India’s major parties field few women in race to parliament
Women running for India’s parliament are barely a blip in the world’s biggest democratic exercise, which began last week and will play out in seven rounds, with results expected on May 23.
Schools evacuated, subway services halted as quake rocks Taiwan
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s coastal city of Hualien on Thursday, shaking buildings and temporarily halting subway services in the capital Taipei, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.
North Korea rejects Pompeo from nuclear dialogue: KCNA
North Korea no longer wants U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo involved in nuclear talks, calling for someone who “is more careful and mature in communicating”, state media said on Thursday.
Russia says it will help Venezuela, Cuba to weather U.S. sanctions: RIA
Russia considers new U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and Cuba to be illegal and it plans to do everything to support its allies in Caracas and Havana, RIA news agency cited Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Thursday.
Gunmen kill 14 after kidnapping them from buses on Pakistani coast
Unidentified gunmen killed 14 people in southwestern Pakistan after pulling them from several passenger buses, sifting through their identity cards and kidnapping them, a Pakistani official said on Thursday.
Maldives parliament repeals law allowing foreign land ownership
The Maldives has canceled a 2015 law that allowed foreigners to own land in the tropical islands, a move the government said addressed concerns about potential loss of sovereignty.
Europe would respond to any U.S. sanctions on investments in Cuba: French minister
Europe would respond to any sanctions by the U.S. government on investments in Cuba, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday.
As Indonesia president heads for poll win, police warn on security
Indonesian President Joko Widodo appeared on course on Thursday for a second term, based on unofficial vote counts and despite the objections of his rival, while police vowed firm action against any rallies that could disturb security.
Buildings shake, schools evacuated as quake hits east Taiwan
An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Taiwan’s coastal city of Hualien on Thursday, shaking buildings and temporarily suspending subway services in the capital Taipei, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Death toll exceeds 200 in Tripoli fighting: WHO
Some 205 people have been killed, including 18 civilians, and 913 wounded in two weeks of fighting near the Libyan capital of Tripoli, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
