For the first time since 2014, the Modi government failed to pass a bill in Parliament, a move analysts suggest was strategic. By forcing a vote on the women's reservation bill, linked to delimitation, the BJP aimed to record every MP's stance, creating a potent campaign tool. The government positioned itself as pro-women reformists, while blaming opposition parties for obstructing progress. This tactic seeks to shape the political narrative ahead of crucial elections, highlighting intent versus obstruction.

An Indian oil tanker, Desh Garima, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened regional tensions and conflicting reports from Iran regarding its status. This passage highlights ongoing maritime activity despite concerns over the vital oil route. The Indian government has also bolstered support for the shipping sector with a significant insurance pool to counter rising costs and stricter approvals.

The Grindavík town council has invited all residents of Grindavík, the Prime Minister, members of parliament from the South constituency, and representatives of the real estate company Þórkatla to an open public meeting on Wednesday, April 22, at Gjáin in Grindavík.

A total of 17 Housing and Development Board (HDB) neighbourhoods will undergo upgrading works under the latest batch of Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP), announced National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat at a community event in Sembawang on Saturday (April 18).The works, which are expected to cost more than $130 million, will benefit about 20,000 HDB households across Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Chai Chee, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong, Sembawang, Sengkang, Serangoon, Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Yishun. First introduced in August 2007, the NRP focuses on improvements at the block and precinct levels, for HDB projects built up to 1995. It was extended to include blocks built up to 1999 in 2025.Upgrading works are tailored based on residents' feedback on the features they hope to see in their neighbourhood and may include enhancements such as fitness trails, seating areas and communal spaces.

Attorneys decry cops’ decision to lay shooting charges against Jaii Frais, Jahvy Ambassador despite podcaster’s and music producer's duelling claims that they were acting in self defence Defence attorney Isat Buchanan has raised concerns about what he describes as a troubling signal being sent by law enforcement following charges laid against popular podcaster Jhaedee Richards, more popularly known as Jaii Frais, in connection with Sunday’s shooting incident at a carnival afterparty in St Andrew.

En marge de la Journée Nationale de la Femme, le Gabon a abrité ce jour, la cérémonie de lancement national de la campagne « Renforcer la résilience des femmes et des jeunes filles face aux changements climatiques et aux conflits (2025–2027) », portée par l'Organisation des Premières Dames d'Afrique pour le Développement (OPDAD). Cette campagne illustre la force d'une mobilisation collective et la conviction partagée que la résilience du continent se construit ensemble, autour de ses (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

The eastern part has resumed normal operations, while the western part remains closed

If this situation continues, it will be a political defeat for Washington, said the Chairman of the Federation Council's Information Policy Commission Alexey Pushkov

The problem with many Western leaders is that when they come to power, they try to make the most of their personal gain in a short time, rather than acting in the best interests of the people, the Belarusian president said

[FrontPageAfrica] Monrovia -- President Joseph Boakai has distanced himself from ongoing expulsion proceedings against Yekeh Kolubah, stressing that the matter falls strictly within the authority of the Legislature.

[This Day] Warri -- The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro and other prominent Ijaw leaders have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and the Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, as their candidates for president and governor in 2027.

[United States Senate] Washington, DC -- Yesterday, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising alarm over reports that the State Department is considering withholding critical HIV/AIDS treatment and economic assistance to Zambia unless the country agrees to favorable economic reforms for U.S. businesses. The Senators warned that conditioning lifesaving assistance on economic concessions would

Customers of several internet services providers (ISPs) in Singapore, including Singtel, Starhub, M1, MyRepublic and Simba, have reported issues with broadband services on Saturday (April 18).Checks by AsiaOne on outage tracking platform Downdetector at 1.30pm show spikes in reports from around 10.50am.Based on reports from users, broadband internet services were the most commonly reported issue.In a statement issued on its social media platforms at 11.45am, Singtel said it is aware of the issue, adding that it understands that this may be due to construction activities at a site that is affecting several operators.«Our engineers are investigating. We apologise for the inconvenience caused,» a Singtel spokesperson said, adding that further updates will be provided.In response to a customer's feedback on its Facebook, M1 said that it was informed of the issue by NetLink Trust at around 10.40am. The ISP added that some connections may not be affected.

As generations of families and children grow up in Yishun and their needs evolve, improvements have been made to the town while keeping the shared bonds and values, said Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam on Saturday (April 18).Shanmugam, who is also MP for Nee Soon GRC, was speaking at the topping out ceremony for the new 0.9ha Chong Pang City, an integrated development which will have swimming pools, a gym and fitness studio, as well as an upgraded hawker centre, market and community club.He said that the community has seen Yishun's transformation over the years as it became more accessible and better connected with new and improved facilities.«Families have grown up here. Children grow up here, and more seniors. As our community changes, its needs have changed as well. Nee Soon has progressed to meet those needs,» Shanmugam said.

African experts warn against overdependence on any single donor or bloc Read Full Article at RT.com

Le Gabon a fait du numérique, un moteur de transformation publique, un accélérateur de compétitivité et un instrument de souveraineté nationale. C'est le point central de son discours économique lors de la 3ᵉ édition du Forum UK-Gabon Trade and Investment, au Nomad. Face à des investisseurs et décideurs publics, le pays a affirmé une volonté claire : faire de la transition digitale un levier de souveraineté, d'efficacité publique et de compétitivité. C'était le 15 avril 2026 à Libreville. (...) - ECONOMIE NUMERIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

The head of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples says that Ursula von der Leyen is pretending to act on behalf of European countries and trying to «handle issues of their energy independence»

The suspect put up armed resistance during his arrest

The Belarusian president also said that he was well aware of how he was viewed in the West

The Turkish Foreign Minister's agenda also includes a meeting of foreign ministers from the Balkan Peace Platform, a ministerial meeting on Gaza, and an informal meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Turkic States

The Budget Session of Parliament concluded sine die after the women's reservation Bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. The government also deferred the contentious delimitation proposal amid Opposition pushback, ending the session on a politically charged note.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly stunned when US President Donald Trump said he prohibited strikes in Lebanon Read Full Article at RT.com

The Senate on Friday passed the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, but not before Opposition lawmaker Allan Bernard cautioned against the pitfalls of the integrated resorts development (IRD) model, which has been espoused by the Government as the approach to strengthening Jamaica’s tourism competitiveness. The IRD model, among other things, includes luxury hotel rooms, luxury shopping, entertainment facilities and casinos in particular.

When the world ground almost to a halt at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, millions were forced to reimagine their futures overnight. For Sashae Shaw, a young woman from Portland pursuing an associate degree in psychology at Excelsior Community College (ECC), the disruption was more than an inconvenience – it was a turning point that reshaped her life’s trajectory. Today, at 30, Shaw stands not only as a fisherwoman, but as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the growing role of women in Jamaica’s fisheries sector.

What began as a life-altering medical emergency nearly a decade ago has since blossomed into a beacon of hope for vulnerable students across Jamaica. For entrepreneur and philanthropist Shadeka McIntosh, May 12, 2016, remains etched in memory as the day she was granted what she describes as a “second chance”. That defining moment, born out of a frightening health emergency during her final year at university, has now inspired the launch of the Shadeka McIntosh Second Chance Scholarship, an initiative through which 10 students are set to benefit annually.