deals with the monitoring of dissent and surveillance of activists in the authoritarian state.

Rights groups say the government has in recent years stepped up a crackdown on civil society groups.

Lam is also deputy head of the steering committee on anti-corruption.

According to Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, Lam has weaponised anti-corruption investigations to and "systematically taken down rivals in the politburo who were eligible to become general secretary" of the Communist Party, the most powerful position in&nbsp;Vietnam's political system.

Other than Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, "that leaves To Lam as the last man standing".

His nomination comes nearly three years after he was filmed enjoying a bite of steak smothered in gold leaf at a London restaurant, shortly after laying a wreath at the grave of Karl Marx.

The incident in 2021 sparked online anger in&nbsp;Vietnam, where the average person earns a few dollars a day.

The restaurant, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, named after Turkish chef Nusret&nbsp;Gokce -- known to his nearly 40 million Instagram followers as Salt Bae -- serves up steaks wrapped in edible 24-carat gold leaf, reportedly costing more than $1,000.

Lam is also the head of the steering committee on the Central Highlands, a highly sensitive region that has long been a hotbed of discontent over issues including land rights and is home to several ethnic minority groups.

Vietnam's Communist Party has nominated public security minister To Lam to be the country's new president, state media said Saturday, after his predecessor resigned as part of a sweeping anti-graft purge.

Vietnam's Communist Party has nominated public security minister To Lam to be the country's new president, state media said Saturday, after his predecessor resigned as part of a sweeping anti-graft purge. Thousands of people -- including top officials and senior business leaders -- have been caught up in the Southeast Asian country's "blazing furnace" crackdown on graft, led by Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The party's central committee agreed to "the nomination of Comrade To Lam, Politburo member, Minister of Public Security to be elected as President", the Vietnam News Agency reported. Lam, 66, has been public security minister since 2016 and has taken a hard line on human rights movements in the communist country. His nomination follows Vo Van Thuong's resignation in March after just one year as president, becoming the latest high-profile leader to fall in the anti-corruption drive. Tran Thanh Man, 61, was also nominated as the new head of Vietnam's National Assembly, state media said, becoming one of the country's four most powerful leaders. Man, currently the rubber-stamp National Assembly's deputy chairman, succeeds Vuong Dinh Hue, who asked to step down last month because of "violations and shortcomings". The nominations have been accepted by the party's central committee but will be officially voted in by the National Assembly, which is due to meet next week. All top leadership "must be truly united, truly exemplary, wholehearted and devoted to the common cause", VNA reported the central committee as saying. - Crackdown - On Thursday, Truong Thi Mai also resigned. She was the permanent member of the secretariat in the central party committee -- the most important position in Vietnamese politics outside its four-pillar leadership structure. With the resignation of Mai, the once 18-strong politburo fell to 12 after also losing two presidents, the National Assembly chairman, a deputy prime minister and the head of the party's economic commission in the past 18 months. However, the party said Thursday four new members had been appointed, including Bui Thi Minh Hoai, replacing Mai as the only woman in the politburo. The political upheaval is highly unusual in Vietnam, where for years all changes were carefully orchestrated with an emphasis on cautious stability. The anti-corruption drive has proved popular with the public. But analysts warn the turmoil may threaten the country's reputation for stability, which has helped it build a highly successful export-driven manufacturing economy, making products for major global brands. As well as political leaders, major business figures have also fallen foul of the purge, with property tycoon Truong My Lan sentenced to death last month in a multi-billion-dollar fraud case. All of this comes as Vietnam seeks increased foreign investment -- particularly from the United States -- to develop its economy from low-value manufacturing jobs to high-tech industries. - Golden steak - Lam has spent his whole career within the secretive ministry of public security, which deals with the monitoring of dissent and surveillance of activists in the authoritarian state. Rights groups say the government has in recent years stepped up a crackdown on civil society groups. Lam is also deputy head of the steering committee on anti-corruption. According to Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, Lam has weaponised anti-corruption investigations to and "systematically taken down rivals in the politburo who were eligible to become general secretary" of the Communist Party, the most powerful position in Vietnam's political system. Other than Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, "that leaves To Lam as the last man standing". His nomination comes nearly three years after he was filmed enjoying a bite of steak smothered in gold leaf at a London restaurant, shortly after laying a wreath at the grave of Karl Marx. The incident in 2021 sparked online anger in Vietnam, where the average person earns a few dollars a day. The restaurant, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, named after Turkish chef Nusret Gokce -- known to his nearly 40 million Instagram followers as Salt Bae -- serves up steaks wrapped in edible 24-carat gold leaf, reportedly costing more than $1,000. Lam is also the head of the steering committee on the Central Highlands, a highly sensitive region that has long been a hotbed of discontent over issues including land rights and is home to several ethnic minority groups.

