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<p>A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Japan's Bonin Islands, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Saturday (April 27). The quake occurred at a depth of 503.2 km (312.7 miles). The US&nbsp;National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued based on the available data.</p>

<p>Japan, a country familiar with seismic activity, faced the aftermath of a strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year's Day, 2024.</p>

<p>Taking a global perspective, recent seismic events serve as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of earthquakes. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southeast Turkey last year claimed over 50,000 lives, while the 2015 Nepal earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, resulted in approximately 9,000 casualties. In October of the same year, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, claiming the lives of more than 2,000 people.</p>

<p>Japan's geographical location places it squarely within the seismic 'Pacific Ring of Fire',&nbsp;subjecting the country to approximately 20 per cent&nbsp;of the world's earthquakes of magnitude six&nbsp;or greater every year.</p>

<p>A staggering 2,000 quakes, perceptible to its population, remind Japan of its seismic vulnerability annually, though not all result in casualties.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-felt-its-largest-west-coast-earthquake-in-125-years-but-it-wasnt-a-replay-of-turkeys-tragedy-677203">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab: Japan felt its biggest west coast quake in 125 years, but it wasn’t a replay of Turkey’s tragedy</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lessons in preparedness</strong></h2>

<p>Japan's reputation as a global leader in earthquake readiness stems from its deep understanding of geology, careful planning, and ongoing adjustments. Positioned where three significant tectonic plates meet, including the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, Japan experiences&nbsp;intense forces generated by their constant movement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-town-plans-to-block-mount-fuji-view-due-to-tourist-misbehaviour-715304">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese town plans to block Mount Fuji view due to tourist misbehaviour</a></p>

<p>Japan's resilience to earthquakes rests on strict building codes, an advanced warning system, and widespread emergency drills. Trains stop during quakes, and households have survival kits. Vending machines offer free supplies during disasters. Coastal defenses guard against tsunamis. Despite recent challenges, Japan's earthquake readiness sets a global standard for resilience.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Japan's Bonin Islands, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Saturday (April 27). The quake occurred at a depth of 503.

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Japan's Bonin Islands, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Saturday (April 27). The quake occurred at a depth of 503.2 km (312.7 miles). The US National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued based on the available data. Japan, a country familiar with seismic activity, faced the aftermath of a strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year's Day, 2024. Taking a global perspective, recent seismic events serve as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of earthquakes. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southeast Turkey last year claimed over 50,000 lives, while the 2015 Nepal earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, resulted in approximately 9,000 casualties. In October of the same year, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, claiming the lives of more than 2,000 people. Japan's geographical location places it squarely within the seismic 'Pacific Ring of Fire', subjecting the country to approximately 20 per cent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude six or greater every year. A staggering 2,000 quakes, perceptible to its population, remind Japan of its seismic vulnerability annually, though not all result in casualties. Also read | Data Lab: Japan felt its biggest west coast quake in 125 years, but it wasn’t a replay of Turkey’s tragedy Lessons in preparedness Japan's reputation as a global leader in earthquake readiness stems from its deep understanding of geology, careful planning, and ongoing adjustments. Positioned where three significant tectonic plates meet, including the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, Japan experiences intense forces generated by their constant movement. Also read | Japanese town plans to block Mount Fuji view due to tourist misbehaviour Japan's resilience to earthquakes rests on strict building codes, an advanced warning system, and widespread emergency drills. Trains stop during quakes, and households have survival kits. Vending machines offer free supplies during disasters. Coastal defenses guard against tsunamis. Despite recent challenges, Japan's earthquake readiness sets a global standard for resilience. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's Bonin Islands hit by magnitude 6.5 earthquake

Herds of endangered hippos stuck in the mud of dried-up ponds are in danger of dying in drought-struck Botswana. Watch in for more details!

Herds of endangered hippos trapped in mud in drought-hit Botswana

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<p>Damaged sea cables caused widespread internet outages in Pakistan on Friday (Apr 27), according to ARY News.&nbsp;The fibre optic cable&nbsp;that connects&nbsp;Singapore to Pakistan and Europe&nbsp;was&nbsp;discovered&nbsp;broken at multiple spots.</p>

<p>The fiber optic cable connecting Singapore to Pakistan and Europe was destroyed near Indonesia at various locations, impacting internet service in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.</p>

<p>According to people familiar with the issue, five&nbsp;breaks in the&nbsp;fibre optic underwater cable severely affected internet services, particularly those routed from the east.&nbsp;The restoration operation&nbsp;is expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;take roughly one month&nbsp;to fully patch the fibre optic cable to its original condition. However, both PTCL and Transworld are having eastbound traffic issues.</p>

<p>With fewer than 10% of internet traffic coming from the east, Pakistani consumers have experienced difficulty accessing the internet, particularly in the evenings.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/hopeless-pakistani-man-offers-his-children-for-sale-715593" hreflang="en">Hopeless Pakistani man offers his children for sale</a></strong></p>

