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

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US elections 2024 primary results: Ahead of the imminent November showdown between US President Joe Biden and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, the two emerged victorious in their respective parties' primaries in a total of five states.

Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee last week when he won enough delegates to mathematically win the nomination.&nbsp;

While the projections showed Biden&nbsp;winning in all states&nbsp;—&nbsp;Arizona,&nbsp;Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio&nbsp;— &nbsp;Florida where Democrats unanimously opted for all 224 delegates to the serving US president, Trump is projected to win in all five states with undefeatable leads.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-praises-schumers-anti-netanyahu-speech-calling-for-new-elections-as-israel-fumes-over-remarks-700617">Biden praises Schumer’s ‘anti-Netanyahu’ speech calling for new elections, Israel fumes over remarks</a>

War in Gaza also loomed large in the latest primaries. The&nbsp;activists in Arizona, in a show of frustration against Joe Biden's purported support for the Gaza war, urged supporters to 'Leave it Blank'.

<h2>Nikky Haley still captured Republican votes</h2>

In Ohio, Illinois, and Florida, the former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley still captured a sizable proportion of the Republican vote despite no longer being in the race to secure the Republican presidential nomination.

While the presidential race dominates headlines, in Ohio's Republican Senate primary, businessman Bernie Moreno, endorsed by Trump, secured victory over competitors including Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Matt Dolan, scion of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team-owning family.

Also watch |&nbsp;Appeal court refuses to halt Donald Trump's fraud penalty of $454 million

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Both, Trump and Biden have shifted their campaign strategies toward battleground states crucial for victory in November. Trump, casting his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, told the reporters:&nbsp;"I voted for Donald Trump."

Meanwhile, Biden's campaign stopped in Nevada and Arizona, states hotly contested in 2020 and remain crucial for both campaigns.

Trump, 77, has repeatedly portrayed his 81-year-old opponent as mentally unfit, while Biden has condemned Trump's actions as a threat to democracy, citing his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

(With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2024 primary results: Ahead of the imminent November showdown between US President Joe Biden and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, the two emerged victorious in their respective parties' primaries in a total of five states.

US elections 2024 primary results: Ahead of the imminent November showdown between US President Joe Biden and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, the two emerged victorious in their respective parties' primaries in a total of five states. Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee last week when he won enough delegates to mathematically win the nomination. While the projections showed Biden winning in all states — Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio — Florida where Democrats unanimously opted for all 224 delegates to the serving US president, Trump is projected to win in all five states with undefeatable leads. Also read | Biden praises Schumer’s ‘anti-Netanyahu’ speech calling for new elections, Israel fumes over remarks War in Gaza also loomed large in the latest primaries. The activists in Arizona, in a show of frustration against Joe Biden's purported support for the Gaza war, urged supporters to 'Leave it Blank'. Nikky Haley still captured Republican votes In Ohio, Illinois, and Florida, the former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley still captured a sizable proportion of the Republican vote despite no longer being in the race to secure the Republican presidential nomination. While the presidential race dominates headlines, in Ohio's Republican Senate primary, businessman Bernie Moreno, endorsed by Trump, secured victory over competitors including Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Matt Dolan, scion of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team-owning family. Also watch | Appeal court refuses to halt Donald Trump's fraud penalty of $454 million × Both, Trump and Biden have shifted their campaign strategies toward battleground states crucial for victory in November. Trump, casting his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, told the reporters: "I voted for Donald Trump." Meanwhile, Biden's campaign stopped in Nevada and Arizona, states hotly contested in 2020 and remain crucial for both campaigns. Trump, 77, has repeatedly portrayed his 81-year-old opponent as mentally unfit, while Biden has condemned Trump's actions as a threat to democracy, citing his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections primary 2024: Trump, Biden secure key wins in march to presidential rematch

"China has already created very enormous South China Sea military bases on the three islands surrounding Taiping - Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef - and these are all quite close to our Taiping," Wu said.

Taiwan warns of ‘enormous’ Chinese military build-up in South China Sea

Canada will halt future arms sales to Israel, said the country’s foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly, on Tuesday (Mar 19) following a non-binding vote in the House of Commons. Meanwhile, Britain’s deputy prime minister defended Israel’s right to protect itself while calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza on humanitarian grounds.&nbsp;

<h2>Canada to halt arms sales to Israel</h2>

In an interview with the Toronto Star, Joly confirmed that her government would halt future arms shipments to Israel after a parliamentary motion, introduced by the New Democratic Party (NDP), passed 204-117.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military troops raid Gaza's Al Shifa hospital

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The NDP, which supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government, introduced the motion following frustration over what they said was his failure to do enough to protect civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

The motion passed&nbsp;Monday (Mar 18) night after a last-minute deal between Trudeau’s Liberal Party and the NDP. The Canadian government previously said that it had paused issuing military export permits to Israel and it would be assessing applications on “a case-by-case basis”.

