WORLD
NATO declares China as a security threat for the first time
NATO's new 10-year strategic blueprint, agreed to by leaders at a summit in Spain on Thursday morning (AEST), called out the rising Asian power for conducting "malicious" cyber operations, for its strategic partnership with Russia, rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal and its efforts to dominate key supply chains, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Pakistan rejects reports linking Udaipur murder
Pakistan has rejected Indian media reports insinuating that the murder of a Hindu tailor in Udaipur city was somewhow linked to Islamabad. The Foreign Office (FO) here issued a statement in response to reports appearing in a segment of the Indian media regarding investigations into the murder case, Samaa TV reported.
Padma Shri Raj Bothra acquitted of all charges in US trial
Bothra of Bloomfield Hills the accused mastermind; along with Ganiu Edu of Southfield, Davi Lewis of Detroit and Christopher Russo of Birmingham were found not guilty by a jury, Macomb Daily reported. The verdicts followed a six-week trial in front of Judge Stephen Murphy in US District Court in Detroit. Bothra's attorney, Arthur Weiss, said he and his client are "ecstatic" over the verdict but upset that he has been in federal detention for 43 months while awaiting trial.
Ukraine, Russia carry out largest prisoner exchange since war began
The agency said 144 Ukrainians aged 19 and 65 years returned home as a result of the exchange on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency. According to the statement, under the swap, Russia released 59 soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine, including 43 from the Azov regiment which fought for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant.
Marcos Jr. sworn in as Philippines' 17th President
The 64-years-old wearing a native Barong Tagalog formal shirt, took his oath of office as his 92-year-old mother Imelda and family members looked on, reports Xinhua news agency. More than 15,000 police and security personnel have been deployed across the capital for the inauguration. Foreign dignitaries, diplomats, and three former Presidents, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, attended.
Pakistan complains to Twitter about India's move
Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned India for blocking the accounts of Pakistani missions within its boundaries, Dawn reported. The PTA termed it a "biased suppression of information" and called on the management of Twitter to reconsider their decision and restore official Pakistani accounts for viewing in India.
India, Mexico ink pact on capacity building in Space
The consultations reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, science and technology including space, culture and tourism, education, consular, and other areas of mutual interest. Multilateral and regional issues including co-operation at the UN, Pacific Alliance and the upcoming G20 Presidency of India were also discussed.
Taliban, US officials to meet in Doha over unfreezing Afghan assets
Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank Mohammad Idris and Deputy Finance Minister Nazir Kabiri are also members of the Afghan delegation that departed Kabul on Wednesday, reports Khaama Press. Ahmad Wali Haqmal, a spokesperson for the Finance Ministry in Kabul, said the delegation will meet Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, and officials from the Treasury Department.
French court issues guilty verdicts over 2015 Paris terror attacks
The main suspect, Salah Abdeslam, who is believed to be the only survivor of the 10-man commando of the attacks that killed 131 people and injured at least 413, has been sentenced to life in jail without parole, the maximum penalty under current French law, Xinhua news agency quoted France 24 as saying in a report early Thursday.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take charge as new President of Philippines
Marcos Jr. won the presidential election in May with 60 per cent of the votes over rival Maria Leonor Robredo. Meanwhile, his running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio, the 43-year-old daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, will be sworn in as the Vide President. The oath taking ceremony will take place in the afternoon at the National Museum in Manila.
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