<p>To lessen the impact,&nbsp;PTCL has diverted internet traffic from the eastern direction to alternate routes.&nbsp;Nevertheless, until the fiber optic line&nbsp;is&nbsp;completely&nbsp;fixed, customers may still have difficulties.</p>

<h2><strong>What is fiber optic cable?</strong></h2>

<p>A fiber optic cable is a network cable&nbsp;made up of&nbsp;strands of glass fibers enclosed in an insulated casing.&nbsp;They're intended&nbsp;for long-distance, high-performance data networking and communications.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid5ceRoWpEMeOe" /><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cross-border-heart-transplant-indian-donor-saves-pakistani-teenagers-life-714692" target="_blank">Cross-border heart transplant: Indian donor saves Pakistani teenager's life</a></strong></p>

<p>Fiber optic lines have more bandwidth than conventional cables and can carry data over greater distances. Fiber&nbsp;optic cables power much of the world's internet, cable television, and telephone services.</p>


Damaged sea cables caused widespread internet outages in Pakistan on Friday (Apr 27), according to ARY News. The fibre optic cable that connects Singapore to Pakistan and Europe was discovered broken at multiple spots.

Damaged sea cables caused widespread internet outages in Pakistan on Friday (Apr 27), according to ARY News. The fibre optic cable that connects Singapore to Pakistan and Europe was discovered broken at multiple spots. The fiber optic cable connecting Singapore to Pakistan and Europe was destroyed near Indonesia at various locations, impacting internet service in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. According to people familiar with the issue, five breaks in the fibre optic underwater cable severely affected internet services, particularly those routed from the east. The restoration operation is expected to take roughly one month to fully patch the fibre optic cable to its original condition. However, both PTCL and Transworld are having eastbound traffic issues. With fewer than 10% of internet traffic coming from the east, Pakistani consumers have experienced difficulty accessing the internet, particularly in the evenings. Also read: Hopeless Pakistani man offers his children for sale To lessen the impact, PTCL has diverted internet traffic from the eastern direction to alternate routes. Nevertheless, until the fiber optic line is completely fixed, customers may still have difficulties. What is fiber optic cable? A fiber optic cable is a network cable made up of strands of glass fibers enclosed in an insulated casing. They're intended for long-distance, high-performance data networking and communications. Also read: Cross-border heart transplant: Indian donor saves Pakistani teenager's life Fiber optic lines have more bandwidth than conventional cables and can carry data over greater distances. Fiber optic cables power much of the world's internet, cable television, and telephone services.

Damaged sea cables trigger major internet disruption in Pakistan

Internet users are facing a significant setback due to damage to the fiber optic cable connecting Singapore to Pakistan and Europe. Watch in for more details!

Internet users face problem as undersea cable damaged

<p>Columbia University senate has passed a resolution&nbsp;proposing a task force to oversee “corrective actions” in connection to the administrative policies. This comes amid the escalating tensions at Columbia University and other campuses regarding protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.</p>

<p>The Columbia Faculty Senate is a vital body representing the academic faculty of the university and it plays a crucial role in governance and participates in decision-making processes that impact the academic community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Columbia University's President Nemat Minouche Shafik has come under scrutiny over her handling of recent protests on campus, especially the controversy stemmed from her decision to involve the New York police in dismantling a protest encampment.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-bonin-islands-hit-by-magnitude-65-earthquake-715658">Japan's Bonin Islands hit by magnitude 6.5 earthquake</a></p>

<p>The resolution was passed by 62 votes in favour, 14 votes against, and 3 abstentions. Shafik's move sparked outrage among students, faculty, and observers after 100 were arrested and the tents from the campus lawn were removed.</p>

<p>The resolution calls on the University to address issues of endangerment of academic freedom, breaches of student and faculty privacy, and violations of shared governance principles. It suggests that the Senate establish a task force, overseen by the Executive Committee and investigate and deliver recommendations for subsequent senate measures.</p>

<p>However, protesters swiftly reassembled the encampment and limited the university's options for quelling the demonstrations. Similar protests have erupted across the country, from California to Boston, with students demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel's military.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/does-argentine-president-javier-milei-speaks-with-dead-dogs-his-office-lashes-out-at-speculation-715666">Does Argentine president Javier Milei speaks with dead dogs? His office lashes out at speculation</a></p>

<p>Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson joined the chorus calling for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shafik's office in an email on April 25 wrote,&nbsp;"The talks have shown progress and are continuing as planned." "We have our demands; they have theirs. A formal process is under way and continues."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russian-drones-hitting-targets-draining-ukraines-war-chest-715647">Russia-Ukraine war: Russian drones hitting targets &amp; draining Ukraine's war chest</a></strong></p>

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<p>Overseas, tensions escalated outside Paris' Sciences Po university as pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed. The White House so far has defended free speech while denouncing antisemitic protests and highlighted the need for campus safety.</p>

<p>Elsewhere, the University of Texas at Austin's President, Jay Hartzell, faced backlash for involving police in dispersing a pro-Palestinian protest. Faculty criticised the decision. Civil rights groups have condemned the arrests and urged respect for free speech rights. Campuses are grappling with balancing free speech and safety concerns amid escalating tensions and growing demands for accountability from university administrations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Columbia University senate has passed a resolution proposing a task force to oversee “corrective actions” in connection to the administrative policies. This comes amid the escalating tensions at Columbia University and other campuses regarding protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.

