Trump Pledges to End EV Aid for Tesla; Musk dismisses threat off

Donald Trump threatened to end subsidies for Elon Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. Musk, a former adviser to Trump, responded by calling for an end to all subsidies. Trump also suggested Musk might leave the U.S. without government support.   Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded by attacking Musk’s stance, claiming his businesses depend on federal subsidies. He suggested that without government support, Musk might leave the U.S. and shut down operations. Trump also questioned the purpose of the government office Musk once led and hinted it should investigate Musk’s companies. Musk responded shortly after, saying the Republican leader should follow through on his threat and cut the subsidies given to his companies. "I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now," the tech mogul wrote in a post on X.   Elon Musk, who once served as an adviser during Trump’s presidency, responded by saying he supports ending all subsidies to his businesses. He emphasized that he doesn't rely on government aid and believes the companies should stand on their own.   In a social media post, Trump said he had always opposed mandates for electric vehicles and accused Musk of benefiting more from government aid than anyone else. He argued that stopping federal support for rockets, satellites, and electric cars could save billions.   As the Senate moved ahead with voting on Trump's $4.5 trillion bill—which would extend tax cuts and tighten border control—Musk criticized Republicans for supporting what he called "debt slavery." He warned that the rising national debt puts the country at risk and questioned the logic of raising the debt ceiling repeatedly.     

Iran Says It Will Hold Fire—If Israel Does the Same

Trump Says a Ceasefire Is in Place, But the Fighting Hasn’t Stopped   Iran says it will stop launching attacks against Israel—but only if Israel stops its military strikes first. This statement came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both countries had agreed to a ceasefire. However, Iran's government quickly responded to Trump's claim, saying that no official agreement had been made. According to Iranian officials, the country is not part of any formal ceasefire deal. Instead, they said Iran is willing to pause its actions if Israel ends its attacks. Despite the talk of a ceasefire, fighting has continued. Early on Monday, Iran fired more missiles toward Israel, and some also targeted a U.S. military base in Qatar. In response, Israel launched new airstrikes in Tehran, including areas with military facilities. Iran had set a deadline of 4 a.m. local time for Israel to stop its attacks. But Israeli strikes continued beyond that point, leading to more tension and no clear end to the violence. Trump’s announcement may reflect behind-the-scenes discussions led by countries trying to ease the conflict, but so far, no formal peace deal has been confirmed by either side. As of now, both Iran and Israel remain active in military operations, and any hope for calm depends on whether one side chooses to fully stop its attacks first.

Iran Retaliates with Missile Attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

On June 23, 2025, Iran launched missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking a significant escalation in the Iran–Israel conflict. The attack, called "Operation Glad Tidings of Victory," was in response to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran had informed Qatari officials beforehand, allowing them to put defensive measures in place. Thankfully, Qatar's air defenses successfully intercepted the missiles, and there were no casualties or damages.   Although there was no immediate harm, the strike increased regional tensions. Qatar openly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of its sovereignty, and expressed its right to respond. Several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, closed their airspace in response. U.S. President Donald Trump played down the incident, describing it as a "very weak response" and suggesting it might even be a step toward peace.   This missile strike has ripple effects on regional security. Shipping insurers have increased premiums because they're worried about potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. While the immediate danger has lessened, this event highlights how fragile stability in the Middle East really is and the complex relationships between regional powers.Despite the lack of immediate harm, the strike heightened regional tensions. Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and reserved the right to respond. Several Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, closed their airspace in response. U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the incident, calling it a "very weak response" and suggesting it could be a step toward peace .    

