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UK sent the first batch of asylum seekers to Rwanda, media reported on Tuesday, a week after adopting a controversial law allowing irregular migrants to be deported to the East African country.

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Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday compared ongoing protests in US campuses to the January 6 Capitol riots.&nbsp;The former president questioned whether student demonstrators would be treated the same way as his supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6. Meanwhile,&nbsp;US diplomat Antony Blinken has called on Hamas to accept a truce agreement with Israel.&nbsp;Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October. In India, social media is rife with rumours of the death of gangster&nbsp;Goldy Brar, the gangster involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-needs-to-end-university-protests-find-truce-in-gaza-as-trump-compares-them-to-jan-6-riot-717087">Trump compares campus protests to Jan 6 riots, as Biden pushes for Gaza truce to stave off political heat</a>

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Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack.

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On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask for additional aid in Gaza while pressuring Hamas to accept a hostage deal that would end the violence in Gaza.

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Amid election season in India, multiple schools in the Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) reportedly received bomb threats on Wednesday (May 1) morning, police officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-indias-top-court-seeking-investigation-into-covishield-side-effects-717027">Plea filed in India’s top court seeking investigation into Covishield side effects</a>

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A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking the formation of an expert panel to look into the alleged side effects of&nbsp;AstraZeneca's&nbsp;Covishield vaccine and create a compensation mechanism for those who died or experienced severe disability after getting inoculated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/goldy-brar-gangster-behind-sidhu-moosewalas-murder-shot-dead-in-us-reports-717078">Goldy Brar, gangster behind Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, shot dead in US: Reports</a>

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A section of Indian media is reporting that Goldy Brar, the gangster involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, has been shot dead in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-shifts-to-remote-work-learning-for-coming-thursday-and-friday-heres-why-716984">UAE shifts to remote work, learning for coming Thursday and Friday. Here's why</a>

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The UAE has asked people to work and study from home on Thursday (May 2)&nbsp;and Friday (May 3) because there might be heavy rain and thunderstorms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-urges-hamas-to-agree-gaza-truce-as-he-meets-israel-leaders-717009">Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders</a> 
 
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Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

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The start of Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the Arizona Diamondback and the Los Angeles Dodgers was delayed after bees swarmed the Chase Field in Arizona on Tuesday (Apr 30).

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Former Real Madrid Steve McManaman believes that 20-year-old Jude Bellingham has had a greater influence on the Los Blancos than Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo.&nbsp;

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Amid thrillers, biopics, and dramas that release each week on the big screen and OTT, the heart yearns to watch a feel-good love story. 
&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday compared ongoing protests in US campuses to the January 6 Capitol riots. The former president questioned whether student demonstrators would be treated the same way as his supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6.

Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday compared ongoing protests in US campuses to the January 6 Capitol riots. The former president questioned whether student demonstrators would be treated the same way as his supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6. Meanwhile, US diplomat Antony Blinken has called on Hamas to accept a truce agreement with Israel. Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October. In India, social media is rife with rumours of the death of gangster Goldy Brar, the gangster involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Click on the headlines to read more. Trump compares campus protests to Jan 6 riots, as Biden pushes for Gaza truce to stave off political heat Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, talks about Gaza aid, ceasefire and more On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask for additional aid in Gaza while pressuring Hamas to accept a hostage deal that would end the violence in Gaza. Delhi Bomb Threat: Nearly 100 schools in Delhi, Noida, and Lucknow receive bomb threats. Here's the latest Amid election season in India, multiple schools in the Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) reportedly received bomb threats on Wednesday (May 1) morning, police officials said. Plea filed in India’s top court seeking investigation into Covishield side effects A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking the formation of an expert panel to look into the alleged side effects of AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine and create a compensation mechanism for those who died or experienced severe disability after getting inoculated. Goldy Brar, gangster behind Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, shot dead in US: Reports A section of Indian media is reporting that Goldy Brar, the gangster involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, has been shot dead in the US. UAE shifts to remote work, learning for coming Thursday and Friday. Here's why The UAE has asked people to work and study from home on Thursday (May 2) and Friday (May 3) because there might be heavy rain and thunderstorms. Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. VIDEO | Bees swarm Diamondbacks vs Dodgers MLB game The start of Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the Arizona Diamondback and the Los Angeles Dodgers was delayed after bees swarmed the Chase Field in Arizona on Tuesday (Apr 30). Former Real Madrid player claims Jude Bellingham has had bigger impact than Zidane, Ronaldo and Figo Former Real Madrid Steve McManaman believes that 20-year-old Jude Bellingham has had a greater influence on the Los Blancos than Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo. The Idea Of You review: Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine’s romance is candid and honest Amid thrillers, biopics, and dramas that release each week on the big screen and OTT, the heart yearns to watch a feel-good love story.

