[QUICKREADS]

Ukraine vows to unite against 'terrorist' Russia
Kyiv said Russian forces had fired more than 80 missiles on cities across the country -- including the capital -- and that Russia had used Iranian drones launched from neighbouring Belarus, spurring panic and damaging energy facilities.

‘To eliminate me…pretending my death was…’: Imran Khan's big claim
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claims he could be killed if he attends court proceedings in cases lodged against him and has asked the chief justice to allow him to join via video link. Khan alleges 20 "unknown people" were present in the court complex on Saturday to kill him, and that they planned to strangulate him with a rope. He requests the chief justice to investigate how these "unknown people" managed to enter the high security zone.

Japanese PM Kishida en route to Ukraine to meet Zelensky amid war
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is visiting Ukraine, a warzone, to show support for the country. He is the first Japanese prime minister to do so since WWII. Kishida's visit follows US President Joe Biden's surprise trip to Kyiv and comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Moscow. Japan has provided Ukraine with financial and humanitarian aid, and has also sent defensive equipment and offered refuge to those fleeing the conflict.

These countries made to top 10 list of world’s happiest. Where does India stand?
Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year, according to the United Nations' World Happiness Report. Denmark and Iceland followed Finland in the rankings, while India fared poorly at 126. The report considered factors such as income, health, emotional support, freedom of choice and generosity.

'Better be my last': 92-year-old media mogul Rupert Murdoch to marry for fifth time
Rupert Murdoch, 92, is set to marry for the fifth time, to Ann Lesley Smith, a 66-year-old former police chaplain and widow of American country singer and media executive Chester Smith. Despite being worth $20 billion, Murdoch said he was "very nervous" and "dreaded falling in love" but is now "happy". The couple plan to marry this summer and split their time between the US and UK.

Sri Lanka says IMF has approved $2.9 billion bailout for the cash-strapped economy
The IMF Executive Board has approved a $2.9 billion bailout for Sri Lanka, part of a $7 billion package from the IMF and international financial institutions. President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said they are "pleased" with the approval, which will help the country's economic recovery.

Trump failed to disclose $47,000 gifts from India: House report
Investigation by Congressional Democrats of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has revealed that US President Donald Trump and his family failed to disclose 17 gifts, worth over $47,000, from India to the State Department. These gifts were given by Indian dignitaries and the Embassy of India in Philippines between 2018 and 2021. Trump is also alleged to have violated a law which requires him to publicly disclose all gifts worth more than $415.

Russia ties based on no-confrontation, not targeting any third party, says Chinese president
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday and said China and Russia have grown their bilateral relationship on the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and not targeting any third party. Putin and Xi will hold face-to-face talks in the Kremlin and be joined by members of delegations. There will be no additional protocol stuff, focusing on negotiations.

Bali may cancel visa-on-arrival for Russians and Ukrainians. Here's why
Bali has ordered its central immigration agency to revoke the visa-on-arrival scheme for Russians and Ukrainians due to an increase in crimes involving visitors from these countries. The island destination has seen a spike in tourist numbers since the beginning of the war in 2022, with violations including visa overstays and illegal work. The government is now enforcing stricter visa rules, deporting 47 people and facing legal action against one Ukrainian. Bali is also planning to ban tourists from renting motorcycles.

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.