Tensions Escalate: Israel-Iran Conflict — After Trump’s ‘Surrender’ Warning, Iran’s Supreme Leader Says ‘Battle Begins’

Hostilities Worsen Amid Rising Death Toll and Global Alarm   The Israel-Iran conflict has sharply intensified, following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public call for Iran to “surrender unconditionally.” In a bold and defiant response, Iran’s Supreme Leader declared, “The battle begins,” signaling a dangerous escalation that has already seen heavy civilian casualties and military losses on both sides. Fifth Day of Strikes: Nuclear Site Hit, Cities Under Fire   The conflict, now in its fifth consecutive day, has seen a wave of airstrikes, missile attacks, and targeted assassinations. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that an Iranian nuclear facility was struck during Israeli air raids. In retaliation, Iran claimed to have targeted a key Israeli intelligence center in Tel Aviv. Israeli sources have acknowledged damage to both civilian areas and military installations, as explosions continued throughout Tuesday night. A Mossad office was reportedly hit, while Tehran saw one of its senior military figures assassinated in a suspected Israeli operation. Casualties Mount: Over 240 Dead Across Both Nations   Iranian officials report that Israeli strikes have killed more than 220 people, including at least 70 women and children. Israel, meanwhile, has confirmed the deaths of over 20 people in Iran-led attacks. Hospitals in both countries are under pressure as the civilian toll climbs amid ongoing air raids. India Acts to Protect Nationals, Concerns Grow in Region   India has responded by relocating students out of Iran and rerouting international flights to avoid Iranian airspace. Concern remains for 120 Indian citizens stranded in Iraq. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to act swiftly to bring them home. United States Increases Military Pressure   Amid growing fears of a wider conflict, the U.S. has deployed two fighter jets into Iranian airspace. While Trump’s surrender demand was not made in an official capacity, it has added to the pressure on Iran as Washington calls for an end to hostilities. The U.S. presence in the region is now on high alert, with officials warning of “serious consequences” if attacks continue. G7 Summit: World Leaders Call for Ceasefire, Back Israel   At the G7 Summit in Canada, the Israel-Iran crisis took center stage. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Trump floated the idea of a ceasefire to fellow leaders. “An offer was made to pause the violence and explore broader dialogue,” Macron said. German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz emphasized that Israel and the U.S. have the combined capability to disable Iran’s nuclear infrastructure if needed. The G7 issued a joint statement supporting Israel and described Iran as a destabilizing force in the Middle East.  

BRICS Summit, 2024, at night After six years, Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have formal meetings.

During the BRICS summit in Russia on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have their first formal meeting since border tensions broke out in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, according to PTI.A day after China and India reached a deal on military patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the statement. According to the newspaper, the agreement is regarded as a significant step in attempts to resolve the four-year military standoff between the two countries. "I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping tomorrow (Wednesday) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit," Misri was quoted as saying by PTI.This will be Modi and Xi's first formal meeting since tensions erupted along the border, notwithstanding their brief niceties at the 2022 G20 summit in Indonesia. According to a PTI report, the two leaders last spoke casually during the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August 2023.  

BRICS Summit 2024 LIVE PM Modi said India is prepared to offer all assistance in resolving the issue in Ukraine.

On the fringes of the BRICS, PM Modi is scheduled to meet bilaterally with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.Today, October 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Kazan, Russia, where he would attend the 16th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit. The trip will last two days. The conference, which Russia is hosting, is perceived as an effort by non-Western nations to demonstrate their influence in the midst of the Ukrainian war. The grouping was extended during its summit in Johannesburg last year, and this will be its maiden summit. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were among the new members.In his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is prepared to offer all assistance in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine dispute. The prime minister told the Russian leader in his televised opening statement that New Delhi "fully supports" the early restoration of regional peace and stability.Additionally, Modi said that his second trip to Russia in as many months demonstrated "close" cooperation and a strong sense of confidence between the two nations."We stay in close communication on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. We think that issues should be settled amicably, as I already stated," the prime minister stated. "We are totally in favor of peace and stability returning as soon as possible. Humanity comes first in whatever we do. In the future, India is prepared to offer any assistance feasible," he declared.  