Top 10 world news: Trump compares Jan 6 riots to campus protests; Blinken’s West Asia tour; and more

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Columbia protests: NYPD enters Hamilton hall - Netanyahu vows to raid Rafah - Poll: 58% Israelis want Netanyahu to quit - Blinken in Israel to push for truce

Netanyahu vows to raid Rafah | 58% Israelis want Netanyahu to quit, says poll

Over 58% of the Israeli public believes that PM Benjamin Netanyahu should resign immediately, including 28% of those who voted for the bloc that supports Netanyahu, according to a poll published by N12 on Tuesday.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli name leaders who should 'resign'

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask for additional aid in Gaza while pressuring Hamas to accept a hostage deal that would end the violence in Gaza.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask for additional aid in Gaza while pressuring Hamas to accept a hostage deal that would end the violence in Gaza. This is Blinken's seventh visit to Israel, which is the final stop of this Middle East tour, since October 2023. Blinken visited Ashdod Port in the southern area, where recent relief supplies to Gaza have begun. He plans to press the Israeli government to undertake a variety of measures to improve aid distribution to Gaza, where roughly half of the population is starving. Following a 2.5-hour discussion with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken appreciated progress in aid distribution and highlighted the need to speed up and sustain it, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also visited Gaza border crossing to see humanitarian aid shipment in person. Blinken went to Kerem Shalom, an Israeli entrance point into Gaza a few kilometers south of the flashpoint city of Rafah, where he spotted hundreds of trucks waiting to enter, as well as many Israeli military tanks stationed nearby. The meeting came nearly a month after US President Joe Biden cautioned that their support might be reassessed if Israel fails to address civilian harm, humanitarian crises, and the safety of aid workers. Also read: Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken restated the US position that Hamas is hindering attempts to establish a cease-fire. Blinken also asked Hamas to examine a possible ceasefire arrangement arranged by Egyptian mediators, which includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for a greater number of Palestinian inmates and an end to hostilities. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he intends to launch a military attack on Rafah "with or without" a deal. Over half of Gaza's population has sought shelter in Rafah, after fleeing from elsewhere. Overcrowded Rafah is facing a lack of food, water, and medication. Blinken also visited a few family members of American hostages held in Gaza before boarding a motorcade to Jerusalem, where he attended a private meeting with Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, talks about Gaza aid, ceasefire and more

As UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak persists in his anti-migration stance, Britain has initiated its first transfer of an asylum seeker to Rwanda.

The move&nbsp;which falls under the voluntary scheme is distinct from an impending forced deportation initiative. This comes as the UK Parliament, in a bid to dissuade asylum seekers from undertaking perilous journeys across the English Channel to reach the European nation, in April, passed a contentious bill enabling the government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for their cases to be assessed there.

These transfers align with Sunak's agenda to curb irregular migration, with the government planning to commence forced deportations by July, as per reports.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-mulls-over-reclassifying-marijuana-as-a-low-risk-drug-716819">Biden administration mulls over reclassifying marijuana as a low-risk drug</a>

Reports indicated&nbsp;that the individual departed the UK after agreeing to relocate to Kigali following the rejection of his asylum claim last year. In return for his agreement, he will get up to £3,000 ($3,742), reports said quoting a government source.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-cant-rule-out-building-detention-camps-in-us-for-illegal-migrants-716796">Trump says&nbsp;‘can’t&nbsp;rule out’&nbsp;building detention camps in US for illegal&nbsp;migrants</a>

While the British Home Office has not confirmed the reports, a government spokesperson stated, "We are now able to send asylum seekers to Rwanda under our migration and economic development partnership."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-russia-trade-deal-paves-way-for-brics-de-dollarization-716829">China-Russia trade deal paves way for BRICS De-Dollarization</a>

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"This deal allows people with no immigration status in the UK to be relocated to a safe third country where they will be supported to rebuild their lives," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

The government is anticipating deporting 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year as part of the scheme aimed at dissuading arrivals via small boats. Despite the government's assurances, concerns have risen as official figures suggest&nbsp;a substantial portion of identified individuals cannot be located or have stopped reporting to authorities.

