Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announces surprise resignation
Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation, citing “personal and political, but mainly political reasons” in a surprise move.
Flanked by colleagues outside government buildings in Dublin on Wednesday, Varadkar said he felt he was no longer the “best man” for the job.
He said he would stay as prime minister until a successor can be elected after parliament returns from recess next month.
Read Ahead At : https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/20/europe/leo-varadkar-ireland-prime-minister-resignation-intl/index.html
Germany arrests suspected ISIS supporters accused of planning terror attack on Swedish parliament
Two individuals accused of planning firearms attack on Sweden’s parliament were arrested in Germany on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Office of the German Federal Prosecutor.
The pair, who authorities said are Afghan citizens, were arrested near the city of Gera in Thuringia, central Germany, on suspicion of terrorism, the statement said.
Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, said in a statement on Tuesday that one of those arrested is a suspected member of terror group ISIS, and one is a suspected supporter.
Read Ahead At:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/europe/germany-isis-suspects-sweden-intl/index.html
Putin warns the West a Russia-NATO Conflict is just one step from World War 3
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Monday that a direct conflict between Russia and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance would mean the planet was one step away from World War Three but said hardly anyone wanted such a scenario.
The Ukraine war has triggered the deepest crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has often warned of the risks of nuclear war but says he has never felt the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron last month said he could not rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine in the future, with many Western countries distancing themselves from that while others, especially in eastern Europe, expressed support
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EU announces $8bn package for Egypt as part of deal to check migration
The European Union has announced a 7.4 billion-euro ($8.06bn) aid package and an upgraded relationship with Egypt, part of a new deal to stem migration flows to Europe that has been criticised by rights groups.
The deal is scheduled to be signed during a visit on Sunday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to officials.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met separately with von der Leyen and other European leaders before the signing ceremony.
Read Ahead At: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/17/eu-announces-8bn-package-for-egypt-as-part-of-deal-to-check-migrant-flowst.
Finland moves to block asylum seekers from entering
Finland plans to adopt temporary legislation.
It will allow its border authorities to block asylum seekers seeking to enter its territory from Russia, the government has said.
Finland closed all crossings on its 1,340km (830-mile) border with Russia late last year amid a growing number of arrivals who did not possess valid documents to enter the European Union.
However, asylum seekers have continued to arrive, and the government believes the numbers could rise significantly with the advent of spring and a rise in temperatures.
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Russian Navy Replaces Chief Amid Ukrainian Successes in Black Sea
Adm. Alexander Moiseyev introduced as acting commander in chief of Russian Navy.
Moiseyev has extensive experience in nuclear submarines and has been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.
He replaces Adm. Nikolay Yevmenov amidst speculation over Russian losses in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea, including disabling a third of the Russian fleet, prompted Kremlin's action. Attacks aimed at isolating Crimea and disrupting Russian military operations.
Ukrainian victories allow opening of a maritime corridor for exporting commodities. Russian Defense Minister orders reinforcement of Black Sea Fleet to counter Ukrainian drones.
Appointment of Moiseyev highlights opaque nature of Russian military politics; fate of Yevmenov unclear.
Read Ahead At: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/europe/aleksandr-moiseev-russian-navy-intl/index.html
Russia and Belarus Athletes Excluded from Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony
Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from the opening ceremony due to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Conditions for inclusion include competing without national flags, emblems, or anthems. Russia expresses outrage over the IOC's conditions for its athletes.
IOC condemns Russia's plan to host 'Friendship Games,' calling it a cynical attempt to politicize sport. The Friendship Games, planned by Russia for September, was deemed a blatant violation of the Olympic Charter.
WADA raises concerns about unsanctioned multi-sports events compromising athlete health and fairness.
IOC warns athletes could face exploitation as part of political propaganda campaign if forced to participate in Friendship Games.
Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/68606455
Russia Plans Evacuation of 9,000 Children Amid Ongoing Shelling from Ukraine
Russia to evacuate 9,000 children from Belgorod region due to continuous shelling from Ukraine. The move aims to create a buffer zone to protect border regions from Ukrainian strikes and cross-border raids.
Recent incursions by Ukrainian forces prompted Russian military and security action, resulting in casualties. Civilian areas, including Belgorod, were targeted frequently, leading to casualties and injuries.
Previous evacuations have occurred sporadically since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Uncertainty remains regarding whether adults will accompany evacuated children, potentially increasing a total number of evacuees.
Read Ahead At: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/19/russia-says-it-will-evacuate-children-from-belgorod-after-ukraine-shelling
News bits drafted and compiled by: Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 2nd year) (Region Head)
Gungun Thakur (BA IR 1st Year)
Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 2nd year)
