*) Incumbent Macron wins French election, defeating rival Le Pen

President Emmanuel Macron has comfortably defeated far-right rival Marine Le Pen in French presidential election, according to exit polls.

His supporters erupted with joy as the results appeared on a giant screen at the Champ de Mars park by the Eiffel tower.

Leaders in Berlin, Brussels, London and beyond welcomed his defeat of the nationalist, eurosceptic Le Pen.

*) US announces new military aid, diplomatic support for Ukraine

The United States has announced new military assistance for Ukraine and a renewed diplomatic push in the war-ravaged nation.

The announcement came after the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin completed his secretive trip to Kiev.

He told Ukraine’s president and his advisers that the US would provide more than 300 million dollars in foreign military financing.

*) Tribal clashes in Sudan's restive Darfur kill nearly 170

Clashes between rival groups in Sudan's Darfur have killed at least 168 people, an aid group said, in the latest bout of deadly violence to hit the restive region.

The fighting erupted in the Krink region of West Darfur.

The violence broke out when armed tribesmen attacked villages of the non-Arab Massalit minority in retaliation for the killing of two tribesmen.

*) Erdogan: Turks and Armenians should build a future together

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a letter to the head of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul in which he stressed that Turks and Armenians should build their future together.

His message addressed the Turkish-Armenian community gathered at the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate to honour the Ottoman Armenians who died in the "harsh conditions" of World War I.

Erdogan reiterated that the final years of the Ottoman Empire, which coincided with World War I, were a "very painful period" for millions of Ottoman citizens.

And, finally...

*) Box Office: 'The Bad Guys' topples 'Fantastic Beasts 3' with $24 million debut

Universal's kid-friendly caper "The Bad Guys" pulled off a heist for the ages, capturing the number one spot at the domestic box office.

The animated comedy has collected 24 million dollars from 4,009 North American theatres in its debut, enough to take the crown from "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore."

"The Bad Guys" carries a $70 million price tag, so although the Dreamworks Animation film has topped the box office, it may have to claw its way to profitability in its theatrical run.

*) Ukraine: Russia planning sham referendum in occupied regions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of planning to "falsify" an independence referendum in the partly occupied southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

In a video message, Zelenskyy urged residents of these areas not to provide any personal information, such as their passport numbers, to Russian forces.

Zelenskyy has also said the devastated port city of Mariupol "continues to resist" despite Russian claims to have captured it.

*) Korean leaders exchange friendly letters despite rising tensions

North Korea’s Kim Jong-un has thanked the South's outgoing president Moon Jae-in for his efforts to improve inter-Korean relations.

In a letter, Kim has said his "historic" summits with Moon gave the people "hope for the future", according to Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency.

Moon told Kim that together they have made a "clear step" in "changing the fate of the Korean peninsula", Seoul's presidential Blue House has confirmed.

They have agreed that ties would improve if both sides "make tireless efforts with hope", despite "the difficult situation so far".

*) UK lawmakers back probe into PM Boris Johnson's alleged lies

British lawmakers have ordered a parliamentary probe into Prime Minister Boris Johnson for allegedly lying about whether he flouted Covid-19 curbs by attending gatherings.

The move means Parliament’s Committee of Privileges will investigate whether Johnson knowingly misled Parliament.

Johnson was fined by police last week for attending his own birthday party in his office in June 2020, when people in Britain were barred from meeting up with friends and family.

He has apologised, but denies knowingly breaking the rules.

*) Deaths after Daesh-claimed blasts rock Afghan cities

At least 16 people have been killed in bomb blasts in two Afghan cities. The attacks were claimed by the Daesh terror group.

Twelve worshippers have been killed in a blast at a Shia mosque in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif. Fifty-eight people were wounded in the incident.

In a separate blast in Kunduz, at least four people have been killed and 18 others wounded.

Taliban authorities have vowed to punish those responsible for the bloodshed. Daesh has claimed both the attacks.

*) Phone video shows Mike Tyson hitting passenger on US plane

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has been recorded on video punching a fellow first-class passenger aboard a plane at San Francisco International Airport.

The video shows Tyson leaning over the back of his seat and repeatedly striking the unidentified man. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Tyson was initially friendly to the passenger and his friend, but reacted after the man "wouldn't stop provoking" him, the TMZ entertainment website has said.

The 55-year-old Tyson was reported to have walked off the plane before it took off for Florida.

*) Relentless Russian attacks pound Mariupol

Russian forces have tightened the noose around Ukrainian troops holed up in Mariupol’s last known stronghold.

A few thousand Ukrainian troops are believed to be inside the Azvostal steel plant. Kiev says some 2,000 civilians are also trapped there.

Ukraine says it is ready to hold talks without any conditions to save their lives. Kiev has ignored Moscow’s demands to surrender.

A desperate attempt to evacuate civilians from the besieged city failed on Wednesday as Russian forces moved to take complete control.

*) Israeli warplanes strike Gaza as tensions soar

Israeli jets have struck besieged Gaza, hours after a rocket was allegedly fired from the Palestinian enclave into Israel.