Columbia University senate has passed a resolution proposing a task force to oversee “corrective actions” in connection to the administrative policies. This comes amid the escalating tensions at Columbia University and other campuses regarding protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. The Columbia Faculty Senate is a vital body representing the academic faculty of the university and it plays a crucial role in governance and participates in decision-making processes that impact the academic community. Columbia University's President Nemat Minouche Shafik has come under scrutiny over her handling of recent protests on campus, especially the controversy stemmed from her decision to involve the New York police in dismantling a protest encampment. Also Read | Japan's Bonin Islands hit by magnitude 6.5 earthquake The resolution was passed by 62 votes in favour, 14 votes against, and 3 abstentions. Shafik's move sparked outrage among students, faculty, and observers after 100 were arrested and the tents from the campus lawn were removed. The resolution calls on the University to address issues of endangerment of academic freedom, breaches of student and faculty privacy, and violations of shared governance principles. It suggests that the Senate establish a task force, overseen by the Executive Committee and investigate and deliver recommendations for subsequent senate measures. However, protesters swiftly reassembled the encampment and limited the university's options for quelling the demonstrations. Similar protests have erupted across the country, from California to Boston, with students demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel's military. Also Read | Does Argentine president Javier Milei speaks with dead dogs? His office lashes out at speculation Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson joined the chorus calling for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik. Shafik's office in an email on April 25 wrote, "The talks have shown progress and are continuing as planned." "We have our demands; they have theirs. A formal process is under way and continues." Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian drones hitting targets & draining Ukraine's war chest × Overseas, tensions escalated outside Paris' Sciences Po university as pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed. The White House so far has defended free speech while denouncing antisemitic protests and highlighted the need for campus safety. Elsewhere, the University of Texas at Austin's President, Jay Hartzell, faced backlash for involving police in dispersing a pro-Palestinian protest. Faculty criticised the decision. Civil rights groups have condemned the arrests and urged respect for free speech rights. Campuses are grappling with balancing free speech and safety concerns amid escalating tensions and growing demands for accountability from university administrations. (With inputs from agencies)

Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests

The police in the US state of Ohio released a video of a Black man who died at a local hospital after repeatedly telling police officers, "I can't breathe" as they pinned him to the floor of a bar and handcuffed him. Watch in for more details!

'I can't breathe': Black man in Ohio dies after being pinned down by cops

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

UK's King Charles to resume public duties after cancer diagnosis

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials, stressing the importance of “responsibly managing” the differences between the United States and China. Watch in for more details!

Antony Blinken meets Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss bilateral and global issues

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<p>Israel reportedly warned Egypt that this was the&nbsp;"last chance"&nbsp;for a hostage deal with Hamas before it attacked Rafah, Axios reported. On Friday (Apr 27), talks between Israeli officials and the Egyptian delegation to discuss&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;upcoming offensive in Rafah and efforts to reach a hostage deal with Hamas came to an end.</p>

<p>According to Channel 12 news, Israel said that it would not let Hamas delay the IDF strike on Rafah by dragging the hostage deal negotiation.&nbsp;“This is the last chance before we go into Rafah,”&nbsp;the official said.</p>

<h2><strong>How does Egypt fit in the picture?</strong></h2>

<p>Egypt and Qatar are prime negotiators aiming to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Egypt is concerned that if Israel finally invades Rafah, a threat it has&nbsp;repeatedly made, tens of thousands of Palestinians would enter Egypt, perhaps resulting in a border breach that jeopardises Egyptian security. The southern Gaza city of Rafah is where over one million displaced Palestinians&nbsp;are reported&nbsp;to be living after Israel attacked Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Ronen Bar, Director of the Shin Bet security agency, visited Cairo. According to media sources, during their visit, Egypt provided new proposals for negotiating a hostage settlement between Israel and Hamas. On Friday, an Egyptian delegation visited Israel to conclude the hostage deal talks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidO29dgaKGfVjd" /><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/it-could-take-over-14-years-to-clear-debris-in-war-ravaged-gaza-715468" target="_blank">It could take over 14 years to clear debris in war-ravaged Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>A senior Israeli official told Hebrew media that negotiations were "very good, focused, held in good spirits, and progressed in all parameters." The official stated that Egyptians understood that time is of&nbsp;importance&nbsp;in the Rafah operation and wanted to put pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement for the release of hostages.</p>

<p>“This is part of what the negotiations&nbsp;are going to&nbsp;focus on now. The number of days of the ceasefire will&nbsp;be linked&nbsp;to the number of hostages who will be released. If Hamas does want a humanitarian deal, Israel will not be the obstacle.”&nbsp;an Israeli official told Axios on Friday.</p>


Israel reportedly warned Egypt that this was the "last chance" for a hostage deal with Hamas before it attacked Rafah, Axios reported. On Friday (Apr 27), talks between Israeli officials and the Egyptian delegation to discuss Israel's upcoming offensive in Rafah and efforts to reach a hostage deal with Hamas came to an end.

