Iran's army conducts drone & missile attack on US bases

BRICS by numbers: Global GDP share, trade share, intra-BRICS settlement volumes and NDB disbursements — All you need to know

South Korea mulls military deployment in Hormuz amid Trump’s pressure

Russia-Ukraine truce in sight? Trump sends US envoys with 'peace plan'; Zelensky offerst emporary ceasefire

Husband uses secret camera to record wife’s affair, wins divorce case, ends up in jail for spying

New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side

Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks

Mirzapur: The Movie X review: ‘Peak Mass Entertainer', netizens praise Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal's thriller

Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets

Why US tanks can spin their heavy turrets much faster than Russian tanks

Bolivia turns to crypto amid dollar crunch

Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit

‘Major escalation’: Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting SBU chief’s office

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa

Missed Vikrant Massey in Mirzapur: The Movie? Here’s what the actor has to say about the film

Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pak fighter jet retires, takes up private job

Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth

What are the challenges Congo is facing in containing Ebola outbreak?

Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket

Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador

Indian agencies uncover hawala, shell firms and fake trade used to hide illicit money, FATF says

Iran attacks US bases in Kuwait & UAE, supersecret missile project in focus | Gravitas

‘Thank you for your friendship’: Meloni thanks PM Modi for wishes as she sets Italy’s postwar record

EAM Jaishankar: Russia-Ukraine conflict is a war ‘without winners’

Lindsay Clancy murder trial: Tensions rise as juror disputes over 'reasonable doubt' as verdict remains elusive

Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest

‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ says JD Vance on ongoing conflict with Iran

Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations

Japan is facing a novel housing problem -&nbsp;too many houses and not enough people. As per reports, as the ageing nation struggles with the ever-declining population, the number of vacant houses in Japan has surged to an all-time high of nine million. To put it into context, this is more than enough for all the people in the populous US state of New York.&nbsp;

<h2>'Akiya' houses</h2>

As per a CNN report, abandoned houses in Japan are known as 'Akiya' houses, which usually refer to a house located in a rural area, and in derelict condition. However, that is no longer true.

More and more Akiya houses are located in major Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/critical-situation-japans-number-of-births-fell-to-record-low-in-2023-marriages-down-by-59-694545">'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9%</a>

Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at the Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, said that "this is a symptom of Japan's population decline".

"It's not really a problem of building too many houses" but "a problem of not having enough people," explained Hall, as quoted by the report.

Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications shows that 14 per cent of all residential properties in the nation are vacant.&nbsp;

All of these are not Akiya or ruins, but include properties vacant for a variety of reasons: they're somebody's second home, owners moved abroad, etc. Additionally, some houses are without owners; due to poor record-keeping, local authorities don't know who the owner is.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heartbreaking-reality-over-321000-children-left-orphaned-due-to-americas-drug-epidemic-between-2011-2021-719636">Heartbreaking reality: Over 321,000 children left orphaned due to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021</a>

A growing trend on social media shows people, mainly foreigners, scooping up these Akiya properties and renovating them. However, as per Hall, that is not as easy as it seems.

"The truth is most of these homes are not going to be sold to foreigners, or that the amount of administrative work and the rules behind it [are not] easy for somebody who doesn't speak Japanese and read Japanese very well."

"They're not going to be able to get these houses for cheap," warned Hall.

<h2>A declining population</h2>

For years, Japan's population has been on a steady decline, so much so that in 2022, Elon Musk warned Japan would "eventually cease to exist" without a higher birthrate.&nbsp;

The billionaire tweeted, "At risk of stating the obvious, unless something changes to cause the birth rate to exceed the death rate, Japan will eventually cease to exist. This would be a great loss for the world."

In 2023, the number of babies born in Japan fell for the eighth straight year. Compared to the previous year (2022), the number of births in the country fell by a whopping 51 per cent to 758,631.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan is facing a novel housing problem - too many houses and not enough people. As per reports, as the ageing nation struggles with the ever-declining population, the number of vacant houses in Japan has surged to an all-time high of nine million.

