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

Gallup poll has revealed that Joe Biden has less approval than all recent presidential incumbents. The poll, as reported in media, has revealed that only 38 per cent of respondents felt that Biden deserved a second term as US president. Watch to know more!

US Elections 2024 | 59% of voters disapprove of Joe Biden's Presidency: Gallup poll

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (Feb 24) that his government would spend an additional $660 million (100 billion yen) rebuilding the areas that were ravaged by magnitude-7.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (Feb 24) that his government would spend an additional $660 million (100 billion yen) rebuilding the areas that were ravaged by magnitude-7.5 earthquake on New Year's Day (January 1), the news agency AFP reported. Addressing a press conference in Wajima which was the hardest-hit city, Prime Minister Kishida said, "The living conditions at temporary shelters are improving, but I will bear in mind that the reality remains tough as ever." Kishida said that this additional funding would be approved by his cabinet in the coming days. He added the funds were designed in part to finance a subsidy system that seeks to help young and child-rearing families rebuild their destroyed homes. Also read | New Year's Day quake stretched a Japanese peninsula coastline by over 800 feet The prime minister also said that efforts would be sped up to construct prefabricated temporary housing while vowing more support for Wajima's traditional artefact industry. 241 killed in quake, over 10k displaced The earthquake and its aftershocks devastated parts of the Ishikawa region. A total of 241 people had been killed and more than 10,000 people were displaced, taking refuge at shelters and hotels, and water still cut off in some parts of Ishikawa. PM Kishida announced the additional funding as he visited the quake-hit areas to assess the situation. This is the third allocation of emergency funds to efforts to recover from the disaster, with the amount now expected to total over $1.7 billion. Last month, a government estimate showed that damage in Ishikawa and two neighbouring regions was likely to cost between $7.4 billion and $17.6 billion. This data was calculated using data from past major earthquakes. Japan sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and is regularly hit by quakes and has strict construction regulations intended to ensure buildings can withstand strong tremors. However, many structures are older especially in rapidly ageing communities in rural areas like those hardest hit in the Jan 1 earthquake. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan New Year earthquake: Tokyo to spend additional $660 million in rebuilding affected areas

Top Biden administration officials spent last weekend in Europe trying to soothe jitters over the prospect of U.S. military aid to Ukraine ending, assuring counterparts from Paris, Berlin and Kyiv as the war enters its third year that Washington will somehow come through.

Russia-Ukraine war: As war with Russia enters third year, US aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance

On the frontlines of Ukraine, the snow is slowly melting but the battle is getting intense. Long faces, hunkered in the trenches, Ukrainian troops are growing weary as the war completes its second grim anniversary. The initial shock and disbelief have faded, replaced by a deep-seated weariness and the harsh realities of a protracted conflict.

Russia-Ukraine war: As the war enters it's third year, can Ukraine sustain the fight against Russia?

Heads of the Group of Seven major democracies on Saturday pledged to stand by war-weary Ukraine, and Western leaders traveled to Kyiv to show solidarity on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, with no end in the sight to the fighting.

Russia-Ukraine war: Western leaders in Kyiv, G7 pledge support for Ukraine on war anniversary

U.S. and British forces carried out a new round of strikes on Monday in Yemen, targeting a Houthi underground storage site as well as missile and surveillance capabilities used by the Iran-aligned group against Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon said.

Red Sea crisis: US and British forces carry out more strikes against Houthis in Yemen

The US said Sunday (Feb 25)&nbsp;that Paris talks&nbsp;came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

"Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by&nbsp;CNN.

Israeli media earlier reported that significant progress was made&nbsp;in marathon mediatory talks in Paris aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hamas. According to media reports, Israel’s ‘war cabinet’ discussed the peace proposal late Saturday (Feb 24) and tacitly approved the deal. However, further negotiations will take place in Qatar. A ceasefire is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month, the reports said.

The Israel delegation, led by Chief of Mossad David Barnea and Director of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, held discussions in Paris with officials from Cairo, the US, Qatar and Egypt.

