Kyiv says Russian forces have captured Ukraine's second largest power plant

Russian forces have captured Ukraine's second biggest power plant and Moscow is undertaking a "massive redeployment" of troops to three southern regions, a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday. Russian-backed forces had earlier announced the capture of the Soviet-era, coal-fired Vuhlehirsk power plant. "They achieved a tiny tactical advantage - they captured Vuhlehirsk," presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said in an interview posted on YouTube.

Bali may cancel visa-on-arrival for Russians and Ukrainians. Here's why

In response to a rise in crimes involving visitors from Russia and Ukraine, Bali has ordered its central immigration agency to revoke the visa-on-arrival scheme for these two countries. 58,000 Russians and 7,000 Ukrainians visited the popular tourist destination in 2022. In a five-day operation starting from the weekend, law enforcement authorities are monitoring criminal activities among tourists.

Xi Jinping meets ‘dear friend’ Putin in Moscow to strength alliance against West

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow on Monday to deepen economic ties and promote Beijing's role as a potential peacemaker in Ukraine. Putin praised China's economic development and the two leaders discussed a Chinese peace proposal for the Ukraine conflict. Western countries have called on China to use its influence on Russia to end the war, which has killed tens of thousands of people.

Pakistan police arrests dozens of ex-PM Imran Khan supporters in connection with last week's clashes

Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has asked the Chief Justice to allow him to appear for court proceedings virtually due to a threat to his life. His supporters clashed with police in Lahore and Islamabad as they attempted to arrest him. Police have arrested dozens of Khan's supporters and aides in raids in two cities. Khan is facing several legal cases, including one that prompted a failed attempt to arrest him. He is demanding a snap election and has been holding protest rallies.

Hutong Cat | Iran-Saudi deal, third term presidency, all in a day's work for Xi

China successfully brokered a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic ties and reopen embassies and missions. The deal was announced on the same day as President Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term, projecting China as a global player under his leadership. China's influence in the region is growing as the US-led West's ties with Saudi Arabia have dampened in recent years.

Amritpal crackdown: Khalistan supporters attack Indian Consulate in San Francisco; protest in Canberra

Pro-Khalistan protesters attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Sunday, prompting sharp condemnation from Indian-Americans who demanded immediate action. Community leaders urged local authorities to take immediate action against those responsible and promote peace and harmony. FIIDS accused Pakistan's spy agency ISI of instigating and funding Sikh radicalisation.

Nearly half children among over 40,000 dead in Somalia drought last year

A new report reveals that 43,000 people died in Somalia last year due to the longest drought on record, with half of them likely being children. The U.N. and partners have said 6 million are hungry and 3.8 million displaced in the country, with 500,000 children expected to be severely malnourished this year. Humanitarian officials warn that traditional donors have focused elsewhere, leaving the crisis largely ignored.

Australian police releases pics of 6 men involved in Khalistan referendum brawl

Victoria Police released images of 6 men believed to be involved in a late January incident in Melbourne, which resulted in brawls between Khalistani activists and pro-India demonstrators. 2 people were injured and 2 Sikh men were detained. PM Albanese assured PM Modi of Australia's intolerance towards hate crimes.

‘No simple solution to a complex issue’, Xi Jinping says on Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for "rational and results-oriented dialogue and consultation" to find a solution to the Ukraine war. Xi's Moscow visit, beginning Monday, is set to bolster Sino-Russian ties and show of China-Russia solidarity against US-led Western hegemony. Xi and Putin have met 40 times in the last decade and Putin has praised China's balanced approach to the Ukraine crisis.

Sikh protestors smash windows at Indian mission in UK; one arrested

During a demonstration by Sikh protesters in London, windows at India's High Commission were smashed and two security guards were injured. A man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and the Indian government summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi to demand an explanation. The incident is linked to the Khalistan movement for a separate Sikh homeland. U.K. Foreign Office Minister and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have condemned the incident.

Xi Jinping lands in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin amid Ukraine war

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. State broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi arrived in the capital by a special plane on the afternoon of March 20th.

'Dragged by hair and turban ripped', Sikh student assaulted in Canada: Report

21-year-old Sikh student Gagandeep Singh was attacked in Canada's British Columbia province by a group of unknown men who ripped off his turban and dragged him across the sidewalk by his hair. The attack occurred on St. Patrick's Day and is being investigated as a hate crime. Councillor Mohini Singh said the victim was left in a pile of "dirty snow" on the side of the road and that the attack has left international students in the community shaken and scared.

India High Commissioner to Canada forced to cancel event appearance due to protests linked to Amritpal Singh

Amidst rumours of the arrest of Amritpal Singh in Punjab, India's High Commissioner in Canada had to cancel an event in British Columbia due to concerns over his safety as protestors blocked the entrance to the venue. India's High Commission also sought upgraded security for its missions in the country in anticipation of more protests.

In a first, Taiwan's ex-President to visit China next week

Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou will travel to China next week, the first visit by a current or former leader of the island in 70 years. Ma will not meet with Chinese government officials and plans to pay tribute to his ancestors, promote youth exchanges, and visit several cities. His visit follows a series of exchanges between China and Ma's Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party. Beijing has welcomed the visit, offering to provide assistance, and hopes it will reduce tensions between the two sides.

China, Cambodia hold first-ever joint maritime military exercises

China and Cambodia held their first-ever joint naval exercises in Cambodian waters on Sunday. Three Chinese and Cambodian ships conducted formation training and communication exercises with more than 200 officers and soldiers from the Chinese southern theater taking part in the "Gold Dragon-2023" exercise. The exercises, which will last until April 8, follow consultations on the course exercise and ship coordination plans between the two countries.

Former president Ma to be first Taiwan leader to visit China since 1948

China welcomed former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou's upcoming visit to the mainland later this month, the first time a former or current leader of the island is visiting the country since 1949. Ma's visit is in the backdrop of tensions between Beijing and Taipei, as China pressures Taiwan to accept its sovereignty. Ma will visit various cities in central, southwest and eastern China, and lead a delegation of Taiwanese students to exchange ideas with their Chinese counterparts. Ma's visit is aimed at worshipping his ancestors during the Qingming Festival, and to visit historical sites related to the Revolution of 1911 and the Sino-Japanese War. Last month, the KMT's deputy chairman Andrew Hsia visited Beijing and met senior CPC party leader Wang Huning.