ChinaJoy 2024 Mobile App Advertising Event

What is ChinaJoy Event and all about the event? Shanghai, China hosts ChinaJoy, officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, every year as a digital entertainment event. This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Asia and China for video games and digital entertainment. Organizers: Game Connection & ChinaJoy Date: 26-28 July, 2024 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) ADZ Junction Media Exhibition Details: Booth #IG-061, Hall #5 at ChinaJoy ChinaJoy, 2024 event is divided and categorized in two parts which are: - Indie Game Expo: To present their games and network with publishers and investors, foreign game creators are welcome to come to ChinaJoy's exclusive Indie Game Expo. Indie Game Development Awards: submit your games for publisher assessment and win one or more to gain the recognition you deserve. Why China Joy? A major event for the digital entertainment sector, China Joy showcases the newest in gaming, hardware, software, and related services. It serves as a center for knowledge sharing, networking, and looking into new business ventures. With cutting-edge trends and technologies on exhibit, this year looks to be especially intriguing.What is ChinaJoy Event and all about the event? Shanghai, China hosts ChinaJoy, officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, every year as a digital entertainment event. This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Asia and China for video games and digital entertainment. Organizers: Game Connection & ChinaJoy Date: 26-28 July, 2024 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) ADZ Junction Media Exhibition Details: Booth #IG-061, Hall #5 at ChinaJoy ChinaJoy, 2024 event is divided and categorized in two parts which are: - Indie Game Expo: To present their games and network with publishers and investors, foreign game creators are welcome to come to ChinaJoy's exclusive Indie Game Expo. Indie Game Development Awards: submit your games for publisher assessment and win one or more to gain the recognition you deserve. Why China Joy? A major event for the digital entertainment sector, China Joy showcases the newest in gaming, hardware, software, and related services. It serves as a center for knowledge sharing, networking, and looking into new business ventures. With cutting-edge trends and technologies on exhibit, this year looks to be especially intriguing. Read more about the upcoming biggest event of 2024 which is happening in Shanghai, Chaina at the end of July, 2024.  

Indonesian Telecoms Industry Analysis Report 2024–2031: Indosat and Tri Indonesia Merger, XL Axiata Acquires Link Net, Towecos Consolidation, 5G Service Launch, FTTH Investments

May 21, 2024, Dublin (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ResearchAndMarkets.com is now introducing the "Indonesia Telecoms Industry Report 2024-2031" study to its database.Welcome to the Indonesia Telecoms Industry Report, which provides a thorough analysis of one of the telecom markets with the quickest rate of growth in the globe. The telecom industry is crucial to national economies because it attracts significant infrastructure funds and spurs economic growth, especially as data infrastructure becomes more and more important in our connected world. Due to its defensive nature, the Indonesian telecoms industry is likely to stay stable despite political unpredictability and the economic impact of inflationary pressure.Important Developments Discussed in the Report on the Indonesian Telecom Sector: Combination of Tri Indonesia and Indosat Link Net is purchased by XL Axiata merging with Towecos introduction of 5G services Strong increase in consumer fixed broadband services is driven by FTTH developments.By 2031, 78% of Indonesia's mobile subscriptions are expected to be 5G users. It is anticipated that the Indonesian market would have close to 300 million 5G users by 2031.The telecommunications sector in Indonesia is a thriving mobile-only market with four major network providers and a near-monopolistic fixed-line provider. Robust economic foundations support the whole industry, establishing Indonesia as one of the world's fastest-growing telecom markets. Both mobile and fixed broadband subscribers are the main drivers of the increase. The publisher projects that mobile subscriptions will continue to rise rapidly after a brief dip in 2018 between 2024 and 2031. There will be a steady increase in fixed broadband subscribers together with a rise in household penetration.Increased data usage, more smartphone penetration, improved services, more affordable options, and broader coverage are the primary factors propelling the telecom industry's expansion. Indonesia is making large capital expenditure investments to extend its 4G coverage and fiber-optic network. The telecom industry has seen a sharp increase in investment, and this trend is anticipated to continue through 2023–2030.The publisher projects robust total telecom industry development through 2031, requiring higher capital expenditures outside of Java and phasing out 3G statewide to make way for 4G to be available to all Indonesians.  