Vietnam nominates public security minister as new president

A&nbsp;Slovak&nbsp;court on Saturday (May 18) decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in pre-trial detention, a spokeswoman told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"The reason... is concerns about a potential escape or that the criminal activity may continue," said Katarina Kudjakova, spokeswoman for the special penal court in Pezinok northeast of Bratislava.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for Fico's health condition after Wednesday's assassination attempt was "positive".&nbsp;

"Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova told reporters outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-juraj-cintula-the-71-year-old-poet-who-opened-fire-on-slovak-pm-robert-fico-721884">Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?</a>&nbsp;

Fico was taken to the hospital by helicopter after the shooting and according to Defence Minister Robert Kalinak, the prime minister's condition is still too grave to transport him to the capital, Bratislava.&nbsp;

"The patient is conscious now, his condition is stable, but he is still in intensive care. His condition is really serious," said Miriam Lapunikova, director of the Roosevelt Hospital.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the 59-year-old was attacked as he greeted supporters following a government meeting in the former coal mining town of Handlova.&nbsp;

The suspect was tackled to the ground and arrested. The man was&nbsp;identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pms-bodyguards-jump-into-action-after-he-is-shot-in-the-stomach-video-721831">Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Fico's surgeries&nbsp;</h2>

Officials said that the man fired five shots at Fico and hit him four times, including in the abdomen. The PM was taken to hospital by helicopter and underwent five hours of surgery. He had another two-hour surgery on Friday.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver."&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told reporters in front of the hospital where Fico was being treated that there was no need to formally take over Fico's official duties and that some communication with the premier was taking place.&nbsp;

The attack sent shockwaves throughout Europe with world leaders condemning the attack.&nbsp;

The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign,&nbsp;he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt&nbsp;military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Slovak court on Saturday (May 18) decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in pre-trial detention, a spokeswoman told the news agency AFP.

A Slovak court on Saturday (May 18) decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in pre-trial detention, a spokeswoman told the news agency AFP. "The reason... is concerns about a potential escape or that the criminal activity may continue," said Katarina Kudjakova, spokeswoman for the special penal court in Pezinok northeast of Bratislava. Meanwhile, Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for Fico's health condition after Wednesday's assassination attempt was "positive". "Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova told reporters outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica. Also read: Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico? Fico was taken to the hospital by helicopter after the shooting and according to Defence Minister Robert Kalinak, the prime minister's condition is still too grave to transport him to the capital, Bratislava. "The patient is conscious now, his condition is stable, but he is still in intensive care. His condition is really serious," said Miriam Lapunikova, director of the Roosevelt Hospital. On Wednesday, the 59-year-old was attacked as he greeted supporters following a government meeting in the former coal mining town of Handlova. The suspect was tackled to the ground and arrested. The man was identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula. Also read: Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO Fico's surgeries Officials said that the man fired five shots at Fico and hit him four times, including in the abdomen. The PM was taken to hospital by helicopter and underwent five hours of surgery. He had another two-hour surgery on Friday. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver." Watch this report: × Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told reporters in front of the hospital where Fico was being treated that there was no need to formally take over Fico's official duties and that some communication with the premier was taking place. The attack sent shockwaves throughout Europe with world leaders condemning the attack. The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign, he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Positive prognosis’ for Slovak PM’s health but condition is serious; suspect in detention

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition. The man charged with the attempted assassination of the Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was brought to court on Saturday. Watch in for more details!

Slovak PM Robert Fico shooting: Suspect a former shopping mall guard, poet: Local Media

The Chinese social media app remains under Global scrutiny. The Canadian intelligence Chief has come up with a stark warning against using the app. He said that China could in fact be using it to spy on Canadians. Watch in for more details!

TikTok: Firm never shared user data with Chinese government

Poland to fortify eastern border | To Lam named new Vietnam President

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed to have shot down a US MQ9 drone over the southeastern province of Maareb on Thursday evening, according to the group's military spokesman on Friday. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Houthis claim to have downed US MQ-9 reaper drone

A Russian soldier in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic was assassinated by the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia on suspicion of having ties to the extremist Islamic State militant group (ISIS).

