Chaos as MPs throw smoke grenades in Parliament

At least three Serbian MPs have been injured after opposition members threw smoke grenades during a chaotic session inside the country’s parliament on Tuesday. Politicians were seen on live television clashing with security and launching tear gas in an apparent show of support for student protestors. Demonstrations sparked by a railway station roof collapse that … Read more

Germany’s Merz promises to do ‘whatever it takes’ on defence

Paul Kirby Europe digital editor RALF HIRSCHBERGER/AFP Friedrich Merz hopes to form a new government by late April Friedrich Merz, who’s expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, has announced a political deal to raise hundreds of billions of euros in extra spending on defence and infrastructure. “In view of the threats to our freedom and … Read more

MPs told to stop complaining about use of Māori name

Kathryn Armstrong BBC News Getty Images MPs are able to use English, Māori or New Zealand sign language, when speaking in Parliament The speaker of the house in New Zealand’s parliament says he will not consider any further complaints from lawmakers over the use of the country’s Māori name in proceedings. “Aotearoa is regularly used … Read more

Indian court orders release of Briton Christian Michel held without trial for years

A British man detained in India for six years without trial over a high-profile corruption case must be released on bail, the Delhi High Court has ruled. Christian James Michel, an arms consultant, is accused of bribing Indian officials to win a multimillion-dollar helicopter contract for British-Italian defence company AgustaWestland. He denies the charge. He … Read more

Gaza food prices spike and shortages loom after Israel halts aid

Reuters Palestinian children in Gaza gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen Food prices in Gaza have spiked and aid food parcels could soon run out after Israel blocked the entry of humanitarian aid, the UN’s humanitarian agency said. OCHA’s partners reported that flour and vegetable prices more than doubled in some cases, … Read more

Pope ‘well-rested’ after respiratory failure, Vatican says

Pope Francis was well-rested and woke up just after 08:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on Wednesday, the Vatican said. Church officials said the Pontiff spent the night on “non-invasive mechanical ventilation”. The update comes after the Vatican said on Tuesday evening that the Pope was stable after suffering two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday. … Read more