Global News Roundup: Protests, Resignations, and International Tensions

Current world news highlights major events, including New Caledonia protests ahead of Macron's visit, Russia's denial of anti-satellite weapon deployment, recognition of Palestinian state by Norway, Ireland, and Spain, Chad PM's resignation post-election, and Trump's trial's potential impact on the 2024 election.

Following is a summary of current world news briefs.

New Caledonia protesters, police spar ahead of Macron visit

Protesters in New Caledonia erected new barricades overnight in "cat-and-mouse" games with French police reinforcements ahead of the arrival of President Emmanuel Macron, after the worst riots on the French-ruled Pacific island in 40 years. Macron is due to land in the French overseas territory early on Thursday for talks after government electoral reforms passed last week sparked violence that has killed six people and left a trail of destruction including looted shops and torched cars and buildings.

Russia denies U.S. charge that it put anti-satellite weapon in space

Russia's top arms control diplomat dismissed as "fake news" on Wednesday an assertion by the United States that Russia had launched a weapon into low-Earth orbit that was capable of inspecting and attacking other satellites. The Kremlin has flatly denied assertions by U.S. officials that Moscow is developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon.

Norway, along with Ireland and Spain, to recognise Palestinian state

Norway will recognise an independent Palestinian state in the hope that this will help to bring peace with Israel, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday. Ireland and Spain will also announce the recognition of a Palestinian state, sources said on Wednesday.

Chad's PM Masra resigns after disputed election, Deby confirmed winner

Chad's prime minister and opposition leader Succes Masra has tendered his resignation after interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby was confirmed as a winner of the May 6 presidential election, Masra said on Wednesday. Masra, a staunch opponent of the junta, which seized power in April 2021, was appointed prime minister of the transitional government in January, four months ahead of the poll, in a move to appease the opposition.

How Trump's hush money trial verdict could affect the 2024 election

Jurors hearing the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president could render their verdict in Donald Trump's hush money case as soon as next week, with potentially big implications for the 2024 White House race. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a payment that bought the silence of porn star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election. Daniels had threatened to go public with her account of an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, a liaison he denies.

Iran Supreme Leader leads prayers at Raisi funeral as election looms

Iran's Supreme Leader led prayers in Tehran on Wednesday at the funeral of the late President Ebrahim Raisi, as the clerical establishment hurried to organise an early election that could further erode its legitimacy amid growing public discontent. The June 28 vote to replace Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, will need to galvanise a population that showed little interest in the 2021 ballot that gave the hardline cleric the presidency, a role that oversees day-to-day government.

Israeli forces move deeper into Rafah in night of heavy battle

Israeli tanks advanced to the edge of a crowded district in the heart of Rafah on Wednesday during one of the most intense nights of bombardment of the southern Gaza city since Israel launched its offensive there this month. Israel's assault on Rafah on Gaza's southern edge has set hundreds of thousands of people fleeing what had been a refuge for half of the enclave's 2.3 million people. It has also cut off the main access routes for aid into Gaza, drawing international fears of mass casualties and famine.

Analysis-Israel's allies grapple with bid for ICC warrant against Netanyahu

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan's request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has created a diplomatic quandary for some key member states: How to be supportive of both Israel and the ICC? Khan's move on Monday, the first attempt to go after a sitting, Western-backed head of state, has yet to be reviewed by ICC judges who can amend, reject or approve it. But his step into the globally divisive Israeli-Palestinian conflict has some of the ICC's vocal backers questioning the extent of their loyalty.

Shaken passengers arrive in Singapore after deadly turbulence-hit flight

More than 140 passengers and crew from a Singapore Airlines flight on which one person died during heavy turbulence finally reached Singapore on Wednesday, with 20 still fighting for their lives in a Bangkok hospital. The London-Singapore flight on a Boeing 777-300ER plane diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing on Tuesday after the plane was buffeted by turbulence that flung passengers and crew around the cabin, slamming some into the ceiling.

Venezuela opposition tugs on heartstrings in unusual presidential campaign

Venezuela's opposition is carrying out an unusual presidential campaign starring two major figures, as primary winner Maria Corina Machado - who is barred from holding office - campaigns on behalf of her replacement, the previously low-profile Edmundo Gonzalez. Both leaders are employing emotional rhetoric, asking voters to support changes they say will lead to more freedom and the possible return of some 7 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's recent economic crisis.