After the motion was passed, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a lobby group, called it “misguided” as it does not “effectively address the humanitarian crisis” in Gaza or “liberate Gazans from the tyrannical rule” of Hamas.&nbsp;

Since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, the Trudeau government has asserted Israel’s right to defend itself but has eventually grown critical of its current assault on Gaza.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-slams-trudeau-after-canada-tells-israel-killing-of-babies-in-gaza-must-end-658656">Netanyahu slams Trudeau after Canada PM tells Israel ‘killing of babies’ in Gaza must end</a>

In November, the Canadian PM, in his first sharp criticism of Israel since the beginning of the war, urged the Israeli government to “exercise maximum restraint” and said the “killing of women, of children, of babies” must stop.&nbsp;

<h2>Britain’s deputy PM defends Israel</h2>

The United Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, on Tuesday, said that Israel has a right to protect itself, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza prompting mounting international criticism of the Israeli government’s assault on the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

Dowden said that the British government is “continuously” urging Israel to abide by international humanitarian law and raised concerns about getting aid into Gaza.&nbsp;

“That’s why we are calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow that aid in, and crucially, the hostages to come out,” he told the news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

The United Nations human rights chief&nbsp;Volker Türk&nbsp;on Tuesday said Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza may amount to a starvation tactic and could be a war crime.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-told-us-not-trying-to-push-him-out-amid-tensions-over-rafah-assault-plan-702081">Biden assures Netanyahu US not trying to push him out amid tensions over Rafah assault plan</a>

The UK deputy PM went on to stress his support for Israel, saying there is a risk that the world is forgetting the horrors of October 7, when Hamas launched attacks and according to Israeli officials killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.&nbsp;

“I continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself, not only for the sake of Israel but also I think around the world we should be standing up to this kind of barbarism,” said Dowden.&nbsp;

Subsequently, he also noted that Israel should “show restraint and proportionality in the way that they prosecute the legitimate war against Hamas.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Canada will halt future arms sales to Israel, said the country’s foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly, on Tuesday (Mar 19) following a non-binding vote in the House of Commons.

Canada will halt future arms sales to Israel, said the country’s foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly, on Tuesday (Mar 19) following a non-binding vote in the House of Commons. Meanwhile, Britain’s deputy prime minister defended Israel’s right to protect itself while calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza on humanitarian grounds. Canada to halt arms sales to Israel In an interview with the Toronto Star, Joly confirmed that her government would halt future arms shipments to Israel after a parliamentary motion, introduced by the New Democratic Party (NDP), passed 204-117. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military troops raid Gaza's Al Shifa hospital The NDP, which supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government, introduced the motion following frustration over what they said was his failure to do enough to protect civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The motion passed Monday (Mar 18) night after a last-minute deal between Trudeau’s Liberal Party and the NDP. The Canadian government previously said that it had paused issuing military export permits to Israel and it would be assessing applications on “a case-by-case basis”. After the motion was passed, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a lobby group, called it “misguided” as it does not “effectively address the humanitarian crisis” in Gaza or “liberate Gazans from the tyrannical rule” of Hamas. Since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, the Trudeau government has asserted Israel’s right to defend itself but has eventually grown critical of its current assault on Gaza. Also Read | Netanyahu slams Trudeau after Canada PM tells Israel ‘killing of babies’ in Gaza must end In November, the Canadian PM, in his first sharp criticism of Israel since the beginning of the war, urged the Israeli government to “exercise maximum restraint” and said the “killing of women, of children, of babies” must stop. Britain’s deputy PM defends Israel The United Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, on Tuesday, said that Israel has a right to protect itself, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza prompting mounting international criticism of the Israeli government’s assault on the Palestinian enclave. Dowden said that the British government is “continuously” urging Israel to abide by international humanitarian law and raised concerns about getting aid into Gaza. “That’s why we are calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow that aid in, and crucially, the hostages to come out,” he told the news agency Reuters. The United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk on Tuesday said Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza may amount to a starvation tactic and could be a war crime. Also Read | Biden assures Netanyahu US not trying to push him out amid tensions over Rafah assault plan The UK deputy PM went on to stress his support for Israel, saying there is a risk that the world is forgetting the horrors of October 7, when Hamas launched attacks and according to Israeli officials killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. “I continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself, not only for the sake of Israel but also I think around the world we should be standing up to this kind of barbarism,” said Dowden. Subsequently, he also noted that Israel should “show restraint and proportionality in the way that they prosecute the legitimate war against Hamas.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Canada to halt arms sales to Israel; UK deputy PM calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

World Central Kitchen a us-based charity stated a consignment of almost 200 tons of food Aid had reached the starving people in Northern Gaza on Tuesday.