A Russian soldier in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic was assassinated by the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia on suspicion of having ties to the extremist Islamic State militant group (ISIS). The individual in question, who was shot dead by the FSB in the Russian North Caucasus village of Adil-Khalk, was allegedly preparing an attack on law enforcement personnel. According to RIA Novosti, Russia's official news agency, an improvised explosive device and a Kalashnikov assault weapon were discovered at the scene on Friday. According to the Federal Security Service, "the terrorist was also found to have correspondence with coordinators who are abroad," the publication stated. Also read: Ukraine war: Russia could intensify its offensive, need more men to boost forces' morale, says Zelensky Ethnic conflicts flare up on occasion in the volatile Karachay-Cherkessia area, which is dominated by the indigenous Caucasian-Turkic Karachay people and the Cherkess or Circassian people. The FSB said in December that it had detained 14 alleged members of a radical Islamist group in the country. According to Baza, a Russian Telegram group with purported connections to Russia's security agencies, the Russian serviceman was 25 years old and suspected of having links to ISIS. Also read: North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia On Wednesday, a criminal prosecution was filed against the man under the Article "participation in a terrorist organisation." Baza stated that the FSB sought to detain him on Thursday night. "During the arrest, the military man resisted and was killed," the channel added. ISIS took credit for the attack in March on Moscow's Crocus City Hall concert venue, which left at least 140 people dead and several others injured. It was the most deadly attack on the capital in more than a decade. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia kills own soldier over alleged terrorism ties to ISIS

Russia's Foreign Ministry called the attacks on Russia's Crimea and Belogorod as terrorist attacks and warned the US, EU and Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said Russia will not leave such encroachments on its territory unanswered. Russia accused Ukraine of using western weapons to strike its territory.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia warns encroachments on territory will not go unanswered

Apparitions of the Virgin Mary and weeping statues have been part of Catholicism for centuries, but the advent of social media has spurred the Vatican to crack down on potential scams and hoaxes.

Vatican tightens rules on investigating supernatural events

Lawmakers in the Taiwanese parliament were seen shoving, tackling, and hitting each other on Friday (May 17) amid a bitter dispute about reforms to the chamber. Amid the chaotic scenes that unfolded, one lawmaker, in a bid to stop the passage of a bill took an entirely different approach as he snatched it and ran away.&nbsp;

<h2>Watch: Major brawl breaks out in Taiwanese parliament</h2>

Days before the recently elected Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te from the ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates Taiwan’s distinct identity and rejects China's territorial claims, is set to take office, a major brawl broke out in the parliament.&nbsp;

Even before the lawmakers were to vote on a controversial reform bill, some started screaming and shoving each other outside the chamber.&nbsp;

As the chaotic scenes unfolded, Taiwanese lawmakers surged around the speaker’s seat while others were seen leaping over tables and pulling colleagues to the floor. Several lawmakers had to reportedly be hospitalised after the incident.&nbsp;

Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.

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BRAWL-AMENT! Taiwan's parliament descends into chaos as lawmakers throw punches. At least one has been hospitalized.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiw%C3%A1n?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwán</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/parliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#parliament</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/politics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#politics</a> <a href="https://t.co/4CPPh8GQQO">pic.twitter.com/4CPPh8GQQO</a>
— Truthreality (@RealityCheck191) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealityCheck191/status/1791750771522089183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Legislators fight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a>'s parliament (Legislative Yuan) 
 
A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill to prevent it from being passed. 
 
At least one deputy had to be taken to hospital with a head injury following the debate. 
 
The reason why the legislators are fighting is… <a href="https://t.co/wVL18qtzkC">pic.twitter.com/wVL18qtzkC</a>
— Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics &amp; Defense (@IndoPac_Info) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoPac_Info/status/1791742372281454867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In the middle of the chaos, one lawmaker tried to remove the bill itself from the chamber in order to stop its passage.&nbsp;

A video which has since gone viral on social media shows a Taiwanese lawmaker snatching the bill and dodging multiple people, before successfully exiting the parliament.&nbsp;

The MP, according to Taiwanese media reports, was later identified as DPP lawmaker Kuo Kuo-wen.&nbsp;

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A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill and ran off with it to prevent it from being passed <a href="https://t.co/M2DtDtSP4t">pic.twitter.com/M2DtDtSP4t</a>
— Source for Viral Vids (@source4viral) <a href="https://twitter.com/source4viral/status/1791754161492545677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Lawmakers from all three parties were involved in the altercations and traded accusations about who was to blame.