Japan is facing a novel housing problem - too many houses and not enough people. As per reports, as the ageing nation struggles with the ever-declining population, the number of vacant houses in Japan has surged to an all-time high of nine million. To put it into context, this is more than enough for all the people in the populous US state of New York. 'Akiya' houses As per a CNN report, abandoned houses in Japan are known as 'Akiya' houses, which usually refer to a house located in a rural area, and in derelict condition. However, that is no longer true. More and more Akiya houses are located in major Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Also read | 'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9% Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at the Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, said that "this is a symptom of Japan's population decline". "It's not really a problem of building too many houses" but "a problem of not having enough people," explained Hall, as quoted by the report. Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications shows that 14 per cent of all residential properties in the nation are vacant. All of these are not Akiya or ruins, but include properties vacant for a variety of reasons: they're somebody's second home, owners moved abroad, etc. Additionally, some houses are without owners; due to poor record-keeping, local authorities don't know who the owner is. Also read | Heartbreaking reality: Over 321,000 children left orphaned due to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021 A growing trend on social media shows people, mainly foreigners, scooping up these Akiya properties and renovating them. However, as per Hall, that is not as easy as it seems. "The truth is most of these homes are not going to be sold to foreigners, or that the amount of administrative work and the rules behind it [are not] easy for somebody who doesn't speak Japanese and read Japanese very well." "They're not going to be able to get these houses for cheap," warned Hall. A declining population For years, Japan's population has been on a steady decline, so much so that in 2022, Elon Musk warned Japan would "eventually cease to exist" without a higher birthrate. The billionaire tweeted, "At risk of stating the obvious, unless something changes to cause the birth rate to exceed the death rate, Japan will eventually cease to exist. This would be a great loss for the world." In 2023, the number of babies born in Japan fell for the eighth straight year. Compared to the previous year (2022), the number of births in the country fell by a whopping 51 per cent to 758,631. (With inputs from agencies)

Another fallout of Japan's ageing population - Akiya houses - and it's not looking good

Nicaragua has canceled a concession granted to a Chinese businessman to complete the project which critics said would endanger the environment and displace rural communities. Watch in for more details!

Nicaragua cancels Chinese canal concession after decade

Ukrainian air attack on Russia's Belgorod region injured eight people and damaged scores of residential buildings and cars, the governor of the region bordering Ukraine said on Thursday (May 9).

An 11-year-old girl was injured and taken to the hospital, according to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod.&nbsp;

He reported on the messaging app Telegram that the attack also damaged around 34 apartments in 19 buildings and about 30 vehicles in the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-expel-russian-defence-attache-who-it-claims-is-undeclared-military-intelligence-officer-719421">UK to expel Russian defence attache who it claims is ‘undeclared military intelligence officer’</a>&nbsp;

Russia's air defence systems destroyed 15 rockets launched from the RM-70 Vampir system, and one drone over the region, stated Russia's defence ministry.

Three drones were also downed over Russia's Kursk region and two over the Bryansk region, the ministry said in a statement. All regions border Ukraine.

However, there was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Kyiv has often said that destroying military, energy and transport infrastructure inside Russia undermines Moscow's overall war efforts.

Russia's attacks on Ukrainian power plants

A day earlier, Russia launched more than 70 missiles and drones on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The overnight Russian attacks&nbsp;caused a deficit in the grid system. Hydropower and thermal power plants were damaged in the attack. Ukraine warned of possible power shutdowns across the country, Ukraine's grid operator Ukrenergo said on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlin-senator-struck-on-head-amid-concerns-over-violence-against-german-politicians-719401">Berlin senator struck on head amid concerns over rise in violence against German politicians</a>&nbsp;

The state power operator Ukrenergo also said it was limiting supplies across the country. It said in a statement, "Ukrenergo's dispatch centre is forced to limit power supply to industry and business from 18:00 to 23:00. The scope of the restrictions will be distributed evenly among all regions."

Russia claims to have taken control of two more frontline villages

Meanwhile, Moscow claimed to have taken control of two more frontline villages. Russian forces have increased attacks on land and from the skies with Ukrainian troops struggling more than two years into the war.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/massive-russian-attack-on-ukrainian-power-plants-limits-supplies-across-nation-719481">‘Massive’ Russian attack on Ukrainian power plants limits supplies across nation</a>

In the latest development, officials said that a Russian air attack hit a school stadium in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv on Wednesday. The strike injured at least four children and three adults.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia's attack "deliberate, calculated and sneaky."

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian air attack on Russia's Belgorod region injured eight people and damaged scores of residential buildings and cars, the governor of the region bordering Ukraine said on Thursday (May 9).