A total of 2,145 out of 5,700 “continue to report to the Home Office and can be located for detention”, as per the impact assessment&nbsp;on the Home Office’s website. Notably, the controversial scheme has faced strong opposition from human rights groups and campaigners, yet Sunak remains determined to implement it by July.

(With inputs from agencies)

As UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak persists in his anti-migration stance, Britain has initiated its first transfer of an asylum seeker to Rwanda. The move which falls under the voluntary scheme is distinct from an impending forced deportation initiative.

As UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak persists in his anti-migration stance, Britain has initiated its first transfer of an asylum seeker to Rwanda. The move which falls under the voluntary scheme is distinct from an impending forced deportation initiative. This comes as the UK Parliament, in a bid to dissuade asylum seekers from undertaking perilous journeys across the English Channel to reach the European nation, in April, passed a contentious bill enabling the government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for their cases to be assessed there. These transfers align with Sunak's agenda to curb irregular migration, with the government planning to commence forced deportations by July, as per reports. Also Read | Biden administration mulls over reclassifying marijuana as a low-risk drug Reports indicated that the individual departed the UK after agreeing to relocate to Kigali following the rejection of his asylum claim last year. In return for his agreement, he will get up to £3,000 ($3,742), reports said quoting a government source. Also Read | Trump says ‘can’t rule out’ building detention camps in US for illegal migrants While the British Home Office has not confirmed the reports, a government spokesperson stated, "We are now able to send asylum seekers to Rwanda under our migration and economic development partnership." Watch | China-Russia trade deal paves way for BRICS De-Dollarization × "This deal allows people with no immigration status in the UK to be relocated to a safe third country where they will be supported to rebuild their lives," the spokesperson added. The government is anticipating deporting 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year as part of the scheme aimed at dissuading arrivals via small boats. Despite the government's assurances, concerns have risen as official figures suggest a substantial portion of identified individuals cannot be located or have stopped reporting to authorities. A total of 2,145 out of 5,700 “continue to report to the Home Office and can be located for detention”, as per the impact assessment on the Home Office’s website. Notably, the controversial scheme has faced strong opposition from human rights groups and campaigners, yet Sunak remains determined to implement it by July. (With inputs from agencies)

UK sends first voluntary asylum seeker to Rwanda amid anti-migration agenda

Police officials reported that at least four schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email. Watch to know more.

Bomb scare: Delhi schools get bomb threat call, children evacuated

Protesters on Columbia University’s campus took control of an academic building Tuesday, as pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to spread at college campuses around the nation against the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Protesters chant 'free Palestine' slogans at Columbia University, take over campus building

The Biden administration on Tuesday (Apr 30) will move to reclassify marijuana as a low-risk drug, marking an end to a decades-old policy which criminalised its use and completely disregarded its medical benefits.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration will recommend rescheduling marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, which will make it join the ranks of ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.

“[The Department of Justice] continues to work on this rule. We have no further comment at this time,” a US official&nbsp;was quoted&nbsp;as saying by CNN.

The recommendation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration will be reviewed by the White House and potentially might also require Congressional approval.

<h2>Current policy</h2>

For the last 50 years, marijuana has&nbsp;been classified&nbsp;as a Schedule I substance — drugs like heroin, bath salts and ecstasy. These substances have no medical use and hold massive potential for abuse.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last fall recommended marijuana&nbsp;be rescheduled, as it met three criteria:&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>A lower risk for abuse than other substances on Schedules I and II&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Known medical benefits&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A risk&nbsp;of low or moderate physical dependence in people who abuse it.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

The National Institute on Drug Abuse said it supported the recommendation.

<h2>Policy in US states</h2>

As of today, 24 US states, two territories and DC have legalised the use of marijuana for adult recreational purposes, whereas 38 states allow it to&nbsp;be used&nbsp;for medical use.

Over the last decade, the cannabis industry in the US has exponentially grown into a multi-billion business, paving the way for more&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;and MNCs to explore opportunities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjLlvvfzeqFAxXcxjgGHa6wAakQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/exploiting-the-high-american-caught-for-selling-cannabis-tours-in-colombia-710156" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/exploiting-the-high-american-caught-for-selling-cannabis-tours-in-colombia-710156&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLlvvfzeqFAxXcxjgGHa6wAakQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Exploiting the `high`: American caught for selling `cannabis tours` in Colombia</a>

Rescheduling cannabis can lead to further research and investments in the sector and support businesses.

