The Times Of India World

Iran, Saudis hold talks in Baghdad, few expect quick results

The hosting of Saudi-Iran talks is also a significant step for Iraq, which has ties with both the US and Iran and has often borne the brunt of Saudi-Iran rivalry.

Vladimir Putin: Bringing power back to Russia at all costs

Making sure that Russia is not just listened to, but respected and even feared, has been at the heart of Putin's presidency since he came to power in 1999 as a relatively unknown ex-spy.

Mass pro-Navalny protests planned as Putin addresses Russia

The longtime Russian leader's annual speech to lawmakers and regional governors sets the political agenda and last year saw Putin lay out a plan that eventually gave him the power to stay in office until 2036. This year's address comes with Moscow locked in diplomatic disputes with the United States and Europe over a Russian troop build-up on Ukraine's borders and a series of espionage scandals.

Japan PM sends offering to controversial shrine honouring war dead

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine, a move likely to anger China and South Korea as it honours war dead, including perpetrators of Japan's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.

Tears of joy, relief after conviction in Floyd murder case

"Guilty!": As the jury's murder conviction against white ex-policeman Derek Chauvin was relayed on a loudspeaker Tuesday, the crowd in front of the Minneapolis courthouse erupted in joy and relief.

New Zealand to consolidate healthcare into national service

New Zealand announced Wednesday it will consolidate its fragmented healthcare system into a national service similar to the one revered by many in Britain. New Zealand's government-run system is currently divided into 20 district health boards, each with their own budget. Some describe the system as a "postcode lottery" of different treatment depending on where people live.

Joe Biden calls on US 'to unite as Americans' and avoid violence

Joe Biden to Floyd family after verdict: 'We're all so relieved'

Before Tuesday's guilty verdicts were read out, President Joe Biden said he was praying for "the right verdict" in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.

Derek Chauvin likely to appeal, claiming trial tainted by civil settlement, media coverage

Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin will likely seek to overturn his murder and manslaughter convictions by arguing that the jury was prejudiced by media coverage and a settlement in the civil case brought by George Floyd's family, though his odds of success are slim, legal experts said.

In Minneapolis, a fortified city in wake of Derek Chauvin verdict

Just outside the entrance to Smile Orthodontics, in a Minneapolis neighborhood of craft breweries and trendy shops, two soldiers in jungle camouflage and body armor were on watch, assault rifles slung over their backs. Snow flurries blew around them. A few steps away at the Iron Door Pub, three more National Guard soldiers and a Minneapolis police officer stood out front, watching the street. A handful of other soldiers were scattered nearby, along with four camouflaged Humvees and a couple police cars.

Minneapolis ex-policeman Derek Chauvin convicted of murder in George Floyd case

Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in the deadly arrest of George Floyd, a milestone in the fraught racial history of the United States and a rebuke of law enforcement's treatment of Black Americans.

Explainer: What are charges against Derek Chauvin in George Floyd's death?

The 12 jurors who reached a verdict Tuesday in the case against Derek Chauvin had three counts to consider as they weighed whether he is responsible for the death of George Floyd.

Verdict reached in George Floyd murder trial

The jury reached a verdict on Tuesday in the high-profile trial of the white former police officer charged with murder and manslaughter for the death of African-American George Floyd.

Afghanistan withdrawal draws concerns over abducted American

As the US moves to withdraw its military from Afghanistan over the next five months, concerns are growing about one American who risks being left behind. Mark Frerichs, a contractor from Lombard, Illinois, believed held for more than a year by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, was not mentioned in President Joe Biden's address on Afghanistan last week.

EU agency links Johnson & Johnson shot to rare clots, says odds favor use

The European Union's drug regulatory agency said Tuesday that it found a "possible link" between Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine and extremely rare blood clots and recommended a warning be added to the label. But experts at the agency reiterated that the vaccine's benefits outweigh the risks.

Police: 1 killed, 2 wounded in shooting at NY grocery store

An employee was killed and two people were wounded Tuesday in a shooting at a Long Island grocery store, police said. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said a person of interest in the shooting had worked at the store and remains at large.

Joe Biden says praying for 'right verdict' in Derek Chauvin trial

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he was praying for the "right verdict" in the murder trial of the police officer accused of killing George Floyd, as the jury met for a second day of deliberations. Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was charged with murder and manslaughter after kneeling on the neck of a dying Floyd during an arrest last May.

Pandemic puts tulips, bluebells, cherry blossoms in hiding

There is no stopping flowers when they bloom, blossoms when they burst. Unfortunately, people have been stopped from enjoying them these days. In pandemic times, when so much goes against the grain, some beauties of nature are no longer embraced but kept at bay.

Thailand government negotiating to buy Pfizer coronavirus vaccine

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, under intense criticism for failing to secure adequate supplies of coronavirus vaccines, said Tuesday his government is negotiating to buy 5 million to 10 million doses from U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

Spain extends ban on Brazil, South Africa arrivals

Spain on Tuesday extended its ban on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa until May 11 to curb the spread of new coronavirus strains. Only legal residents or nationals of Spain and the neighbouring micro-state of Andorra are currently allowed in on flights from these countries.