Hamas released a video of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander appealing to US President-elect Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for his release. Netanyahu condemned the video as psychological warfare, assuring efforts to secure hostages’ release. Hamas leaders are in Cairo for ceasefire talks to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
An overnight ‘bombing’ at the Calso military base in Babylon province, causing injuries to multiple individuals. The incident involved one death and eight injuries, with three Iraqi military personnel wounded. Hashed al-Shaabi confirmed the explosion, leading to ‘material losses’ and casualties. The responsible party and the use of drones remain unverified.
A humanitarian airdrop in Gaza led to the tragic death of five people and injured ten others. The incident occurred during an attempt to provide aid to the Palestinian territory. The United States and Jordan conducted the airdrops in northern Gaza, but the government media office in Hamas-run Gaza deemed them ineffective. UN stresses the importance of land deliveries for aid distribution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizes Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for comparing Israeli war in Gaza to the Nazi genocide. Lula’s remarks were condemned by Brazil’s presidential palace and the Brazilian Israelite Confederation.
The amendment to the State Council Organic Law deepens the Party’s control over state organs and the Party-state structure. It establishes new committees and encroaches on economic and financial policy. The premier’s news conference cancellation is another example of the Party’s increasing control.
Ten years after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, the families of Chinese passengers are still searching for answers. The families visited officials and presented demands, hoping for the search to be restarted.
China’s coast guard will strengthen law enforcement activities and patrols around Taiwanese-controlled islands. Taiwan defended its coast guard after a speedboat overturned near Kinmen’s Beiding islet. China condemned Taiwan’s actions.
In the past 24 hours, Taiwan has detected 10 Chinese military aircraft and 5 naval ships around the country. China has been using gray zone tactics to increase its military presence near Taiwan. Taiwan has been responding by deploying forces to monitor the situation.
China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei assert claims in South China Sea. China’s claims supported by “history and jurisprudence”. Philippines making vigorous claims. Chinese President visited Vietnam, Vietnamese states exercise sovereignty peacefully.
Russia has accused Ukraine of engaging in ‘terrorist activities’ to disrupt its presidential election, overshadowed by the ongoing Ukraine war. Former President Dmitry Medvedev has condemned protesters as ‘traitors’ for sabotaging voting booths. Tensions rise as incidents escalate, with warnings of severe consequences and support for armed groups opposing the Kremlin.
Russian President Putin secures another six-year term with minimal opposition and no public criticism in a controlled election environment. Rival Navalny’s absence leaves critics in jail or exile. Despite minor challenges, Putin faces ongoing issues like a Ukrainian drone attack. Economy resilient, defense industry support. Opposition calls for protests through voting.
Thousands of Russians gathered in Moscow to mourn the death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Navalny’s funeral took place in a Moscow church, with his mother and father in attendance. Despite tight security, mourners expressed their support for Navalny’s family and praised his fearlessness in speaking out against the authorities. Navalny’s body was later taken to the Borisovskoye cemetery.
Relatives and supporters bid farewell to Alexei Navalny at a funeral in Moscow’s Maryino district at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows. Burial follows in the nearby Borisovskoye Cemetery. Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, struggled to release the body for burial in the Yamalo-Nenets region.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, accuses President Vladimir Putin of mocking Christianity by coercing his mother into agreeing to a secret funeral. Navalny’s mother is being subjected to psychological torment, with authorities suggesting burying Navalny in the Arctic prison. Navalnaya pleads for the return of her husband’s body, accusing Putin of disrespecting the deceased.
The Indian government is seeking to appeal the London high court’s decision to block the extradition of Sanjay Bhandari, citing breaches of Articles 3 and 6 of the ECHR. They argue that the burden of proof issue is not a denial of justice and that they should have been allowed to provide more assurances about Bhandari’s treatment in Tihar jail.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the abolition of NHS England to reduce bureaucracy and bring it under government control. This move is aimed at shifting funds to frontline services, such as hiring nurses and doctors, and improving patient care. The integration process will be completed in two years, reducing overall staff numbers by 50 percent.
Queen Camilla sent a private letter of support to French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot, commending her courage in waiving anonymity to face her rapists in court. Pelicot’s bravery highlighted significant societal issues regarding sexual violence, aligning with the Queen’s ongoing advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces that NHS England will be abolished, placing the NHS back under direct government control to cut bureaucracy and eliminate duplication. The decision aims to redirect funds to frontline services and bring NHS oversight back to politicians.
Thailand’s new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will not attend a regional summit of Asia’s leaders next week in Jakarta, the foreign ministry announced on Sunday. Srettha was elected prime minister by parliamentary vote last month, and his cabinet was approved by the king on Saturday.
Bhutan, will cut in half the $200 daily fee it charges visitors in an effort to stimulate a sector that has yet to fully recover a year after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. When Bhutan lifted two years of COVID restrictions in September of last year, it increased its “Sustainable Development Fee” to $200 per visitor per night from $65, stating that the money will be used to offset the carbon produced by tourists.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed hope for a reconciliation process in Sri Lanka that addresses the aspirations of the minority Tamil community for equality and justice. He emphasized the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which provides for the devolution of power to the Tamil community. Jaishankar also highlighted India’s support for Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious identity. He discussed India’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s development and stability, including financial assistance of approximately USD 4 billion. Jaishankar also mentioned collaborative efforts to address Sri Lanka’s energy requirements and regional economic activities for mutual benefit.
Less than a day after returning from a protracted exile and beginning his 8-year sentence, Thailand’s contentious former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved from prison to a hospital. On the same day that a party associated with him won a legislative vote to create a new government, he had returned to Thailand after spending 15 years overseas. After being found guilty of various crimes in absentia that he had criticized as being politically motivated, Thaksin was then sentenced to prison to serve his time.
China has requested permission for its research ship, the Shi Yan 6, to dock in Sri Lanka. The request is being processed, according to Sri Lankan officials. This comes after India raised security concerns over a Chinese research vessel’s port call in Sri Lanka last year. India is wary of China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which it sees as its own sphere of influence. Sri Lanka, which is strategically located along key shipping routes, relies on China’s support to restructure its foreign loans.
Letters with threats and powdery substance sent to judges of Islamabad high court, Lahore HC, and Supreme Court. Included Bacillus Anthracis reference, accusations against judges, anthrax bacterium, eye irritation, lip burns, and involvement of counter-terrorism department and ISI interference.
Pakistan’s consumer price index for February increased by 23.1% YoY, the slowest since June 2022. Inflation reached an all-time high of 38% in May 2021, but is projected to ease in the coming months. The government’s funding agreement with the IMF expires on April 11.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s PTI party demands the immediate resignation of election commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja for failing to hold ‘free and fair’ elections amid allegations of massive poll rigging. The demand was made by PTI chief Gohar Khan after meeting Khan in Adiala Jail.
Jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s party demands judicial probe into vote rigging allegations. PTI alleges Rawalpindi commissioner oversaw rigging. Inconclusive third meeting between PML-N and PPP for power-sharing formula. PTI responds to power-sharing formula. PTI calls for judicial probe.
A clash in North Waziristan resulted in the leader of a political party being wounded and two police officers losing their lives. The violence erupted when Mohsin Dawar and his supporters protested the delay in announcing the election result by attempting to march towards an army facility.