<h2>Congress considering own&nbsp;bills</h2>

Meanwhile, Congress&nbsp;is believed&nbsp;to be working on its own bills to legalise the restricted use of marijuana.

For instance, The SAFER Banking Act would grant legal marijuana businesses access to traditional banking and financial services and could pass both chambers by the end of the year.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration on Tuesday (Apr 30) will move to reclassify marijuana as a low-risk drug, marking an end to a decades-old policy which criminalised its use and completely disregarded its medical benefits.

The Biden administration on Tuesday (Apr 30) will move to reclassify marijuana as a low-risk drug, marking an end to a decades-old policy which criminalised its use and completely disregarded its medical benefits. The US Drug Enforcement Administration will recommend rescheduling marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, which will make it join the ranks of ketamine and Tylenol with codeine. “[The Department of Justice] continues to work on this rule. We have no further comment at this time,” a US official was quoted as saying by CNN. The recommendation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration will be reviewed by the White House and potentially might also require Congressional approval. Current policy For the last 50 years, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I substance — drugs like heroin, bath salts and ecstasy. These substances have no medical use and hold massive potential for abuse. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last fall recommended marijuana be rescheduled, as it met three criteria: A lower risk for abuse than other substances on Schedules I and II Known medical benefits A risk of low or moderate physical dependence in people who abuse it. The National Institute on Drug Abuse said it supported the recommendation. Policy in US states As of today, 24 US states, two territories and DC have legalised the use of marijuana for adult recreational purposes, whereas 38 states allow it to be used for medical use. Over the last decade, the cannabis industry in the US has exponentially grown into a multi-billion business, paving the way for more businesses and MNCs to explore opportunities. Also read: Exploiting the `high`: American caught for selling `cannabis tours` in Colombia Rescheduling cannabis can lead to further research and investments in the sector and support businesses. Congress considering own bills Meanwhile, Congress is believed to be working on its own bills to legalise the restricted use of marijuana. For instance, The SAFER Banking Act would grant legal marijuana businesses access to traditional banking and financial services and could pass both chambers by the end of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden administration mulls reclassifying marijuana as a low-risk drug

The campus chaos in the US is escalating, dozens of demonstrators took over a building at Columbia University in New York. Moreover, New York Police Department personnels entered Hamilton hall and arrested several student protesters.

US: Police breach occupied Columbia building as students escalate protests

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

Blinken in Israel to push for truce, says 'will push Netanyahu on Gaza aid'

Haiti's transition council on Tuesday (April 30) named Edgard Leblanc, the former senate president, to head the body instated last week as it seeks to bring security back to the violence-wracked Caribbean nation.

Leblanc's naming follows weeks of political deadlock and in-fighting following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry while an armed conflict surged in the capital, marking a difficult path ahead for the council.

The transitional body is formed by seven voting members and two non-voting observers. Leblanc won the nomination with four votes, including his own, in favour, though tensions were still evident in a ceremony announcing the decision.

The council also tapped Fritz Belizaire, former youth and sports minister, as prime minister.

Michel Patrick Boisvert, who served as finance minister under former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has been filling the role on an interim basis. Belizaire's nomination must be confirmed by a declaration in&nbsp;Haiti's national gazette.

Per&nbsp;Haiti's constitution, the country should elect a new president by Feb. 7, 2026.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/haiti-pm-henry-resigns-as-transitional-council-takes-over-amid-gang-violence-715048" hreflang="en">Haiti PM Ariel Henry resigns as transitional council takes over amid gang violence</a>

Some of&nbsp;Haiti's most powerful gang leaders are threatening more violence if they are not allowed political sway.

In an interview with CNN published on Monday, Vitel'homme Innocent, who heads the Kraze Barye gang and is accused of orchestrating the 2021 kidnapping of U.S. missionaries, called for the council to listen to the gangs and find a resolution to the crisis "as soon as possible."

Kraze Barye forms part of a loose coalition of gangs known as Viv Ansanm, or "Live Together," who now control most of capital Port-au-Prince.

The coalition is demanding the future government grant them an amnesty for their crimes and create a plan for young gang members who may have been forced into joining, either under threat of violence or due to a lack of economic alternatives, Innocent told CNN.

Viv Ansanm's leader, a former police officer named Jimmy Cherizier who is known as "Barbeque," warned of consequences if the gangs were ignored, in a message shared to social media over the weekend.