<h2>Hamas ‘agrees to all demands’</h2>

According to Israeli defence ministry sources quoted by media reports, Hamas has agreed to all demands put forward by Israel, including releasing all hostages and handing over bodies of those who have died.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip

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Israel has reportedly warned that should the deal collapse, its defence forces will double down on the ongoing ground offensive. In return, Israel has agreed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Palestinians who are displaced from northern Gaza.

<h2>Details of draft ceasefire deal</h2>

Associated Press quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying that up to 40 women and elderly hostages could be released in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women, minors and older people.

The truce is likely to last for six weeks, and the period will see the entry of hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2U8lI_3GsEuWiouncGoqym" data-ved="2ahUKEwiDv4f0q8aEAxVWcmwGHXsgAk0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-truce-hopes-revived-as-negotiators-in-paris-reach-outline-for-hostage-release-693563" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release</a>

Hamas maintains it will not release all hostages until the war in Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the territory. Hamas also wants several Palestinian prisoners, many of them militants, released, a demand vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

<h2>Hamas on latest peace proposal</h2>

The AP quoted Hamas as saying it was not involved in the latest proposal developed by the US, Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo last week to discuss a ceasefire.

An earlier proposal from Hamas outlined an initial phase that resembles the reported draft agreement, which signals that the two warring sides might actually come to terms to stop the fighting.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN.

The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN. Israeli media earlier reported that significant progress was made in marathon mediatory talks in Paris aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hamas. According to media reports, Israel’s ‘war cabinet’ discussed the peace proposal late Saturday (Feb 24) and tacitly approved the deal. However, further negotiations will take place in Qatar. A ceasefire is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month, the reports said. The Israel delegation, led by Chief of Mossad David Barnea and Director of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, held discussions in Paris with officials from Cairo, the US, Qatar and Egypt. Hamas ‘agrees to all demands’ According to Israeli defence ministry sources quoted by media reports, Hamas has agreed to all demands put forward by Israel, including releasing all hostages and handing over bodies of those who have died. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip × Israel has reportedly warned that should the deal collapse, its defence forces will double down on the ongoing ground offensive. In return, Israel has agreed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Palestinians who are displaced from northern Gaza. Details of draft ceasefire deal Associated Press quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying that up to 40 women and elderly hostages could be released in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women, minors and older people. The truce is likely to last for six weeks, and the period will see the entry of hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release Hamas maintains it will not release all hostages until the war in Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the territory. Hamas also wants several Palestinian prisoners, many of them militants, released, a demand vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas on latest peace proposal The AP quoted Hamas as saying it was not involved in the latest proposal developed by the US, Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo last week to discuss a ceasefire. An earlier proposal from Hamas outlined an initial phase that resembles the reported draft agreement, which signals that the two warring sides might actually come to terms to stop the fighting. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Paris talks came to 'understanding' on possible truce, says US

US Elections 2024: Majority of voters unhappy with Biden's immigration policies: Gallup poll

The depths of Antarctica, earth's frozen south are raising fresh alarms. In a warming climate, meltwater from Antarctica is expected to contribute significantly to rising seas. For third year in a row ice is depleting at a massive rate. Sea ice coverage around the continent has dropped below 2 million square kilometers. Now this threshold has not been breached since satellite measurement started in the year 1979. Watch to know more!

Antarctica sea ice shrinking at alarming pace, scientists call it 'abrupt critical transition'

A 23-year-old Indian was reported killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Donetsk region near the Russia-Ukraine border. Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya hailed from Gujarat state and was reportedly employed by the Russian army as a security helper.

He began working for the army in December 2023. The same month, an agent on behalf of his father had written to the Indian consulate in Moscow to facilitate the repatriation of Mangukiya.

As per media reports, the Russian Army has recruited over 100 Indians to fight in its ongoing war in Ukraine, a fact acknowledged by India’s foreign ministry just two days back.

“We know that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian Army. The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge,” said MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.

It has been reported that most of these Indians were treated unfairly by the Russian authorities, prompting them to seek assistance from the Indian government.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: EU President says, 'More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine'

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The family members of these nationals allege that Russian authorities duped their kin and forced them to join the Wagner Group (a private military company) and have also sought help from the South Block.

The Wagner Group, known as PMC Wagner, is a Russian state-funded army earlier controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last year.

