WORLD
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.
Indirect nuke talks with US continue in Qatar: Iranian Foreign ministry
Another meeting between Iran's Chief Nuclear Negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani and Enrique Mora, the EU Chief Coordinator for the Iran nuclear talks, was held on Wednesday evening, Nasser Kanani added on Wednesday. "The talks in Doha have, from the beginning, been scheduled for two days. The two-day Doha talks are being held in a professional and serious climate," he said.
Guterres calls for respecting all religions in aftermath of Udaipur killing
"We call for the full respect for all religions and for ensuring throughout the world that different communities can live in harmony and peace," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in reply to a question about "the resurgence of religious tensions" in India and Tuesday's killing on Kanhayia Lal, reportedly over a social media comment. Guterres was asked on Wednesday to clarify if that applied to journalists' comments about all religions and if it squared with the call for respecting all religions.
Ukrainian President urges more defence, financial aid at NATO summit
In his speech, Zelensky on Wednesday said that Ukraine needs modern missile and air defence systems to protect its cities, and artillery to stand against Russia on the battlefields, Xinhua news agency reported. Financial support for Ukraine is no less important than aid with weapons, he said, adding that his country needs nearly $5 billion per month for defence and protection.
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