"Viv Ansanm is ready to talk. It's either we are all at the table, or the table gets destroyed with all of us," he said.

According to U.N. estimates, more than one person was killed in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;gang violence every hour in the first three months of this year. There are also widespread reports of gangs using mass sexual violence, ransom kidnappings and torture to extort the population.

The gangs have expressed frustration with&nbsp;Haiti's ruling elite and had called for the resignation of Henry, who had been prime minister since 2021.

Henry became stranded outside the country after leaving to seek international support for a U.N.-backed security mission aimed at wresting back control from the gangs. He said in March he would step down once the council was in place.

Haiti's transition council on Tuesday (April 30) named Edgard Leblanc, the former senate president, to head the body instated last week as it seeks to bring security back to the violence-wracked Caribbean nation.

Haiti's transition council on Tuesday (April 30) named Edgard Leblanc, the former senate president, to head the body instated last week as it seeks to bring security back to the violence-wracked Caribbean nation. Leblanc's naming follows weeks of political deadlock and in-fighting following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry while an armed conflict surged in the capital, marking a difficult path ahead for the council. The transitional body is formed by seven voting members and two non-voting observers. Leblanc won the nomination with four votes, including his own, in favour, though tensions were still evident in a ceremony announcing the decision. The council also tapped Fritz Belizaire, former youth and sports minister, as prime minister. Michel Patrick Boisvert, who served as finance minister under former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has been filling the role on an interim basis. Belizaire's nomination must be confirmed by a declaration in Haiti's national gazette. Per Haiti's constitution, the country should elect a new president by Feb. 7, 2026. Also read: Haiti PM Ariel Henry resigns as transitional council takes over amid gang violence Some of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders are threatening more violence if they are not allowed political sway. In an interview with CNN published on Monday, Vitel'homme Innocent, who heads the Kraze Barye gang and is accused of orchestrating the 2021 kidnapping of U.S. missionaries, called for the council to listen to the gangs and find a resolution to the crisis "as soon as possible." Kraze Barye forms part of a loose coalition of gangs known as Viv Ansanm, or "Live Together," who now control most of capital Port-au-Prince. The coalition is demanding the future government grant them an amnesty for their crimes and create a plan for young gang members who may have been forced into joining, either under threat of violence or due to a lack of economic alternatives, Innocent told CNN. Viv Ansanm's leader, a former police officer named Jimmy Cherizier who is known as "Barbeque," warned of consequences if the gangs were ignored, in a message shared to social media over the weekend. "Viv Ansanm is ready to talk. It's either we are all at the table, or the table gets destroyed with all of us," he said. According to U.N. estimates, more than one person was killed in Haiti gang violence every hour in the first three months of this year. There are also widespread reports of gangs using mass sexual violence, ransom kidnappings and torture to extort the population. The gangs have expressed frustration with Haiti's ruling elite and had called for the resignation of Henry, who had been prime minister since 2021. Henry became stranded outside the country after leaving to seek international support for a U.N.-backed security mission aimed at wresting back control from the gangs. He said in March he would step down once the council was in place.

Haiti transition council names Edgard Leblanc as president, gangs demand seat at the table

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. He lamented that the pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University could be treated leniently than the rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021.

