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Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Voting continues on third & final day of Presidential Polls in Russia. India's Enforcement Directorate issues summons to Delhi CM. Israel rocked by protests as slogans for fresh elections & new hostage deal echo Tel Aviv. Mossad Chief heads to Qatar for hostage-truce deal talks. US & Jordan conduct joint airdrop to Gaza. Watch to know more!

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The Ukrainian military launched 35 drones against broad areas of Russia, sparking a brief fire at an oil refinery, targeting Moscow, and disrupting electricity in border areas, Russian officials said early Sunday (Mar 17). In a post on Telegram, the Russian defence ministry said that 17 drones were destroyed over the Krasnodar region, four over the Moscow region, and the rest over six other regions.

According to the operational headquarters of Krasnodar, the drones were neutralised but a fire broke out as a result of the fall of one of the devices. The fire at the Slavyansk refinery in Krasnodar was extinguished and there were no casualties, a report by the news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-presidential-polls-2024-moscow-accuses-ukraine-of-election-sabotage-700971">Russia presidential polls 2024: Moscow accuses Ukraine of election sabotage</a>

In a separate post on Telegram, Roman Siniagovskyi, head of the Slavyansk administrative district, said that refinery workers were evacuated and there was no threat to nearby areas from the incident.

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The Ukrainian Armed Force have Struck their 6th Oil Refinery and Depot within the past week tonight, with several One-Way “Suicide” Drones having Impacted a Large Oil Refinery on the Outskirts of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in the Krasnodar Krai Region of Southwestern Russia; according to… <a href="https://t.co/4bkOge7qlH">pic.twitter.com/4bkOge7qlH</a>
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) <a href="https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1769187586327593262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said there were no casualties or damage reported from the drones shot down over three districts near Moscow. North of Moscow four drones were destroyed over the Yaroslavl region, with no damage or injuries reported, Yaroslavl's Governor Mikhail Yevrayev said. &nbsp;

In Belgorod, an attack by four Ukraine-launched drones damaged electricity and gas lines in one village, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

In his nightly video address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the military for new "long-range capabilities" but did not mention the reported attacks.

The attacks came as Russia was holding its third and final day of presidential elections. Russia has been accusing Ukraine of using air attacks to try to sabotage the polls.&nbsp;

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the polls with its intensified drone and missile attacks inside Russia and on Moscow-held territory in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ukrainian military launched 35 drones against broad areas of Russia, sparking a brief fire at an oil refinery, targeting Moscow, and disrupting electricity in border areas, Russian officials said early Sunday (Mar 17).

The Ukrainian military launched 35 drones against broad areas of Russia, sparking a brief fire at an oil refinery, targeting Moscow, and disrupting electricity in border areas, Russian officials said early Sunday (Mar 17). In a post on Telegram, the Russian defence ministry said that 17 drones were destroyed over the Krasnodar region, four over the Moscow region, and the rest over six other regions. According to the operational headquarters of Krasnodar, the drones were neutralised but a fire broke out as a result of the fall of one of the devices. The fire at the Slavyansk refinery in Krasnodar was extinguished and there were no casualties, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Also read | Russia presidential polls 2024: Moscow accuses Ukraine of election sabotage In a separate post on Telegram, Roman Siniagovskyi, head of the Slavyansk administrative district, said that refinery workers were evacuated and there was no threat to nearby areas from the incident. The Ukrainian Armed Force have Struck their 6th Oil Refinery and Depot within the past week tonight, with several One-Way “Suicide” Drones having Impacted a Large Oil Refinery on the Outskirts of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in the Krasnodar Krai Region of Southwestern Russia; according to… pic.twitter.com/4bkOge7qlH — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 17, 2024 × Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said there were no casualties or damage reported from the drones shot down over three districts near Moscow. North of Moscow four drones were destroyed over the Yaroslavl region, with no damage or injuries reported, Yaroslavl's Governor Mikhail Yevrayev said. In Belgorod, an attack by four Ukraine-launched drones damaged electricity and gas lines in one village, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. In his nightly video address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the military for new "long-range capabilities" but did not mention the reported attacks. The attacks came as Russia was holding its third and final day of presidential elections. Russia has been accusing Ukraine of using air attacks to try to sabotage the polls. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the polls with its intensified drone and missile attacks inside Russia and on Moscow-held territory in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine drone attacks spark fire at oil refinery in Russia, disrupt power in border areas