King Charles to attend Easter service in first major event since cancer diagnosis

The king is undergoing treatment and had suspended almost all his public engagements since his diagnosis.King Charles III and Queen Camilla will attend an Easter service at the chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday, Buckingham Palace officials said Tuesday, in the first major appearance for the 75-year-old king since he was diagnosed with cancer in February. Officials said Charles and Camilla will be accompanied by members of the royal family at St. George's Chapel. The event is expected to be smaller than usual. Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, who announced last week that she is also undergoing cancer treatment, are not expected to attend. The king is undergoing treatment and has suspended almost all his public engagements since his diagnosis. Officials didn’t disclose what form of cancer Charles has but said it’s not related to his recent treatment for a benign prostate condition. Officials have said the monarch is continuing with state business, including regular weekly meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and won't be handing over his constitutional role as head of state. On Tuesday, Charles was shown meeting community and faith leaders from across the U.K. at Buckingham Palace to hear about their work of boosting social cohesion amid heightened international tensions.  

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EAM S Jaishankar defends Indias ties with Russia

India and Russia have always had a good relationship, and both nations have gone above and beyond to protect one another’s interests, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Sunday, rejecting the idea that Moscow is leaning closer to China.Speaking with Singapore’s Indian community, Jaishankar suggested that India consider its relations with Russia and other nations from an Indian viewpoint. “So, tell me has Russia helped us or harmed us? Has Russia at crucial moments contributed or obstructed? Going ahead, are there gains to be made from Russia or is it only damages which will come out?” he asked. “So, if I do my calculations from my perspective and my experiences, I will get the answer. And the answer in this case is that Russia is a country with which we have always had a positive relationship,” he said. “Both India and Russia have taken that extra care to look after each other’s interests. So, I think we should have that confidence as we go forward,” he said while answering a question. The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.On a question on the US presidential election in November and India’s equation with the country after that, Jaishankar said: “I prefer to be patient”. Jaishankar said he is confident that India can get along with whoever is President of the US.  

Ukraine sees power outages after largest missile barrage of the year

Several Ukrainian regions suffered power outages after the largest Russian missile and drone strike on the country’s energy infrastructure so far this year, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to again urge foreign allies to accelerate military aid. Ukraine’s air defense intercepted less than a half of the 88 missiles, which affected electricity generation and transmission systems across the country early Friday, Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel. Most of an estimated 63 drones were taken down. Moscow’s goal is to disable Ukraine’s power system via the same means as last year, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in an emailed statement. “Russia’s missiles are not facing delays like military aid packages to our state. Shahed drones don’t have indecision like some politicians,” Zelenskyy said as he urged Ukraine’s allies not to delay with providing weapons, which will in turn help protect citizens. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has approved the next disbursement to Ukraine within a $15.6-billion loan programme, a move that bolsters the nation’s finances as aid from the US, its key ally, remains stalled. The lender’s executive board met on Thursday to give final assent to providing about $880 million in the latest installment to Kyiv. This is the first of four tranches for a total amount of more than $5.3 billion scheduled to be released this year.The IMF continues to lend to Ukraine under a four-year loan package sealed a year ago. At least two people were killed and eight wounded in the western city of Khmelnytskyi after the attacks, the Interior Ministry said. Six people were injured and three are missing in Zaporizhzhia, where missiles struck residential buildings.   One of the remaining power lines that link the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to the Ukrainian power grid automatically switched off because of disruptions in transmission, the nuclear operator Energoatom said on Telegram.   The Dnipro hydro power plant in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine’s largest, was also targeted, causing a fire, said operator Ukrhydroenergo, adding that there was no risk to the dam.Thermal power plants run by the energy producer DTEK were seriously damaged, the company said in a statement. Ukrainian Railway reported that several areas of its network lost power and trains were being sent on roundabout routes.  