On Friday (Feb 23), the Indian government asked all Indian nationals to stay clear of the war zones and avoid participating in the war. The government said it had reached out to Moscow for the "early discharge" of Indians employed as support workers in the Russian Army.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1sOxpVlbCZjtgWQVZHdyIp" data-ved="2ahUKEwj7wc7W1caEAxWEslYBHXw3DUMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ukraine-discusses-security-deals-with-allies-as-war-enters-third-year-what-are-they-693703" jsname="YKoRaf">Explained: Ukraine discusses security deals with allies as war enters third year. What are they?</a>

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Moscow has spent the last two years pounding the eastern European nation relentlessly, leading to a terrible human cost and displacement of millions. India has so far trodden a fine line on the issue, advocating for peace on one hand and refraining from criticising Russia on the other.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 23-year-old Indian was reported killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Donetsk region near the Russia-Ukraine border. Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya hailed from Gujarat state and was reportedly employed by the Russian army as a security helper.

A 23-year-old Indian was reported killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Donetsk region near the Russia-Ukraine border. Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya hailed from Gujarat state and was reportedly employed by the Russian army as a security helper. He began working for the army in December 2023. The same month, an agent on behalf of his father had written to the Indian consulate in Moscow to facilitate the repatriation of Mangukiya. As per media reports, the Russian Army has recruited over 100 Indians to fight in its ongoing war in Ukraine, a fact acknowledged by India’s foreign ministry just two days back. “We know that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian Army. The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge,” said MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal. It has been reported that most of these Indians were treated unfairly by the Russian authorities, prompting them to seek assistance from the Indian government. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: EU President says, 'More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine' × The family members of these nationals allege that Russian authorities duped their kin and forced them to join the Wagner Group (a private military company) and have also sought help from the South Block. The Wagner Group, known as PMC Wagner, is a Russian state-funded army earlier controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last year. On Friday (Feb 23), the Indian government asked all Indian nationals to stay clear of the war zones and avoid participating in the war. The government said it had reached out to Moscow for the "early discharge" of Indians employed as support workers in the Russian Army. Also read: Explained: Ukraine discusses security deals with allies as war enters third year. What are they? Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Moscow has spent the last two years pounding the eastern European nation relentlessly, leading to a terrible human cost and displacement of millions. India has so far trodden a fine line on the issue, advocating for peace on one hand and refraining from criticising Russia on the other. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: 23-year-old Indian killed in drone strike, was employed by Russia

The West African Regional block is lifting sanctions imposed on Niger over last year's Junta coup. The move is aimed to push new dialogue addressing the political crisis that have rocked the region. Border closures, No fly zone restrictions and asset freezing are some of the sanctions that the block lifted with immediate effect. The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said that the sanctions were being revoked on humanitarian grounds. Watch to know more!

ECOWAS asks Niger, Mali & Burkina Faso to rejoin bloc

The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in prison last week, has been handed over to his mother, his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh wrote on the social media platform X on Saturday. Yarmysh said she did not know if the authorities would allow a funeral to be held "the way the family wants and the way Alexei deserves".

Alexei Navalny's body handed over to his mother

Thirteen truffle hunters in the Syrian desert were killed following a blast in a landmine left by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS), the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Feb 25) citing a war monitor. According to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the explosion happened as the hunters were searching for truffles in the desert in the Raqqa province.

"Thirteen civilians, including women... were killed when a landmine left by the IS group exploded while they were searching for truffles in Raqqa," the SOHR said.&nbsp;

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These killings come after five truffle hunters were killed in a suspected IS ambush in Syria's central Homs province on Friday, state media reported. According to the news agency SANA, the assailants were on a motorcycle when they opened fire in the Jab al-Jirah area. The hunters were killed as they were picking truffles.&nbsp;

A member of the regime forces was also killed in the attack.

The Syrian desert is known for producing some of the best quality truffles in the world. Every year between February and April, foragers risk their lives to collect truffles in the desert - a known hideout for jihadists - which is also littered with landmines, AFP reported.

