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Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia’s plan for its Navy</h2>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034

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Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles.&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid&nbsp;competition between the United States, its allies and China&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region.

Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.”&nbsp;

The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement.&nbsp;

The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US&nbsp;Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”.

The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-ashwin-ramaswami-first-gen-z-indian-american-democrat-vying-for-georgia-senate-seat-691843">Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat</a>

Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia increases defence spending</h2>

To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-expresses-concerns-after-china-targets-its-divers-with-sonar-pulses-659933">Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses</a>

The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies.&nbsp;

“This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces. Australia’s plan for its Navy Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles. WATCH | Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034 Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles. He also cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid competition between the United States, its allies and China in the Asia-Pacific region. Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.” The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement. The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”. The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security. Also Read | Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates. Australia increases defence spending To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry. Also Read | Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies. “This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia announces navy overhaul to build biggest fleet since World War II

A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021&nbsp;assassination of President Jovenel Moïse&nbsp;indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, in a report released on Monday.

The indictments are expected to further destabilize Haiti as it struggles with a surge in gang violence and recovers from a spate of violent protests demanding the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Dozens of suspects were indicted in the 122-page report issued by Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is the fifth judge to lead the investigation after previous ones stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed.

Charles, who was police chief when&nbsp;Moïse was killed<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/haiti-presidential-assassination-mystery-deepens-explained-in-pictures-1827562-2021-07-13" target="_self">&nbsp;</a>and now serves as Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, faces the most serious charges: murder; attempted murder; possession and illegal carrying of weapons; conspiracy against the internal security of the state; and criminal association.

<a id="more-section-display-name" name="more-section-display-name"></a>

Meanwhile, Joseph and Martine Moïse, who were injured in the attack, are accused of complicity and criminal association.

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Meanwhile, Joseph, the former prime minister, shared a statement with The Associated Press accusing Henry of “undermining” the investigation and benefitting from the president’s death.

“Henry... is weaponizing the Haitian justice system, prosecuting political opponents like me. It’s a classic coup d’état,” Joseph said. “They failed to kill me and Martine Moïse on July 7th 2021, now they are using the Haitian justice system to advance their Machiavellian agenda.”

Joseph again called on Henry to resign and noted that while he was still prime minister, he invited the FBI to help local authorities investigate the killing and wrote the UN and OAS for help.

“I won’t stop my fight. Justice must be served,” he said.

In his report, the judge noted that the former secretary general of the National Palace, Lyonel Valbrun, told authorities that he received “strong pressure” from Martine Moïse to put the president’s office at the disposal of Joseph because he needed it to “organize a council of ministers.”

Valbrun also said that two days before her husband was killed, Martine Moïse visited the National Palace and spent nearly five hours, from 10 pm to 3 am, removing “a bunch of things.”

He said that two days after Jovenel Moïse was slain, Martine Moïse called to tell him that, “Jovenel didn’t do anything for us. You have to open the office. The president told Ti Klod to create a council of ministers; he will hold elections in three months, so I can become president, now we will have power.”

While the document did not identify Ti Klod, the former prime minister, Claude Joseph, is known by that name.

The judge also stated in his report that Martine Moïse “suggested” she took refuge under the marital bed to protect herself from the attackers, but he noted that authorities at the scene found that not “even a giant ratâ€æwhose size measures between 35 and 45 centimeters” could fit under the bed.

The judge said the former first lady’s statements were “so tainted with contradictions that they leave something to be desired and discredit her.”

Others who face charges including murder are Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian-American pastor who visualized himself as Haiti’s next president and said he thought Moïse was only going to be arrested; Joseph Vincent, a Haitian-American and former informant for the US Drug Enforcement Administration; Dimitri Hérard, presidential security chief; John Joël Joseph, a former Haitian senator; and Windelle Coq, a Haitian judge whom authorities say is a fugitive.

Sanon, Vincent and Joseph were extradited to the US, where a total of 11 suspects face federal charges in the slaying of Haiti’s president. At least three of them have already been sentenced.

Meanwhile, more than 40 suspects are languishing in prison in Haiti awaiting trial, although it was not immediately clear how quickly one would be held following Monday’s indictments. Among them are 20 former Colombian soldiers.

Milena Carmona, wife of Jheyner Alberto Carmona Fl³rez, told The Associated Press that he is innocent.

“What’s happening is that this crime is a conspiracy of great magnitude in which powerful people are behind the scenes running everything, and that’s why they’re not given freedom,” she said of the former soldiers.

US prosecutors have described it as a plot hatched in both Haiti and&nbsp;Florida<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-man-pleads-guilty-case-linked-2021-assassination-of-ex-haiti-president-2500383-2024-02-11" target="_self">&nbsp;</a>to hire mercenaries to kidnap or kill Moïse, who was 53 when he was slain at his private home near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.

The attack began late July 6 and ended July 7, according to witnesses.

Martine Moïse and others who were interrogated said they heard heavy gunfire starting around 1 a.m. that lasted between 30 to 45 minutes before armed men burst into the bedroom of the presidential couple.

Moïse said she was lying on the ground when she heard the attackers yell, “That’s not it! That’s not it! That’s not it!”

She said the suspects made a video call to identify the exact location of what they were searching as they killed the president. She added that she was face down when the suspects tilted her head and tugged on one of her toes “to ensure that she wasn’t alive.”

Once they left, Moïse said she dragged herself on the ground and whispered to her husband that she was going to try and go to the hospital.

“That’s when she noticed that the president was dead and that his left eye had been removed from the socket,” the report stated.

Moïse said a group of about 30 to 50 police officers were supposed to guard the presidential residence, but the judge noted that only a handful of officers were present that night. One officer told the judge that he heard explosions and a voice through a megaphone saying, “Do not shoot! It’s a DEA operation! US Army! We know how many officers are inside. Exit with two hands lowered.”

Another officer said the head of security of the first lady found her “in critical condition” surrounded by her two children. He said he also saw an undetermined number of people coming out of the president’s residence “with briefcases and several envelopes in their possession.”

The report quotes Inspector General André Vladimir Paraison saying that the president called him at 1:46 a.m. and told him, “Paraison! Man, hurry up! I’m in trouble! Come quickly and save my life.” He said he encountered heavily armed men and couldn’t access the residence immediately.

Officers at the scene said they found cars, windows and doors at the president’s private home riddled with bullet holes, along with surveillance cameras cut off and a broken lock on the double-wooden door leading to the presidential bedroom.

The judge said some police officers at the residence were disarmed and handcuffed, while others “had time to throw themselves down a ravine” for safety. In addition, the police officer overseeing presidential security was accused of receiving $80,000 to bribe certain officers “to remain inactive” during the assassination, according to the report.

The judge noted how “none of the police providing security to the head of state was in danger. Unfortunately, the head of state was assassinated with ease.”

&nbsp;

A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, in a report released on Monday.