<h2>What caused this violence and chaos?</h2>

While Lai won the election in January and will be inaugurated on Monday (May 20), his party, DPP lost its majority in parliament. Currently, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has more seats than the DPP but not enough to have a majority on its own.&nbsp;

Therefore, the KMT has been working with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to promote their mutual ideas.&nbsp;

Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scuffle-breaks-out-inside-taiwans-parliament-722710">Scuffle breaks out inside Taiwan's parliament</a>

The source of contention is a bill which would grant the parliament greater scrutiny powers over the government, including a controversial proposal to criminalise officials who are deemed to make false statements in the chamber, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

The DPP has accused the two parties of improperly trying to force through the proposals without the customary consultation process in what the ruling party has called “an unconstitutional abuse of power”.&nbsp;

“Why are we opposed? We want to be able to have discussions, not for there to be only one voice in the country,” DPP lawmaker Wang Mei-hui told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests outside the parliament</h2>

A report by Focus Taiwan reported that some 100 people gathered outside the parliament amid the brawl that broke out inside the chamber.&nbsp;

In a clip posted on X, demonstrators can be heard chanting “Team Taiwan!” in protest of the bill which would also reportedly give the China-friendly camp – KMT and TPP – more power.&nbsp;

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NOW: Hundreds of protestors outside Taiwan’s parliament shouting “Team Taiwan!” in protest against a planned bill that would give the more China-friendly camp (KMT, TPP), which has a parliamentary majority, more power. 
 
Three days before DPP president-elect Lai’s inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/PKOUECPv2d">pic.twitter.com/PKOUECPv2d</a>
— Cornelius Dieckmann (@CoDieckmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoDieckmann/status/1791501266079908009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Lawmakers in the Taiwanese parliament were seen shoving, tackling, and hitting each other on Friday (May 17) amid a bitter dispute about reforms to the chamber. Amid the chaotic scenes that unfolded, one lawmaker, in a bid to stop the passage of a bill took an entirely different approach as he snatched it and ran away.

Lawmakers in the Taiwanese parliament were seen shoving, tackling, and hitting each other on Friday (May 17) amid a bitter dispute about reforms to the chamber. Amid the chaotic scenes that unfolded, one lawmaker, in a bid to stop the passage of a bill took an entirely different approach as he snatched it and ran away. Watch: Major brawl breaks out in Taiwanese parliament Days before the recently elected Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te from the ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates Taiwan’s distinct identity and rejects China's territorial claims, is set to take office, a major brawl broke out in the parliament. Even before the lawmakers were to vote on a controversial reform bill, some started screaming and shoving each other outside the chamber. As the chaotic scenes unfolded, Taiwanese lawmakers surged around the speaker’s seat while others were seen leaping over tables and pulling colleagues to the floor. Several lawmakers had to reportedly be hospitalised after the incident. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. BRAWL-AMENT! Taiwan's parliament descends into chaos as lawmakers throw punches. At least one has been hospitalized.#Taiwán #parliament #politics pic.twitter.com/4CPPh8GQQO — Truthreality (@RealityCheck191) May 18, 2024 × Legislators fight in #Taiwan's parliament (Legislative Yuan) A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill to prevent it from being passed. At least one deputy had to be taken to hospital with a head injury following the debate. The reason why the legislators are fighting is… pic.twitter.com/wVL18qtzkC — Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) May 18, 2024 × In the middle of the chaos, one lawmaker tried to remove the bill itself from the chamber in order to stop its passage. A video which has since gone viral on social media shows a Taiwanese lawmaker snatching the bill and dodging multiple people, before successfully exiting the parliament. The MP, according to Taiwanese media reports, was later identified as DPP lawmaker Kuo Kuo-wen. A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill and ran off with it to prevent it from being passed pic.twitter.com/M2DtDtSP4t — Source for Viral Vids (@source4viral) May 18, 2024 × Lawmakers from all three parties were involved in the altercations and traded accusations about who was to blame. What caused this violence and chaos? While Lai won the election in January and will be inaugurated on Monday (May 20), his party, DPP lost its majority in parliament. Currently, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has more seats than the DPP but not enough to have a majority on its own. Therefore, the KMT has been working with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to promote their mutual ideas. Also Watch | Scuffle breaks out inside Taiwan's parliament The source of contention is a bill which would grant the parliament greater scrutiny powers over the government, including a controversial proposal to criminalise officials who are deemed to make false statements in the chamber, according to Reuters. The DPP has accused the two parties of improperly trying to force through the proposals without the customary consultation process in what the ruling party has called “an unconstitutional abuse of power”. “Why are we opposed? We want to be able to have discussions, not for there to be only one voice in the country,” DPP lawmaker Wang Mei-hui told Reuters. Protests outside the parliament A report by Focus Taiwan reported that some 100 people gathered outside the parliament amid the brawl that broke out inside the chamber. In a clip posted on X, demonstrators can be heard chanting “Team Taiwan!” in protest of the bill which would also reportedly give the China-friendly camp – KMT and TPP – more power. NOW: Hundreds of protestors outside Taiwan’s parliament shouting “Team Taiwan!” in protest against a planned bill that would give the more China-friendly camp (KMT, TPP), which has a parliamentary majority, more power. Three days before DPP president-elect Lai’s inauguration. pic.twitter.com/PKOUECPv2d — Cornelius Dieckmann (@CoDieckmann) May 17, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Amid clashes in parliament, Taiwanese lawmaker snatches bill, runs away to stop its passage