It is the second such incident in 48 hours and comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Palestine are running high.

Warplanes targeted two sites in central and southern Gaza early on Thursday. No casualties have been reported.

Israel says it has responded to a rocket attack on Israel’s southern city of Sderot. Police say the rocket caused slight damage to a house.

*) Macron warns Le Pen risks 'civil war' in France

French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has said during a televised debate that she stands by her controversial idea of banning the headscarf.

Responding to this, President Emmanuel Macron has warned that his far-right rival risks sparking a "civil war" in the European country.

Macron and Le Pen clashed bitterly over relations with Russia and the headscarf issue as they sought to sway undecided voters in Wednesday's debate.

France faces a stark choice in Sunday's presidential run-off between the centrist Macron and the far-right Le Pen.

*) UK court formally issues order to extradite Assange to US

A UK court has issued a formal order to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States to face trial over the publication of secret files.

The decision now rests with Interior Minister Priti Patel, although Assange may still appeal within 14 days of any decision to approve the extradition.

Wednesday's ruling by a magistrate in central London brings the long-running legal saga in the UK courts closer to a conclusion.

Assange, 50, is wanted in the US on 18 criminal charges, including breaking a spying law. He denies any wrongdoing.

And, finally...

*) Wimbledon bans Russian, Belarusian players

Wimbledon has banned Russian and Belarusian players from the 2022 tournament in response to the Ukraine conflict.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which runs Wimbledon, has said it is acting to "limit Russia's global influence through the strongest means possible".

Tennis associations ATP and WTA have branded the move "unfair" and "very disappointing".

Russian men's world number two Daniil Medvedev and Belarusian female world number four Aryna Sabalenka are the leading players affected by the ban.

*) Ukraine gets warplanes as Mariupol officer warns facing 'last days'

The West has responded to a renewed Russian push into the Donbass region with fresh weapons for Kiev.

The Pentagon says Ukraine has recently received fighter planes to bolster its air force, declining to specify the number of aircrafts and their origins.

Meanwhile, a commander in the besieged Azov-stal power plant in Mariupol has said his marines are "maybe facing our last days, if not hours".

Moscow has issued a fresh ultimatum for Mariupol's defenders and announced the opening of a safe corridor for Ukrainian troops who agreed to lay down their arms.

*) Casualties reported after Sri Lanka police open fire at protesters

Sri Lankan police have opened fire at people protesting new fuel price increases, killing one and injuring 13 others.

It is the first death in police crackdowns during weeks of demonstrations over the country's worst economic crisis in decades.

Fifteen police personnel have also been admitted to a hospital with minor injuries after scuffles with protesters.

*) World leaders appeal for end to violence in Israel, Palestine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel and Palestine to "end the cycle of violence" after a sharp escalation in tensions between the two sides in recent days.

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, too, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent events, during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart.

Tensions have been running high since the beginning of April amid repeated Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank.

And over 170 people have been injured between Friday and Sunday in and around the Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

*) Türkiye's forces ‘neutralise’ 26 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

Turkish security forces have "neutralised" 26 PKK terrorists since the launch of Operation Claw-Lock in northern Iraq.

The anti-terror operation continues successfully as planned, Türkiye's Defence Ministry has said in a statement.

The operation was launched after reports that the terrorist group was planning to initiate a large-scale attack.

PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

*) Netflix hit by subscriber loss due to inflation, conflict, competition

Netflix has said inflation, the Ukraine conflict and fierce competition have contributed to a loss of subscribers for the first time in more than a decade.

It has also predicted deeper losses ahead, marking a shift in fortune for the streaming company that thrived during the pandemic.

The company has said it lost 200,000 subscribers in its first quarter, falling well short of its forecast of adding 2.5 million subscribers.

Since it warned in January of weak subscriber growth, the company has lost nearly half of its value.

*) Zelenskyy: Russia unleashes offensive into east Ukraine

Russia has launched a major offensive into eastern Ukraine after days of preparation, authorities in Kiev have said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian troops have begun the battle for Donbass and vowed to defend the eastern region.

Ahead of the widely anticipated offensive, Ukrainian authorities had urged people to flee west to escape.

*) US, allies to meet over Ukraine situation

US President Joe Biden will convene a meeting of allies to discuss the Ukraine conflict, the White House has said.

An official said the meeting was part of a "regular coordination with allies and partners in support of Ukraine".

It will also cover "efforts to hold Russia accountable", the White House said.

The US and its allies have heaped pressure on Moscow via sanctions, while supporting Ukraine through military and other aid.

*) Israeli warplanes bomb site in besieged Gaza

Israeli warplanes have struck a site in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza, local media and witnesses have said.

The military wing of the Palestinian organisation Hamas said it has retaliated with surface-to-air missiles.

No casualties or injuries have been reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Earlier, the Israeli army announced a rocket fired from Gaza was intercepted by its aerial defence system.

*) UN: Yemen's Houthis agree to stop using child soldiers

Yemen's Houthi rebels have agreed to rid their ranks of child soldiers, who have fought by the thousands during the country's seven years of civil war, the United Nations has said.