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and assembly elections in some states...Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar detailed the schedule & emphasized on the election process for the upcoming polls during a press briefing in Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi. Assembly elections to be held in 4 states simultaneously along with the Lok Sabha Polls 2024. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seven-phase polling to begin from April 19, results on June 4

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Niger’s ruling junta&nbsp;on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Condescending attitude’</h2>

The decision comes days after a delegation of American officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Niger along with General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command.

Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane speaking on television in the West African nation said that the recent visit by the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol as they were not informed about the composition of the team, date of their arrival, and agenda.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-walks-for-ceasefire-talks-after-hamas-steps-back-on-key-demands-700960">Gaza war: Israel walks for ceasefire talks after Hamas steps back on key demands</a>

“Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerian people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” said Abdramane, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.”&nbsp;

According to the junta spokesperson, the officials discussed the current military transition in the country, military cooperation between Niger and the US, and Niger’s choice of partners in the fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The ruling junta in Niger seized power last year and has since kicked out the French and other European forces from the country and turned to Russia for support. The country’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps in recent years.&nbsp;

<h2>US troops in Niger</h2>

As of 2023, there were around 1,100 American troops in Niger which operated out of two bases, including a drone base worth $100 million known as Air Base 201, built near Agadez in central Niger.&nbsp;

Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-us-announces-charter-flights-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019">Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked</a>

As of December, the US reportedly had some 650 personnel working in Niger, including troops stationed at the major drone base.&nbsp;

In his statement, Abdramane noted that the status and presence of American troops in Niger was illegal and violated their constitutional and democratic rules since, according to him, it was unilaterally imposed on the African nation in 2012.&nbsp;

However, he stopped short of asking the US troops to leave.&nbsp;

Niger is not aware of the number of US civilians and troops or even the amount of equipment deployed on its soil, said Abdramane, but said that the American military was under no obligation to respond to any request for help against the militants.&nbsp;

“In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American department of defence on the territory of the Republic of Niger,” said the junta spokesperson.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Niger’s ruling junta on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil.

Niger’s ruling junta on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil. ‘Condescending attitude’ The decision comes days after a delegation of American officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Niger along with General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command. Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane speaking on television in the West African nation said that the recent visit by the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol as they were not informed about the composition of the team, date of their arrival, and agenda. Also Read | Gaza war: Israel walks for ceasefire talks after Hamas steps back on key demands “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerian people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” said Abdramane, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.” According to the junta spokesperson, the officials discussed the current military transition in the country, military cooperation between Niger and the US, and Niger’s choice of partners in the fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The ruling junta in Niger seized power last year and has since kicked out the French and other European forces from the country and turned to Russia for support. The country’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps in recent years. US troops in Niger As of 2023, there were around 1,100 American troops in Niger which operated out of two bases, including a drone base worth $100 million known as Air Base 201, built near Agadez in central Niger. Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group. Also Read | Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked As of December, the US reportedly had some 650 personnel working in Niger, including troops stationed at the major drone base. In his statement, Abdramane noted that the status and presence of American troops in Niger was illegal and violated their constitutional and democratic rules since, according to him, it was unilaterally imposed on the African nation in 2012. However, he stopped short of asking the US troops to leave. Niger is not aware of the number of US civilians and troops or even the amount of equipment deployed on its soil, said Abdramane, but said that the American military was under no obligation to respond to any request for help against the militants. “In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American department of defence on the territory of the Republic of Niger,” said the junta spokesperson. (With inputs from agencies)