Aid ship carrying food supplies from World Central Kitchen charity reaches Gaza coast

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a cruise missile fired by the Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels managed to penetrate the country’s air defence system for the first time and landed near the Israeli city of Eilat. This comes after the group’s spokesperson Yahya Sarea, on Tuesday (Mar 19) said that they had targeted the Israeli port city.&nbsp;

<h2>Houthi cruise missile hits Israeli territory</h2>

A “suspicious aerial target” from the direction of the Red Sea, which was later identified by the IDF as a cruise missile,&nbsp;landed in an open area near Eilat early Monday (Mar 18) morning.&nbsp;

However, the Israeli army did not specify the origins of the missile. Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attack. Israel has not reported any damage or injuries due to the incident.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military troops raid Gaza's Al Shifa hospital

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The IDF also said that the missile was being tracked by the Air Force throughout the incident and has since launched an investigation.&nbsp;

The missile which hit Israeli territory on Sunday (Mar 17) night, as per the country’s media reports, marks the first time that a Houthi projectile has hit Israeli territory.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-told-us-not-trying-to-push-him-out-amid-tensions-over-rafah-assault-plan-702081">Biden assures Netanyahu US not trying to push him out amid tensions over Rafah assault plan</a>

Prior to the recent incident, all the missiles fired by the Houthis had been shot down, often by the United States-built Arrow 1 or 3 anti-ballistic missile defence system.

<h2>Houthi’s attacks amid ongoing war</h2>

Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, triggered by the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack, Houthis have tried to strike Israel with ballistic missiles several times.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Houthi spokesperson, Sarea, on Tuesday, said that they targeted the Israeli port and resort city with winged missiles as well as a fuel tanker, MADO, in the Red Sea with a naval missile.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-canada-to-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-uk-deputy-pm-calls-for-humanitarian-ceasefire-in-gaza-702194">Israel-Hamas war: Canada to halt arms sales to Israel; UK deputy PM calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza</a>

The Marshall-Islands flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker was heading to Singapore from Saudi Arabia, reported Reuters citing maritime shipping trackers.&nbsp;

The Yemen-based group described MADO as an American vessel. However, Equasis’ shipping database showed that it is owned by Greece-based Naftomar Shipping &amp; Trading Co Ltd.&nbsp;

The Iranian-backed group, saying that they are acting in solidarity with Gazans amid the ongoing war, have repeatedly launched drones and missiles at ships in the Red Sea and disrupted international commercial shipping since mid-November.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a cruise missile fired by the Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels managed to penetrate the country’s air defence system for the first time and landed near the Israeli city of Eilat.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a cruise missile fired by the Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels managed to penetrate the country’s air defence system for the first time and landed near the Israeli city of Eilat. This comes after the group’s spokesperson Yahya Sarea, on Tuesday (Mar 19) said that they had targeted the Israeli port city. Houthi cruise missile hits Israeli territory A “suspicious aerial target” from the direction of the Red Sea, which was later identified by the IDF as a cruise missile, landed in an open area near Eilat early Monday (Mar 18) morning. However, the Israeli army did not specify the origins of the missile. Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attack. Israel has not reported any damage or injuries due to the incident. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military troops raid Gaza's Al Shifa hospital The IDF also said that the missile was being tracked by the Air Force throughout the incident and has since launched an investigation. The missile which hit Israeli territory on Sunday (Mar 17) night, as per the country’s media reports, marks the first time that a Houthi projectile has hit Israeli territory. Also Read | Biden assures Netanyahu US not trying to push him out amid tensions over Rafah assault plan Prior to the recent incident, all the missiles fired by the Houthis had been shot down, often by the United States-built Arrow 1 or 3 anti-ballistic missile defence system. Houthi’s attacks amid ongoing war Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, triggered by the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack, Houthis have tried to strike Israel with ballistic missiles several times. Houthi spokesperson, Sarea, on Tuesday, said that they targeted the Israeli port and resort city with winged missiles as well as a fuel tanker, MADO, in the Red Sea with a naval missile. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Canada to halt arms sales to Israel; UK deputy PM calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza The Marshall-Islands flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker was heading to Singapore from Saudi Arabia, reported Reuters citing maritime shipping trackers. The Yemen-based group described MADO as an American vessel. However, Equasis’ shipping database showed that it is owned by Greece-based Naftomar Shipping & Trading Co Ltd. The Iranian-backed group, saying that they are acting in solidarity with Gazans amid the ongoing war, have repeatedly launched drones and missiles at ships in the Red Sea and disrupted international commercial shipping since mid-November. (With inputs from agencies)

Houthis claim missile attack on Israel, IDF confirms “suspicious aerial target” hit port town Eilat

People who vape suffer similar changes to their DNA as smokers who develop cancer, researchers have revealed. Watch to know more.

Vaping 'linked to cancer and damages body like smoking': News Study

The 2024 World Happiness Report is out, and for the seventh year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world.

World Happiness Report 2024: Report highlights

Police in Malaga took a robot dog on a trial patrol through the centre of the Spanish city on Tuesday to the joy of bystanders, some of whom imitated its clunky gait or introduced their pets to the whirring contraption with flashing lights on top.

Spain: Police parade 'robo-dog' helper in Malaga

Taiwan's foreign minister said on Wednesday (March 20) that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the South China Sea, but that Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the strategic waterway.

China has military base near Taiping: Taiwan's Foreign Minister | China-Taiwan tensions

Hong Kong lawmakers have unanimously passed a new tough national security bill that critics believe will curtail civil liberties.