Meta, Microsoft, X join forces against Apples App Store payment plans

In a rare joint filing, the companies said Apple’s plan “comports with neither the letter nor the spirit” of a 2021 ruling which found iPhone maker in violation of California unfair competition laws and required it to allow app developers to direct users to their own payment systems.Echoing arguments by Epic Games Inc. in its long-running antitrust fight with Apple over the App Store, the companies said Apple’s plan “imposes new restrictions on app developers that ensure the price competition that the injunction was designed to promote will never materialize.” The filing marks the latest volley in the back-and-forth over Apple’s tight control over its app marketplace, which is one of the world’s two dominant stores alongside Alphabet Inc.’s Google Play. An appeals court last year upheld the 2021 decision by an Oakland trial judge who found Apple’s business model violated California law by limiting developers from communicating about their alternative payment systems, which could wind up costing users less. Apple takes a cut from every purchase made on its app store.Epic, maker of the popular Fortnite game, and Apple had both asked the Supreme Court to review the lower-court rulings, but the high court declined in January. Apple said at the time it would let all third-party apps sold in the US include an outside link to a developer website to process payments for in-app purchases. But Epic last week asked for Apple to be held in contempt of court, claiming the company made outside links “commercially unusable” by imposing new fees. Apple’s plan — which is nine pages and 2,900 words — describes “dozens of requirements and limitations to which developers must adhere to be eligible to include an external purchase link within their apps,” according to the filing from Meta, Microsoft, X and Match. Apple previously said it is complying with the court order while continuing to protect the privacy and security of its app store users. Though Apple is allowing app makers to include an outside link to alternative payment systems, the company is still attempting to collect a 12% or 27% revenue share from developers that opt out of the system.  

Gaza Civil Defense: Israel refuses to allow access to wounded in Gaza City

In a statement, spokesperson for the organisation Mahmoud Basal says that Israel refuses to coordinate with international groups such as the Red Cross in order to allow rescue crews access to “hundreds” of wounded Palestinians in the vicinity of al-Shifa Hospital in north Gaza.“The occupation’s decision to prevent coordination is an extension of the policy of slow execution of innocent and wounded citizens under siege,” Basal says. On Monday, Israeli forces launched a new assault on the medical complex and its surrounding area, killing at least 90 people and detaining hundreds. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says preparations are under way for the invasion of Rafah, but an operation “will take some time”. In a video statement, Netanyahu said he will soon approve a plan for the evacuation of about 1.5 million Palestinian civilians from fighting areas after having greenlit the military’s operation. He said he appreciated the support of US President Joe Biden, who he asked to present proposals on humanitarian assistance and other aspects of the war.The army would “continue to operate in Khan Younis, in the central camps, for the elimination and capture of senior Hamas officials as we just did in Shifa Hospital, while eliminating hundreds of terrorists”, Netanyahu added. “As I promised you time and time again – we are determined to achieve absolute victory, and we will achieve it,” he said.  

Russia confirms naval chief replaced after Black Sea failures

Russian state media confirmed on Tuesday that the Kremlin replaced the head of the country’s navy following a string of successful Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea fleet.Adm. Alexander Moiseyev was for the first time officially introduced as acting commander in chief of the Russian Navy during celebrations marking Submariner Day in Kronshtadt, a town and a naval base on Kotlin Island, just west of St. Petersburg, according to state news agency TASS. Born on April 16, 1962 in Borskoye, Kaliningrad region, Moiseyev had served “for many years in nuclear submarines of the Northern Fleet from combat element group engineer to missile submarine commander, submarine force commander and submarine forces commander,” according to his Russian Defense Ministry biography. In 2011, Moiseyev was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation for courage and heroism shown in the line of duty, according to the Defense Ministry. He has also been awarded two orders of courage and a number of other awards and medals, according to the ministry. Moiseyev replaces Adm. Nikolay Yevmenov, according to TASS, whose future had been the subject of speculation for weeks due to Russia’s repeated losses in the Black Sea. While the situation on the frontlines of the ground fighting between Russia and Ukraine has been static for months, save for a few Russian victories, the successes in the Black Sea have been a bright spot for the Ukrainian military. Ukraine claimed last month that it had disabled a third of the Russian Black Sea fleet in attacks which have most involved underwater drones. The salvos are aimed at isolating the Crimean Peninsula to make it more difficult for Russia to sustain its military operations there and on the Ukrainian mainland. Moscow seized Crimea 10 years ago in violation of international law, so the attacks there carry symbolic significance as well as strategic value. Pushing back Russia’s fleet has also allowed Kyiv to open a maritime corridor to export of grain and other commodities to the global market. But those losses have prompted the Kremlin to redouble its efforts to fortify the Black Sea Fleet. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu effectively admitted that Ukraine had taken advantage of vulnerabilities in the Black Sea Fleet during a visit to its command post. According to a statement from the ministry, Shoigu ordered the Russian navy to add more firepower to war ships to counter Ukrainian drones and train personnel “during the day and at night.” It’s unclear when exactly Moiseyev was appointed to replace Yevmenov. The palace intrigue inside Russia’s military is, like much of the country’s authoritarian politics, notoriously opaque.  