Authorities have repeatedly warned Syrians not to venture into the desert in search of truffles.&nbsp;

The IS carried out at least 50 attacks in the desert killing 101 members of the Syrian army and their affiliated groups, as well as 10 civilians, a report by Rudaw said on Saturday citing the SOHR.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Thirteen truffle hunters in the Syrian desert were killed following a blast in a landmine left by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS), the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Feb 25) citing a war monitor.

Thirteen truffle hunters in the Syrian desert were killed following a blast in a landmine left by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS), the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Feb 25) citing a war monitor. According to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the explosion happened as the hunters were searching for truffles in the desert in the Raqqa province. "Thirteen civilians, including women... were killed when a landmine left by the IS group exploded while they were searching for truffles in Raqqa," the SOHR said. Also read | Shamima Begum, former 'ISIS bride', loses appeal against UK citizenship revocation These killings come after five truffle hunters were killed in a suspected IS ambush in Syria's central Homs province on Friday, state media reported. According to the news agency SANA, the assailants were on a motorcycle when they opened fire in the Jab al-Jirah area. The hunters were killed as they were picking truffles. A member of the regime forces was also killed in the attack. The Syrian desert is known for producing some of the best quality truffles in the world. Every year between February and April, foragers risk their lives to collect truffles in the desert - a known hideout for jihadists - which is also littered with landmines, AFP reported. Authorities have repeatedly warned Syrians not to venture into the desert in search of truffles. The IS carried out at least 50 attacks in the desert killing 101 members of the Syrian army and their affiliated groups, as well as 10 civilians, a report by Rudaw said on Saturday citing the SOHR. (with inputs from agencies)

13 truffle hunters killed in Syrian desert in Islamic State landmine blast

The United Nations reports that the fighting has resulted in over 10,000 civilian deaths and close to 20,000 injuries. Reconstruction will probably cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine lives through second year of war with extreme grief and suffering

In her home state of South Carolina, Nikki Haley has been trounced by Donald Trump, a painful blow that makes her already slim chances of winning the nomination become even smaller.

US Elections 2024: Trump projected to win South Carolina primary

The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip deepens by the day with Israel continuing its onslaught latest development suggest that a ceasefire plan might be emerging soon. It's been over 4 months since civilians in Gaza say that life is on the edge with basic food and medical treatment needs hard to come by. In southern Gaza's Rafah Town babies in an overcrowded hospitals are sharing incubators. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Humanitarian crisis amplify calls for ceasefire in Gaza globally

The iconic Parisian monument, the Eiffel Tower, on Sunday (Feb 25) is set to be reopened for visitors following a six-day closure due to strikes. The Eiffel Tower which witnesses thousands of visitors every day and is typically open 365 days a year has been closed for nearly a week, after workers went on a strike in a dispute over the way the tower was managed.&nbsp;

The employees working at the Eiffel Tower walked out, on Monday (Feb 19) amid a dispute over the management of the monument and demanded a salary increase proportional to revenue from ticket sales.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Building the Eiffel Tower, one match at a time

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The workers have also demanded better maintenance of the 135-year-old tower which is reportedly starting to show traces of rust on some of its ironwork.&nbsp;

A report by the French newspaper Le Monde said that the iconic tower has not been repainted for 14 years, rather than the usual seven, while other repair work is also falling behind schedule.&nbsp;

<h2>Deal struck between Eiffel Tower operator and staff</h2>

The Eiffel Tower’s operator, Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), said that a deal was struck between the workers’ union and the organisation, on Saturday (Feb 24), “under which the parties will regularly monitor the company’s business model, investment in works and revenue through a body that will meet every six months.”&nbsp;

As both sides aim to balance their books by 2025 they have also agreed to invest around 380 million euros ($412 million) up to 2031 toward maintaining the tower, said the SETE in a statement.