Israel reportedly warned Egypt that this was the "last chance" for a hostage deal with Hamas before it attacked Rafah, Axios reported. On Friday (Apr 27), talks between Israeli officials and the Egyptian delegation to discuss Israel's upcoming offensive in Rafah and efforts to reach a hostage deal with Hamas came to an end. According to Channel 12 news, Israel said that it would not let Hamas delay the IDF strike on Rafah by dragging the hostage deal negotiation. “This is the last chance before we go into Rafah,” the official said. How does Egypt fit in the picture? Egypt and Qatar are prime negotiators aiming to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Egypt is concerned that if Israel finally invades Rafah, a threat it has repeatedly made, tens of thousands of Palestinians would enter Egypt, perhaps resulting in a border breach that jeopardises Egyptian security. The southern Gaza city of Rafah is where over one million displaced Palestinians are reported to be living after Israel attacked Gaza. Earlier this week, Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Ronen Bar, Director of the Shin Bet security agency, visited Cairo. According to media sources, during their visit, Egypt provided new proposals for negotiating a hostage settlement between Israel and Hamas. On Friday, an Egyptian delegation visited Israel to conclude the hostage deal talks. Also read: It could take over 14 years to clear debris in war-ravaged Gaza A senior Israeli official told Hebrew media that negotiations were "very good, focused, held in good spirits, and progressed in all parameters." The official stated that Egyptians understood that time is of importance in the Rafah operation and wanted to put pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement for the release of hostages. “This is part of what the negotiations are going to focus on now. The number of days of the ceasefire will be linked to the number of hostages who will be released. If Hamas does want a humanitarian deal, Israel will not be the obstacle.” an Israeli official told Axios on Friday.

Israel gives Egypt 'last chance' for hostage deal before Rafah attack

Fierce tornadoes and strong winds ripped through the US Midwest on Friday forcing hundreds of people to take refuge in the storm shelters. Iowa, Omaha and Nebraska are badly hit after the storm plowed through the Suburban areas leaving a trail of Destruction there. Watch in for more details!

Tornadoes in US Midwest cause severe damage, storms plow through suburban Omaha, Nebraska

An Egyptian delegation is in Israel to broker a ceasefire deal between Tel Aviv and Hamas in Gaza. The envoys warned that Israeli ground offensive in Gaza's Rafah City will have catastrophic consequences for regional stability.

Israel war: Egyptian delegation in Israel to reignite Gaza truce talks

Ukraine is eagerly awaiting the much delayed US military aid but ahead of a planned fresh Russian offensive it is warning that Moscow has plans to disrupt its military supplies. Ukraine has said that Moscow is ramping up its attacks on Railways to hamper the movement of the aid supplies. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: US to provide $6 billion additional funding for Ukraine

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidV1YmgDkX34SR" />Iranian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the&nbsp;crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged ship linked to Israel&nbsp;which&nbsp;included&nbsp;Indians&nbsp;was granted consular access and&nbsp;was expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;be freed, Reuters reported on Saturday (Apr 27)&nbsp;citing&nbsp;Iranian media. The container vessel MSC Aries had a 25-member crew&nbsp;including&nbsp;17 Indians. One of the Indians, a woman named Ann Tessa Joseph, was freed&nbsp;and&nbsp;she returned home on April 18.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-and-pakistan-call-on-un-security-council-to-take-stern-action-against-israel-714625">Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take stern action against Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>MSC Aries was seized by&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13,&nbsp;days after Tehran vowed to retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Vessel was seized for violating maritime&nbsp;laws'</strong></h2>

<p>Iran’s&nbsp;foreign ministry has said the Aries&nbsp;was seized&nbsp;for&nbsp;"violating maritime laws"&nbsp;and that there was no doubt it&nbsp;was linked&nbsp;to Israel.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Amirabdollahian told his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel that the&nbsp;“humanitarian issue of the release of the&nbsp;ship's&nbsp;crew is of serious concern to us."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran vs Israel: Will the conflict spiral into nuclear war? Comparing capabilities | WION Decodes</strong></p>