A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, in a report released on Monday. The indictments are expected to further destabilize Haiti as it struggles with a surge in gang violence and recovers from a spate of violent protests demanding the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Dozens of suspects were indicted in the 122-page report issued by Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is the fifth judge to lead the investigation after previous ones stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed. Charles, who was police chief when Moïse was killed and now serves as Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, faces the most serious charges: murder; attempted murder; possession and illegal carrying of weapons; conspiracy against the internal security of the state; and criminal association. Meanwhile, Joseph and Martine Moïse, who were injured in the attack, are accused of complicity and criminal association. Charles could not be immediately reached for comment, and Martine Moïse’s attorney did not return a message for comment. Meanwhile, Joseph, the former prime minister, shared a statement with The Associated Press accusing Henry of “undermining” the investigation and benefitting from the president’s death. “Henry... is weaponizing the Haitian justice system, prosecuting political opponents like me. It’s a classic coup d’état,” Joseph said. “They failed to kill me and Martine Moïse on July 7th 2021, now they are using the Haitian justice system to advance their Machiavellian agenda.” Joseph again called on Henry to resign and noted that while he was still prime minister, he invited the FBI to help local authorities investigate the killing and wrote the UN and OAS for help. “I won’t stop my fight. Justice must be served,” he said. In his report, the judge noted that the former secretary general of the National Palace, Lyonel Valbrun, told authorities that he received “strong pressure” from Martine Moïse to put the president’s office at the disposal of Joseph because he needed it to “organize a council of ministers.” Valbrun also said that two days before her husband was killed, Martine Moïse visited the National Palace and spent nearly five hours, from 10 pm to 3 am, removing “a bunch of things.” He said that two days after Jovenel Moïse was slain, Martine Moïse called to tell him that, “Jovenel didn’t do anything for us. You have to open the office. The president told Ti Klod to create a council of ministers; he will hold elections in three months, so I can become president, now we will have power.” While the document did not identify Ti Klod, the former prime minister, Claude Joseph, is known by that name. The judge also stated in his report that Martine Moïse “suggested” she took refuge under the marital bed to protect herself from the attackers, but he noted that authorities at the scene found that not “even a giant ratâ€æwhose size measures between 35 and 45 centimeters” could fit under the bed. The judge said the former first lady’s statements were “so tainted with contradictions that they leave something to be desired and discredit her.” Others who face charges including murder are Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian-American pastor who visualized himself as Haiti’s next president and said he thought Moïse was only going to be arrested; Joseph Vincent, a Haitian-American and former informant for the US Drug Enforcement Administration; Dimitri Hérard, presidential security chief; John Joël Joseph, a former Haitian senator; and Windelle Coq, a Haitian judge whom authorities say is a fugitive. Sanon, Vincent and Joseph were extradited to the US, where a total of 11 suspects face federal charges in the slaying of Haiti’s president. At least three of them have already been sentenced. Meanwhile, more than 40 suspects are languishing in prison in Haiti awaiting trial, although it was not immediately clear how quickly one would be held following Monday’s indictments. Among them are 20 former Colombian soldiers. Milena Carmona, wife of Jheyner Alberto Carmona Fl³rez, told The Associated Press that he is innocent. “What’s happening is that this crime is a conspiracy of great magnitude in which powerful people are behind the scenes running everything, and that’s why they’re not given freedom,” she said of the former soldiers. US prosecutors have described it as a plot hatched in both Haiti and Florida to hire mercenaries to kidnap or kill Moïse, who was 53 when he was slain at his private home near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The attack began late July 6 and ended July 7, according to witnesses. Martine Moïse and others who were interrogated said they heard heavy gunfire starting around 1 a.m. that lasted between 30 to 45 minutes before armed men burst into the bedroom of the presidential couple. Moïse said she was lying on the ground when she heard the attackers yell, “That’s not it! That’s not it! That’s not it!” She said the suspects made a video call to identify the exact location of what they were searching as they killed the president. She added that she was face down when the suspects tilted her head and tugged on one of her toes “to ensure that she wasn’t alive.” Once they left, Moïse said she dragged herself on the ground and whispered to her husband that she was going to try and go to the hospital. “That’s when she noticed that the president was dead and that his left eye had been removed from the socket,” the report stated. Moïse said a group of about 30 to 50 police officers were supposed to guard the presidential residence, but the judge noted that only a handful of officers were present that night. One officer told the judge that he heard explosions and a voice through a megaphone saying, “Do not shoot! It’s a DEA operation! US Army! We know how many officers are inside. Exit with two hands lowered.” Another officer said the head of security of the first lady found her “in critical condition” surrounded by her two children. He said he also saw an undetermined number of people coming out of the president’s residence “with briefcases and several envelopes in their possession.” The report quotes Inspector General André Vladimir Paraison saying that the president called him at 1:46 a.m. and told him, “Paraison! Man, hurry up! I’m in trouble! Come quickly and save my life.” He said he encountered heavily armed men and couldn’t access the residence immediately. Officers at the scene said they found cars, windows and doors at the president’s private home riddled with bullet holes, along with surveillance cameras cut off and a broken lock on the double-wooden door leading to the presidential bedroom. The judge said some police officers at the residence were disarmed and handcuffed, while others “had time to throw themselves down a ravine” for safety. In addition, the police officer overseeing presidential security was accused of receiving $80,000 to bribe certain officers “to remain inactive” during the assassination, according to the report. The judge noted how “none of the police providing security to the head of state was in danger. Unfortunately, the head of state was assassinated with ease.”

Former Haiti President's wife, ex-Prime Minister accused in his assassination

The show Israel's Army pressed on Sunday with its campaign in southern Gaza to destroy Hamas as prospects dimmed for a ceasefire. In the more than 4-month old conflict Israel has concentrated its military operations in Khan Younis the hometown of Hamas in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War | Israel government formally rejects recognition of Palestinian State

Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. In other news, a&nbsp;number of European countries on Monday (Feb 19) summoned Russian diplomats over the rather suspicious death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week, whilst also warning of fresh sanctions.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rivalling-alegrias-efforts-us-proposes-its-own-un-draft-resolution-on-israel-hamas-war-691809">Rivalling Algeria's efforts, US proposes its own UN draft resolution on Israel-Hamas war 
 
<img alt="1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4988fa90-98de-4518-8dc7-050888e8c597" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-02-20T093723.725.png" /></a>

Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-death-european-nations-summon-russian-diplomats-warn-of-fresh-sanctions-691810">Alexei Navalny death: European nations summon Russian diplomats, warn of fresh sanctions 
 
<img alt="2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d961e17c-1bb8-45a2-95fc-de5406038c45" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-02-20T093744.982.png" /></a>

A number of European countries on Monday (Feb 19) summoned Russian diplomats over the rather suspicious death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week, whilst also warning of fresh sanctions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-lula-recalls-ambassador-to-israel-amid-diplomatic-row-691817">Brazilian President Lula recalls ambassador to Israel amid diplomatic row 
 
<img alt="3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d748ac-eada-462d-9383-06a934b61220" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-02-20T093755.462.png" /></a>

Brazil’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Israel as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (Feb 19) said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is unwelcome in Israel until he retracts his remarks comparing the military operation against Hamas in Gaza to the Nazi genocide.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-initiates-last-ditch-battle-to-halt-us-extradition-691816">WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange initiates last-ditch battle to halt US extradition 
 
<img alt="4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eacfc66e-504e-4559-8cbe-7f312afc08be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-02-20T094127.688.png" /></a>

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has entered what may be his final opportunity to halt his extradition from Britain to the United States. After over 13 years of legal battles in English courts, Assange faces US prosecutors seeking to try him on 18 charges linked to WikiLeaks' disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables, as reported by Reuters.

WATCH |&nbsp;India Farmers Protest: Proposals not in interest of farmers, they have rejected offer: Union Leaders

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-farmers-protest-proposals-not-in-interest-of-farmers-they-have-rejected-offer-union-leaders-691811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza.

Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. In other news, a number of European countries on Monday (Feb 19) summoned Russian diplomats over the rather suspicious death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week, whilst also warning of fresh sanctions. Click on the headlines to read more: Rivalling Algeria's efforts, US proposes its own UN draft resolution on Israel-Hamas war Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. Alexei Navalny death: European nations summon Russian diplomats, warn of fresh sanctions A number of European countries on Monday (Feb 19) summoned Russian diplomats over the rather suspicious death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week, whilst also warning of fresh sanctions. Brazilian President Lula recalls ambassador to Israel amid diplomatic row Brazil’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Israel as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (Feb 19) said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is unwelcome in Israel until he retracts his remarks comparing the military operation against Hamas in Gaza to the Nazi genocide. WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange initiates last-ditch battle to halt US extradition Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has entered what may be his final opportunity to halt his extradition from Britain to the United States. After over 13 years of legal battles in English courts, Assange faces US prosecutors seeking to try him on 18 charges linked to WikiLeaks' disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables, as reported by Reuters. WATCH | India Farmers Protest: Proposals not in interest of farmers, they have rejected offer: Union Leaders

Morning brief: US proposes UN resolution for temporary ceasefire in Gaza; Brazil-Israel diplomatic row & more

Myanmar's junta has sentenced to death three high-ranking officers who oversaw the surrender of a strategic town on the Chinese border to ethnic minority fighters last month, military sources told news agency.

Three Myanmar Brigadier Generals sentenced to death for surrendering town

India has lend a diplomatic hand to Male, even though ties have been strained between the two nations. New Delhi has spent around $93 billion on developmental projects in Maldives. Watch to know more!

India-Maldives tensions: Despite row, India's projects in Maldives gain pace

Even as border talks continue between China and Bhutan, the communist country is reportedly doubling down on building villages in the disputed territory.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Tibet autonomous region pushed the expansion of border villages in the mountainous region in the second half of 2023. In December, the first batch of 38 households was settled here from the Tibetan city of Shigatse.

At least three such villages have expanded over the last year, shows satellite imagery captured by US-based Maxar Technologies. One of the villages was modified to accommodate 230 households, up from 70 homes at the end of 2022.

According to officials quoted by SCMP, these villagers were developed under China’s state-led poverty alleviation scheme but also doubled as “citadels” to boost national security.

According to a 2023 funding report, the Tamalung village was developed with a funding of $3.6 million, with money being spent on developing new houses, building two bridges, paving roads and reinforcing the bank of a stream.

<h2>Bhutan’s response</h2>

Bhutan has shied away from calling out Chinese incursion. SCMP reported that Thimphu was downplaying the controversy.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian PM's last foreign trip during second term likely to be Bhutan

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However, it said Bhutan’s closest strategic partner and the other Asian giant India was paying close attention to the developments in the disputed area of around 495 sq km (191 square miles).

<h2>China using villages as a tool for national security</h2>

Setting up villages on disputed borders has long been a Chinese policy to assert dominance and control. According to People’s Daily, a mouthpiece of the communist government, China had established more than 620 such “border moderate prosperity villages” by the end of 2021.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2a8nzWPtZ1UnZYNJyROAz7" data-ved="2ahUKEwiAtLi2_LeEAxVSSGwGHYefApwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293" jsname="YKoRaf">Indian PM Modi likely to visit Bhutan later this month</a>

Local officials quoted by SCMP admitted these villages helped the government serve two purposes simultaneously—providing the best housing facilities to residents and defending the borders.

Both central government and provincial governments fund such projects, with some state-backed corporations also playing a key role.

<h2>Residents are offered incentives</h2>

The report said residents are often offered incentives to settle in these remote villages.

Last year, Tibet authorities offered up to 12,800 yuan (US$1,780) as an incentive to residents in other parts of the region to resettle in the border area, SCMP reported.

Village leaders and immigration police are often seen parading with Chinese flags and spraying words and images like “China” or the Chinese national flag on stones and tree trunks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as border talks continue between China and Bhutan, the communist country is reportedly doubling down on building villages in the disputed territory. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Tibet autonomous region pushed the expansion of border villages in the mountainous region in the second half of 2023.

Even as border talks continue between China and Bhutan, the communist country is reportedly doubling down on building villages in the disputed territory. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Tibet autonomous region pushed the expansion of border villages in the mountainous region in the second half of 2023. In December, the first batch of 38 households was settled here from the Tibetan city of Shigatse. At least three such villages have expanded over the last year, shows satellite imagery captured by US-based Maxar Technologies. One of the villages was modified to accommodate 230 households, up from 70 homes at the end of 2022. According to officials quoted by SCMP, these villagers were developed under China’s state-led poverty alleviation scheme but also doubled as “citadels” to boost national security. According to a 2023 funding report, the Tamalung village was developed with a funding of $3.6 million, with money being spent on developing new houses, building two bridges, paving roads and reinforcing the bank of a stream. Bhutan’s response Bhutan has shied away from calling out Chinese incursion. SCMP reported that Thimphu was downplaying the controversy. Watch: Indian PM's last foreign trip during second term likely to be Bhutan × However, it said Bhutan’s closest strategic partner and the other Asian giant India was paying close attention to the developments in the disputed area of around 495 sq km (191 square miles). China using villages as a tool for national security Setting up villages on disputed borders has long been a Chinese policy to assert dominance and control. According to People’s Daily, a mouthpiece of the communist government, China had established more than 620 such “border moderate prosperity villages” by the end of 2021. Also read: Indian PM Modi likely to visit Bhutan later this month Local officials quoted by SCMP admitted these villages helped the government serve two purposes simultaneously—providing the best housing facilities to residents and defending the borders. Both central government and provincial governments fund such projects, with some state-backed corporations also playing a key role. Residents are offered incentives The report said residents are often offered incentives to settle in these remote villages. Last year, Tibet authorities offered up to 12,800 yuan (US$1,780) as an incentive to residents in other parts of the region to resettle in the border area, SCMP reported. Village leaders and immigration police are often seen parading with Chinese flags and spraying words and images like “China” or the Chinese national flag on stones and tree trunks. (With inputs from agencies)

China building villages in disputed areas on Bhutan border, Thimphu downplays row: Report

The Taliban rejected the appointment of UN special envoy. The Taliban Administration skipped the United Nations meeting on Afghanistan in Doha. UN Chief says Taliban tabled unacceptable conditions for attending the meeting while adding that he hopes the Taliban participation at their future meetings. Watch to know more!

Taliban skips UN meet on Afghanistan in Doha | UN aims for future meetings with Taliban

The United States has proposed a draft United Nations security Council resolution which calls for a temporary ceasefire in the war and opposes Israel's ground offensive in Rafah. All EU countries except Hungary have called for an immediate humanitarian pause in the war. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war | US, EU warn Israel against Rafah offensive

White House is planning to impose more sanctions on Russia following the death of high-profile Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week inside prison. US National Security Spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday (Feb 20) said Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for Navalny’s death.

“Whatever story the Russian government decides to tell the world, it’s clear that President Putin and his government are responsible for Mr. Navalny’s death,” Kirby said.

“In response, at President Biden’s direction, we will be announcing a major sanctions package on Friday of this week,” he added.

The US has already imposed a raft of sanctions on Russia, especially after it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Kirby said new sanctions will further strengthen efforts to damage the Russian economy. He added that the details of the sanctions will be released on Friday (Feb 23).

<h2>Russia economy still expanding</h2>

Russia is already the world’s most-sanctioned nation in the world. According to castellum.ai, the US and allies have imposed over 19,000 sanctions on Russia since 2014.

The US alone has imposed above 4,500 sanctions during this period. In terms of most sanctions imposed, Russia is followed by Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Belarus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1GLd-JaLWNmgJHdNqb1nlk" data-ved="2ahUKEwiX9OTAwbqEAxWATGwGHZyQAOsQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-wife-yulias-x-social-media-account-suspended-692033" jsname="YKoRaf">Alexei Navalny’s wife Yulia’s X social media account briefly suspended</a>

However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest report raised Russia’s growth outlook. Russia’s Gross domestic product is forecast to rise 2.6 per cent in 2024, more than double the pace the IMF predicted as recently as October, and slightly slower than the 3 per cent expansion estimated for 2023.