The strike came after the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) union said that workers had decided to strike over the Eiffel Tower operator’s business model.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eiffel-tower-topped-pre-covid-visitor-numbers-in-2023-681705">Eiffel Tower topped pre-Covid visitor numbers in 2023</a>

The powerful French union claimed that SETE’s model was based on an inflated estimate of the number of future visitors and an underestimation of the cost of maintenance and renovation of the Eiffel Tower.&nbsp;

The strike that began less than a week ago was the second walkout in two months ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games this summer which will be hosted in the French capital city of Paris.&nbsp;

<h2>Impact of strikes on visitors</h2>

According to the Eiffel Tower’s website, the Parisian monument hosts approximately seven million visitors per year and around 25,000 people every day. The strikes also led to thousands of cancellations of tickets which tourists book months in advance.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eiffel-tower-closed-as-staff-go-on-strike-674159">Eiffel Tower closed as staff go on strike</a>

SETE extended apologies to visitors, who booked their tickets months in advance, caught in the strike action which reportedly led to the loss of some 100,000 admissions. The operator said visitors who bought tickets between February 19 and 24 will get refunds.

Last week, Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said extended closures during the COVID-19 pandemic deprived the landmark of 130 million euros ($141 million) in revenue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The iconic Parisian monument, the Eiffel Tower, on Sunday (Feb 25) is set to be reopened for visitors following a six-day closure due to strikes. The Eiffel Tower which witnesses thousands of visitors every day and is typically open 365 days a year has been closed for nearly a week, after workers went on a strike in a dispute over the way the tower was managed.

The iconic Parisian monument, the Eiffel Tower, on Sunday (Feb 25) is set to be reopened for visitors following a six-day closure due to strikes. The Eiffel Tower which witnesses thousands of visitors every day and is typically open 365 days a year has been closed for nearly a week, after workers went on a strike in a dispute over the way the tower was managed. The employees working at the Eiffel Tower walked out, on Monday (Feb 19) amid a dispute over the management of the monument and demanded a salary increase proportional to revenue from ticket sales. WATCH | Gravitas | Building the Eiffel Tower, one match at a time The workers have also demanded better maintenance of the 135-year-old tower which is reportedly starting to show traces of rust on some of its ironwork. A report by the French newspaper Le Monde said that the iconic tower has not been repainted for 14 years, rather than the usual seven, while other repair work is also falling behind schedule. Deal struck between Eiffel Tower operator and staff The Eiffel Tower’s operator, Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), said that a deal was struck between the workers’ union and the organisation, on Saturday (Feb 24), “under which the parties will regularly monitor the company’s business model, investment in works and revenue through a body that will meet every six months.” As both sides aim to balance their books by 2025 they have also agreed to invest around 380 million euros ($412 million) up to 2031 toward maintaining the tower, said the SETE in a statement. The strike came after the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) union said that workers had decided to strike over the Eiffel Tower operator’s business model. Also Read | Eiffel Tower topped pre-Covid visitor numbers in 2023 The powerful French union claimed that SETE’s model was based on an inflated estimate of the number of future visitors and an underestimation of the cost of maintenance and renovation of the Eiffel Tower. The strike that began less than a week ago was the second walkout in two months ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games this summer which will be hosted in the French capital city of Paris. Impact of strikes on visitors According to the Eiffel Tower’s website, the Parisian monument hosts approximately seven million visitors per year and around 25,000 people every day. The strikes also led to thousands of cancellations of tickets which tourists book months in advance. Also Read | Eiffel Tower closed as staff go on strike SETE extended apologies to visitors, who booked their tickets months in advance, caught in the strike action which reportedly led to the loss of some 100,000 admissions. The operator said visitors who bought tickets between February 19 and 24 will get refunds. Last week, Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said extended closures during the COVID-19 pandemic deprived the landmark of 130 million euros ($141 million) in revenue. (With inputs from agencies)

Eiffel Tower reopens after six-day closure due to workers’ strike

In Pakistan the election commission is gearing up to hold elections for the office of President by 9th of March. This will be just two days before half of the senators in the Upper House retire after the completion of their six-year term. The six- party Alliance that will form the government under PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif has already announced its presidential candidate. PPP's Asif Ali Zardari is said to be the next president of Pakistan. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections: PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif-led alliance favours Asif Zardari for President

United States President Joe Biden, in yet another gaffe, left the audience baffled after he called his Chinese counterpart&nbsp;Xi Jinping&nbsp;the ‘head of Russia’ before correcting himself.