Hong Kong lawmakers pass new national security bill which critics say will curb libertie

The BJP has finalised its alliance with the (PMK) in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The INDIA bloc is also ready with with heavyweights Congress and DMK who had near perfect records in Tamil Nadu back in 2019.Tamil Nadu is one of the states where BJP scored a duck in 2019. Has the BJP and NDA done enough to counter the mighty INDIA bloc in 2024? How important is it for the BJP to win in T.N. if they want to reach that 370-400 range? Watch this insightful conversation between WION’s Shivan Chanana and Senior Journalist R K Upadhyay from Bengaluru.

BJP’s Tamil Nadu Game Plan | Can NDA score a win in 2024 after an epic defeat in 2019?

The top two former&nbsp;US generals who&nbsp;led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on&nbsp;the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders. Earlier, the Biden administration had blamed its predecessor Trump administration, and their agreement with the Taliban for the disastrous exit of US forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The rare public testimony by the retired generals Mark Milley and Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie Jr put out in public domain the&nbsp;discord and disagreements between the military leadership and the Biden administration during the final days of US' presence in Afghanistan.

<h2>US forces in Afghanistan were over three times short of adviced deployment</h2>

The US military had adviced maintaining a presence of at least 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to uphold stability in the wake of the Doha agreement that was signed between the Taliban and the United States.

General Milley told the US House Foreign Affairs Committee while referring to the situation in Afghanistan in the&nbsp;immediate days before August 14 when the Taliban took control of Kabul: "The Afghan security forces were collapsing in the various provincial capitals and although there were some still in and around Kabul, so the general situation at that point was 750 U.S. soldiers in-and-around the embassy."

These revelations contrast with an internal White House review, which cited constraints imposed by previous withdrawal agreements&nbsp;— such as the Trump-negotiated&nbsp;'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' signed between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — for the tumultuous&nbsp;Aug 14 withdrawal of the US forces.

Also watch |&nbsp;Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan

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The review placed blame on the military, adding&nbsp;that top commanders had assured they had ample resources to handle the evacuation.

Thirteen US service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Taliban later said that a local Islamic State offshoot was responsible for the&nbsp;attack.

Thousands of Afghans and US citizens scrambled to board US military flights for evacuation amid the frenzy that took over Afghanistan as the Taliban displaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a>

Ultimately, over 130,000 civilians were rescued before the final US military aircraft departed.

"On August 14, the non-combatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State," Milley recounted.

"But the State Department’s decision came too late. The fundamental mistake was the timing of the State Department – too slow and too late," he further said.

Milley, as the top highest-ranking military officer at the time, had advocated for maintaining a residual force to support Afghanistan's special forces and retain control of Bagram Air Base for critical leverage against Taliban advances.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top two former US generals who led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders.

The top two former US generals who led the chaotic evacuation of US forces in Afghanistan as it fell to Taliban control in August 2021 squarely blamed the disastrous American exit on the Biden administration's inadequate planning and delayed orders. Earlier, the Biden administration had blamed its predecessor Trump administration, and their agreement with the Taliban for the disastrous exit of US forces from Afghanistan. The rare public testimony by the retired generals Mark Milley and Kenneth ‘Frank’ McKenzie Jr put out in public domain the discord and disagreements between the military leadership and the Biden administration during the final days of US' presence in Afghanistan. US forces in Afghanistan were over three times short of adviced deployment The US military had adviced maintaining a presence of at least 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to uphold stability in the wake of the Doha agreement that was signed between the Taliban and the United States. General Milley told the US House Foreign Affairs Committee while referring to the situation in Afghanistan in the immediate days before August 14 when the Taliban took control of Kabul: "The Afghan security forces were collapsing in the various provincial capitals and although there were some still in and around Kabul, so the general situation at that point was 750 U.S. soldiers in-and-around the embassy." These revelations contrast with an internal White House review, which cited constraints imposed by previous withdrawal agreements — such as the Trump-negotiated 'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' signed between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — for the tumultuous Aug 14 withdrawal of the US forces. Also watch | Top former US Generals testify on US troop's withdrawal from Afghanistan × The review placed blame on the military, adding that top commanders had assured they had ample resources to handle the evacuation. Thirteen US service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Taliban later said that a local Islamic State offshoot was responsible for the attack. Thousands of Afghans and US citizens scrambled to board US military flights for evacuation amid the frenzy that took over Afghanistan as the Taliban displaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report Ultimately, over 130,000 civilians were rescued before the final US military aircraft departed. "On August 14, the non-combatant evacuation operation decision was made by the Department of State," Milley recounted. "But the State Department’s decision came too late. The fundamental mistake was the timing of the State Department – too slow and too late," he further said. Milley, as the top highest-ranking military officer at the time, had advocated for maintaining a residual force to support Afghanistan's special forces and retain control of Bagram Air Base for critical leverage against Taliban advances. (With inputs from agencies)

'Too little, too late': Ex-US generals point to Biden admin's failures for Kabul's quick fall to Taliban

The restoration work of Dilip Kumar's ancestral home in Peshawar is underway in Qissa Khawani Bazaar of the city. Watch the video to know more.