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<p>Amirabdollahian said&nbsp;the crew would be turned over&nbsp;to their ambassadors in Tehran. It was not yet known when&nbsp;would the release&nbsp;happen.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Indian crew aboard Aries in good health'</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, the Indian foreign ministry said that the 16 Indians aboard Aries were in good&nbsp;health,&nbsp;and were in constant touch with their families.&nbsp;"These 16 people, we had asked consular access for, which we got. Our officers&nbsp;went there and met,"&nbsp;Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are in constant touch with their families. Their health is good. And they have no problems&nbsp;of any kind&nbsp;onboard the ship,"&nbsp;Jaiswal added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged ship linked to Israel which included Indians was granted consular access and was expected to be freed, Reuters reported on Saturday (Apr 27) citing Iranian media.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged ship linked to Israel which included Indians was granted consular access and was expected to be freed, Reuters reported on Saturday (Apr 27) citing Iranian media. The container vessel MSC Aries had a 25-member crew including 17 Indians. One of the Indians, a woman named Ann Tessa Joseph, was freed and she returned home on April 18. Also read | Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take stern action against Israel MSC Aries was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, days after Tehran vowed to retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus. 'Vessel was seized for violating maritime laws' Iran’s foreign ministry has said the Aries was seized for "violating maritime laws" and that there was no doubt it was linked to Israel. On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian told his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel that the “humanitarian issue of the release of the ship's crew is of serious concern to us." Also watch | Iran vs Israel: Will the conflict spiral into nuclear war? Comparing capabilities | WION Decodes × Amirabdollahian said the crew would be turned over to their ambassadors in Tehran. It was not yet known when would the release happen. 'Indian crew aboard Aries in good health' On Thursday, the Indian foreign ministry said that the 16 Indians aboard Aries were in good health, and were in constant touch with their families. "These 16 people, we had asked consular access for, which we got. Our officers went there and met," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "They are in constant touch with their families. Their health is good. And they have no problems of any kind onboard the ship," Jaiswal added. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship which includes Indians will be freed

Seven years after he was disqualified as party president, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is set to reclaim Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) top post and is expected to guide the ruling party amid reports of internal strife. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif to return as PML-N President

Amid reports of back channel talks going on between Tibetan government in exile and the Chinese authorities Beijing has now said it will only talk with the representatives of The Dalai Lama and not the officials of the Tibet government in exile. Watch in for more details!

China denies back-channel talks with Tibet's govt-in-exile

The US Congress this week passed the long awaited $95 billion legistation providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. But, reports are now emerging that 80% of the this aid package will be spent by the United States or by its military. Watch in for more details!

Report: 80% aid amount will be spent by US or its military

US President Joe Biden indicated Friday that he’s willing to debate former President Donald Trump ahead of November’s election. “I am, somewhere. I don’t know when, but I am happy to debate him,” Biden told Howard Stern on his radio show when asked about the prospect. Watch in for more details!

US: Joe Biden says he’s ‘happy’ to debate Trump

College campuses across the United States have erupted in recent days with pro-Palestinian protests. Several schools have called the police on protesters, leading to the arrests of hundreds across multiple campuses. Watch in for more details!

Pro-Palestinian protests spread across US college campuses

The Israeli military has massed dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles along its border with the southern Gaza strip in what appears to be a preparation for an invasion of the border city of Rafah. The tanks and armoured vehicles are stationed near Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing next to Rafah. American Diplomat Anthony Blinken is planning to travel to Israel on Tuesday after returning from his trip to China. Reports suggest that Blinken will travel to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken plans to visit Israel | Will US stop Israel's Rafah offensive?

<p>Taiwan has reported new Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday (Apr 27) with 12 Chinese aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left after his visit to China.</p>

<p>Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, lacks formal diplomatic ties with the US, it remains America's key international supporter and arms importer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his visit to China, US Secretary of State Blinken emphasised the vital need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This comes as China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, ramps up military pressure on the island, a claim Taiwan vehemently rejects.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/during-china-visit-antony-blinken-confronts-beijing-over-its-support-for-russian-military-715628">Antony Blinken confronts China over its support for Russian military</a></p>

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said that from 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, of which 12 had crossed the median line to Taiwan's north and centre.</p>

<p>It is worth mentioning that the median line in the Taiwan Strait once acted as an unspoken barrier, respected by both China and Taiwan. However, China's air force now routinely conducts flights across this line, despite denying its legitimacy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Chinese vessels detected amid US-Philippines drills</strong></p>

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<p>Taiwan's armed forces are well-equipped and well-trained but dwarfed by those of China's, especially the navy and air force, which respond almost daily to Chinese missions.</p>

<p>China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations with the United States, and Beijing has repeatedly demanded Washington end weapons sales to Taiwan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-meets-chinese-counterpart-wang-yi-in-beijing-715071">Blinken says US has seen evidence of China meddling in presidential elections</a></strong></p>

<p>Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office on May 20 after winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous separatist and has rebuffed his repeated calls for talks.</p>

<p>Lai said on Thursday (Apr 26) that China should have the self-assurance to talk to Taiwan's elected government. Lai further said only Taiwan's people can decide their future.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan has reported new Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday (Apr 27) with 12 Chinese aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left after his visit to China.