“He (Obama) wanted me to get to know (then Vice President) Xi Jinping because it was clear he was going to be the head of Russia (corrects himself) uuuh China and we were having problems with Russia at the time and other countries as well. So what he (Obama) said was get to know him (Jinping), he is going to be there," the US president said.&nbsp;

While speaking in the East Room of the White House during the Annual National Governors’ Association, Biden also reiterated his claim of travelling 17,000 miles with Xi Jinping which has previously been debunked by various local news outlets.

"He (Obama) couldn't because he was the President, so I travelled 17,000 miles with him throughout the country, in our country and in China as well. We were in the Tibet plateau and he turned to me and said: Can you define America for me? And I looked at him and suggested that I can in one word: Possibilities,” he added.

<h2>Biden struggles&nbsp;to recall Hamas' name during speech</h2>

Recently, in a similar goof-up, Biden seemingly forgot the Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference triggering severe backlash online.

On being asked about the Israel-Hamas truce negotiations at the presser, Biden was heard saying, “There is some movement, and I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna …, let me choose my words — there’s some movement, there’s been.. a response from the, uh..”&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haley-calls-trumps-comments-on-black-americans-liking-him-disgusting-693660">Haley calls Trump's comments on Black Americans liking him due to legal woes 'disgusting'</a>

“There’s been a response … from … the opposition, but, um —” the 81-year-old said.

Seemingly confused Biden, after some guidance said, "Yes I am sorry, from Hamas."

<h2>Biden confuses French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with France’s former leader Francois Mitterrand</h2>

Earlier, during a speech, Biden also confused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with France’s former leader Francois Mitterrand who died nearly three decades ago.

While addressing a crowd in Las Vegas ahead of the US state of Nevada’s primary on Feb 6, where he intended to say something that Macron had told him at a G7 meeting in 2020, the 81-year-old not only mixed up his French counterpart’s name but also misstated the name of the country he leads.&nbsp;

“It was in the south of England. And I sat down and I said, ‘America is back,’ and Mitterrand from Germany, I mean from France, looked at me and said – said, ‘you know what – why – how long you back for?’” said Biden according to a White House transcript.

He added, “And I looked at him, and the — and the Chancellor of Germany said, ‘What would you say, Mr President, if you picked up the paper tomorrow in the London Times, and London Times said, ‘A thousand people break through the House of Commons, break down the doors, two Bobbies are killed in order to stop the election of the Prime Minister.’ What would you say?”

“I never thought about it from that perspective,” Biden said. “What would we say if that happened in another democracy around the world?”

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden, in yet another gaffe, left the audience baffled after he called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping the ‘head of Russia’ before correcting himself.

United States President Joe Biden, in yet another gaffe, left the audience baffled after he called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping the ‘head of Russia’ before correcting himself. “He (Obama) wanted me to get to know (then Vice President) Xi Jinping because it was clear he was going to be the head of Russia (corrects himself) uuuh China and we were having problems with Russia at the time and other countries as well. So what he (Obama) said was get to know him (Jinping), he is going to be there," the US president said. While speaking in the East Room of the White House during the Annual National Governors’ Association, Biden also reiterated his claim of travelling 17,000 miles with Xi Jinping which has previously been debunked by various local news outlets. "He (Obama) couldn't because he was the President, so I travelled 17,000 miles with him throughout the country, in our country and in China as well. We were in the Tibet plateau and he turned to me and said: Can you define America for me? And I looked at him and suggested that I can in one word: Possibilities,” he added. Biden struggles to recall Hamas' name during speech Recently, in a similar goof-up, Biden seemingly forgot the Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference triggering severe backlash online. On being asked about the Israel-Hamas truce negotiations at the presser, Biden was heard saying, “There is some movement, and I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna …, let me choose my words — there’s some movement, there’s been.. a response from the, uh..” Also read: Haley calls Trump's comments on Black Americans liking him due to legal woes 'disgusting' “There’s been a response … from … the opposition, but, um —” the 81-year-old said. Seemingly confused Biden, after some guidance said, "Yes I am sorry, from Hamas." Biden confuses French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with France’s former leader Francois Mitterrand Earlier, during a speech, Biden also confused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with France’s former leader Francois Mitterrand who died nearly three decades ago. While addressing a crowd in Las Vegas ahead of the US state of Nevada’s primary on Feb 6, where he intended to say something that Macron had told him at a G7 meeting in 2020, the 81-year-old not only mixed up his French counterpart’s name but also misstated the name of the country he leads. “It was in the south of England. And I sat down and I said, ‘America is back,’ and Mitterrand from Germany, I mean from France, looked at me and said – said, ‘you know what – why – how long you back for?’” said Biden according to a White House transcript. He added, “And I looked at him, and the — and the Chancellor of Germany said, ‘What would you say, Mr President, if you picked up the paper tomorrow in the London Times, and London Times said, ‘A thousand people break through the House of Commons, break down the doors, two Bobbies are killed in order to stop the election of the Prime Minister.’ What would you say?” “I never thought about it from that perspective,” Biden said. “What would we say if that happened in another democracy around the world?” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden refers to Xi Jinping as ‘head of Russia’ in yet another goof-up

