World News Roundup: Sierra Leone main opposition party rejects partial presidential poll results; Putin praises Russian troops for putting down mutiny as Prigozhin jet reaches Belarus and more

Branson and Virgin Group did not immediately comment on the risks of space tourism. Putin praises Russian troops for putting down mutiny as Prigozhin jet reaches Belarus President Vladimir Putin praised members of Russia's military and security forces in a ceremony on Tuesday as he sought to reassert his authority following an aborted mutiny by mercenaries led by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Following is a summary of current world news briefs.

Sierra Leone main opposition party rejects partial presidential poll results

Sierra Leone's main opposition party has rejected the partial results of a tense presidential election that showed President Julius Maada Bio leading the poll, alleging irregularities in the tallying process. Tensions have risen around general elections on Saturday in which Bio, 59, is running against 12 opponents after a first term marred by growing frustration over economic hardship.

Putin praises Russian troops for putting down mutiny as Prigozhin jet reaches Belarus

President Vladimir Putin praised members of Russia's military and security forces in a ceremony on Tuesday as he sought to reassert his authority following an aborted mutiny by mercenaries led by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. A jet linked to Prigozhin arrived in Belarus from Russia, believed to be carrying the mercenary boss into exile, three days after he abruptly called off his mutiny with his fighters bearing down on the capital.

Over 1,000 Afghan civilians killed in blasts, violence since August 2021 - UN

Over a thousand Afghan civilians were killed in bombings and other violence since foreign forces left and the Taliban took over in 2021, according to a report by the U.N.'s mission to Afghanistan released on Tuesday. Between Aug. 15 2021 and May this year 1,095 civilians were killed and 2,679 wounded, according to the U.N. Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA), underscoring the security challenges even after the end of decades of war.

Indonesia starts reparations programme for victims of its bloody past

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday launched an unprecedented reparation programme for victims of past human rights abuses by the state, a project critics fear will compensate only a small fraction of those who suffered. Jokowi, as the president is known, in January expressed deep regret over 12 deadly events from 1965-2003 which include a purge by the military of suspected communists and their sympathisers, during which at least 500,000 people were killed and more than a million jailed, according to historians and activists.

Israeli, Palestinian ministers discuss West Bank violence

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and a senior Palestinian official discussed violence in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, with Gallant's office saying he offered reassurance about Israel's intention to crack down on Jewish settler riots. Both the phone call and the announcement that it took place were unusual for Israel's religious-nationalist government and followed mounting expressions of U.S. concern about the situation in the West Bank, among areas where Palestinians, with foreign backing, seek statehood.

Sri Lanka sees $17 billion debt restructuring in five years

Sri Lanka anticipates restructuring $17 billion out of a total $41.5 billion of foreign debts within a five-year term, its president said on Tuesday. President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said restructuring of local debt will have no impact on the stability of the country's banking system.

Over 1 million may flee Sudan conflict, UN refugee agency says

The U.N. refugee agency warned on Tuesday that an earlier projection that conflict in Sudan would prompt 1 million people to flee across its borders is likely to be surpassed. So far, the conflict between warring military factions that began in mid-April has caused nearly 600,000 people to escape into neighbouring countries including Egypt, Chad, South Sudan and Central African Republic.

Ukraine steps up calls for 'political invitation' to join NATO

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stepped up calls for Ukraine to receive a "political invitation" to join NATO when the military alliance holds a summit in Lithuania next month. Zelenskiy also reiterated demands for security guarantees if Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, is not given membership of the alliance in the near future.

China will take steps to boost demand, accelerate green transition - Premier Li

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday said China will take steps to boost demand, invigorate markets, promote development while accelerating the green transition and opening "high level" parts of its economy to the outside world. Addressing a World Economic Forum summit in Tianjin, Li did not elaborate on China's plans, leaving investors hanging on for concrete details of the government's stimulus policies.

Jaunts in jets, not risky adventures, the norm for wealthy travelers

Clad in a blue jumpsuit and dangling from the side of a skyscraper 1,200 feet above New York City, billionaire Richard Branson urged viewers on Twitter last week to live life to the fullest and try new things. As the founder of space tourism company Virgin Galactic, Branson is among a small handful of ultra wealthy entrepreneurs pushing the limits of exploration and experiences. Branson and Virgin Group did not immediately comment on the risks of space tourism.