Israel’s war on Gaza live: Imminent famine an ‘entirely manmade disaster’

UN chief Antonio Guterres says a new report warning that famine is now imminent in northern Gaza is an “appalling indictment” of the situation on the ground.In a statement released on X, Reporters Without Borders, also known by its French name Reporters sans frontieres (RSF), has called the arrest of Al Jazeera Arabic’s Ismail al-Ghoul “part of Israel’s ongoing crackdown on the press”. “RSF demands the release of correspondent Ismail a-Ghoul, arrested by the army at Al-Shifa hospital,” the statement reads, saying that he was beaten and his equipment destroyed.We’ve been reporting all day on intense fighting at and near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, has reported on its Telegram channel that its fighters have been engaged in “fierce clashes” with Israeli forces in the area since dawn. The group said it targeted “a number of Zionist vehicles, causing deaths and injuries among their ranks”.The organisation’s global humanitarian director, Unni Krishnan, says that according to the IPC’s analysis in December, famine could be prevented if a cessation of hostilities occurred in the Gaza conflict and increased humanitarian aid entered the enclave, but that did not happen. “This horrific situation was entirely avoidable, and it’s not too late to take action to prevent more children from dying. We fully agree with the IPC warning: Waiting for a confirmation that famine is occurring or has actually occurred to take radical measures is indefensible,” Krishnan said. He added that his organisation “more urgently than ever before” calls for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire and a massive increase in humanitarian assistance”. “Israeli restrictions on aid, siege tactics, and Israeli military attacks against civilians, humanitarian aid, health and relief workers must cease immediately. The starvation of the civilian population is illegal under international humanitarian law.”    

Russia Begins Voting As Ukraine Steps Up Border Attacks

Officials in Moscow warned against any protests during the March 15-17 presidential vote, after calls from the opposition for anti-Putin demonstrations on Sunday.Russia began voting on Friday in an election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years, as Kyiv branded the vote a "farce" and launched a barrage of deadly attacks on border regions. Officials in Moscow warned against any protests during the March 15-17 presidential vote, after calls from the opposition for anti-Putin demonstrations on Sunday. The Kremlin says the vote will show that the country is fully behind his assault on Ukraine and polling stations have been set up in Russian-held territories.Ahead of the election, Kyiv ramped up its aerial bombardment of Russian regions just across their shared border. The Russian National Guard said it was fighting off attacks from pro-Ukrainian militias in Kursk, the latest in a string of border clashes. "I am convinced: you realize what a difficult period our country is going through, what complex challenges we are facing in almost all areas," Putin said in an address to Russians on the eve of the vote. "And in order to continue to respond to them with dignity and successfully overcome difficulties, we need to continue to be united and self-confident." Polling stations opened in Russia's easternmost Kamchatka peninsula at 8:00 am local time on Friday and are set to close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Sunday in Kaliningrad -- a Russian exclave bordering Poland and Lithuania.All of Putin's major critics are dead, in prison or in exile, and authorities blocked the few genuine competitors who tried to stand in the contest. Alexei Navalny, Putin's most high-profile opponent over the last decade, died in February in an Arctic prison colony. He was serving 19 years for "extremism", a sentence widely seen as retribution for his campaigning against the Kremlin leader. Moscow prosecutors warned against protests during the election. "The organization of and participation in these mass events are punishable by virtue of the legislation in place," they said in a statement posted on Telegram. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has called for rallies outside polling stations on Sunday, the final day of voting. Kyiv has this week launched some of its most significant aerial attacks since the start of the two-year conflict. The governor of Russia's Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that at least three separate waves of aerial attacks had killed two people, wounding several others. He accused Ukraine of trying to "sow panic, distrust, anger, and resentment, in order to break the unit of our society". Pro-Ukrainian paramilitaries also claimed to be escalating attacks and incursions in Russian border regions. In a joint statement, three pro-Kyiv volunteer groups -- claiming to consist of anti-Kremlin Russians who have taken up arms -- called on authorities to evacuate civilians from the regions of Belgorod and Kursk. "Civilians should not suffer from the war and any casualties in the process of fighting will be on the conscience" of the regions' governors, they added. Russia has denied militias' claims to have gained ground. The National Guard said its units had beaten back one such attack near the village of Tyotkino in Kursk. The defense ministry said it had fended off another by Ukrainian forces trying to enter Belgorod via the village of Spodariushino, without saying when the clash had happened.  