Dilip Kumar's ancestral home in Peshawar set to become museum

Highlighting the direct implications for US security, Austin's remarks underscore the urgent need for international support amid the ongoing conflict. Watch the video to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's survival in danger, Pentagon chief warns

Germany has detained two suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) for allegedly scheming an assault on the Swedish parliament in response to Koran burnings in Sweden, as announced by the federal prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.

In the city of Gera in eastern Germany, two Afghan nationals known as Ibrahim MG and Ramin N were arrested on suspicion of orchestrating the attack, according to a statement from the prosecutor’s office.

Last year, Sweden witnessed a series of Koran burnings that triggered widespread condemnation within the Muslim community and resulted in violent incidents, including the storming and defacement of Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad. These burnings, protected under Sweden’s extensive freedom of speech laws, incited outrage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-killed-in-terrorist-attack-on-burkina-faso-church-693808" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-killed-in-terrorist-attack-on-burkina-faso-church-693808&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-jYDux4CFAxWiTGwGHXo5BLsQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0tcz62Nmzc-SirKA_1dEJT&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-killed-in-terrorist-attack-on-burkina-faso-church-693808" target="_blank">At least 15 killed in 'terrorist' attack on Burkina Faso church</a>

As per German prosecutors, the two suspects had plotted to target police officers and civilians using firearms in the vicinity of the Stockholm parliament. The prosecutor’s office noted that Ibrahim MG and Ramin N extensively researched the location online and made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to acquire weapons.

Both suspects had affiliations with IS Khorasan Province, a faction of the militant Islamist organisation, since 2023, and had gathered donations amounting to around 2,000 euros ($2,170) for the group. These funds were intended to aid IS members detained in northern Syria, according to the statement.

The suspects are scheduled to appear before a German court on Tuesday and Wednesday, where a decision will be made regarding their pre-trial detention.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-terrorist-arrested-in-new-delhi-is-ex-pakistan-army-person-police-687520" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-terrorist-arrested-in-new-delhi-is-ex-pakistan-army-person-police-687520&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-jYDux4CFAxWiTGwGHXo5BLsQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0NU-dMhES1km7Jaypbt72o&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-terrorist-arrested-in-new-delhi-is-ex-pakistan-army-person-police-687520" target="_blank">LeT&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;arrested in New Delhi is ex-armyman: Police</a>

The Swedish Security Service refrained from commenting on the German case, stating ongoing coordination with European counterparts.

(With inputs with agencies)

Germany has detained two suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) for allegedly scheming an assault on the Swedish parliament in response to Koran burnings in Sweden, as announced by the federal prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.

Germany has detained two suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) for allegedly scheming an assault on the Swedish parliament in response to Koran burnings in Sweden, as announced by the federal prosecutor’s office on Tuesday. In the city of Gera in eastern Germany, two Afghan nationals known as Ibrahim MG and Ramin N were arrested on suspicion of orchestrating the attack, according to a statement from the prosecutor’s office. Last year, Sweden witnessed a series of Koran burnings that triggered widespread condemnation within the Muslim community and resulted in violent incidents, including the storming and defacement of Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad. These burnings, protected under Sweden’s extensive freedom of speech laws, incited outrage. Also read: At least 15 killed in 'terrorist' attack on Burkina Faso church As per German prosecutors, the two suspects had plotted to target police officers and civilians using firearms in the vicinity of the Stockholm parliament. The prosecutor’s office noted that Ibrahim MG and Ramin N extensively researched the location online and made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to acquire weapons. Both suspects had affiliations with IS Khorasan Province, a faction of the militant Islamist organisation, since 2023, and had gathered donations amounting to around 2,000 euros ($2,170) for the group. These funds were intended to aid IS members detained in northern Syria, according to the statement. The suspects are scheduled to appear before a German court on Tuesday and Wednesday, where a decision will be made regarding their pre-trial detention. Also read: LeT terrorist arrested in New Delhi is ex-armyman: Police The Swedish Security Service refrained from commenting on the German case, stating ongoing coordination with European counterparts. (With inputs with agencies)

Germany detains 2 suspected Islamic State members for alleged plot to attack Swedish parliament

The hospital where Kate Middleton was treated is at the centre of a huge security scandal tonight after reports staff attempted to access the Royal's private medical records.

UK: Hospital staff tried to access Kate Middleton's surgery report, Kensington Palace alerted

Pritam Singh, the Leader of Opposition in Singapore was charged with perjury before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday (March 19).

Singh, who is of Indian descent and serves as the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party (WP), stands accused of providing false testimony during hearings by the Committee of Privileges concerning former Member of Parliament Raeesah Khan.

Appearing in court without legal representation, the 47-year-old opposition figure pleaded not guilty to two charges under Section 31(q) of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities, and Powers) Act, opting for a trial.

If convicted, he faces a possible imprisonment term of up to three years or a fine of up to SGD 7,000 per charge.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-kills-wife-a-week-after-reaching-canada-calls-family-to-inform-701905">Indian man kills wife a week after reaching Canada, calls family to inform</a>

Seeking a four-week adjournment to secure legal counsel, a pre-trial conference is slated for April 17, as per media reports.

