*) Putin says situation to 'stabilise', Ukraine presses counterattack

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he expects the situation to "stabilise" in Ukrainian regions annexed by the Kremlin, after Moscow suffered military setbacks.

He has also ordered his government to seize control over Europe's largest nuclear power plant in the Russia-controlled region of Zaporizhzhia.

Kiev has claimed victories over Russian troops in the eastern region of Luhansk, while the Kremlin has vowed to recapture territory lost in a lightning Ukrainian counteroffensive.

*) North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, blames US drills 'escalation'

North Korea has again fired two ballistic missiles, claiming its recent blitz of tests were necessary countermeasures against joint drills by the United States and South Korea.

North Korea has accused the US of "escalating military tensions on the Korean peninsula" and threatening regional stability.

South Korea, Japan and the US have ramped up joint military drills in recent weeks, including large-scale naval manoeuvres and anti-submarine exercises.
 
*) WHO probes India syrups after dozens of children die in Gambia

The World Health Organisation has issued an alert over four cough and cold syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals in India.

The UN health agency has said the four syrups in question "have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children" in The Gambia.

It has also cautioned that contaminated medications may have been distributed outside of the West African country, warning that global exposure was "possible".

*) Three 'click chemistry' pioneers win Nobel Prize

The Nobel Chemistry Prize has been awarded to a trio of chemists from the US and Denmark who laid the foundation for a more functional form of chemistry.

Americans Carolyn Bertozzi and Barry Sharpless, together with Denmark's Morten Meldal, have been honoured "for the development of click chemistry...," the jury has said.

Click chemistry "is an elegant and efficient chemical reaction that is now in widespread use," the jury said. Among many other uses, it is utilised in the development of pharmaceuticals.

*) Grandmaster Hans Niemann defends reputation after cheating claims

American international grandmaster Hans Niemann has said he "won't back down," after chess platform chess.com reported he has "probably cheated more than 100 times" in online games.

After a victory in the US Chess Championship on Wednesday, Niemann said the game he had just won "spoke for itself and showed the chess player that I am".

Norwegian world champion Magnus Carlsen last week accused 19-year-old Niemann of cheating in a major controversy.

October 6, 2022

Global outcry at ICJ as Israel faces accusations of starving Palestinians

At the International Court of Justice, South Africa accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon in Gaza, calling it a breach of international law.

Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Spain echoed concerns, citing Israel’s disregard for humanitarian obligations and UN rulings.

Representatives warned of a collapsing aid system and worsening famine, urging global action and reaffirming support for Palestinian self-determination amid what was described as an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel, in its genocidal war, has killed more than fifty-two thousand three hundred Palestinians since October 2023 and wounded hundreds of thousands of others.

UN chief urges two-state solution in Israeli war on Palestine

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pushed countries to "take irreversible action towards implementing a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of an international conference in June.

"I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-state solution before it is too late," Guterres told a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.

France and Saudi Arabia will co-host the conference at the United Nations in June.

Daesh-linked militants attack mourners in Nigerian village, killing 15

A wave of terror engulfed Kwaple village in Nigeria’s Borno State when Daesh-linked militants stormed in on motorcycles, unleashing a hail of bullets on mourners and killing at least 15 people.

"The ISWAP militants opened fire on the mourners and pursued them on motorcycles into the bush as they tried to flee," Ayuba Alamson, a community leader in Chibok, said.

Local leaders are gripped with dread, warning that the true death toll may be far higher, with scores still missing in the chaos.

Trump marks 100 days, promises defence investments

US President Donald Trump kicked off a pair of events in Michigan, celebrating his first 100 days in office.

Speaking to a packed rally in Macomb, Trump touted the country’s economic growth, declaring, "Companies are coming back to Michigan."

Highlighting a $1 trillion defence investment, he praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for securing the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While his approval rating dropped to 42 percent, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll, Trump continues to promote his administration’s successes, claiming the best start in US presidential history.

BRICS unites in opposition to Trump's tariff policy

BRICS foreign ministers, including those from China and Russia, criticised the growing "trade protectionism" during talks in Rio de Janeiro, a direct response to US President Dondald Trump’s tariffs.