<h2>Navalny’s wife holds Putin responsible</h2>

Meanwhile, Navalny’s wife Yulia Navalnaya has said Putin is responsible for her husband’s death.

Russia’s prison authorities said Navalny lost consciousness after going for a walk and could not be resuscitated. The Russian government said Monday it was investigating Navalny’s cause of death.

Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work

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Kirby on Tuesday also used the opportunity to throw more weight behind war-torn Ukraine.

“One of the most powerful things that we can do right now to stand up to Vladimir Putin, of course, is to again, pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill and support Ukraine,” Kirby said.

(With inputs from agencies)

White House is planning to impose more sanctions on Russia following the death of high-profile Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week inside prison. US National Security Spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday (Feb 20) said Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for Navalny’s death.

White House is planning to impose more sanctions on Russia following the death of high-profile Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week inside prison. US National Security Spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday (Feb 20) said Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for Navalny’s death. “Whatever story the Russian government decides to tell the world, it’s clear that President Putin and his government are responsible for Mr. Navalny’s death,” Kirby said. “In response, at President Biden’s direction, we will be announcing a major sanctions package on Friday of this week,” he added. The US has already imposed a raft of sanctions on Russia, especially after it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Kirby said new sanctions will further strengthen efforts to damage the Russian economy. He added that the details of the sanctions will be released on Friday (Feb 23). Russia economy still expanding Russia is already the world’s most-sanctioned nation in the world. According to castellum.ai, the US and allies have imposed over 19,000 sanctions on Russia since 2014. The US alone has imposed above 4,500 sanctions during this period. In terms of most sanctions imposed, Russia is followed by Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Belarus. Also read: Alexei Navalny’s wife Yulia’s X social media account briefly suspended However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest report raised Russia’s growth outlook. Russia’s Gross domestic product is forecast to rise 2.6 per cent in 2024, more than double the pace the IMF predicted as recently as October, and slightly slower than the 3 per cent expansion estimated for 2023. Navalny’s wife holds Putin responsible Meanwhile, Navalny’s wife Yulia Navalnaya has said Putin is responsible for her husband’s death. Russia’s prison authorities said Navalny lost consciousness after going for a walk and could not be resuscitated. The Russian government said Monday it was investigating Navalny’s cause of death. Watch: Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work × Kirby on Tuesday also used the opportunity to throw more weight behind war-torn Ukraine. “One of the most powerful things that we can do right now to stand up to Vladimir Putin, of course, is to again, pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill and support Ukraine,” Kirby said. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny’s death: White House to impose more sanctions on Russia

The United States on Tuesday (Feb 20) again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Thirteen council members voted in favour of the Algerian-drafted text, while Britain abstained as Hamas condemned the move saying it amounted to giving Israel the "green light" to carry out "more massacres".&nbsp;

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is Washington's ambassador to the UN, said: "Proceeding with a vote today was wishful and irresponsible... we cannot support a resolution that would put sensitive negotiations in jeopardy." She also advocated an alternate resolution drafted by the US.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-india-act-as-mediator-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-jaishankar-responds-692012">Will India act as mediator to end Russia-Ukraine war? Jaishankar responds</a>&nbsp;

The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations Riyad Mansour called it "absolutely reckless and dangerous".&nbsp;

The demand was aimed at pushing the 15-member body to call for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas.&nbsp;

It was the third such US veto since the start of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants, which began when the Palestinian Islamist group launched an unprecedented attack on October 7.&nbsp;

The attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to official figures released by Israel. Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and launched a massive military offensive in Gaza that the territory's health ministry claims has killed at least 28,340 people, mostly women and children.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-red-sea-mission-houthis-claim-to-target-two-american-ships-in-gulf-of-aden-691937">EU launches Red Sea mission; Houthis claim to have targeted ‘two American ships’ in Gulf of Aden</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Prince William: 'Too many' have been killed&nbsp;</h2>

Britain's Prince William weighed in on the ongoing conflict, calling on Tuesday for an end to the fighting in Gaza.&nbsp;

He said that the "sheer scale of human suffering" had brought home the need for peace in an enclave "where too many have been killed".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Gazans demand ceasefire, Arab intervention&nbsp;

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The comments were rare as it was an unusually direct intervention for a member of the royal family. William, the heir to the British throne, said it was critical that aid got through to those sheltering in Gaza, and that Hamas must release the hostages.&nbsp;

"I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed," William said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Tuesday (Feb 20) again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Thirteen council members voted in favour of the Algerian-drafted text, while Britain abstained as Hamas condemned the move saying it amounted to giving Israel the "green light" to carry out "more massacres".

The United States on Tuesday (Feb 20) again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Thirteen council members voted in favour of the Algerian-drafted text, while Britain abstained as Hamas condemned the move saying it amounted to giving Israel the "green light" to carry out "more massacres". Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is Washington's ambassador to the UN, said: "Proceeding with a vote today was wishful and irresponsible... we cannot support a resolution that would put sensitive negotiations in jeopardy." She also advocated an alternate resolution drafted by the US. Also read: Will India act as mediator to end Russia-Ukraine war? Jaishankar responds The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations Riyad Mansour called it "absolutely reckless and dangerous". The demand was aimed at pushing the 15-member body to call for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas. It was the third such US veto since the start of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants, which began when the Palestinian Islamist group launched an unprecedented attack on October 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to official figures released by Israel. Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and launched a massive military offensive in Gaza that the territory's health ministry claims has killed at least 28,340 people, mostly women and children. Also read: EU launches Red Sea mission; Houthis claim to have targeted ‘two American ships’ in Gulf of Aden Prince William: 'Too many' have been killed Britain's Prince William weighed in on the ongoing conflict, calling on Tuesday for an end to the fighting in Gaza. He said that the "sheer scale of human suffering" had brought home the need for peace in an enclave "where too many have been killed". Watch: Israel-Hamas war | Gazans demand ceasefire, Arab intervention × The comments were rare as it was an unusually direct intervention for a member of the royal family. William, the heir to the British throne, said it was critical that aid got through to those sheltering in Gaza, and that Hamas must release the hostages. "I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed," William said in a statement. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: US again vetoes UN Security Council resolution for Gaza ceasefire

Nikki Haley&nbsp;declared on Tuesday that she will not withdraw from the GOP presidential contest despite a campaign of pressure from former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Nikki Haley describes Biden and Trump as polarizing individuals at a pivotal moment when America needs a unifying leader, claiming that both have disrupted normalcy with turmoil. She stresses that instead of giving in to more divisions and diversions during these dangerous times, it is critical to recover focus and a common goal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/nimbra-donald-trump-mocks-nikki-haleys-first-name-she-responds-681808" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nimbra-donald-trump-mocks-nikki-haleys-first-name-she-responds-681808&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiuz-D9vbqEAxUwTGwGHXIpAuoQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw38E1gX1AG3RouEyLW7KHNt" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nimbra-donald-trump-mocks-nikki-haleys-first-name-she-responds-681808" target="_blank">'Nimbra': Donald Trump mocks&nbsp;Nikki Haley's&nbsp;first name</a>

In a significant speech in Greenville, S.C., she emphasised her independence, stating, "I feel no need to kiss the ring," and reiterated her determination to continue irrespective of the primary outcome.

Addressing concerns about her potential withdrawal, she reaffirmed her pledge to stay in the race through Super Tuesday, with the possibility of extending her campaign.

Watch:&nbsp;US: The power story of Nikki Haley

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Approaching a contentious Republican primary in her home state, Nikki Haley defends her decision to stay in the race, challenging the herd mentality within her party that aligns with former President Trump.

Rejecting the need to appease Trump or fear retribution, she asserts her commitment to pursuing the nomination beyond the upcoming primary.