The Ukrainian government said on Sunday (Feb 25) that 50 per cent of arms deliveries by the West do not arrive on time. Addressing a televised conference in Kyiv, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said, "Since the situation is always dynamic at the moment commitment doesn't constitute delivery.

The Ukrainian government said on Sunday (Feb 25) that 50 per cent of arms deliveries by the West do not arrive on time. Addressing a televised conference in Kyiv, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said, "Since the situation is always dynamic at the moment commitment doesn't constitute delivery. 50% of commitments are not delivered on time." "So which means that in the mathematics of war, we'll look to the enemy - their economy is almost 2 trillion. They used up to 15% official and unofficial budget for the war, which constitutes over 150 billion USD. So, annually, it's officially. So basically, whatever committed that doesn't come on time we'll lose people, we'll lose territories," Defence Minister Umerov added. Also read | Explained: Ukraine discusses security deals with allies as war enters third year. What are they? As the conflict has entered its third year, the Ukrainian military is struggling to stave off Russian forces along the sprawling front line. The military in Ukraine's east and south is outgunned and outnumbered, and Russia has secured its first territorial gain in almost a year. Ukraine has signed security deals (that are 10 years long) with its Western allies to defend itself against Russian attacks. The security deals promise continued provision of military and security aid, support to develop Ukraine's defence industrial base, training Ukrainian soldiers, intelligence-sharing and cooperation, and support for cyber defence. Last week, Denmark became the latest NATO member to sign an agreement on security cooperation with Kyiv, the news agency Reuters reported. 'Ukraine tripled weapons production in 2023' Umerov's remarks came as Ukrainian Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin said on Sunday that his country tripled its weapons production last year and 500 companies were currently working in the defence sector. "Last year, our defence industry produced three times more than in 2022. Our capabilities for 2023 are six times larger than in the previous year. As of today, we have almost half of these capabilities contracted for 2024. We work together with the ministry of defence and the defence forces to secure further contracts (manufacturing)," Strategic Industries Minister Kamyshin said. Also read | Ukraine launches probe into over 122,000 suspected war crimes since start of Russian invasion "Throughout the last year, we considerably increased ammunition production. This is the main designation the front is waiting for as of today. We have reached new levels in artillery shell production," he added. 'We believe US will not abandon us' Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on Sunday that Kyiv believed the United States would not abandon it. "We are deeply convinced that the US will not abandon Ukraine in terms of financial, military and armed support," Prime Minister Shmygal said. The US has been one of the biggest financial and military backers of Ukraine since the conflict started on Feb 24, 2022. A crucial US funding package worth $ 60 billion is getting delayed due to domestic political wrangling (in the US). Also watch | War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible? | Dark World × On Thursday, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told MSNBC that the delay in the US Congress in passing the funding package for Ukraine had already damaged Washington's credibility. "Much damage to America's credibility has already been done because this aid package has already been debated for months,” Foreign Minister Sikorski said. “What this package -- or rather the failure to pass it -- makes us realize is that even if the US president wants to help his allies, he may not be able to do so," Sikorski added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: 50% of Western arms deliveries don’t arrive on time, says Kyiv

Heads of the Group of Seven major democracies on Saturday pledged to stand by war-weary Ukraine, and Western leaders traveled to Kyiv to show solidarity on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, with no end in the sight to the fighting. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: EU President says, 'More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine'

Is former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to make a political comeback? The British prime minister Rishi Sunak social media post on Kyiv's 2-year anniversary has sparked renewed questions about Boris Johnson's role in the tories's forthcoming general election campaign. Watch to know more!