Brazil's foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, emphasised the group's ""strong rejection"" of such policies, without naming Trump.

Amid escalating tariffs, China has imposed 125 percent duties on US goods, while the US has slapped 10 percent tariffs on numerous countries.
The ministers agreed on a unified stance against trade conflicts just ahead of the leaders’ summit in three months.

April 30, 2025

UK calls Israel's blockade of aid delivery into Gaza 'horrendous'

The British Foreign Secretary is once again raising alarms about Israel's ongoing blockade of aid into Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis as devastating.

David Lammy, speaking during a session of the International Relations and Defence Committee, called the blockade ""horrendous"" and emphasised just how dire the situation has become — from the sheer level of suffering to the massive need on the ground and the staggering loss of life.

Lammy said he had spoken directly with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar a few weeks ago, making it clear that Israel has responsibilities when it comes to humanitarian access.

Israeli bombardment kills several Palestinians, wounds others in Gaza

Israeli air strikes on northern Gaza have killed several Palestinians and left many others injured, according to local medical sources cited by WAFA news agency. The attacks targeted the town of Beit Hanoon.

This latest escalation follows Israel's decision back on March 18 to unilaterally end the ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, the renewed bombardment has killed hundreds, including over 100 children.

Health officials in Gaza report at least 2,308 people have died and nearly 6,000 more have been wounded in the weeks since the assault resumed.

Rubio tells India to 'work with' Pakistan to de-escalate Kashmir tensions

After a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir pushed tensions to the brink, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging India and Pakistan to take a step back and ease hostilities.

Rubio spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing support for India's fight against extremism. But he also called on both sides to work together to investigate the attack that left more than two dozen people dead.

In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio conveyed US solidarity but also urged caution. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack in Pahalgam, though it hasn't presented evidence so far. Pakistan, for its part, denies the allegations and is pushing for an international investigation.

US, Ukraine sign 'historic' minerals deal

The United States and Ukraine have signed what both are calling a ""historic"" economic partnership, giving Washington access to Ukraine's rare mineral resources after weeks of tough negotiations.

Kiev says it has secured control over its own resources as part of the deal. 

The agreement comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who's been calling on Ukraine to ""pay back"" the support Washington has provided in helping repel Russian aggression.

India's next census will include caste status, marking a 'historic' shift

India has announced it will include caste identification in its next official census — the first time since independence that the government will formally record such data.

It's a landmark move in a country where caste remains deeply tied to social and economic status. While higher castes continue to benefit from cultural privilege, lower castes often face systemic discrimination.

This change could reshape India's political and social landscape. Estimates suggest that more than two-thirds of India's 1.4 billion people fall into historically disadvantaged castes, making this new census a potentially transformative moment in the country's long struggle with inequality.

May 1, 2025

UN calls on Israel to lift 'brutal blockade' of humanitarian aid to Gaza

The UN has called on Israel to lift its blockade of humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza, saying blocking the desperately needed aid inflicts a "cruel collective punishment".

Tom Fletcher, the UN relief chief, said that: "International law is unequivocal: As the occupying power, Israel must allow humanitarian support in. Aid, and the civilian lives it saves, should never be a bargaining chip."

Fletcher also said: "The humanitarian movement is independent, impartial and neutral. We believe that all civilians are equally worthy of protection," underlining that they remain ready to save as many lives as they can, despite the risks."

US urges India to avoid broader conflict after Kashmir attack

US Vice President JD Vance has said that Washington hopes that India's response to the recent attack in India-administered Kashmir does not lead to a broader regional conflict.

Vance said that Washington hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down those responsible for the attack.

He said that: "Pakistan, to the extent that they're responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with. That's how we hope this unfolds. We're obviously in close contact. We'll see what happens."

Deadly drone attack in Kherson, Moscow blames Kiev

A Ukrainian drone strike on a market area in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s Kherson region killed at least seven people and wounded over 20 others, the Moscow-installed governor said.

Vladimir Saldo, the region's Russian-backed governor, accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out the strike in a crowded market district in the city of Oleshky.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the incident a “terrorist” act and accused Ukraine of escalating the war while sabotaging diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan ups diplomacy amid tensions with India

Pakistani leaders doubled diplomatic efforts amid tensions with India following a deadly attack in India-administered Kashmir, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that Pakistan condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, reiterating his offer for a credible, transparent and neutral international investigation into the Pahalgam attack.