Despite ongoing questions about her candidacy, Haley's campaign remains active, attracting financial support from high-profile donors and enlisting the aid of elected officials, business leaders, and community figures across various states.

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She contends that America rejects a rematch between Trump and Biden, citing widespread sentiment that both candidates are perceived as too old for the presidency.

Haley argues that Trump and Biden have traded normalcy for chaos, emphasising the urgent need for a unifying leader in contrast to their divisive approaches. She underscores the public's concern not just about their policies but also about the divisive nature of their leadership.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nikki Haley declared on Tuesday that she will not withdraw from the GOP presidential contest despite a campaign of pressure from former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Nikki Haley declared on Tuesday that she will not withdraw from the GOP presidential contest despite a campaign of pressure from former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Nikki Haley describes Biden and Trump as polarizing individuals at a pivotal moment when America needs a unifying leader, claiming that both have disrupted normalcy with turmoil. She stresses that instead of giving in to more divisions and diversions during these dangerous times, it is critical to recover focus and a common goal. Also read: 'Nimbra': Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley's first name In a significant speech in Greenville, S.C., she emphasised her independence, stating, "I feel no need to kiss the ring," and reiterated her determination to continue irrespective of the primary outcome. Addressing concerns about her potential withdrawal, she reaffirmed her pledge to stay in the race through Super Tuesday, with the possibility of extending her campaign. Watch: US: The power story of Nikki Haley × Approaching a contentious Republican primary in her home state, Nikki Haley defends her decision to stay in the race, challenging the herd mentality within her party that aligns with former President Trump. Rejecting the need to appease Trump or fear retribution, she asserts her commitment to pursuing the nomination beyond the upcoming primary. Despite ongoing questions about her candidacy, Haley's campaign remains active, attracting financial support from high-profile donors and enlisting the aid of elected officials, business leaders, and community figures across various states. Also read: Who is Nikki Haley? She contends that America rejects a rematch between Trump and Biden, citing widespread sentiment that both candidates are perceived as too old for the presidency. Haley argues that Trump and Biden have traded normalcy for chaos, emphasising the urgent need for a unifying leader in contrast to their divisive approaches. She underscores the public's concern not just about their policies but also about the divisive nature of their leadership. (With inputs from agencies)

Nikki Haley stands firm: No plans to withdraw, unfazed by ‘Trump’s retribution

Thousands of farmers from India's northern states will resume their protest march to Delhi on Wednesday. Now the announcement came after agitating Farmers rejected a central government proposal. Now the farmers are demanding a legal guarantee of minimum support price on 23 crops. Farmer leaders say they held detailed discussions over the government proposal and reached at a conclusion that it was not in favor of the farmers. The Proposal was offered during a meeting between the protesting farmer leaders and three Union ministers on Sunday night. Watch to know more!

India Farmers' Protest: Thousands of farmers to resume march to Delhi on Feb 21

Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN&nbsp;Security Council draft resolution on Gaza.

Under the proposal, Washington has batted for a temporary ceasefire and called on Israel not to go ahead with a planned ground offensive in Rafah - the southernmost city in Gaza.

Up until now, the White House has remained averse to using&nbsp;the word ceasefire in any UN action on the Israel-Hamas war. However, the fresh US text echoes the language that President Joe Biden said he used last week in conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Notably, the draft for the Algerian proposal was put forward over two weeks ago but the US has threatened that it would veto the push. Washington is of the view that the text put forth by Algeria could sabotage ongoing “sensitive negotiations” aimed at hammering out a peace deal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For a resolution to pass, it needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the US, France, Britain, Russia or China - the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC).&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Prospects dim for truce in Israel-Hamas war

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<h2>US has already vetoed two proposals</h2>

Since the war broke out after the events of October 7 orchestrated by Hamas terrorists, the US has vetoed two proposals aimed at forcing a humanitarian peace deal. Apart from using the veto power, the US has also abstained on two occasions that allowed the council to&nbsp;adopt resolutions that aimed to boost aid to Gaza and called for extended pauses in fighting.

Currently, Washington's diplomats are intensely engaged with their counterparts from Israel, Qatar and Egypt to hammer out a peace deal and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

However, Israel has issued an ultimatum to Hamas that it will launch a ground offensive in Rafah&nbsp;by March 10 if the hostages are not released by Ramadan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israel-warns-rafah-offensive-will-be-launched-if-hostages-not-returned-by-ramadan-691563">Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Return hostages by Ramadan or face Rafah ground offensive from Mar 10, Israel warns</a>

Isrel's war cabinet member Benny Gantz said: "The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know,&nbsp;if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, including the Rafah area."

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, begins this year on March 10.

Addressing a conference in Jerusalem, Gantz spoke further about the offensive, saying that Israel would do so (carry out the offensive) in a coordinated manner, facilitating the evacuation of civilians in dialogue with the United States and Egypt to minimise civilian casualties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Tuesday's (Feb 20) vote on an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States on Monday (Feb 19) tabled its own UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. Under the proposal, Washington has batted for a temporary ceasefire and called on Israel not to go ahead with a planned ground offensive in Rafah - the southernmost city in Gaza. Up until now, the White House has remained averse to using the word ceasefire in any UN action on the Israel-Hamas war. However, the fresh US text echoes the language that President Joe Biden said he used last week in conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Notably, the draft for the Algerian proposal was put forward over two weeks ago but the US has threatened that it would veto the push. Washington is of the view that the text put forth by Algeria could sabotage ongoing “sensitive negotiations” aimed at hammering out a peace deal. For a resolution to pass, it needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the US, France, Britain, Russia or China - the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Also watch | Prospects dim for truce in Israel-Hamas war US has already vetoed two proposals Since the war broke out after the events of October 7 orchestrated by Hamas terrorists, the US has vetoed two proposals aimed at forcing a humanitarian peace deal. Apart from using the veto power, the US has also abstained on two occasions that allowed the council to adopt resolutions that aimed to boost aid to Gaza and called for extended pauses in fighting. Currently, Washington's diplomats are intensely engaged with their counterparts from Israel, Qatar and Egypt to hammer out a peace deal and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, Israel has issued an ultimatum to Hamas that it will launch a ground offensive in Rafah by March 10 if the hostages are not released by Ramadan. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Return hostages by Ramadan or face Rafah ground offensive from Mar 10, Israel warns Isrel's war cabinet member Benny Gantz said: "The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know, if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, including the Rafah area." Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, begins this year on March 10. Addressing a conference in Jerusalem, Gantz spoke further about the offensive, saying that Israel would do so (carry out the offensive) in a coordinated manner, facilitating the evacuation of civilians in dialogue with the United States and Egypt to minimise civilian casualties. (With inputs from agencies)

Rivalling Algeria's efforts, US proposes its own UN draft resolution on Israel-Hamas war

Yale University issued a formal apology for its "formative" ties to slavery. The apology has been part of Yale's "ongoing work to understand its history and connections to slavery".

Since October 2020, members of the Yale and Slavery Research Project have conducted intensive research to reportedly understand the university’s past.&nbsp;

Yale is named after a corrupt British-American administrator Elihu Yale, the so-called East India Company's 'President' of Madras in 1717.&nbsp;

<h2>When the first college for Black youth was blocked at Yale&nbsp;</h2>

The university acknowledged that prominent members of the Yale community joined calls to stop a proposal to build a college for Black youth in 1831.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Asked about US civil war, Haley leaves out mention of slavery

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"We also know that prominent members of the Yale community joined with New Haven leaders and citizens to stop a proposal to build a college in New Haven for Black youth in 1831, which would have been America’s first Black college," the university said in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Labour was enslaved to build a Yale college</h2>

The university also addressed that some of Yale's founders and early leaders owned enslaved people. Connecticut Hall, the oldest campus building, was built using enslaved labour.&nbsp;

"These findings have been shared publicly and addressed by Yale on an ongoing basis during the research process," the release says.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-union-and-caribbean-nations-unite-to-demand-reparations-from-european-nations-for-slavery-660081">African Union and Caribbean nations unite to demand reparations from European countries for slavery</a>

"The university’s actions in response to the findings focus on increasing educational access; advancing inclusive economic growth; better reflecting its history across campus; and creating widespread access to Yale’s historical findings."

