Live news: Russia renews assault on Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol

Live news updates: Ukrainian President says Russia's invasion of his country was just the beginning.

8:21 AM

Russian energy embargo could deal big blow to German economy: Bundesbank report

If Germany joined an energy embargo against Russia, its economy could be significantly weakened, says a monthly report published by Germany's central bank Deutsche Bundesbank.

In an intensified crisis scenario, Germany's real gross domestic product (GDP) would decline by just under two per cent in the current year compared with 2021, according to the report, which analyses the possible macroeconomic consequences of an escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Xinhua news agency reported.

8:20 AM

Indonesia bans palm oil exports as global food inflation spikes

Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, announced plans to ban exports of the most widely used vegetable oil on Friday, in a shock move that could further inflame surging global food inflation.

The halting of shipments of the cooking oil and its raw material, widely used in products ranging from cakes to cosmetics, could raise costs for packaged food producers globally and force governments to choose between using vegetable oils in food or for biofuel. Indonesia counts for more than half of global palm oil supply.

In a video broadcast, Indonesia's President Joko Widodo said he wanted to ensure the availability of food products at home, after global food inflation soared to a record high following Russia's invasion of major crop producer Ukraine.

8:20 AM

India, UK express zero tolerance for terrorism in all forms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson on Friday expressed zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms - and for those who encourage, support and finance terrorism or provide sanctuary to terrorists.

"They called upon all countries to work together to root out terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupt terrorist networks and their financing channels, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists," the India-UK joint statement said after the meeting between the two leaders.

They reiterated their condemnation of terrorist attacks in India and the UK, including the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks.

8:19 AM

hina assures help to solve urgent economic crisis: Sri Lankan PM

Facing mounting demands to step down by protestors for three weeks continuously, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said China has assured help to solve the urgent economic crisis in the country.

Rajapaksa on Friday said in a telephone conversation with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, who assured him that China will support Sri Lanka for economic and social stability.

8:18 AM

Russia: 1 dead, 27 missing from Moskva ship

The Russian Defence Ministry said Friday that one serviceman died, 27 more went missing and 396 were rescued after a fire on the flagship missile cruiser Moskva last week.

The statement comes a week after the vessel sunk.

Shortly after the incident, the ministry said the entire crew of the ship, which was presumed by the media to be about 500 people, had been rescued. The ministry did not offer an explanation for the contradicting reports.

8:18 AM

Himachal too will get 'honest govt': Arvind Kejriwal to CM Jairam Thakur

AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stated that the Delhi model means an honest government and Himachal Pradesh too will get an 'honest government'.

He was replying to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur's "Delhi's model is not acceptable in Himachal" comment.

"Delhi model means honest government. Jairam ji says that there cannot be an honest government in Himachal Pardesh because the social and political conditions of Himachal are different? The question is not of circumstances, but of intention, Jairam ji. The intention of "you" is clear. Like Punjab and Delhi, now "AAP" will give honest government in Himachal Pradesh too."

8:17 AM

India and UK commit to cyber partnership for vision 2030

India and the United Kingdom on Friday reiterated commitment to a partnership for vision 2030 for an open, accessible and peaceful cyberspace that will bring a more secure Indo-Pacific.

"Through cyberspace there is a digital living bridge that allows our citizens, students and businesses to interact and promote our shared prosperity. As we take advantage of the new opportunities this creates, we must also protect ourselves against evolving threats," said the India-UK joint statement after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In May 2021, PM Modi and PM Johnson agreed to an Enhanced Cyber Security Partnership. Today, India and the United Kingdom outline their commitment to a joint programme of cooperation to deliver this partnership, focused on cyber governance, deterrence, resilience and capacity building.