WORLD

A massive earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck near Geraldine in the centre of New Zealand's South Island, government seismic monitor Geonet said on Wednesday, but initial reports indicate no injuries or significant damage. However, New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency said the quake didn't pose any tsunami risk.

The earthquake, the largest in the country this year, hit at 9.14 AM (2114 GMT) Wednesday at a focal depth of 11 km (7 miles). GeoNet said more than 14,000 people had reported feeling the shake, some as far north as Auckland in the North Island.

Iran`s president on Monday denied his country had sent drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, even as the United States accuses Iran of not only providing the weapons but helping Russia build a plant to manufacture them. "We are against the war in Ukraine," President Ebrahim Raisi said as he met with media executives on the sidelines of the world`s premier global conference, the high-level leaders` meeting at the UN General Assembly.

Canada has expelled the top Indian diplomat over potential links between the Indian government and Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. This development comes shortly after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau blamed India for being behind Nijjar's assassination in June.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed during a press conference that a top Indian diplomat has been expelled from Canada.

On the other hand, if Russian President Vladimir Putin lays down arms, peace will ensue.

Stoltenberg emphasized that most wars last longer than initially expected. He pointed out that the cessation of hostilities from either side would have significant consequences.

If Ukraine stops fighting, it risks losing its sovereignty, while if Russia stops, peace could be achieved.

In a recent revelation, a high-ranking Russian security official, Nikolai Patrushev, has asserted that Russia has successfully identified and neutralized a substantial number of foreign spies in recent years. This disclosure comes amidst growing international scrutiny of Russia's differing worldview, which often clashes with Western interests, leading to the operation of numerous spy networks both in favor and against Russia.

Patrushev's statement sheds light on the ongoing espionage dynamics in Russia, where intelligence activities by foreign entities have been a matter of concern for national security. As a trusted confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Patrushev's disclosure carries significant weight, especially at a time when Russia faces heightened global pressure and international scrutiny.