According to the charges, Singh allegedly provided false testimony on December 10, 2021, stating that after a meeting with fellow WP members Khan, Sylvia Lim, and Faisal Manap on August 8, 2021, he urged Khan to retract her statements made to MPs on August 3, 2021.

He is further accused of providing false testimony on December 10 and December 15, 2021, claiming that during a conversation with Khan on October 3, 2021, he encouraged her to confess to lying in Parliament.

Khan's case emerged in 2021 when she admitted to fabricating information in Parliament regarding a mishandled rape case involving the police.

After a series of hearings, the Committee of Privileges recommended that Singh be referred to the public prosecutor for potential criminal proceedings due to his conduct during the hearings.

Singh contested the committee's findings, criticising what he perceived as political bias in the report.

During a parliamentary debate on the committee's final report, Singh asserted that he never instructed Khan to conceal the truth and refuted allegations of his involvement in guiding Khan's actions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leader-shashi-tharoor-slams-communist-party-says-it-is-playing-bjps-game-in-thiruvananthapuram-701943">Congress leader Shashi Tharoor slams communist party, says it is playing BJP's game in Thiruvananthapuram</a>

Following the release of the final report, the WP expressed serious concerns regarding the recommendation to refer Singh and WP vice-chair Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap for possible prosecution.

The committee's report concluded that Singh played a central role in directing Khan's actions, suggesting that he may have been instrumental in perpetuating her false statements. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pritam Singh, the Leader of Opposition in Singapore was charged with perjury before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday (March 19). Singh, who is of Indian descent and serves as the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party (WP), stands accused of providing false testimony during hearings by the Committee of Privileges concerning former Member of Parliament Raeesah Khan.

Pritam Singh, the Leader of Opposition in Singapore was charged with perjury before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday (March 19). Singh, who is of Indian descent and serves as the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party (WP), stands accused of providing false testimony during hearings by the Committee of Privileges concerning former Member of Parliament Raeesah Khan. Appearing in court without legal representation, the 47-year-old opposition figure pleaded not guilty to two charges under Section 31(q) of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities, and Powers) Act, opting for a trial. If convicted, he faces a possible imprisonment term of up to three years or a fine of up to SGD 7,000 per charge. Also read: Indian man kills wife a week after reaching Canada, calls family to inform Seeking a four-week adjournment to secure legal counsel, a pre-trial conference is slated for April 17, as per media reports. According to the charges, Singh allegedly provided false testimony on December 10, 2021, stating that after a meeting with fellow WP members Khan, Sylvia Lim, and Faisal Manap on August 8, 2021, he urged Khan to retract her statements made to MPs on August 3, 2021. He is further accused of providing false testimony on December 10 and December 15, 2021, claiming that during a conversation with Khan on October 3, 2021, he encouraged her to confess to lying in Parliament. Khan's case emerged in 2021 when she admitted to fabricating information in Parliament regarding a mishandled rape case involving the police. After a series of hearings, the Committee of Privileges recommended that Singh be referred to the public prosecutor for potential criminal proceedings due to his conduct during the hearings. Singh contested the committee's findings, criticising what he perceived as political bias in the report. During a parliamentary debate on the committee's final report, Singh asserted that he never instructed Khan to conceal the truth and refuted allegations of his involvement in guiding Khan's actions. Also read: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor slams communist party, says it is playing BJP's game in Thiruvananthapuram Following the release of the final report, the WP expressed serious concerns regarding the recommendation to refer Singh and WP vice-chair Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap for possible prosecution. The committee's report concluded that Singh played a central role in directing Khan's actions, suggesting that he may have been instrumental in perpetuating her false statements. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore’s Indian-origin opposition leader Pritam Singh faces charges of misleading parliament

Chinese diplomat Wang Kejian met Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar, China’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, the first meeting between a Chinese and Hamas official publicly acknowledged by Beijing since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Chinese envoy meets Hamas political leader in a first since the Israel-Gaza war

The Congress’ Central Election Committee on Tuesday cleared tickets to 16 Lok Sabha segments in Karnataka, which include children of five state Cabinet ministers.

Karnataka: Congress fields ministers' children

The nomination process for the first phase of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on April 19 has commenced in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories with the issuance of notification from the Election Commission today. Watch the video to know more.

Rajasthan: Lok Sabha nomination begins

Jimmy Cherizier, the elite police officer-turned-gang leader known as “Barbecue,” has risen through Haiti’s political vacuum to become one of the country’s most powerful men...the island country is in chaos due to the recent developments. Watch to know more!

Haiti Gang Violence: Armed gangs attack electricity service officers, steal equipments

It was a strange coming together. The US and Japan - the country that dropped the atomic bomb and the one that bore the brunt of that catastrophe- have moved a UN resolution against nukes in space, with eye on Russia.

In a bid to avoid a real-life sequel to Openheimer, the superhit film on the father on the atomic bomb, the two countries on Monday (Mar 18) proposed&nbsp; 
and sponsored a United Nations Security Council resolution which called all nations not to deploy or create nuclear weapons in space.