"The Yale and Slavery Research Project is part of Yale’s broader Belonging work to enhance diversity, support equity, and promote an environment of welcome, inclusion, and respect."

(With inputs from agencies)

Yale University issued a formal apology for its "formative" ties to slavery. The apology has been part of Yale's "ongoing work to understand its history and connections to slavery".

Yale University issued a formal apology for its "formative" ties to slavery. The apology has been part of Yale's "ongoing work to understand its history and connections to slavery". Since October 2020, members of the Yale and Slavery Research Project have conducted intensive research to reportedly understand the university’s past. Yale is named after a corrupt British-American administrator Elihu Yale, the so-called East India Company's 'President' of Madras in 1717. When the first college for Black youth was blocked at Yale The university acknowledged that prominent members of the Yale community joined calls to stop a proposal to build a college for Black youth in 1831. Also watch | Asked about US civil war, Haley leaves out mention of slavery × "We also know that prominent members of the Yale community joined with New Haven leaders and citizens to stop a proposal to build a college in New Haven for Black youth in 1831, which would have been America’s first Black college," the university said in a statement. Labour was enslaved to build a Yale college The university also addressed that some of Yale's founders and early leaders owned enslaved people. Connecticut Hall, the oldest campus building, was built using enslaved labour. "These findings have been shared publicly and addressed by Yale on an ongoing basis during the research process," the release says. Also read | African Union and Caribbean nations unite to demand reparations from European countries for slavery "The university’s actions in response to the findings focus on increasing educational access; advancing inclusive economic growth; better reflecting its history across campus; and creating widespread access to Yale’s historical findings." "The Yale and Slavery Research Project is part of Yale’s broader Belonging work to enhance diversity, support equity, and promote an environment of welcome, inclusion, and respect." (With inputs from agencies)

Yale University apologises for its deep links with slavery

'Let me see my son', Alexei Navalny's mother demands Putin hand over his body. Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya alleged that her husband's body was being kept to facilitate the disappearance of all traces of poisoning by the nerve agent Novichok. However, the Kremlin spokesperson called the accusations 'unfounded and vulgar.'

'Let me finally see my son': Navalny's mother pleads with Putin

Days after the general election results Pakistan is still unclear on who will become the next prime minister. Now the polls are marred by allegations of manipulation and rigging. Politicians loyal to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have announced that they might form an alliance with a political group the Sunni Ittehad Council. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections: Imran Khan loyalists form alliance to 'form government'

The INDUS X Conference aims to serve as a platform uniting officials and startups to foster collaboration within the U.S.-India defense corridor. Last year's inaugural conference, held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C., marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, occurring just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States. The event showcased the participation of 26 startups, highlighting the growing interest and commitment from both nations in nurturing innovative defense solutions.

US-India relations: Atul Keshap talks about how India-US' bilateral relationship is at all-time high

India: No change in developmental cooperation with Maldives | India-Maldives tensions

A 25-year-old student, Nicholas Jordan, was taken into police custody on Monday while carrying out investigations into a double murder case at the University of Colorado, in Colorado Springs, as per the officials.

The&nbsp;student is facing two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of two people who were discovered shot dead in a dorm room on Friday (Feb 16), as per the Colorado Springs police.

Police officials said that they found Jordan in a vehicle early on Monday (Feb 19) and took him into custody in Colorado Springs without incident.&nbsp;

Jordan hails from Detroit and is enrolled as a student at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, as per a university spokesperson.

The shootings looked like "an isolated incident between individuals who were known to one another and not a random attack against the school or other students," said the police, in a statement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gun-violence-shooting-at-waffle-house-in-indianapolis-kills-one-injures-five-691702">US gun violence: Shooting at Waffle House in Indianapolis kills one, injures five</a>

On Friday morning, the police department was called after shots were fired inside the dormitory of the university, Creston House, where the officials later found Knopp and Montgomery dead.

After the shooting, the officials issued a campus-wide lockdown for 90 minutes, and the university was closed for the day as well as through the weekend. The university authorities cancelled Monday classes as the school offered walk-in counselling.

<h2>Police identify victims</h2>

As per the Colorado Springs Police Department, the victims were identified as 24-year-old Samuel Knopp of Parker, Colorado and 26-year-old Celie Rain Montgomery of Pueblo, Colorado.&nbsp;

Knopp was one of the registered students at the school while Montgomery had not registered himself, said police.

Watch:&nbsp;Lakewood church shooting incident sends shockwaves across the US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lakewood-church-shooting-incident-sends-shockwaves-across-the-us-689770/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Knopp was an "uplifting" person and "probably the best musician on campus," said a student, Gibson Marable, while speaking to ABC News.

"We are in shock as we process this tragic loss of two lives," said university Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, at a press conference. "My heart is broken for the victims of today's senseless violence," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 25-year-old student, Nicholas Jordan, was taken into police custody on Monday while carrying out investigations into a double murder case at the University of Colorado, in Colorado Springs, as per the officials.

A 25-year-old student, Nicholas Jordan, was taken into police custody on Monday while carrying out investigations into a double murder case at the University of Colorado, in Colorado Springs, as per the officials. The student is facing two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of two people who were discovered shot dead in a dorm room on Friday (Feb 16), as per the Colorado Springs police. Police officials said that they found Jordan in a vehicle early on Monday (Feb 19) and took him into custody in Colorado Springs without incident. Jordan hails from Detroit and is enrolled as a student at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, as per a university spokesperson. The shootings looked like "an isolated incident between individuals who were known to one another and not a random attack against the school or other students," said the police, in a statement. Also Read: US gun violence: Shooting at Waffle House in Indianapolis kills one, injures five On Friday morning, the police department was called after shots were fired inside the dormitory of the university, Creston House, where the officials later found Knopp and Montgomery dead. After the shooting, the officials issued a campus-wide lockdown for 90 minutes, and the university was closed for the day as well as through the weekend. The university authorities cancelled Monday classes as the school offered walk-in counselling. Police identify victims As per the Colorado Springs Police Department, the victims were identified as 24-year-old Samuel Knopp of Parker, Colorado and 26-year-old Celie Rain Montgomery of Pueblo, Colorado. Knopp was one of the registered students at the school while Montgomery had not registered himself, said police. Watch: Lakewood church shooting incident sends shockwaves across the US Knopp was an "uplifting" person and "probably the best musician on campus," said a student, Gibson Marable, while speaking to ABC News. "We are in shock as we process this tragic loss of two lives," said university Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, at a press conference. "My heart is broken for the victims of today's senseless violence," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Colorado dorm killings: Police takes student in custody in double murder case at University of Colorado

Former US ambassador to Bolivia Victor Emanuel Rocha has pleaded not guilty to allegations of spying for Cuba for four decades in a federal courtroom. In Miami, Florida Rocha waved his right to attend a trial and according to a US attorney, Rocha repeatedly referred to the United States as the enemy.