Ukrainian air attack on Russia's Belgorod region injured eight people and damaged scores of residential buildings and cars, the governor of the region bordering Ukraine said on Thursday (May 9). An 11-year-old girl was injured and taken to the hospital, according to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod. He reported on the messaging app Telegram that the attack also damaged around 34 apartments in 19 buildings and about 30 vehicles in the city. Also read: UK to expel Russian defence attache who it claims is ‘undeclared military intelligence officer’ Russia's air defence systems destroyed 15 rockets launched from the RM-70 Vampir system, and one drone over the region, stated Russia's defence ministry. Three drones were also downed over Russia's Kursk region and two over the Bryansk region, the ministry said in a statement. All regions border Ukraine. However, there was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Kyiv has often said that destroying military, energy and transport infrastructure inside Russia undermines Moscow's overall war efforts. Russia's attacks on Ukrainian power plants A day earlier, Russia launched more than 70 missiles and drones on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The overnight Russian attacks caused a deficit in the grid system. Hydropower and thermal power plants were damaged in the attack. Ukraine warned of possible power shutdowns across the country, Ukraine's grid operator Ukrenergo said on Wednesday. Also read: Berlin senator struck on head amid concerns over rise in violence against German politicians The state power operator Ukrenergo also said it was limiting supplies across the country. It said in a statement, "Ukrenergo's dispatch centre is forced to limit power supply to industry and business from 18:00 to 23:00. The scope of the restrictions will be distributed evenly among all regions." Russia claims to have taken control of two more frontline villages Meanwhile, Moscow claimed to have taken control of two more frontline villages. Russian forces have increased attacks on land and from the skies with Ukrainian troops struggling more than two years into the war. Also read: ‘Massive’ Russian attack on Ukrainian power plants limits supplies across nation In the latest development, officials said that a Russian air attack hit a school stadium in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv on Wednesday. The strike injured at least four children and three adults. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia's attack "deliberate, calculated and sneaky." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Eight injured in Ukrainian attacks on Russia's Belgorod, says governor

Russia commemorates its 79th “Victory Day” military parade celebrating its win over Nazi Germany in WWII. This parade comes days after the Putin took oath as President for the fifth time as the war with Ukraine rumbles on into a third year. WION's Shivan Chanana discusses Russia's strong posturing against the west with sputnik political analyst Dmitry Babich, joining from Moscow. Due to security measures, and internet jammers owing to the parade, Mr. Babich could only join via the phone line.

Russia celebrates WWII Victory Day as it prepares for nuclear drills in response to West

US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago.

US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago. According to a report published by The New York Times, Kennedy earlier was suffering from mercury poisoning and heart issues, which included an abnormality that was caused by a worm which had entered his brain and then died. Health has been a key part of Kennedy's campaign and he has compared his physical fitness to that of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. In a statement on Wednesday (May 8), his campaign said, "Questioning Mr Kennedy's health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition." "Mr Kennedy travelled extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia in his work as an environmental advocate, and in one of those locations contracted a parasite. The issue was resolved more than 10 years ago, and he is in robust physical and mental health," the campaign added. Also Read: One in three people suffer from 'silent killer' condition: Study What happened to Robert F Kennedy Jr? In 2010, the US presidential candidate faced severe memory loss as well as mental fog. As per the report in the Times, he consulted with top neurologists who knew about his late uncle's medical history. His uncle Ted Kennedy died of brain cancer in 2009. After checking the scan of his brain, a New York doctor said that his health issues could have been “caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died,". How does the disease affect the brain? The health condition, known as neurocysticercosis, is a brain infection which is related to larvae from pork tapeworms. It is a rare condition and nearly 1,000 to 2,000 people get hospitalised every year in the United States. Neurocysticercosis leads to seizures, headaches, blindness, blurred vision, dizziness, psychosis or memory loss. In a few cases, it can also turn fatal. The infection generally happens after people consume raw or undercooked pork which may contain a tapeworm. Watch: Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn The patients then shed tapeworm eggs in their stool and also contaminate surfaces or food if their hands are not properly washed. Because of this, when people around the patients consume food touched by them or come in contact with contaminated surfaces, they accidentally take in tapeworm eggs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare providers have a poor understanding of the condition of such patients and that neurocysticercosis is a “neglected parasitic infection". “It’s an important disease and gets ignored a lot,” said Dr Clinton White, an infectious disease professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. (With inputs from agencies)

Parasitic worm once ate 'a part of' RFK Jr's brain. Here's how that might happen to anyone

Thailand's PM announced on May 8 that cannabis will be reclassified as a narcotic by the end of the year, in a startling U-turn only two years after becoming one of the first Asian countries to decriminalize recreational usage.