Niger junta revokes military accord with US ‘with immediate effect’ over ‘condescending attitude’

Russia is holding presidential elections but the fighting is unabated between Moscow and Kyiv. On day two of the polls two people were killed and three people were injured in Ukraine's missile attack on the Russia border city of Belgorod. The region's Governor has ordered the closure of schools and shopping malls. The city was struck by missiles fired from a vampire rocket system. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections 2024: Moscow accuses Kyiv of trying to sabotage elections | Ukraine war

In a bold display of maritime security, the Indian Navy has intercepted and engaged with the hijacked vessel MV Ruen, which was under the control of Somali pirates. On March 15, an Indian Navy warship successfully intercepted the MV Ruen, marking a significant step in combating piracy on the high seas. However, the operation was met with resistance as the pirates onboard the vessel opened fire on the warship. Watch to know more!

Indian Navy thwarts Somali pirates hijacking attempt

The holy month of Ramadan has witnessed to some disturbing trends in Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Kingdom is witnessing a surge in road fatalities by 27%. The Saudi General Authority for roads has reported a significant increase in the road accidents during the month of Ramadan. Watch to know more!

Saudi Arabia: 27% surge in road fatalities before Iftar, says Saudi Arabia road authority

French President Emmanuel said on Saturday (Mar 16) that Russia would be asked to observe a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine during the Paris Olympics. In an interview with a Ukrainian journalist, French President Macron said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics. They (the Russians) must do this. That is what has always happened."

"It (ceasefire) will be requested," Macron said and pointed out that the rule of the host country " is to move in step with the Olympic movement." "This is a message of peace. We will also follow the decision of the Olympic Committee," the French president added.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned Russia's offensive in Ukraine which started on February 24, 2022. The IOC said that Moscow breached the "Olympic Truce", which aims to harness the power of sport to promote peace and dialogue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/natos-jens-stoltenberg-urges-allies-to-step-up-delivery-of-weapons-to-ukraine-700164">NATO's Jens Stoltenberg urges allies to step up delivery of weapons to Ukraine</a>

The IOC had decided to revive the concept of the Olympic Truce to protect the interests of athletes and sport in general and to harness the power of sport to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation more broadly.

The IOC has imposed sanctions on Russia and Belarus since the Ukraine war began. Under the sanctions, it is only allowing&nbsp;some Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete in Paris under tight restrictions.

The committee also established a Solidarity Fund for Ukraine so that the athletes have support to overcome the tremendous challenges they are facing to make their Olympic dreams come true.

Also watch |&nbsp;If Ukraine falls, our security will be at risk: Macron

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On Sunday, senior IOC Vice President John Coates told a newspaper he was unsure how many Russian athletes will compete as neutral athletes at the Paris Games.

Speaking to Sydney's Daily Telegraph, Coates said, "The issue is how many of them are going to be there too because they're not going to be in any team sports because they can't compete as Russia."

"I mightn't be right, but I think that I've read something that it might be as little as 40," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel said on Saturday (Mar 16) that Russia would be asked to observe a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine during the Paris Olympics. In an interview with a Ukrainian journalist, French President Macron said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics.