Sharif also met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad, where the two discussed the situation in the region, thanking to China for its strong and steadfast support to Pakistan in the prevailing situation in South Asia.

High technology, AI key to new world, says TEKNOFEST head

The head of Türkiye's premier technology event, TEKNOFEST, highlighted that high technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are the keys to the new world, stressing that AI, when combined with the right purpose and ethical values, can provide humanity with a much better future.

Selcuk Bayraktar, speaking at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST, emphasised that AI can enable groundbreaking innovations in health, equal educational opportunity, and countless opportunities that will make life easier.

He also underscored that the country should be a global centre of attraction for technology and science in the heart of the Mediterranean.

May 2, 2025

Israel bombs three Syrian cities after presidential palace strike, and Thousands of Turkish Cypriots turn out for TEKNOFEST in Lefkosa... listen for more

May 3, 2025

Israeli army calls up tens of thousands of reservists to expand offensive in Gaza; and, Erdogan announces Türkiye among world's top three in UAV technology at TEKNOFEST.

May 4, 2025

Gaza's health system nears collapse as UNRWA issues urgent alarm

Gaza’s healthcare is on the brink, warns the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
The agency says one-third of vital medical supplies are gone, with another third vanishing fast—blaming Israel’s siege and relentless bombardment.

Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini grimly cautions that the blockade risks silently killing more women and children beyond the bombs.

Israel's military invasion in Gaza has killed over fifty-two thousand four hundred Palestinians since October 2023, while Tel Aviv faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.

Yemeni Houthis target Tel Aviv airport with hypersonic missile strike

Yemeni Houthis said they have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, warning international airlines of the airport’s unsafe conditions.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the missile hit the target, and another struck Ashkelon.

Israeli authorities suspended flights at the airport after a missile landed near Terminal 3, injuring six people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against the Houthis and their Iranian backers.

In response, US warplanes conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.

Romania's presidential election heads to a second round

Romania will proceed to a second round of presidential elections on May 18, following the failure of any candidate to secure the required 50+1 percent majority in the first round.

Far-right George Simion led with over 40.2 percent of the vote, based on results from over 98 percent of ballots.

He was followed by Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, who garnered 20.8 percent, and Crin Antonescu of the Social Democratic Party, who earned nearly 20.5 percent.

The first-round victory of pro-Russian candidate Calin Gorgescu was annulled in November 2024  following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied.
Simion emerged to replace Gorgescu after his ban from the new race.

Fighting in eastern DRC escalates as rebels take key town

M23 rebels and allies seized Lunyasenge, a strategic fishing town on Lake Edward’s west coast in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after deadly clashes with the army that left 17 dead, including seven soldiers.

The Congolese military condemned the assault as a blatant ceasefire violation.
As rebels advance in North Kivu, Kinshasa warns of retaliation.

Rwanda faces renewed accusations of backing M23, amid ongoing peace talks in Doha and Washington.

Kigali denies any involvement.

Trump imposes full tariff on non-US movies

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films, claiming Hollywood of being ""devastated"" as US filmmakers turn to other countries for production incentives.

The decision, shared via Truth Social media platform, follows criticism of his aggressive trade policies.

While the full impact on the movie industry remains unclear, Trump insists it’s a matter of national security.

Meanwhile, talks with China and other nations on trade deals continue, with potential agreements on the horizon.

May 5, 2025

Israel aiming for 'complete occupation' of Gaza under renewed assault

Israel appears to be pushing for full occupation of Gaza in its latest military assault. 

That's according to Culture Minister Miki Zohar, who told Israeli public broadcaster KAN that such a move could put the remaining hostages in danger.

Meanwhile, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, told Channel 13 that Israel is finally going to occupy Gaza and that the country needs to stop being afraid of using the word "occupation"

UN warns Israel is weaponising water to destroy Gaza, its people

A UN expert is sounding the alarm over what he calls a ""silent but lethal bomb"" in Gaza: not from missiles, but from a lack of clean water. 

Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the UN's special rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation, says Israel's destruction of water infrastructure and restriction of access to drinking water is fuelling a massive humanitarian crisis.

He warned that cutting off water in a war zone like this is the equivalent of dropping a devastating, invisible weapon.

France to host Al Sharaa, marking Syrian President's first European visit

Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa is set to visit Europe for the first time since taking office, and his first stop will be France. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting him on Wednesday, according to the French presidency.

Macron plans to use the meeting to express France's commitment to a future Syria, one that's ""free, stable and inclusive of all its people"".

The French president will also raise key concerns, including regional stability, especially in Lebanon, and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

India's 'unfounded allegations' against Pakistan inflaming tensions in South Asia — OIC

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is voicing serious concern over rising tensions in South Asia. 

The 57-member group said that India's ""unfounded allegations"" against Pakistan are adding fuel to an already volatile situation.

In a joint statement, the OIC said the accusations are making things worse and stressed its consistent stance against terrorism.

Trump wants stronger US–Türkiye alliance: New US envoy to Ankara

The new US ambassador to Türkiye says President Trump is aiming for a much stronger partnership with Ankara. 

Thomas Barrack, speaking to reporters upon arrival in the Turkish capital, said the president's message was simple: it's time to take the US-Türkiye alliance to the level it truly deserves.

Barrack, who expressed pride in being on the land of his ancestors, added that the two countries have always had a solid relationship, but now it's time to make it extraordinary.

May 06, 2025

Casualties as India attacks Pakistan and Islamabad 'downs Indian jets' in retaliation

Pakistan says India has launched strikes at six different sites, killing at least 26 people and injuring 46 more. In response, Islamabad claims its Air Force has shot down five Indian warplanes and some drones, calling the Indian attack ""cowardly and shameful"

At a pre-dawn news conference in Rawalpindi, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said India used a variety of weapons to hit six targets, resulting in 24 impact sites. He added that the strikes hit locations inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir—including a mosque.

It's a shame, Trump says as India launches attack on Pakistan

Over in Washington, US President Donald Trump reacted to the India-Pakistan escalation by calling it ""a shame"", and said he hoped the situation would cool off quickly.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said they'd just gotten word of the strikes as they were walking into the Oval Office. 

He noted that many people expected something like this might happen, given the long and tense history between the two countries.

Israeli strikes on school shelter kill 31 Palestinians

In Gaza, another tragedy: Israeli strikes on a school being used as a shelter for displaced families have killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more.

According to Palestinian civil defence, the air strikes hit a school in the Bureij refugee camp, located in central Gaza. 

A spokesperson said it was sheltering many who had already been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing Israeli war.

Germany's Merz elected chancellor in second round

Friedrich Merz has been elected Germany's new chancellor after a dramatic second round of voting in parliament. 

The 69-year-old leader of the conservative CDU/CSU alliance secured three hundred and twenty five votes, just enough for an absolute majority, after falling short in the first round.

He now heads a coalition government alongside the centre-left Social Democrats, taking over from outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Turkish intelligence foils another pager bomb plot in Lebanon

Turkish intelligence has reportedly foiled yet another plot involving explosive devices disguised as everyday items—this time, pagers and chargers. 

According to details shared by the *Sabah* newspaper, Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization, or MIT, uncovered the plot at Istanbul Airport in 2024, though the news has only just come to light.

The intercepted shipment had come from Hong Kong and was headed to Lebanon. Inside were 1,300 pagers and over 700 chargers, all cleverly hidden in boxes labelled as food choppers.

May 7, 2025

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, May 8th.
Pakistan shoots down Indian jets as tensions soar
"To calm tensions between the two arch-rivals India and Pakistan, world leaders have urged them to stop fighting.
US President Donald Trump called for both nations to cease hostilities, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered diplomatic support to de-escalate the situation.
Pakistan has said Indian strikes resulted in the deaths of 31 Pakistani civilians and injuries to 57 others, vowing to respond.
It also said its air force brought down five Indian fighter jets and one drone in an act of ""self-defence” — including three Rafale aircraft."