Thailand govt takes a U-turn on cannabis, to criminalise cannabis again

The US delayed a weapon supply to Israel last week after it failed to answer Washington's concerns about plans to assault Rafah in southern Gaza, a senior US official said Tuesday. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel envoy to UN calls Joe Biden's warning very disappointing

UN warns of possible imminent attack on city in Sudan's north Darfur. The agency added that an attack on Al-Fashir would have devastating consequences for civilians in area already on brink of famine. Watch in for more details!

Sudan: Violence in West Darfur escalates | Targeted rapes & torture rampant: Human Rights Watch

With the Russia Ukraine war being marked by drone deployment of unprecedented scale, Ukraine now claims it is producing the same number of deep strike drones as Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine: Producing same number of deep strike drones as Russia

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Russia celebrates World War-II Victory Day - Israel: Biden's threat 'very disappointing' - 85 AI Express flights cancelled today - Fuji Ex-PM sentenced to 1 year in prison - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Asian shares trade mixed

85 AI Express flights cancelled today | Asian shares trade mixed

China has begun revising its National Defence Education Law which would require military training at universities, high schools and even middle schools. The proposed changes to the law also seek to improve Defence Education.

China: Mandatory Army training for children in school soon, move to nurture patriotic virtue | WION

In a fresh blow to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, another Conservative Member of Parliament defected to the Labour Party on Wednesday (May 8), becoming the second to do so recently. In her statement emailed by Labour, Elphicke said, "Under Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives have become a byword for incompetence and division." Watch in for more details!

UK: Labour MP Keir Starmer's decision to admit Elphicke met with Labour outrage

England's pharmacists have now raised a new alarm - they say medicine shortage in England is beyond critical. Pharmacists have warned that patients are at risk of immediate harm and even death.

UK: Record of shortage of drugs in England, Community Pharmacy England issues report

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Russia celebrates World War-II Victory Day - Israel: Biden's threat 'very disappointing' - Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India - Fuji Ex-PM sentenced to 1 year in prison - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel

Russia celebrates World War-II Victory Day | Israel: Biden's threat 'disappointing'

China has begun revising its Natioanal Defence Education Law which would require military training at universities, high schools and even middle schools. The proposed changes to the law also seek to improve Defence Education.

China to impart military training in schools, begins revising defence education law

Russia World War II&nbsp;Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945. The military parade is coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fifth term in the Kremlin's corridors of power.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia World War-2 Victory Day Parade: Top Developments</h2>

- Thousands of Russian soldiers are marching on Moscow's Red Square on May 9,&nbsp;one of the most revered holidays in the country.

- The iconic T-34, the major workhorse of the Red Army throughout the Second World War, led the column.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-from-soviet-fight-picking-child-to-russias-reigning-president-701470">Vladimir Putin: From Soviet fight-picking child to Russia's reigning president</a>

- Iskander-M ballistic missiles, S-400 air defence systems, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles also featured in the grand parade.&nbsp;

- An unusual May snowfall in the Russian capital is marking the anniversary of the Second World War. But due to this, an airshow could be cancelled at the last minute.

- Vladimir Putin delivered a seven-minute-long Victory Day speech

<h2>Vladimir Putin delivers Victory Day speech</h2>

Vladimir Putin said Russia will not tolerate any threats and its strategic nuclear forces are always on alert.

"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said.

Speaking from the Red Square before thousands of soldiers dressed in ceremonial attire, Putin accused "Western elites" of forging conflicts around the world.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia Victory Day Parade 2024: Russia marks WW2 Victory Day with military parade in Moscow

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-victory-day-parade-2024-russia-marks-ww2-victory-day-with-military-parade-in-moscow-719656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said, addressing the Victory Day parade.

"Dear friends, Russia is now going through a difficult, crucial period. The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us," he said.

The Russian president has repeatedly asserted the ongoing war in Ukraine as an existential battle against "Nazism".

