No revealing slipper, women not allowed to go out alone: Taliban diktat

According to a report by the Associated Press, a schoolteacher from Takhar province in northern Afghanistan said that after Taliban capture, women were not allowed to go out to the market without a male escort

‘Violation…’: Imran Khan on Pakistan EC postponing Punjab polls to October

Pakistan's Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has delayed the assembly polls in Punjab province by more than five months citing deteriorating security situation and financial crunch. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticized the move, calling it a violation of Pakistan's Constitution. The ECP cited reports from security agencies, interior and finance ministries and the Supreme Court ruling that elections should be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assemblies.

Indo-Canadian journalist faces threats over critical show on Amritpal Singh

An Indo-Canadian mediaperson in the GTA has faced death threats after featuring guests critical of Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh. Sameer Kaushal, a Punjabi-language radio outlet in British Columbia, was also "threatened" by protesters who blocked the entrance to a venue hosting India's High Commissioner to Ottawa. Both have not been contacted by police over the incidents.

China “expels” US destroyer from South China Sea, US rejects claim

The US Navy 7th Fleet has denied Chinese claims that it expelled an American warship from the South China Sea, saying it was conducting routine operations in the region. China's People's Liberation Army said the US vessel was found in the region "without authorisation" and had "sabotaged the peace and stability" of the strategic waterway. The US Navy said it will continue to operate where international law allows. China has called on the US to "stop such provocations".

Canada’s population sees record growth as immigration rises

Canada's population grew at a record pace in 2022, adding over 1 million people, mostly due to immigration. India was the top source country, with 127,933 permanent residents admitted in 2021. Canada's population growth rate of 2.7% was among the top 20 in the world, and the country could double its population by the middle of this century. 437,180 permanent residents and 607,782 non-permanent residents were welcomed in 2022.

Arrest of Putin abroad would mean 'declaration of war': Russia's ex-president

Russia's ex-president Dmitry Medvedev warned that attempts to arrest Vladimir Putin abroad would be seen by Moscow as a "declaration of war". He said Russian weapons would hit a country if it arrested Putin, in response to the International Criminal Court's warrant against him. The Hague-based court had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. The ICC's legislative body said it regretted "threats" against the tribunal.

King Charles’ affectionate term for Queen Consort Camilla revealed

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards revealed in his new book that King Charles III refers to his wife Queen Camilla as ?my darling wife?, noting that she ?brings out the best? in him and has ?a wonderful sense of fun?. Edwards also praised the King for ?doing everything he could to make a difference? and said the couple?s coronation will take place in May 2021.

Russia has regained part control of approaches to Ukraine's Kreminna, UK says

British military intelligence said on Thursday that Russia had regained control of areas near the eastern Ukrainian town of Kreminna, with gains of up to several kilometres. The move follows a wave of air strikes in Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Moscow.

Imminent threat of China invading Taiwan? What US official said

The US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said there is no imminent threat of China invading Taiwan, but the US is ready to defend the self-ruled island. China has become more assertive in its territorial claims, and Kendall said Beijing has done "a number of things that are fairly aggressive", including "militarising" the South China Sea. He called for increased cooperation between the two countries.

Tourists can apply for jobs while on temporary visa in US: Details

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that people travelling to the US on a business or tourist visa can now apply for new jobs and even appear in interviews. They can also remain in the US for up to 60 days during which they can file an application for a change of nonimmigrant status. If they take no action within the grace period, they and their dependents may need to depart the US within 60 days.

Macron doubles down on France pension bill, triggers nationwide protests

Hundreds of thousands of people in France are set to strike and demonstrate against President Macron's pension reform, which lifts the retirement age by two years to 64. Labour unions have described Macron's decision as "scorn" and "lies" and have called for his Prime Minister to be fired. Protests have been peaceful, but scuffles with police have broken out in Paris and other cities. Macron has refused to back down, and has tasked his Prime Minister with re-engaging with unions. Polls show a wide majority of French oppose the reform.

It's time for men to…: US first lady Jill Biden on women's rights

At a Women's History Month event, US First Lady Jill Biden called on men to step up and fight for women's rights, lamenting that these are battles that were thought to have been won long ago. Joe Biden also spoke, emphasizing that his administration is focused on improving the economic status of women, and that all pressing issues are related to their economic security.

Uganda passes one of world's most extreme anti-LGBTQ laws, US fumes

The White House condemned Uganda's passage of an anti-gay bill on Tuesday, calling it one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. The law gives authorities broad powers to target and discriminate against gay Ugandans, who already face legal and mob violence.

'Can't afford a lightbulb': Watch Rishi Sunak cornered on UK economic crisis

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was asked by BBC Breakfast about the cost of living crisis in the UK, using the example of a woman named Nikki from Cornwall who can't afford a light bulb for her kitchen. Sunak responded that he was proud of the difficult decisions he had made, and that the government was putting billions of pounds into social care to help people like Nikki and was covering her energy bill.

Prince William visits troops in Poland on surprise trip: ‘I’m here because…’

Prince William made an unannounced trip to Poland to thank British and Polish troops involved in the Ukraine war, and meet refugees who have fled the conflict. He spoke to members of the Polish defence force and British troops and will meet President Duda and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

China's military says US warship illegally entered waters in South China Sea

China's military said it drove away a U.S. destroyer that had illegally entered its waters around the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. Tension between the two countries has been growing in the area, as the U.S. seeks to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.