US: Former US ambassador pleads not guilty to spying for Cuba

Brazil’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Israel as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (Feb 19) said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is unwelcome in Israel until he retracts his remarks comparing the military operation against Hamas in Gaza to the Nazi genocide.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the diplomatic row about?</h2>

The move marks an escalation in the diplomatic row between the two countries after Lula’s comments.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War | Israel government formally rejects recognition of Palestinian State

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-government-formally-rejects-recognition-of-palestinian-state-691807/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“What’s happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn’t happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews,” said the Brazilian president, on Sunday (Feb 18).&nbsp;

Summoning Brazil’s ambassador on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s instructions, Katz&nbsp;at the National Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem&nbsp;highlighted the seriousness of Lula’s comments.&nbsp;

The Israeli foreign minister also called them a “serious antisemitic attack” and said that the Brazilian president was “persona non grata” until he took back the remark.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-declares-brazilian-president-lula-persona-non-grata-over-antisemitic-comments-691703">Israel declares Brazilian President Lula ‘persona non grata’ over his ‘antisemitic’ comments</a>

“We will not forget nor forgive. It is a serious antisemitic attack. In my name and the name of the citizens of Israel - tell President Lula that he is persona non grata in Israel until he takes it back,” said Katz, as per a statement by his office.

Brazil has since&nbsp;retaliated by recalling its ambassador to Israel, Frederico Meyer, for consultations and summoned&nbsp;the Israeli ambassador to Brazil.&nbsp;

<h2>Brazil will not retract Lula’s remarks</h2>

A report by Reuters citing sources with knowledge of internal discussions, on Monday said Brazil does not intend to retract Lula’s comment which has since sparked a diplomatic rift between the countries.&nbsp;

Lula’s orders are that there will be no retraction and any answers will be given through diplomatic channels, sources told Reuters.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s foreign ministry said it would summon Israel’s ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, for a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira is scheduled to attend G20 meetings.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Lula say?</h2>

On Sunday, Brazil’s president accused Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-lula-accuses-israel-of-genocide-in-gaza-netanyahu-responds-691529">Brazilian President Lula compares Gaza action to 'Holocaust', leaving Israel furious</a>

He also went on to compare the Israeli military’s actions to that of Adolf Hitler’s campaign to exterminate the Jewish people saying, “It’s not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It’s a war between a highly prepared army and women and children.”

The Israeli PM has since called Lula’s remarks “shameful and grave”.

The comments by the Brazilian president were “a trivialisation of the Holocaust and an attempt to attack the Jewish people and the right of Israel to self-defence. Drawing comparisons between Israel and the Nazis and Hitler is to cross a red line,” said Netanyahu in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, “Israel is fighting to defend itself and ensure its future until total victory, and it is doing that while upholding international law.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Brazil’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Israel as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (Feb 19) said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is unwelcome in Israel until he retracts his remarks comparing the military operation against Hamas in Gaza to the Nazi genocide.

Brazil’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Israel as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (Feb 19) said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is unwelcome in Israel until he retracts his remarks comparing the military operation against Hamas in Gaza to the Nazi genocide. What is the diplomatic row about? The move marks an escalation in the diplomatic row between the two countries after Lula’s comments. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War | Israel government formally rejects recognition of Palestinian State “What’s happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn’t happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews,” said the Brazilian president, on Sunday (Feb 18). Summoning Brazil’s ambassador on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s instructions, Katz at the National Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem highlighted the seriousness of Lula’s comments. The Israeli foreign minister also called them a “serious antisemitic attack” and said that the Brazilian president was “persona non grata” until he took back the remark. Also Read | Israel declares Brazilian President Lula ‘persona non grata’ over his ‘antisemitic’ comments “We will not forget nor forgive. It is a serious antisemitic attack. In my name and the name of the citizens of Israel - tell President Lula that he is persona non grata in Israel until he takes it back,” said Katz, as per a statement by his office. Brazil has since retaliated by recalling its ambassador to Israel, Frederico Meyer, for consultations and summoned the Israeli ambassador to Brazil. Brazil will not retract Lula’s remarks A report by Reuters citing sources with knowledge of internal discussions, on Monday said Brazil does not intend to retract Lula’s comment which has since sparked a diplomatic rift between the countries. Lula’s orders are that there will be no retraction and any answers will be given through diplomatic channels, sources told Reuters. Meanwhile, Brazil’s foreign ministry said it would summon Israel’s ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, for a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira is scheduled to attend G20 meetings. What did Lula say? On Sunday, Brazil’s president accused Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Also Read | Brazilian President Lula compares Gaza action to 'Holocaust', leaving Israel furious He also went on to compare the Israeli military’s actions to that of Adolf Hitler’s campaign to exterminate the Jewish people saying, “It’s not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It’s a war between a highly prepared army and women and children.” The Israeli PM has since called Lula’s remarks “shameful and grave”. The comments by the Brazilian president were “a trivialisation of the Holocaust and an attempt to attack the Jewish people and the right of Israel to self-defence. Drawing comparisons between Israel and the Nazis and Hitler is to cross a red line,” said Netanyahu in a statement. He added, “Israel is fighting to defend itself and ensure its future until total victory, and it is doing that while upholding international law.” (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Lula recalls ambassador to Israel amid row over 'Holocaust' comment

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has entered&nbsp;what may be his final opportunity to halt his extradition from Britain to the United States. After over 13 years of legal battles in English courts, Assange faces US&nbsp;prosecutors seeking to try him on 18 charges linked to WikiLeaks' disclosure of confidential US&nbsp;military records and diplomatic cables, as reported by Reuters.

Assange's legal saga began&nbsp;in 2010, culminating in his seven-year refuge within Ecuador's embassy in London.

However, in 2019, authorities arrested&nbsp;him for breaching bail conditions, leading to his imprisonment in a maximum-security facility in southeast London. Despite marrying during his detention, his extradition to the US&nbsp;was finally sanctioned by Britain in 2022, a decision initially impeded by concerns over his mental well-being.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-schulte-who-gave-secrets-to-wikileaks-sentenced-to-40-yrs-for-espionage-child-pornography-686171">Also read |&nbsp;Joshua Schulte, ex-CIA contractor who gave secrets to WikiLeaks, sentenced to 40 yrs for spying, child porn</a>

<h2>Grounds for defence</h2>

Assange's defence team is now trying&nbsp;to reverse this extradition approval in a two-day hearing before two High Court judges in London.

They argue that Assange's prosecution is politically motivated and represents an unprecedented assault on press freedom, being the first instance of a publisher facing charges under the US&nbsp;Espionage Act.

The WikiLeaks founder garners widespread support from various quarters, including Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, and media organisations collaborating with WikiLeaks. Australian politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have also advocated for his return to Australia, while even Pope Francis granted his wife an audience.

Assange's wife, Stella, has highlighted&nbsp;the existential threat her husband faces, citing his declining physical and mental health.

"His health is in decline, physically and mentally," she told Reuters.

"His life is at risk every single day he stays in prison – and if he is extradited he will die," she added.

Also watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-death-navalnys-widow-accuses-putin-of-killing-him-and-vows-to-continue-his-work-691813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Legacy of WikiLeaks</h2>

WikiLeaks rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of a video showing a 2007 US&nbsp;military attack in Baghdad and subsequently unveiled a trove of classified documents and diplomatic cables.

These disclosures shed light on US&nbsp;actions and assessments concerning global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of the Saudi royal family.