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. He lamented that the pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University could be treated leniently than the rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, spoke in the hallway outside a Manhattan courtroom where his criminal trial in hush money case is taking place. The former president questioned whether student demonstrators would be treated the same way as his supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6. Also read: Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, talks about Gaza aid, ceasefire and more The Gaza war began with the Hamas attack on October 7 that led to the deaths of about 1,170 people in Israel, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. In retaliation, Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas and launched an offensive that has killed at least 34,356 people in Gaza so far, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Palestinian militants also took some 250 hostages on October 7. Israel estimates 129 remain in Gaza, including 34 believed to be dead. Now, a truce deal is hanging by a thread, with Israel demanding their release, and Hamas asking for a complete ceasefire. The six-month-old war has deteriorated humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. People struggling for food, clean water, medicines, and other basic amenities. Fears are also looming over a possible invasion of Rafah, where more than one million people have sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment, which will be catastrophic. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested Now, global calls are being made, urging both sides to finalise a hostage deal and ceasefire, which appears to be unlikely as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said to invade Rafah "with or without a deal". People around the world are showing frustration over both situations - hostages and the humanitarian crisis in the Strip, with top US campuses becoming centre-stage of demonstrations. The war has sparked anger and division among people. In US universities, some Jewish students feel targeted and abused while others have taken leading roles in demonstrations. Israel-Hamas war has put West Asia on the brink of a broader conflict, even fears of a nuclear threat, with recent escalation involving Iran, but the student protests over the Gaza war have turned into a new US political battleground. President Joe Biden is pushing hard for a truce, which he hopes would be the extinguisher to douse the flames of war besides serving as a much-needed force for his presidency. Otherwise, the university protests would most likely become a burning issue in the presidential elections, scheduled for later this year. One of the reasons why Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing for truce, while reiterating US opposition to an Israeli assault on the crowded Gaza city of Rafah. Trump and other prominent Republicans are not shying away from seizing the political opportunity the ongoing campus protests have provided. Watch: Why has Netanyahu failed to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza War so far? × Clashes erupt at UCLA campus The protests have intensified with clashes breaking out at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles on Wednesday (May 1), forcing police to take action. At UCLA, a tent encampment was set up last week. Local media reported that the clashes erupted between rival pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. This comes as dozens of universities around the US, including Columbia University and New York City, struggle to contain similar protests. In a post on social platform X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety." Authorities have also made dozens of arrests on campuses across the nation after skirmishes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The initial days of protests were peaceful, but they turned violent with an expansion of the size of the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA in recent days. The counter-protesters have become increasingly vocal and visible on the campus. In a report by the news agency Reuters, Mary Osako, who is UCLA's vice chancellor for UCLA strategic communications, said that chaos erupted when some demonstrators broke through a barrier that the school had set up to separate the two factions. Images and videos shared on social media showed protesters and counter-protesters clashing with sticks and tearing down metal barricades. Some were seen launching fireworks or hurling objects at each other in the dark, which lit up with laser pointers and bright flashlights. UCLA Chancellor Gene D Block warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had set up a camp last week. "Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote in a letter posted on the university website on Tuesday. "But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence. These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump compares campus protests to Jan 6 riots, as Biden pushes for Gaza truce to stave off political heat

Blinken in Israel to push for truce | Netanyahu vows to launch Rafah offensive

US: Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University take over campus building

The campus chaos in the US is escalating, dozens of demonstrators took over a building at Columbia University in New York. Moreover, New York Police Department personnels entered Hamilton hall and arrested several student protesters. Protesters chanted 'Free Palestine' slogans. Watch in for more details!

US Campus Protests: LAPD called to break up protests

Violent clashes broke out on the campus of the University of California in Los Angeles on Wednesday when counter-demonstrators attacked a pro-Palestinian protest encampment, hours after New York City police cleared pro-Palestinian protesters out of an academic building that had been taken over at Columbia University. Watch in for more details!

US: Violence erupts at UCLA campus between rival Gaza protest groups

Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. If he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed. Watch in for more details!

Decoding Trump's legal quandry: Trump held in contempt, fined for violating gag order

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

UK: Indian-origin candidate Tarun Ghulati running for London mayor

US Campus Protests: LAPD arrives at UCLA after protests turn violent

Zhang Yongzhen, the first scientist to publish a sequence of the COVID-19 virus in China had been evicted from his lab. Zhang wrote the post on Chinese social media platform Weibo but it was later deleted. Watch in for more details!

China: Zhang Yongzhen, scientist who published Covid sequence evicted from lab

Florida implemented one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in the United States on Wednesday (May 1). The ban, prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, has put the state into the spotlight as President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party seek to leverage it for electoral gain come November. Watch in for more details!

Florida Abortion Ban: Six-week abortion ban goes into effect, draws criticism from doctors

Former US President Donald Trump was fined $9,000 for violating gag order that prohibited him from making statements connected to the trial. Watch to know more.

Trump Hush Money Trial: Judge fines Donald Trump for Contempt of Court

Netanyahu has vowed a ground invasion of Rafah with or without a truce deal with Hamas. Is Netanyahu prolonging this war for his political survival? Mohammed Saleh speaks to Helit Barel, the former Director at Israel's National Security Council for more.

Why has Netanyahu failed to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza War so far?

US Campus Protests: After Columbia, LAPD raids UCLA campus

As protests against the US policy in Gaza unfold on college campuses across the country, the State Department is facing its own protests too. An Arabic-speaking public affairs official has just resigned over the Biden administration's approach to the war in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

US diplomat resigns in protest over the policy in Gaza

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