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Slovak PM attacker taken to court - North India simmers under heatwave - India: Monitoring Kyrgyzstan situation - Israel sets up OPS in Jabalia, Rafah - Russia turns up heat on Kharkiv - Philippines vows to defend territory

North India simmers under heatwave | Israel sets up OPS in Jabalia, Rafah

The Singapore's health ministry has implemented a mask mandate again amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. The health authorities have recorded more than 25,900 cases of Covid from May 5 to 11.&nbsp;

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Saturday said that the nation is at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising. "So, I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June," the Straits Times newspaper quoted the minister as saying.&nbsp;

The number of Covid cases in the week of May 5 to 11 rose to 25,900, as compared to&nbsp;13,700 cases in the previous week, the health ministry said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-life-expectancy-to-increase-but-people-to-spend-more-time-battling-health-study-722599">Global life expectancy to increase but people to spend more time battling health issues: Study</a>&nbsp;

Amid a rise in cases, the average daily hospitalisations owing to Covid rose to about 250 from 181 the week before. However, the average daily intensive care unit (ICU) cases remained low at three cases, marginally up from two in the previous week.&nbsp;

The health minister also urged vulnerable individuals to receive an additional vaccine jab if they didn't take it last year.&nbsp;

Ong said, "If the number of COVID-19 cases doubles one time, Singapore will have 500 patients in its healthcare system, which is what Singapore can handle. However, if the number of cases doubles a second time, there will be 1,000 patients, and 'that will be a considerable burden on the hospital system'."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-journalist-jailed-for-covid-reporting-yet-to-be-released-amid-shroud-of-secrecy-721283">Secrecy shrouds release of Chinese journalist jailed for COVID-19 reporting</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Lapses in BHU research on Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin: Bharat Biotech&nbsp;

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The minister further added, "One thousand beds is equivalent to one regional hospital. So, I think the healthcare system has to brace ourselves for what is to come."&nbsp;

Notably, the predominant Covid variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2 globally. Currently, KP.1 and KP.2 account for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Singapore's health ministry has implemented a mask mandate again amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. The health authorities have recorded more than 25,900 cases of Covid from May 5 to 11.

The Singapore's health ministry has implemented a mask mandate again amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. The health authorities have recorded more than 25,900 cases of Covid from May 5 to 11. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Saturday said that the nation is at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising. "So, I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June," the Straits Times newspaper quoted the minister as saying. The number of Covid cases in the week of May 5 to 11 rose to 25,900, as compared to 13,700 cases in the previous week, the health ministry said. Also read: Global life expectancy to increase but people to spend more time battling health issues: Study Amid a rise in cases, the average daily hospitalisations owing to Covid rose to about 250 from 181 the week before. However, the average daily intensive care unit (ICU) cases remained low at three cases, marginally up from two in the previous week. The health minister also urged vulnerable individuals to receive an additional vaccine jab if they didn't take it last year. Ong said, "If the number of COVID-19 cases doubles one time, Singapore will have 500 patients in its healthcare system, which is what Singapore can handle. However, if the number of cases doubles a second time, there will be 1,000 patients, and 'that will be a considerable burden on the hospital system'." Also read: Secrecy shrouds release of Chinese journalist jailed for COVID-19 reporting Watch: Lapses in BHU research on Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin: Bharat Biotech × The minister further added, "One thousand beds is equivalent to one regional hospital. So, I think the healthcare system has to brace ourselves for what is to come." Notably, the predominant Covid variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2 globally. Currently, KP.1 and KP.2 account for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Covid back? Singapore advises wearing masks amid sharp rise in cases, recommends jabs for vulnerable

The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate has denied reports of&nbsp;alleged death and rape of Pakistani students as claims were making rounds on social media.&nbsp;

<h2>India is ‘monitoring’ the situation</h2>

“We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue. Our 24×7 contact number is &nbsp;0555710041,” said the Embassy of India in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in a post on X. &nbsp;

The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence.