Last year, Russia revoked its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and pulled out of an arms reduction agreement with the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia World War II Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945.

Russia World War II Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945. The military parade is coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fifth term in the Kremlin's corridors of power. Russia World War-2 Victory Day Parade: Top Developments - Thousands of Russian soldiers are marching on Moscow's Red Square on May 9, one of the most revered holidays in the country. - The iconic T-34, the major workhorse of the Red Army throughout the Second World War, led the column. Also read | Vladimir Putin: From Soviet fight-picking child to Russia's reigning president - Iskander-M ballistic missiles, S-400 air defence systems, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles also featured in the grand parade. - An unusual May snowfall in the Russian capital is marking the anniversary of the Second World War. But due to this, an airshow could be cancelled at the last minute. - Vladimir Putin delivered a seven-minute-long Victory Day speech Vladimir Putin delivers Victory Day speech Vladimir Putin said Russia will not tolerate any threats and its strategic nuclear forces are always on alert. "Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said. Speaking from the Red Square before thousands of soldiers dressed in ceremonial attire, Putin accused "Western elites" of forging conflicts around the world. Also watch | Russia Victory Day Parade 2024: Russia marks WW2 Victory Day with military parade in Moscow × "Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said, addressing the Victory Day parade. "Dear friends, Russia is now going through a difficult, crucial period. The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us," he said. The Russian president has repeatedly asserted the ongoing war in Ukraine as an existential battle against "Nazism". Last year, Russia revoked its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and pulled out of an arms reduction agreement with the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's Putin rakes up nukes again while celebrating Moscow's World War II win

Prior to his arrival in Budapest Chinese President Xi Jinping also visited France and Serbia on the second leg of his three Nation Europe tour. During his brief stay in Belgrade, Xi and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vučić signed 29 agreements. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping visit to Hungary: Xi Jinping & Aleksandar Vučić sign 29 agreements

Russia stages its main annual Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square marking victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. President Vladimir Putin expected to make an address at the event, with leaders of Kazakhstan, Laos, Guinea-Bissau, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Cuba joining the Russian president in reviewing the parade.

Russia marks Victory Day with military parade in Moscow, 9000 troops take part in Red Square

As the pro-Palestine protests and encampments led by students continue to stall classes across colleges in the United States and Europe, one college finally agreed to their demand of divesting from Israeli firms.

As the pro-Palestine protests and encampments led by students continue to stall classes across colleges in the United States and Europe, one college finally agreed to their demand of divesting from Israeli firms. A five-day encampment was ended by the students at Trinity College Dublin after the university agreed to end its ties with Israeli companies. On Wednesday night (May 8), the student leaders claimed their victory in the protests which disrupted the campus and blocked people's access to the Book of Kells. A deal has been reached between the senior management and protesters, said the university, in a statement. Also Read: Pro-Palestinian protests spark clashes and arrests across European campuses “Trinity will complete a divestment from investments in Israeli companies that have activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and appear on the UN blacklist,” the university said. “Trinity will endeavour to divest from investments in other Israeli companies," it added. The statement further clarified that the supplier list of the college contained just one Israeli company which will remain till March 2025 for contractual reasons. The encampment started on May 3 when pro-Palestinian protesters established dozens of tents in Fellows’ Square. Police arrest 33 protesters at DC campus Meanwhile, police resorted to pepper spray to clear a pro-Palestinian tent encampment set up on the campus of George Washington University and arrested dozens of students on Wednesday (May 8) as city officials were about to appear before hostile lawmakers in Congress to give details about how they handled the two-week-old protest. The hearing was cancelled by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability as its chairman and other Republicans welcomed the police action. House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “It should not require threatening to haul DC’s mayor before Congress to keep Jewish students at George Washington University safe.” Watch: Pro-Palestinian protest in Amsterdam turns violent Mayor Muriel Bowser said that she and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith have decided to remove the camp because of signs that “the protest was becoming more volatile and less stable.” These included indications that protesters had “gathered improvised weapons” and were “casing” university buildings and most likely had the intention of occupying them, said the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian protests: Trinity College Dublin to divest from Israeli firms

Russia has sided with India in a dispute with the United States. The US has accused an Indian intelligence official of plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, however, Russia claims US lacks credible information to support these accusations.

Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday (May 8), Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “Washington has not provided any credible evidence so far that Indian citizens are involved in the plot to kill Pannun. Since there is no concrete evidence, the claims are not acceptable and they are regular groundless accusations by the US against New Delhi.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pannun-murder-plot-top-czech-court-halts-nikhil-guptas-extradition-to-us-says-report-718805">Pannun murder plot: Top Czech court halts Nikhil Gupta's extradition to US, says report</a>

Zakharova, took a swipe at the US government, saying they seem clueless about India's history and culture, as America continues to make unfounded accusations about religious freedoms. "Washington’s actions clearly constitute interference in India’s internal affairs… They are not respecting India as a state.”

Last year in November, US, via an indictment filed by the US Department of Justice in a federal court in Manhattan, stated that an Indian official was working with 52-year-old Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta in the plot to kill Pannun. Gupta&nbsp;was arrested by Czech authorities and charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.

According to the indictment, the officer, referred to as CC-1, is a senior field officer with experience in security management and intelligence and is an Indian government agency employee.

In May 2023, CC-1 allegedly recruited Nikhil Gupta to assassinate Pannun in the United States. The indictment further claims that CC-1 assured Gupta of protection by stating his previous legal troubles in Gujarat would be taken care of and no one would bother him again.&nbsp;

Additionally, CC-1 reportedly offered to arrange a meeting between Gupta and a high-ranking police official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pannun-murder-plot-india-slams-washington-posts-report-linking-raw-officer-to-pannun-plot-716552">India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot</a>

Earlier this week, the Constitutional Court in Prague, which is the highest court of the Czech Republic, halted the extradition of Nikhil Gupta to the United States, as reported by The Indian Express.

Czech Justice Ministry spokesperson Markéta Andrová said that the court's decision meant the justice minister could not decide on extradition or refusal until the Constitutional Court decided on the merits of the complaint filed by Gupta.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has sided with India in a dispute with the United States. The US has accused an Indian intelligence official of plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, however, Russia claims US lacks credible information to support these accusations.

Russia has sided with India in a dispute with the United States. The US has accused an Indian intelligence official of plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, however, Russia claims US lacks credible information to support these accusations. Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday (May 8), Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “Washington has not provided any credible evidence so far that Indian citizens are involved in the plot to kill Pannun. Since there is no concrete evidence, the claims are not acceptable and they are regular groundless accusations by the US against New Delhi.” Also read: Pannun murder plot: Top Czech court halts Nikhil Gupta's extradition to US, says report Zakharova, took a swipe at the US government, saying they seem clueless about India's history and culture, as America continues to make unfounded accusations about religious freedoms. "Washington’s actions clearly constitute interference in India’s internal affairs… They are not respecting India as a state.” Last year in November, US, via an indictment filed by the US Department of Justice in a federal court in Manhattan, stated that an Indian official was working with 52-year-old Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta in the plot to kill Pannun. Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities and charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. According to the indictment, the officer, referred to as CC-1, is a senior field officer with experience in security management and intelligence and is an Indian government agency employee. In May 2023, CC-1 allegedly recruited Nikhil Gupta to assassinate Pannun in the United States. The indictment further claims that CC-1 assured Gupta of protection by stating his previous legal troubles in Gujarat would be taken care of and no one would bother him again. Additionally, CC-1 reportedly offered to arrange a meeting between Gupta and a high-ranking police official. Also read | India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot Earlier this week, the Constitutional Court in Prague, which is the highest court of the Czech Republic, halted the extradition of Nikhil Gupta to the United States, as reported by The Indian Express. Czech Justice Ministry spokesperson Markéta Andrová said that the court's decision meant the justice minister could not decide on extradition or refusal until the Constitutional Court decided on the merits of the complaint filed by Gupta. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia thwarts US allegations that an Indian official plotted to kill Pannun

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to Hungary - Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil

US warns halting of arms supply to Israel | Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil

Russia Victory Day Parade: Russian weapons & 9,000 soldiers parade in central Moscow

Russia marks Victory Day with Moscow Parade, fighter jets skies in Russia tricolour

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to hungry - Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil - Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India

Xi in Budapest for state visit to Hungary | Hamas: Won't compromise further

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Vladimir Putin to mark victory day - Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to hungry

Vladimir Putin to mark victory day | Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India

Ukraine on par with Russia on drone production | Drone combat in Ukraine changes warfare

world

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

world news