The resolution, which warned countries against placing any kind of nuclear weapons in space, indirectly tried to pressure Russia to drop its novel plan of placing the warheads in space.

As per the draft, the resolution stressed that the countries "should not develop nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction designed to be placed in orbit".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pushes-for-nuclear-power-unit-in-space-amid-reports-of-russian-cosmic-weapon-development-700276">Putin's cosmic plan: Russian president wants to install nuclear power unit in space</a>

It further reminded the countries that they must "fully comply" with their duties which have been mentioned in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids the placement of nuclear weapons in space.&nbsp;

The treaty includes not deploying "objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner," as per the document.

In the resolution, the name of Russia does not appear directly.

But it came weeks after the Biden administration said that Moscow had plans to create an anti-satellite space weapon.

<h2>Placement of nuclear weapons in space dangerous, unacceptable: US ambassador to&nbsp; UN</h2>

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, while speaking at a Security Council meeting on Monday, said Russia has "invoked dangerous nuclear rhetoric, and walked away from several of its arms control obligations" in the two years since it invaded Ukraine.

"Any placement of nuclear weapons into orbit around the Earth would be unprecedented, dangerous and unacceptable," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, said that even during “the confrontational environment” of the Cold War, the countries had agreed on ensuring that the outer space is peaceful.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rapidly evolving threat in space: Putin says, 'No plans to deploy nukes in space'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rapidly-evolving-threat-in-space-putin-says-no-plans-to-deploy-nukes-in-space-692388/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She added that this kind of agreement prohibits the placement of any weapons of mass destruction into orbit.&nbsp;

Dmitry Polyanskiy, who represents Russia at the UN, said that the draft does not match the political upheaval in the current date.&nbsp;

"The wording that it contains has not been worked out at all by the experts nor was it discussed at specialised international platforms," said Polyanskiy, after Thomas-Greenfield talked.&nbsp;

"We're left therefore with the very firm impression that this is just yet another propaganda stunt by Washington," he added.&nbsp;

In 1945, an American B-29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, and Nagasaki was bombed three days later, on August 9.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

It was a strange coming together. The US and Japan - the country that dropped the atomic bomb and the one that bore the brunt of that catastrophe- have moved a UN resolution against nukes in space, with eye on Russia.

It was a strange coming together. The US and Japan - the country that dropped the atomic bomb and the one that bore the brunt of that catastrophe- have moved a UN resolution against nukes in space, with eye on Russia. In a bid to avoid a real-life sequel to Openheimer, the superhit film on the father on the atomic bomb, the two countries on Monday (Mar 18) proposed and sponsored a United Nations Security Council resolution which called all nations not to deploy or create nuclear weapons in space. The resolution, which warned countries against placing any kind of nuclear weapons in space, indirectly tried to pressure Russia to drop its novel plan of placing the warheads in space. As per the draft, the resolution stressed that the countries "should not develop nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction designed to be placed in orbit". Also Read: Putin's cosmic plan: Russian president wants to install nuclear power unit in space It further reminded the countries that they must "fully comply" with their duties which have been mentioned in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids the placement of nuclear weapons in space. The treaty includes not deploying "objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner," as per the document. In the resolution, the name of Russia does not appear directly. But it came weeks after the Biden administration said that Moscow had plans to create an anti-satellite space weapon. Placement of nuclear weapons in space dangerous, unacceptable: US ambassador to UN US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, while speaking at a Security Council meeting on Monday, said Russia has "invoked dangerous nuclear rhetoric, and walked away from several of its arms control obligations" in the two years since it invaded Ukraine. "Any placement of nuclear weapons into orbit around the Earth would be unprecedented, dangerous and unacceptable," Thomas-Greenfield said. Meanwhile, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, said that even during “the confrontational environment” of the Cold War, the countries had agreed on ensuring that the outer space is peaceful. Watch: Rapidly evolving threat in space: Putin says, 'No plans to deploy nukes in space' She added that this kind of agreement prohibits the placement of any weapons of mass destruction into orbit. Dmitry Polyanskiy, who represents Russia at the UN, said that the draft does not match the political upheaval in the current date. "The wording that it contains has not been worked out at all by the experts nor was it discussed at specialised international platforms," said Polyanskiy, after Thomas-Greenfield talked. "We're left therefore with the very firm impression that this is just yet another propaganda stunt by Washington," he added. In 1945, an American B-29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, and Nagasaki was bombed three days later, on August 9. (With inputs from agencies)

US and Japan, nuclear weapon launcher and survivor, call for ban on space nukes with Russia in mind

Afghanistan's Taliban said on Monday that Pakistan carried out two airstrikes on its territory, killing five women and three children, and it fired heavy weapons at Pakistani forces along the border in retaliation.

Eight killed in Pakistan's two air strikes in Afghanistan: Taliban

Cuba has accused the United States of stoking a protest where hundreds of people took to the streets across the island as well as the second-largest city Santiago in a rare public demonstration amid food shortages and blackouts.