French President Emmanuel said on Saturday (Mar 16) that Russia would be asked to observe a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine during the Paris Olympics. In an interview with a Ukrainian journalist, French President Macron said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics. They (the Russians) must do this. That is what has always happened." "It (ceasefire) will be requested," Macron said and pointed out that the rule of the host country " is to move in step with the Olympic movement." "This is a message of peace. We will also follow the decision of the Olympic Committee," the French president added. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned Russia's offensive in Ukraine which started on February 24, 2022. The IOC said that Moscow breached the "Olympic Truce", which aims to harness the power of sport to promote peace and dialogue. Also read | NATO's Jens Stoltenberg urges allies to step up delivery of weapons to Ukraine The IOC had decided to revive the concept of the Olympic Truce to protect the interests of athletes and sport in general and to harness the power of sport to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation more broadly. The IOC has imposed sanctions on Russia and Belarus since the Ukraine war began. Under the sanctions, it is only allowing some Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete in Paris under tight restrictions. The committee also established a Solidarity Fund for Ukraine so that the athletes have support to overcome the tremendous challenges they are facing to make their Olympic dreams come true. Also watch | If Ukraine falls, our security will be at risk: Macron × On Sunday, senior IOC Vice President John Coates told a newspaper he was unsure how many Russian athletes will compete as neutral athletes at the Paris Games. Speaking to Sydney's Daily Telegraph, Coates said, "The issue is how many of them are going to be there too because they're not going to be in any team sports because they can't compete as Russia." "I mightn't be right, but I think that I've read something that it might be as little as 40," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: France's Macron says Russia will be asked to observe ceasefire during Paris Olympics

Lok Sabha Elections: Election Commission announces poll dates, leaders react to date announcement

The police in a small village in the United Kingdom are trying to solve a rather gruesome mystery which involves dozens of dead wild animals being dumped across Hampshire, a county in England, over the past several months.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the&nbsp;incident</h2>

There have been several cases of dead animals being found dumped across the county. The most recent one took place on Friday (March 15) morning, when around 50 dead hares, as well as a barn owl and a kestrel, were found outside a small community shop. &nbsp;

The discovery has reportedly left the staff of the Broughton Community Shop “distraught”. According to reports, the incident took place on Thursday night when the perpetrators smeared blood on the shop windows and two birds – a kestrel and a barn owl &nbsp;– were found impaled on the door handle.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ongoing-manhunt-in-philadelphia-ends-with-police-arresting-killer-of-three-700978">Ongoing manhunt in Philadelphia ends with police arresting killer of three</a>

“Safe to say none of us were expecting our day to start as it did here this morning at Broughton Community Shop. Thank you all for popping in, messaging and phoning to make sure we are ok. We are ok shocked but ok,” said the Broughton Community Shop on their Facebook page.&nbsp;

They also requested nearby residents for CCTV footage and to come forward with any information that they may have. Gruesome images posted on social media show dozens of bodies of hares and birds scattered outside the shop’s door.&nbsp;

The police were called around 6:20 am (local time) on Friday, said a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police. “The animals have been collected and an investigation is underway.”

The police are also trying to identify the owners of a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara and have asked residents to get in touch with them if they saw a vehicle matching the description.&nbsp;

<h2>Similar cases reported</h2>

The recent incident is the latest in a string of seemingly related attacks. Last month, dozens of hares and pheasants were left outside a primary school in Awbridge. Over the past few weeks, residents have also reported dead birds and deer across the village roads and fields.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teslas-gearshift-design-under-scrutiny-following-fatal-death-of-us-billionaire-700921">Tesla’s gearshift design under scrutiny following death of US billionaire</a>

The residents believe hare coursers may be involved as southern England’s Salisbury Plain is said to be a popular location for criminal gangs who livestream events on social media for people placing bets on which animal will be killed first, according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

According to media reports, the locals also speculate that this disturbing display may be the work of poachers who are trying to send a message and discourage them from meddling in their activities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The police in a small village in the United Kingdom are trying to solve a rather gruesome mystery which involves dozens of dead wild animals being dumped across Hampshire, a county in England, over the past several months.