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In response to the post, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said, “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy.”

There are reportedly around&nbsp;15,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Kyrgyzstan.

<h2>Violence against students in Kyrgyzstan</h2>

According to the Pakistan Embassy in the Central Asian country, a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students including Pakistanis have been attacked.

“The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate in a post on X.&nbsp;

It added, “Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report.”

Multiple reports on social media have claimed that at least three Pakistani students have been killed amid the violence, but it was not immediately confirmed by officials.&nbsp;

However, a statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry indicates that at least five students have been injured.&nbsp;

<h2>At least five Pakistanis injured</h2>

In a statement, on Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that there were “mob riots” in the Kyrghyz Republic and said that they are in contact with the Central Asian country’s government.&nbsp;

“The Kyrghyz authorities have expressed regret at the incidents of violence against foreign nationals including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators,” said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s embassy in the country has opened emergency helplines and is responding to queries of students and their families, while ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior Kyrgyz authorities.&nbsp;

“According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, four Pakistanis were provided first aid and discharged while one is under treatment for jaw injury,” said the Pakistan foreign ministry.&nbsp;

<h2>Pakistan foreign ministry summons diplomat</h2>

Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said that the Charge d’affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy Melis Moldaliev was called to the Foreign Office for a “demarche” by Director General Aizaz Khan.&nbsp;

“He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan about the reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic.”

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“It was impressed on the Kyrgyz Charge d'affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic,” the statement added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his concern over the situation in Bishkek and said Islamabad is “constantly monitoring the situation”.&nbsp;

“Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani &nbsp;students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan's Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” said the Pakistan PM, in a post on X.

<h2>'Situation under control'</h2>

"From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign and citizens of the&nbsp;Kyrgyz Republic," said the&nbsp;Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, in a statement.&nbsp;

However, local officials are yet to specify how many people were detained. It added, "The situation was completely under the control of the security forces. The safety of citizens and public order was ensured."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students.

The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate has denied reports of alleged death and rape of Pakistani students as claims were making rounds on social media. India is ‘monitoring’ the situation “We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue. Our 24×7 contact number is 0555710041,” said the Embassy of India in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in a post on X. The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence. Also Read | Japan changes decades-old law to allow joint custody to divorced couples In response to the post, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said, “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy.” There are reportedly around 15,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Kyrgyzstan. Violence against students in Kyrgyzstan According to the Pakistan Embassy in the Central Asian country, a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students including Pakistanis have been attacked. “The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate in a post on X. It added, “Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report.” Multiple reports on social media have claimed that at least three Pakistani students have been killed amid the violence, but it was not immediately confirmed by officials. However, a statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry indicates that at least five students have been injured. At least five Pakistanis injured In a statement, on Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that there were “mob riots” in the Kyrghyz Republic and said that they are in contact with the Central Asian country’s government. “The Kyrghyz authorities have expressed regret at the incidents of violence against foreign nationals including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators,” said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Pakistan’s embassy in the country has opened emergency helplines and is responding to queries of students and their families, while ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior Kyrgyz authorities. “According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, four Pakistanis were provided first aid and discharged while one is under treatment for jaw injury,” said the Pakistan foreign ministry. Pakistan foreign ministry summons diplomat Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said that the Charge d’affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy Melis Moldaliev was called to the Foreign Office for a “demarche” by Director General Aizaz Khan. “He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan about the reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic.” Also Read | David DePape, man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband sentenced to 30 years in prison “It was impressed on the Kyrgyz Charge d'affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic,” the statement added. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his concern over the situation in Bishkek and said Islamabad is “constantly monitoring the situation”. “Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan's Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” said the Pakistan PM, in a post on X. 'Situation under control' "From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign and citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, in a statement. However, local officials are yet to specify how many people were detained. It added, "The situation was completely under the control of the security forces. The safety of citizens and public order was ensured." (With inputs from agencies)

Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: Indian students advised to ‘stay indoors’ amid attacks; five injured

Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence.

Bishkek mob violence: 14 Pakistanis injured in violence

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security and to protect Russian border regions. Watch in for more details!

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