Taiwan has reported new Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday (Apr 27) with 12 Chinese aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left after his visit to China. Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, lacks formal diplomatic ties with the US, it remains America's key international supporter and arms importer. During his visit to China, US Secretary of State Blinken emphasised the vital need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This comes as China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, ramps up military pressure on the island, a claim Taiwan vehemently rejects. Also read: Antony Blinken confronts China over its support for Russian military Taiwan's defence ministry said that from 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, of which 12 had crossed the median line to Taiwan's north and centre. It is worth mentioning that the median line in the Taiwan Strait once acted as an unspoken barrier, respected by both China and Taiwan. However, China's air force now routinely conducts flights across this line, despite denying its legitimacy. Watch: Chinese vessels detected amid US-Philippines drills × Taiwan's armed forces are well-equipped and well-trained but dwarfed by those of China's, especially the navy and air force, which respond almost daily to Chinese missions. China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations with the United States, and Beijing has repeatedly demanded Washington end weapons sales to Taiwan. Also read | Blinken says US has seen evidence of China meddling in presidential elections Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office on May 20 after winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous separatist and has rebuffed his repeated calls for talks. Lai said on Thursday (Apr 26) that China should have the self-assurance to talk to Taiwan's elected government. Lai further said only Taiwan's people can decide their future. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese military activity reported by Taiwan after Blinken's Beijing visit

Russia is targeting Ukrainian rail lines with airstrikes to disrupt the delivery of desperately needed U.S. weapons to the front and complicate military logistics. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia airstrikes attack Ukraine's railway lines to disrupt military supplies

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<p>United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently concluded his three-day visit&nbsp;to China,&nbsp;raised concerns&nbsp;about China's support to Russian&nbsp;military. He raised this matter during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday (Apr 26), news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I reiterated our serious concern about the PRC (People's Republic of China) providing components that are powering Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine,"&nbsp;Blinken said during a press conference at the end of his China visit.</p>

<p>However, the US Secretary of State&nbsp;did not respond to&nbsp;a question on&nbsp;whether Washington would impose sanctions on China's support for Russia,&nbsp;reported the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“China has demonstrated in the past&nbsp;when&nbsp;it comes to Russia and Ukraine, that it can take positive action.&nbsp;You'll recall that while over a year&nbsp;ago&nbsp;we had concerns that Russia was considering the possible use of a nuclear weapon, and I believe that China's voice was important&nbsp;at&nbsp;least at that time, in&nbsp;moving Russia away from that possible course of action,” Blinken added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>During China visit, Blinken meets&nbsp;Xi</strong></h2>

<p>Antony Blinken&nbsp;embarked on a three-day&nbsp;visit to&nbsp;China on Wednesday,&nbsp;to meet&nbsp;President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials.&nbsp;During the meeting (with Blinken), Xi said that China and US should be partners and not rivals.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blinken says China can help 'calm tensions' in West Asia</strong></p>

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<p>"Mutually gain achievements, not hurt each other. Both countries should seek common ground while reserving differences instead of vicious competition. Both sides should keep their&nbsp;word,&nbsp;instead of saying one thing and doing another,"&nbsp;Xi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The global situation is constantly changing. With China-US increasing dialogue, managing differences and promoting&nbsp;cooperation,&nbsp;is not only the general aspiration of the two peoples (something the people of both countries want to see), but also what the rest of the world anticipates. I have said many&nbsp;times,&nbsp;that&nbsp;the world is big enough to accommodate both the US&nbsp;and Chinese development. China is happy to see a self-confident, open, prosperous and developing United States,"&nbsp;the further said.</p>

<p>Blinken,&nbsp;meanwhile, said,&nbsp;"President Biden asked me to return here to follow up on the important agenda that will set deeper cooperation&nbsp;as well as to manage responsibly&nbsp;the differences that we have.&nbsp;I think&nbsp;we’ve&nbsp;seen progress in various cooperation, particularly in military-to-military communication, counter-narcotics, the future of artificial intelligence, and we will keep on strengthening our people-to-people ties."</p>

<p>Blinken also pointed out that the US and China should deal responsibly with&nbsp;"our&nbsp;differences so we avoid any miscommunication, any misconceptions, any miscalculations."</p>

<h2><strong>'US has seen evidence of China attempting to influence polls'</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday,&nbsp;Blinken said that Washington had seen evidence of Chinese attempts to influence the upcoming US presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-meets-chinese-counterpart-wang-yi-in-beijing-715071">Blinken says US has seen evidence of China meddling in presidential elections</a></strong></p>

<p>“We have seen, generally speaking, evidence of attempts to influence and arguably interfere, and we want to make sure that that’s cut off as quickly as possible,” Blinken told CNN,&nbsp;adding,&nbsp;that any interference by Beijing in the elections was something that was totally unacceptable to the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Secretary of State also said&nbsp;that there&nbsp;was concern about China and other countries playing on existing social divisions in the US in influencing&nbsp;campaigns.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently concluded his three-day visit to China, raised concerns about China's support to Russian military.