(With inputs from agencies)

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has entered what may be his final opportunity to halt his extradition from Britain to the United States. After over 13 years of legal battles in English courts, Assange faces US prosecutors seeking to try him on 18 charges linked to WikiLeaks' disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables, as reported by Reuters.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has entered what may be his final opportunity to halt his extradition from Britain to the United States. After over 13 years of legal battles in English courts, Assange faces US prosecutors seeking to try him on 18 charges linked to WikiLeaks' disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables, as reported by Reuters. Assange's legal saga began in 2010, culminating in his seven-year refuge within Ecuador's embassy in London. However, in 2019, authorities arrested him for breaching bail conditions, leading to his imprisonment in a maximum-security facility in southeast London. Despite marrying during his detention, his extradition to the US was finally sanctioned by Britain in 2022, a decision initially impeded by concerns over his mental well-being. Also read | Joshua Schulte, ex-CIA contractor who gave secrets to WikiLeaks, sentenced to 40 yrs for spying, child porn Grounds for defence Assange's defence team is now trying to reverse this extradition approval in a two-day hearing before two High Court judges in London. They argue that Assange's prosecution is politically motivated and represents an unprecedented assault on press freedom, being the first instance of a publisher facing charges under the US Espionage Act. The WikiLeaks founder garners widespread support from various quarters, including Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, and media organisations collaborating with WikiLeaks. Australian politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have also advocated for his return to Australia, while even Pope Francis granted his wife an audience. Assange's wife, Stella, has highlighted the existential threat her husband faces, citing his declining physical and mental health. "His health is in decline, physically and mentally," she told Reuters. "His life is at risk every single day he stays in prison – and if he is extradited he will die," she added. Also watch | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work Legacy of WikiLeaks WikiLeaks rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of a video showing a 2007 US military attack in Baghdad and subsequently unveiled a trove of classified documents and diplomatic cables. These disclosures shed light on US actions and assessments concerning global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of the Saudi royal family. (With inputs from agencies)

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange initiates last-ditch battle to halt US extradition

The US on Tuesday vetoed a proposal by Algeria at UNSC to announce an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, despite US President Joe Biden facing pushback for supporting Israel. The X account of deceased Russia's opposition leader and Putin critic&nbsp;Alexei Navalny's wife was briefly blocked today.&nbsp;Less than an hour later, X restored Navalnaya's access to the social media platform.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Navalny's mother has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail. Lyudmila and her son's lawyer visited the "Polar Wolf" IK-3 penal colony in Russia's Arctic north, where Navalny had been held since last year.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="US vetoes UN Security Council push for Gaza ceasefire">US vetoes UN Security Council push for Gaza ceasefire</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/20/413272-sofiane-mimouni.png?imwidth=500" />

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Tuesday that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, even as President Joe Biden faced mounting pressure to dial back support for Israel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-urges-putin-to-release-body-immediately-692003">Navalny’s mother urges Putin to release body ‘immediately’ for proper burial</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/20/413237-alexei-navalny-2.png?imwidth=500" />Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's mother, on Tuesday (Feb 20) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-india-act-as-mediator-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-jaishankar-responds-692012">Will India act as mediator to end Russia-Ukraine war? Jaishankar responds</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/15/405825-untitled-design-2024-01-15t140128897.png?imwidth=500" />

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar repeated New Delhi's position on the Russia-Ukraine war and said that the country's ties with Moscow are based on historical experiences — western sanctions notwithstanding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-talks-to-form-government-remain-inconclusive-692070">Pakistan Elections: Talks to form government remain inconclusive</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/12/411481-untitled-design-2024-02-12t001851976.png?imwidth=500" />

Twelve days after India's western neighbour went to polls, there remains inconclusive progress on a power-sharing deal between the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-wife-yulias-x-social-media-account-suspended-692033">Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia's X social media account briefly suspended&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/20/413246-untitled-design-2024-02-20t183703137.png?imwidth=500" />

Deceased Russian dissident and politician Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya has had her account suspended on Elon Musk-owned social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fsb-arrests-us-russian-woman-for-alleged-treason-funding-ukrainian-army-691989">Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/20/413220-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-20t162214042.png?imwidth=500" />Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a US-Russian woman in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason and raising funds for the Ukrainian Army.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-putin-ally-found-dead-at-35-in-strange-circumstancs-report-692055">Son of Putin ally found dead at 35 in ‘strange’ circumstances: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/20/413261-igor-sechin.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Son of an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been found dead under 'strange' circumstances, reported Newsweek.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-reported-a-79-per-cent-increase-in-global-measles-cases-last-year-692031">WHO reported a 79 per cent increase in global measles cases last year</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/15/367130-untitled-design-2023-07-15t164239415.png?imwidth=500" />

The World Health Organization (WHO) voiced alarm on Tuesday (Feb 20), about the measles cases that have been rising so quickly. Last year, there were over 306,000 cases worldwide, which is a 79 per cent rise from 2022.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-anushka-sharma-and-virat-kohli-announce-the-birth-of-their-son-akaay-692072">Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli announce the birth of their son Akaay</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/10/392310-horizons-2023-11-10t100044446.jpg?imwidth=500" />

It is a boy! Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have become parents for the second time. The actress took to her Instagram page to announce the birth of their second child, a baby boy whom they have named Akay. The couple has a three-year-old daughter Vamika.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-to-start-from-march-22-to-be-held-entirely-in-india-confirms-chairman-arun-dhumal-691980">IPL 2024 to start from March 22, to be held entirely in India, confirms chairman Arun Dhumal&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/20/406919-untitled-design-2024-01-20t170013775.png?imwidth=500" />

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is all set to begin on March 22, confirmed the chairman Arun Dhumal on Tuesday (Feb 20).&nbsp;

The US on Tuesday vetoed a proposal by Algeria at UNSC to announce an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, despite US President Joe Biden facing pushback for supporting Israel.

The US on Tuesday vetoed a proposal by Algeria at UNSC to announce an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, despite US President Joe Biden facing pushback for supporting Israel. The X account of deceased Russia's opposition leader and Putin critic Alexei Navalny's wife was briefly blocked today. Less than an hour later, X restored Navalnaya's access to the social media platform. Meanwhile, Navalny's mother has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail. Lyudmila and her son's lawyer visited the "Polar Wolf" IK-3 penal colony in Russia's Arctic north, where Navalny had been held since last year. Click on the headlines to read more. US vetoes UN Security Council push for Gaza ceasefire The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Tuesday that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, even as President Joe Biden faced mounting pressure to dial back support for Israel. Navalny’s mother urges Putin to release body ‘immediately’ for proper burial Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's mother, on Tuesday (Feb 20) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail. Will India act as mediator to end Russia-Ukraine war? Jaishankar responds India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar repeated New Delhi's position on the Russia-Ukraine war and said that the country's ties with Moscow are based on historical experiences — western sanctions notwithstanding. Pakistan Elections: Talks to form government remain inconclusive Twelve days after India's western neighbour went to polls, there remains inconclusive progress on a power-sharing deal between the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP). Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia's X social media account briefly suspended Deceased Russian dissident and politician Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya has had her account suspended on Elon Musk-owned social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a US-Russian woman in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason and raising funds for the Ukrainian Army. Son of Putin ally found dead at 35 in ‘strange’ circumstances: Report Son of an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been found dead under 'strange' circumstances, reported Newsweek. WHO reported a 79 per cent increase in global measles cases last year The World Health Organization (WHO) voiced alarm on Tuesday (Feb 20), about the measles cases that have been rising so quickly. Last year, there were over 306,000 cases worldwide, which is a 79 per cent rise from 2022. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli announce the birth of their son Akaay It is a boy! Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have become parents for the second time. The actress took to her Instagram page to announce the birth of their second child, a baby boy whom they have named Akay. The couple has a three-year-old daughter Vamika. IPL 2024 to start from March 22, to be held entirely in India, confirms chairman Arun Dhumal Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is all set to begin on March 22, confirmed the chairman Arun Dhumal on Tuesday (Feb 20).

Top 10 world news: US vetoes UNSC resolution for Gaza ceasefire; Navalny's mother demands his body; and more

Houthi rebels have claimed one of their most significant strikes since they started mounting attacks at ships in the Red Sea. The Iran linked Rebels have targeted two US ships in the Gulf of Aden, they claim the hits were accurate. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Attacks: Houthi rebels attack two US vessels

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