The police in a small village in the United Kingdom are trying to solve a rather gruesome mystery which involves dozens of dead wild animals being dumped across Hampshire, a county in England, over the past several months. What we know about the incident There have been several cases of dead animals being found dumped across the county. The most recent one took place on Friday (March 15) morning, when around 50 dead hares, as well as a barn owl and a kestrel, were found outside a small community shop. The discovery has reportedly left the staff of the Broughton Community Shop “distraught”. According to reports, the incident took place on Thursday night when the perpetrators smeared blood on the shop windows and two birds – a kestrel and a barn owl – were found impaled on the door handle. Also Read | Ongoing manhunt in Philadelphia ends with police arresting killer of three “Safe to say none of us were expecting our day to start as it did here this morning at Broughton Community Shop. Thank you all for popping in, messaging and phoning to make sure we are ok. We are ok shocked but ok,” said the Broughton Community Shop on their Facebook page. They also requested nearby residents for CCTV footage and to come forward with any information that they may have. Gruesome images posted on social media show dozens of bodies of hares and birds scattered outside the shop’s door. The police were called around 6:20 am (local time) on Friday, said a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police. “The animals have been collected and an investigation is underway.” The police are also trying to identify the owners of a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara and have asked residents to get in touch with them if they saw a vehicle matching the description. Similar cases reported The recent incident is the latest in a string of seemingly related attacks. Last month, dozens of hares and pheasants were left outside a primary school in Awbridge. Over the past few weeks, residents have also reported dead birds and deer across the village roads and fields. Also Read | Tesla’s gearshift design under scrutiny following death of US billionaire The residents believe hare coursers may be involved as southern England’s Salisbury Plain is said to be a popular location for criminal gangs who livestream events on social media for people placing bets on which animal will be killed first, according to the Guardian. According to media reports, the locals also speculate that this disturbing display may be the work of poachers who are trying to send a message and discourage them from meddling in their activities. (With inputs from agencies)

UK village ‘distraught’ after dozens of dead animals found dumped outside local shop

French President Emmanuel said on Saturday (Mar 16) that Russia would be asked to observe a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine during the Paris Olympics. In an interview with a Ukrainian journalist, French President Macron said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics. They (the Russians) must do this. That is what has always happened."

France to urge Russian ceasefire in Ukraine

The British royal family is under scrutiny in this time it is over the absence of Princess Katherine of Wales from public events. Kate Middleton has not been seen in public since December 2023 and the public concern of course comes even as Kensington Palace has urged respect for privacy of the princess throughout March. Watch to know more!

UK's Royal family under scrutiny again, lack of public updates on health sparks speculation

World at War | Russia is ready for Nuclear conflict in the Ukraine War Have Houthis managed to get Hypersonic missiles? Sudanese army recaptures the headquarters of the State Broadcaster in Omdurman Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar

Russia is ready for Nuclear conflict in the Ukraine War

The very first ship carrying some of food Aid reached the coast of the Gaza Strip where hopes of a ceasefire to rescue the population from starvation has suffered another blow after Israel rejected the latest troops counter proposal by Hamas. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel to send delegation to Qatar for fresh truce talks

Palestinians in Gaza are holding the prayers of Ramadan outside the ruins of a mosque leveled in Israel's offensive. On Friday scores of worshippers knelt in rows in the street by the wreckage of the Al Farooq Mosque in Rafah, it is one of hundreds the Hamas run authorities say have been damaged or destroyed in Israeli attacks since the 7th of October. Watch to know more!

Gazans hold Ramadan prayers: People praying in tents, damaged mosques & streets | Israel war

More than 150 Forest Department personnel from Nilgiris, Pollachi, Coimbatore and Udumalpet forest divisions have been deployed in Coonoor to fight the forest fire in Forest Dale near Black Bridge in the Nilgiris forest division, which has been spreading for the past four days.

India: Forest fire blazes in Nilgiris, IAF's Mi-17 V5 choppers deployed

The British defence ministry has been urged to ban the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok amid fears that sensitive data could be useful to Chinese spies. TikTok's usage has been banned across Whitehall but the defence ministry uses the app to communicate with British forces around the world.