United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently concluded his three-day visit to China, raised concerns about China's support to Russian military. He raised this matter during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday (Apr 26), news agency Reuters reported. "I reiterated our serious concern about the PRC (People's Republic of China) providing components that are powering Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine," Blinken said during a press conference at the end of his China visit. However, the US Secretary of State did not respond to a question on whether Washington would impose sanctions on China's support for Russia, reported the news agency. “China has demonstrated in the past when it comes to Russia and Ukraine, that it can take positive action. You'll recall that while over a year ago we had concerns that Russia was considering the possible use of a nuclear weapon, and I believe that China's voice was important at least at that time, in moving Russia away from that possible course of action,” Blinken added. During China visit, Blinken meets Xi Antony Blinken embarked on a three-day visit to China on Wednesday, to meet President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials. During the meeting (with Blinken), Xi said that China and US should be partners and not rivals. Also watch | Blinken says China can help 'calm tensions' in West Asia × "Mutually gain achievements, not hurt each other. Both countries should seek common ground while reserving differences instead of vicious competition. Both sides should keep their word, instead of saying one thing and doing another," Xi added. "The global situation is constantly changing. With China-US increasing dialogue, managing differences and promoting cooperation, is not only the general aspiration of the two peoples (something the people of both countries want to see), but also what the rest of the world anticipates. I have said many times, that the world is big enough to accommodate both the US and Chinese development. China is happy to see a self-confident, open, prosperous and developing United States," the further said. Blinken, meanwhile, said, "President Biden asked me to return here to follow up on the important agenda that will set deeper cooperation as well as to manage responsibly the differences that we have. I think we’ve seen progress in various cooperation, particularly in military-to-military communication, counter-narcotics, the future of artificial intelligence, and we will keep on strengthening our people-to-people ties." Blinken also pointed out that the US and China should deal responsibly with "our differences so we avoid any miscommunication, any misconceptions, any miscalculations." 'US has seen evidence of China attempting to influence polls' On Friday, Blinken said that Washington had seen evidence of Chinese attempts to influence the upcoming US presidential elections. Also read | Blinken says US has seen evidence of China meddling in presidential elections “We have seen, generally speaking, evidence of attempts to influence and arguably interfere, and we want to make sure that that’s cut off as quickly as possible,” Blinken told CNN, adding, that any interference by Beijing in the elections was something that was totally unacceptable to the US. The US Secretary of State also said that there was concern about China and other countries playing on existing social divisions in the US in influencing campaigns. (With inputs from agencies)

During China visit, Antony Blinken confronts Beijing over its support to Russian military

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<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Apr 26) that the&nbsp;current&nbsp;overall&nbsp;public health risk posed by the H5N1&nbsp;bird&nbsp;flu&nbsp;virus was&nbsp;low,&nbsp;but urged countries&nbsp;to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WHO further said&nbsp;that&nbsp;countries&nbsp;should implement infection control measures and procedures to reduce human exposure to&nbsp;birds and mammals potentially infected with&nbsp;bird&nbsp;flu&nbsp;or other animal influenza viruses. The United Nations (UN) health agency also strongly advised people&nbsp;should&nbsp;consume only pasteurised milk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The virus has&nbsp;been detected&nbsp;in milk&nbsp;and&nbsp;its potential role in transmission is&nbsp;being investigated," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bird flu spread in US dairy cattle intensifies</strong></h2>

<p>The WHO's warning came as Colorado became the latest state in the United States (US)&nbsp;to detect bird flu in dairy cattle. Infections in dairy cattle&nbsp;were previously reported&nbsp;in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Idaho, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Dakota.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pasteurized-milk-safe-as-bird-flu-spreads-to-colorado-715515">Pasteurised milk 'safe' from bird flu: US health officials</a></strong></p>

<p>Federal lawmakers urged the Joe Biden administration&nbsp;to further contain the virus' spread&nbsp;as tests showed one in five US&nbsp;commercial milk samples contained remnants of bird flu, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pasturised milk safe from virus</strong></h2>

<p>Also on Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said&nbsp;that&nbsp;there was no reason to believe&nbsp;the virus found in milk possesses&nbsp;risk to human health, and American&nbsp;health authorities said that pasteurised milk sold in stores was safe from the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starting&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday (April 28), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will require dairy cows to test negative for&nbsp;bird&nbsp;flu&nbsp;before&nbsp;they&nbsp;are moved&nbsp;across state lines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Apr 26) that the current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus was low, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission, the news agency Reuters reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Apr 26) that the current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus was low, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission, the news agency Reuters reported. The WHO further said that countries should implement infection control measures and procedures to reduce human exposure to birds and mammals potentially infected with bird flu or other animal influenza viruses. The United Nations (UN) health agency also strongly advised people should consume only pasteurised milk. "The virus has been detected in milk and its potential role in transmission is being investigated," it added. Bird flu spread in US dairy cattle intensifies The WHO's warning came as Colorado became the latest state in the United States (US) to detect bird flu in dairy cattle. Infections in dairy cattle were previously reported in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Idaho, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Dakota. Also read | Pasteurised milk 'safe' from bird flu: US health officials Federal lawmakers urged the Joe Biden administration to further contain the virus' spread as tests showed one in five US commercial milk samples contained remnants of bird flu, Reuters reported. Pasturised milk safe from virus Also on Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that there was no reason to believe the virus found in milk possesses risk to human health, and American health authorities said that pasteurised milk sold in stores was safe from the virus. Starting on Monday (April 28), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will require dairy cows to test negative for bird flu before they are moved across state lines. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird flu risk is currently low: WHO urges countries to remain on alert

Heavy rains swept through the homes of residents in Kenya. At least 13 people have died, nearly 3,000 households displaced.