UK: Will Boris Johnson make a comeback ahead of General elections?

The British military is currently experiencing its lowest number of active-duty personnel. According to a report, the size of the UK army is to be reduced to 72,000 soldiers by 2026. This decision forms a key part of the “future soldier” strategy, targeting a comprehensive force of over 100,000, which will include 30,100 army reserve personnel. Watch to know more!

UK army's troop numbers to drop below 70,000 by 2026: Report

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;said Sunday it had ended long-term tourist visa extensions for thousands of Russians and Ukrainians using the policy to live on the island since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"The government is not granting further visa extensions," Commissioner-General of Immigration Harsha Ilukpitiya told AFP, giving a March 7 deadline for departure.

"The flight situation has now normalised and they have no difficulty in getting back."

Just over 288,000 Russians and nearly 20,000 Ukrainians have visited&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;in the past two years, according to official figures.

It is not clear how many stayed longer than the usual 30-day tourist visa.

But thousands of Russians and smaller numbers of Ukrainians are believed to have settled in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, some to avoid potential draft into the army.

Some who stayed have started restaurants and set up nightclubs.

The government decision coincided with a furious social media backlash against a Russian-run nightclub which had organised a "whites-only" party in the southern coastal resort town of Unawatuna.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;sought to boost tourism by granting 30-day visas on arrival, as the country desperately needed foreign exchange as it recovers from its worst economic crisis since mid-2022.

The country defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 and months of street protests led to the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa three months later.

An IMF bailout of $2.9 billion has helped stabilise the economy and end shortages of essentials such as food, fuel and medicines.

Sri Lanka said Sunday it had ended long-term tourist visa extensions for thousands of Russians and Ukrainians using the policy to live on the island since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Sri Lanka said Sunday it had ended long-term tourist visa extensions for thousands of Russians and Ukrainians using the policy to live on the island since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "The government is not granting further visa extensions," Commissioner-General of Immigration Harsha Ilukpitiya told AFP, giving a March 7 deadline for departure. "The flight situation has now normalised and they have no difficulty in getting back." Just over 288,000 Russians and nearly 20,000 Ukrainians have visited Sri Lanka in the past two years, according to official figures. It is not clear how many stayed longer than the usual 30-day tourist visa. But thousands of Russians and smaller numbers of Ukrainians are believed to have settled in Sri Lanka, some to avoid potential draft into the army. Some who stayed have started restaurants and set up nightclubs. The government decision coincided with a furious social media backlash against a Russian-run nightclub which had organised a "whites-only" party in the southern coastal resort town of Unawatuna. Sri Lanka sought to boost tourism by granting 30-day visas on arrival, as the country desperately needed foreign exchange as it recovers from its worst economic crisis since mid-2022. The country defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 and months of street protests led to the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa three months later. An IMF bailout of $2.9 billion has helped stabilise the economy and end shortages of essentials such as food, fuel and medicines.

Sri Lanka scraps long-term visa for Russians, Ukrainians

Israel will send negotiators to Qatar to continue talks aimed at a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages held by Hamas. This comes after talks in Paris where Israel's Head of MOSSAD intelligence service met with mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Gaza truce talks were underway in Paris , in what appears to be the most serious push for weeks to halt the fighting in the battered Palestinian enclave and see Israeli and foreign hostages released. But airstrikes on Rafah continues, 8 people are reported to be dead. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel to send negotiators to Qatar for talks | Gaza ceasefire talks

United States and the United Kingdom struck 18 Houthi targets inside Yemen in an answer to the recent attacks by the militia group on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aiden. According to US officials an American and British fighter jets hit sites in eight locations targeting missiles, launchers, Rockets, drones and air defense systems. This is the fourth time that the United States and British militaries have conducted a combined operation against the Houthis since January 12th. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: US & UK retaliate to surge in Red Sea attacks by Yemen's Houthi

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