The British defence ministry has been urged to ban the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok amid fears that sensitive data could be useful to Chinese spies. TikTok's usage has been banned across Whitehall but the defence ministry uses the app to communicate with British forces around the world. Now intelligence experts fear that Chinese spies will be able to harvest data from the app which could threaten Britain's security, a report by The Telegraph on Saturday (Mar 16) said. The concerns come after the United States (US) passed a bill that would give TikTok's owner ByteDance about six months to divest its American assets or face a ban. Speaking to The Telegraph, Admiral Lord West, the former head of the Royal Navy and chief of defence intelligence, said that it would seem extraordinary "if there is sufficient concern for the US to ban TikTok that we don’t take action regarding MoD and service personnel use." Also read | Over 300,000 American jobs at risk: TikTok CEO asks users to oppose bill aiming to ban app “Absolutely and without any hesitation, TikTok should be banned by the MoD (Ministry of Defence)," Rear Admiral Chris Parry told the publication. He further said that the app could provide details of troops’ IDs and their locations. MoD's justification for using TikTok As per the report, the defence ministry has said that its TikTok account was managed using third-party software and devices outside its computer network. Defence officials said that it uses the channel to reach a bigger audience as TikTok is used by around a billion people globally and 23 million people in the United Kingdom (UK). The ministry has also said that its personnel have been banned from using the app on their official phones. However, they are allowed to use them on their personal phones. Nearly 1,000 troops are deployed in Estonia as part of a force of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) which is on standby related to the ongoing Ukraine war. The report further said that British special forces have been ordered to remove TikTok from official and personal phones over fears that covert operations could be compromised. Also watch | TikTok remains popular despite US lawmakers flagging concerns × TikTok collects mass user information and identifies the internet protocol address, which can be used to identify every device on the internet. It can also collect biometric information and personal identifiers. The report said that although other social media platforms collect similar details, it is TikTok's link to China that concerns British intelligence agencies. TikTok users in US urged to call senators to vote no on ban Meanwhile, TikTok on Friday urged some American users to call their senators and ask them to vote no to a bill that would ban the app. "Tell your Senator how important TikTok is to you. Ask them to vote no on the TikTok ban," a notification issued by the app said. The notification added that if the Senate votes, the "future of creativity and communities you love on TikTok could be shut down." (With inputs from agencies)

UK's defence ministry urged to ban TikTok amid fears of Chinese espionage: Report

India will begin voting in phases starting April 19 to elect a new parliament, the country's election authority said on Saturday, the world's largest election in which nearly one billion people are eligible to cast ballots.

Readying for the world's biggest democratic exercise: Almost 1 Billion citizens eligible to vote

The United States government, on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it is arranging a charter flight for its citizens stranded in Haiti as gang violence grips the country.&nbsp;

<h2>US to evacuate citizens</h2>

The US State Department said the charter flight would evacuate those with valid passports from Haiti and leave from Cap-Haitien International Airport. However, it can only accommodate limited travel given the ongoing violence in the country.&nbsp;

The US officials also warned that the travel from the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien would be “dangerous” and advised that people should only consider the flight if they can safely make it to the Cap-Haitien airport.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-crisis-proposal-to-install-new-govt-rejected-by-some-political-parties-700066">Haiti crisis: Proposal to install new govt rejected by some political parties</a>

The airport is said to be in the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haitien which is around 193 kilometres away from Port-au-Prince. The ongoing attacks have also prompted the US to deploy troops in Haiti to secure the American Embassy.&nbsp;

Haiti has witnessed a wave of violence after gangs called for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. However, without a clear plan to replace him, attacks continued across parts of Port-au-Prince. The weeks-long ongoing violence has pushed the citizens of Haiti to the brink of famine.&nbsp;

<h2>Guatemala consul offices ransacked</h2>

Meanwhile, the Guatemalan foreign ministry, on Saturday, said that the offices of its honorary consul in Haiti were ransacked but did not give details about the damage and theft. The attack, as per the Guatemalan officials, took place on Friday (Mar 15).&nbsp;

The ministry has also said that only those with “paperwork and documentation of the last four or five years had been previously transferred” to the Guatemala Embassy for Haiti which is located in the neighbouring Dominican Republic, reported the Associated Press.