The island nation’s foreign ministry summoned US ambassador Benjamin Ziff after Washington made remarks on the protests on Sunday (Mar 17).&nbsp;

<h2>US ambassador summoned</h2>

Cuba’s foreign ministry on Monday (Mar 18) said it had summoned Ziff and accused the US embassy in Havana of seeking to stoke a broader anti-government uprising.&nbsp;

Late Sunday, the US&nbsp;had said it was monitoring the protests and called on the Cuban government to “respect the human rights of the protesters and address the legitimate needs of the Cuban people.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cubans-stage-rare-power-and-food-protest-amid-blackouts-lack-of-essentials-701287">Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials</a>

In response, Cuba’s foreign ministry called US charge d’affaires Ziff to a meeting with deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, “who formally conveyed his firm rejection of the government’s interventionist behavior and slanderous messages,” said the ministry.&nbsp;

Fernández de Cossío, speaking to The Associated Press, called the comments “disrespectful“ and an “open interference” in the country’s domestic affairs.&nbsp;

He also repeated the communist government’s long-standing accusation, blaming the US and its nearly six-and-a-half-decade-long embargo and sanctions against the island for the issues faced by its citizens.&nbsp;

The US State Department spokesperson&nbsp;said it was “absurd” to suggest Washington was behind the protests.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel took to X and seemingly pointed a finger at the US and said that despite its “interventionist messages and calls for chaos” it was unsuccessful.&nbsp;

“Mediocre politicians and networked terrorists lined up from South Florida to heat up the streets of #Cuba with interventionist messages and calls for chaos. They were left wanting,” said Diaz-Canel.&nbsp;

<h2>Cuba is witnessing rare protests. What's the issue?</h2>

The protest which took place late Sunday was a rare public show of discontent against Cuba’s communist government and was reportedly led by parents struggling to feed their children amid acute food shortages.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rules-out-support-for-israels-rafah-assault-plan-amid-gaza-truce-talks-701657">US rules out support for Israel PM Netayahu's Rafah assault plan amid Gaza truce talks</a>

The protests erupted in at least five locations across the island and reportedly started when mothers showed up at a government building and said they could not provide food for their children.&nbsp;

Cuba is facing one of its worst economic and energy crises in years, with power cuts of up to 18 hours a day.

With summer approaching, it is reportedly becoming difficult to preserve what little food people have.&nbsp;

The Caribbean island nation appeared quiet on Monday, reported Reuters news agency, while the government said that it expects the blackouts to continue through the week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Cuba has accused the United States of stoking a protest where hundreds of people took to the streets across the island as well as the second-largest city Santiago in a rare public demonstration amid food shortages and blackouts.

Cuba has accused the United States of stoking a protest where hundreds of people took to the streets across the island as well as the second-largest city Santiago in a rare public demonstration amid food shortages and blackouts. The island nation’s foreign ministry summoned US ambassador Benjamin Ziff after Washington made remarks on the protests on Sunday (Mar 17). US ambassador summoned Cuba’s foreign ministry on Monday (Mar 18) said it had summoned Ziff and accused the US embassy in Havana of seeking to stoke a broader anti-government uprising. Late Sunday, the US had said it was monitoring the protests and called on the Cuban government to “respect the human rights of the protesters and address the legitimate needs of the Cuban people.” Also Read | Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials In response, Cuba’s foreign ministry called US charge d’affaires Ziff to a meeting with deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, “who formally conveyed his firm rejection of the government’s interventionist behavior and slanderous messages,” said the ministry. Fernández de Cossío, speaking to The Associated Press, called the comments “disrespectful“ and an “open interference” in the country’s domestic affairs. He also repeated the communist government’s long-standing accusation, blaming the US and its nearly six-and-a-half-decade-long embargo and sanctions against the island for the issues faced by its citizens. The US State Department spokesperson said it was “absurd” to suggest Washington was behind the protests. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel took to X and seemingly pointed a finger at the US and said that despite its “interventionist messages and calls for chaos” it was unsuccessful. “Mediocre politicians and networked terrorists lined up from South Florida to heat up the streets of #Cuba with interventionist messages and calls for chaos. They were left wanting,” said Diaz-Canel. Cuba is witnessing rare protests. What's the issue? The protest which took place late Sunday was a rare public show of discontent against Cuba’s communist government and was reportedly led by parents struggling to feed their children amid acute food shortages. Also Read | US rules out support for Israel PM Netayahu's Rafah assault plan amid Gaza truce talks The protests erupted in at least five locations across the island and reportedly started when mothers showed up at a government building and said they could not provide food for their children. Cuba is facing one of its worst economic and energy crises in years, with power cuts of up to 18 hours a day. With summer approaching, it is reportedly becoming difficult to preserve what little food people have. The Caribbean island nation appeared quiet on Monday, reported Reuters news agency, while the government said that it expects the blackouts to continue through the week. (With inputs from agencies)

Cuba accuses US of stoking protests amid blackouts and food shortages, summons top diplomat

Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: At least 10 killed in affluent Haiti suburb

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