Putin Didn Threaten To Use Nukes, US Took Him Out Of Context

Putin said in the interview published on Wednesday that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the U.S. sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict.The Kremlin said on Thursday that comments on nuclear weapons that Russian President Vladimir Putin made in an interview with state media did not constitute a threat to use them, and accused the U.S. of deliberately taking the remarks out of context. Putin said in the interview published on Wednesday that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the U.S. sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict. Commenting on Putin's words, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Washington understood that the Russian leader was restating Moscow's nuclear doctrine, but accused Russia of deploying "reckless and irresponsible" nuclear rhetoric throughout the Ukraine conflict.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Putin had merely been answering a journalist's questions on the subject and restating the already well-known circumstances in which Russia would theoretically be forced to use nuclear weapons. Peskov also drew attention to the fact that Putin had said in the same interview that the idea of using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine had never crossed his mind. Asked about the White House comments, Peskov said: "This was deliberately taking something out of context. Putin made no threats about the use of nuclear weapons in this interview. The president was just talking about the reasons that could make the use of nuclear weapons inevitable. "These are the reasons that are stated in our relevant documents, which are well known throughout the world. Moreover, everyone in the West deliberately failed to notice his words that it had never occurred to him to use tactical nuclear weapons (in Ukraine), despite the various situations that have developed in the course of the fighting."This is a deliberate distortion of the context and an unwillingness to hear President Putin."  

Israeli Fire Kills 6 Palestinians Awaiting Aid Trucks: Gaza Health Ministry

Palestinians were rushing to get aid supplies at the Kuwait roundabout in northern Gaza City late on Wednesday evening when Israeli forces opened fire, residents and health officials said.Israeli fire killed six Palestinians and wounded dozens of others as crowds of residents awaited aid trucks in Gaza City, Gaza health ministry officials said on Thursday. Palestinians were rushing to get aid supplies at the Kuwait roundabout in northern Gaza City late on Wednesday evening when Israeli forces opened fire, residents and health officials said. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident. The conflict in Gaza has displaced most of the enclave's 2.3 million population and there have been chaotic scenes and deadly incidents at aid distributions as desperately hungry people scramble for food.On Feb. 29, Palestinian health authorities said Israeli forces shot dead more than 100 Palestinians as they waited for an aid delivery near Gaza City. Israel blamed the deaths on crowds that surrounded aid trucks, saying victims had been trampled or run over. In Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, an Israeli missile hit a house, killing nine people on Thursday, Palestinian medics said. Residents said Israeli aerial and ground bombardments continued overnight on areas across the enclave including in Rafah in the south, where over a million displaced people are sheltering. The war began when Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel then launched an air, sea, and ground assault that has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza say. The Gaza health ministry said on Thursday Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip had killed 69 Palestinians and wounded 110 others in the past 24 hours. With the war now in its sixth month, the U.N. has warned that at least 576,000 people in Gaza - one quarter of the population - are on the brink of famine and global pressure has been growing on Israel to allow more access to the enclave. Israel denies obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza. It has blamed failures by aid agencies for delays and has accused Hamas of diverting aid. Hamas denies this and says Israel uses hunger as a weapon in its military offensive. A ship carrying aid is currently approaching Gaza in a pilot trial of maritime delivery, that is expected to be followed up by a U.S. military effort to set up a dock on Gaza's coast that will enable distribution of up to two million meals a day.While welcoming aid ships, Palestinian and U.N. officials say maritime deliveries are not a substitute for sending aid through land crossings.