<h2>Situation in Haiti</h2>

While Haiti has witnessed years of violence and chaos, the recent wave is particularly brutal with gangs demanding Henry’s resignation who pledged to step down last week&nbsp;as soon as a transition council and a temporary leader are chosen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The unelected PM, who assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president, was supposed to step down in February. However, when he did not, deadly protests seeking his ouster erupted in the country’s capital last month.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/embattled-haiti-pm-ariel-henry-has-resigned-confirms-caricom-president-irfaan-ali-699183">&nbsp;Embattled Haiti PM Ariel Henry quits amid rise in gang violence</a>

Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico as an escalation of violence has prevented him from going back to Haiti.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, police were facing off against gangs in the Delmas area, on Friday, which is a stronghold of the G9 alliance led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-jimmy-barbecue-cherizier-haiti-gang-boss-tells-pm-to-quit-or-face-civil-war-697516">Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier</a>.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate with around 1.4 million Haitians on the verge of famine and more than four million in need of food aid, according to media reports that cited aid groups.&nbsp;

UNICEF also warned of record hunger and life-threatening malnutrition in the capital’s poorest and most dangerous neighbourhoods. One in four children across Haiti&nbsp;suffer&nbsp;from chronic malnutrition or stunting, said the UN agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United States government, on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it is arranging a charter flight for its citizens stranded in Haiti as gang violence grips the country.

The United States government, on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it is arranging a charter flight for its citizens stranded in Haiti as gang violence grips the country. US to evacuate citizens The US State Department said the charter flight would evacuate those with valid passports from Haiti and leave from Cap-Haitien International Airport. However, it can only accommodate limited travel given the ongoing violence in the country. The US officials also warned that the travel from the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien would be “dangerous” and advised that people should only consider the flight if they can safely make it to the Cap-Haitien airport. Also Read | Haiti crisis: Proposal to install new govt rejected by some political parties The airport is said to be in the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haitien which is around 193 kilometres away from Port-au-Prince. The ongoing attacks have also prompted the US to deploy troops in Haiti to secure the American Embassy. Haiti has witnessed a wave of violence after gangs called for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. However, without a clear plan to replace him, attacks continued across parts of Port-au-Prince. The weeks-long ongoing violence has pushed the citizens of Haiti to the brink of famine. Guatemala consul offices ransacked Meanwhile, the Guatemalan foreign ministry, on Saturday, said that the offices of its honorary consul in Haiti were ransacked but did not give details about the damage and theft. The attack, as per the Guatemalan officials, took place on Friday (Mar 15). The ministry has also said that only those with “paperwork and documentation of the last four or five years had been previously transferred” to the Guatemala Embassy for Haiti which is located in the neighbouring Dominican Republic, reported the Associated Press. Situation in Haiti While Haiti has witnessed years of violence and chaos, the recent wave is particularly brutal with gangs demanding Henry’s resignation who pledged to step down last week as soon as a transition council and a temporary leader are chosen. The unelected PM, who assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president, was supposed to step down in February. However, when he did not, deadly protests seeking his ouster erupted in the country’s capital last month. Also Read | Embattled Haiti PM Ariel Henry quits amid rise in gang violence Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico as an escalation of violence has prevented him from going back to Haiti. According to local media reports, police were facing off against gangs in the Delmas area, on Friday, which is a stronghold of the G9 alliance led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier. Meanwhile, humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate with around 1.4 million Haitians on the verge of famine and more than four million in need of food aid, according to media reports that cited aid groups. UNICEF also warned of record hunger and life-threatening malnutrition in the capital’s poorest and most dangerous neighbourhoods. One in four children across Haiti suffer from chronic malnutrition or stunting, said the UN agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked

The Chicago River was dyed green as part of an annual tradition marking the St. Patrick's Day holiday. Watch to know more.

Chicago River dyed green to celebrate St Patrick's Day

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