Kenya Floods: 44 people killed, thousands displaced by raging floods

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<p>West African country Burkina Faso suspended radio networks, BBC and Voice of America (VOA) for their coverage of a report that accused the Burkinabe&nbsp;army of executing civilians.</p>

<p>The report was published by the international&nbsp;organisation&nbsp;Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday (Apr 25). According to the report, military forces of Burkina Faso “summarily executed” 223 people in two villages in February. There were at least 56 children among the executed civilians.</p>

<p>Superior Council for Communication of the country said that “the programmes of these two international radio networks broadcasting from Ouagadougou have been suspended for&nbsp;a period of&nbsp;two weeks.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Burkina Faso suspend BBC and VOA?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>They cited BBC Africa and the VOA airing as well as publishing the report "accusing the Burkina army of abuses against the civilian population" on their digital platforms&nbsp;as the reason behind the suspension. They said that BBC and VOA broadcasts had “disinformation likely to discredit the Burkinabe army."</p>

<p>“The [Superior Council of Communications] found the content of the article to be full of peremptory and tendentious statements against the Burkinabe army, without any tangible evidence, especially as the same article calls for an independent inquiry,” Burkina Faso’s media regulator said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidGsXcGKrseocd" /><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/170-people-executed-in-attacks-on-burkina-villages-prosecutor-696249" target="_blank">'170 people executed' in attacks on Burkina villages: Prosecutor</a></strong></p>

<p>According to HRW, these "mass killings, among the worst army abuse in Burkina Faso since 2015, appear to be part of a widespread military campaign against civilians". Soldiers killed at least 44 people, including 20 children, in Nondin village, and 179 people, including 36 children, in nearby Soro village, according to its report.</p>

<p>As per the Superior&nbsp;Council of Communications, HRW's report contains "peremptory and tendentious" claims against the army that are likely to cause public disorder.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first time</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first time the country has censored media. In 2023, Burkina Faso's government suspended France 24 broadcasts for&nbsp;airing a 19-second clip featuring Abou Obeida Youssef al-Annabi, the self-proclaimed leader of the Islamist armed group Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country, now under military rule, is led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, following another coup that toppled President Roch Marc Kabore eight months prior.</p>


West African country Burkina Faso suspended radio networks, BBC and Voice of America (VOA) for their coverage of a report that accused the Burkinabe army of executing civilians.

West African country Burkina Faso suspended radio networks, BBC and Voice of America (VOA) for their coverage of a report that accused the Burkinabe army of executing civilians. The report was published by the international organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday (Apr 25). According to the report, military forces of Burkina Faso “summarily executed” 223 people in two villages in February. There were at least 56 children among the executed civilians. Superior Council for Communication of the country said that “the programmes of these two international radio networks broadcasting from Ouagadougou have been suspended for a period of two weeks.” Why did Burkina Faso suspend BBC and VOA? They cited BBC Africa and the VOA airing as well as publishing the report "accusing the Burkina army of abuses against the civilian population" on their digital platforms as the reason behind the suspension. They said that BBC and VOA broadcasts had “disinformation likely to discredit the Burkinabe army." “The [Superior Council of Communications] found the content of the article to be full of peremptory and tendentious statements against the Burkinabe army, without any tangible evidence, especially as the same article calls for an independent inquiry,” Burkina Faso’s media regulator said. Also read: '170 people executed' in attacks on Burkina villages: Prosecutor According to HRW, these "mass killings, among the worst army abuse in Burkina Faso since 2015, appear to be part of a widespread military campaign against civilians". Soldiers killed at least 44 people, including 20 children, in Nondin village, and 179 people, including 36 children, in nearby Soro village, according to its report. As per the Superior Council of Communications, HRW's report contains "peremptory and tendentious" claims against the army that are likely to cause public disorder. Not the first time This is not the first time the country has censored media. In 2023, Burkina Faso's government suspended France 24 broadcasts for airing a 19-second clip featuring Abou Obeida Youssef al-Annabi, the self-proclaimed leader of the Islamist armed group Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The country, now under military rule, is led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, following another coup that toppled President Roch Marc Kabore eight months prior.

Burkina Faso suspends BBC, Voice of America for army mass killings coverage

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Iran to release MSC Aries crew - IDF kills two Palestinians in West Bank - Israel's Rafah onslaught inevitable? - Tornado horrors in US midwest - Russia pounds Ukraine, alert sounded

Iran to release MSC Aries crew | Russia pounds Ukraine, alert resounded

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