Israel kills over 50 Palestinians in continued Gaza bombardment
"At least 54 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in fresh Israeli air strikes across Gaza, according to medics.
In Al-Tuffah, 16 Palestinians were killed in Israeli shelling of a school-turned-shelter, while 22 others were killed in an attack on a market in Gaza City.
Further casualties occurred in Khan Younis, Bani Suhaila and various refugee camps.
Gaza’s government media office confirmed that Israel has targeted over 234 shelters.
Total blockade on Gaza has caused severe famine among Palestinians, with the world urging Tel Aviv to allow aid to flow.
Israel has killed over 52,600 people in the Palestinian enclave, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023.
"

US court blocks Trump admin's transfer bid for detained Turkish student
"A federal appeals court has ordered the transfer of Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk from an immigration jail in Louisiana to a court in Vermont, where a bail hearing is scheduled for May 9.
Ozturk was arrested in March after co-authoring a critical op-ed on Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
The ruling rejects the Trump administration’s attempt to block her transfer.
Ozturk's legal team argues her detention violates free speech rights."

Russia declares ceasefire with Ukraine during Victory Day
"Russia declares a unilateral ceasefire lasting until midnight on 11 May, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a national holiday, commemorating the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
President Vladimir Putin’s move to pause hostilities during the national holiday met resistance from Kiev. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the initiative and warned foreign dignitaries against attending Moscow’s celebrations, citing safety concerns.
The Kremlin hit back, labelling the warning a “threat,” while spokesman Dmitry Peskov vowed a “swift and effective” military response to any breach by Ukraine."

Black smoke rises again as Vatican delays papal decision
"Tension runs high in Vatican City as black smoke once again billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signalling no decision yet on the next pope.
The 133 cardinals, the most diverse group ever assembled, began their second day of secret voting Thursday.
With no clear favourite, speculation swirls—from Italy’s Pizzaballa to Sri Lanka’s Ranjith.
As Catholic pilgrims crowd St Peter’s Square, hope lingers as the Christian world awaits the white smoke that will herald the 267th pontiff."

May 8, 2025

International media authenticates Pakistan's claims of downing Indian Jets
"Militaries worldwide will closely scrutinise a dogfight between China-made Pakistani jets and France-made Indian Rafale fighters, seeking insights that could give them an edge in future conflicts.

A Chinese-made Pakistani fighter jet shot down at least two Indian military aircraft on Wednesday, two US officials confirmed, marking a potential major milestone for Beijing's advanced jet.

Pakistan has claimed to have downed at least five Indian jets, including three Rafales, in a battle involving a reported thirty Pakistani and seventy Indian fighter aircraft.

Reuters and BBC have authenticated multiple videos that appear to support Pakistan's claim."

Israel dropped 100,000 tons of explosives over Gaza 
"Authorities in Gaza have said that Israel has dropped a hundred thousand tonnes of explosives on Gaza since launching its genocide nineteen months ago, killing or leaving missing over sixty-two thousand Palestinians and committing more than twelve thousand massacres.

Israel completely erased over two thousand two hundred families from civil registries.

The campaign also targeted cemeteries, with Israeli forces stealing two thousand three hundred bodies from Gaza graves and establishing seven mass graves inside hospitals, five hundred twenty-nine of whom have been recovered so far.
"

JD Vance says India-Pakistan conflict 'fundamentally none of our business'
"US Vice President JD Vance has said that Washington wanted to see a ""de-escalation"" in a worsening conflict between India and Pakistan, but that it was ""fundamentally none of our business.""
Vance, who has been a proponent of US disengagement from international conflicts, said that the US is not going to get involved in the middle of a war and has nothing to do with America's ability to control it."

Trump reportedly cuts ties with Netanyahu over 'manipulation' concerns
"US President Donald Trump has decided to cut off direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Israeli media, Trump made the decision after close associates told Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer that the president believes that Netanyahu is manipulating him."

Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American Pope
"Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the first pope from the United States.

A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he became the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo fourteen.

Cardinals chose a new pope to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, sending up white smoke from the Sistine Chapel on their second day of voting in conclave."

May 9, 2025

A summary of today's impactful news stories from around the world hand-picked by our staff at TRT World.

October 6, 2022

Daily News Brief

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