The Houthis have signed an “action plan” to end and prevent recruiting or using children in armed conflict, killing or maiming children and attacking schools and hospitals.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rebels committed to identifying children in their ranks and releasing them within six months.

And, finally...

*) Kenyans Chebet, Jepchirchir win Boston Marathon titles

Kenya's Evans Chebet has won the men's crown at the 126th Boston Marathon.

Reigning Olympic champion compatriot Peres Jepchirchir captured the women's title.

Chebet won in two hours, six minutes and 51 seconds, beating 2019 Boston winner Lawrence Cherono by 30 seconds.

Jepchirchir won in the final strides, taking her fifth victory in a row since 2019 in 2 hours, 21 minutes and 1 second.

*) Ukraine vows to fight till the end in Mariupol

Ukraine has vowed to fight to the end in Mariupol after a Russian ultimatum expired for remaining forces to surrender in the Black Sea port city.

Hours after Moscow's deadline passed on Sunday, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the southern city had not fallen.

Mariupol has become a symbol of Ukraine's unexpectedly fierce resistance.

According to Ukrainian estimates, bombardment and fighting in Mariupol have killed at least 21,000 people. An estimated 100,000 people are feared trapped without food, water, heat or electricity.

*) Israel government faces new split after Al Aqsa violence

Israel's governing coalition has faced a new split as the Raam party "suspended" its membership.

The declaration came after violence in and around the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem wounded 170 people over the weekend.

More than 20 people were wounded on Sunday, two days after over 150 people were injured at the site, sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

*) New clashes over anti-Muslim rally in Sweden

Three people have been wounded in Sweden as demonstrators protested plans by a far-right group to burn copies of the Quran.

They appear to have been hit by ricochets after police fired warning shots on Sunday, a police statement said. They are being treated in a hospital.

There have been similar clashes in recent days over plans by the anti-immigration and anti-Muslim group, Hard Line, to burn copies of the Muslim holy book in public.

*) Türkiye launches operation against PKK in northern Iraq

Türkiye has launched a fresh cross-border operation, using air and special forces against the PKK terror group's hideouts in northern Iraq.

The military campaign, dubbed "Claw-Lock", targets the PKK terror group's hideouts in Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan areas.

Turkish pilots have hit shelters, ammunition depots and the terrorist organisation’s headquarters, according to Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.

And, finally...

*) Chelsea sink Palace to book FA Cup final clash with Liverpool

Thomas Tuchel has praised Chelsea's focus and composure as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to earn an FA Cup final showdown with Liverpool.

Tuchel's side had to work hard to break Palace's resistance at Wembley, but strikes by Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount steered them to the May 14 final.

It will be Chelsea's fifth FA Cup final in the last six years as they look to make amends for losing in the showpiece against Arsenal and Leicester in 2020 and 2021.

*) Dozens of Palestinians injured after Israeli forces storm Al Aqsa Mosque

Israeli troops have fired tear gas and stun grenades at worshippers inside Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said it evacuated 67 wounded people to hospitals early on Friday.

The Islamic endowment that administers the site said Israeli forces entered the compound before dawn as thousands of worshippers gathered for early morning prayers.

The endowment said one of the guards at the site was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.

*) Russia’s flagship naval vessel sinks

Moscow has admitted that the Russian naval flagship "Moskva" has sunk in the sea off Ukraine.

Kiev says it hit the ship with missiles.

But Russia says there was a fire on board after ammunition exploded. It is one of the biggest ships to be lost since the end of the Second World War.

*) Zelenskyy hails Ukrainians' resolve 50 days into the conflct

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed his people for their resolve since the start of Russian attacks in February and for making “the most important decision of their life, (that is) to fight.”

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy told Ukrainians that they should be proud of having survived 50 days under Russian attacks when the “invaders gave us a maximum of five”.

*) UN 'firmly opposed' to UK sending asylum seekers to Rwanda

The United Nations says it stands firmly against Britain's deal to send asylum seekers who cross the channel thousands of miles away to Rwanda.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, voices "strong opposition and concerns" about the agreement and urged London to refrain from transferring asylum seekers and irregular migrants to Rwanda for processing.

The agency said people fleeing persecution should not be traded like commodities.

The British government is attempting to clamp down on the record numbers of people making the perilous channel crossing from northeastern France in small inflatable boats.

And, finally...

*) Elon Musk launches hostile takeover bid for Twitter

Tesla chief Elon Musk launches a hostile takeover effort for Twitter, insisting the platform needs to be transformed but acknowledging his $43-billion bid may fail.

The proposal faces uncertainty on multiple fronts, including possible rejection and the challenge of assembling the cash. It could have wide-reaching impacts on the social media service if consummated.

Musk cited the promotion of freedom of speech on Twitter as a key reason for what he called his "best and final offer" and which the firm's board said it was reviewing.

*) Russian warship 'seriously damaged' in ammunition explosion

The Russian navy's Black Sea flagship has been "seriously damaged" by an ammunition explosion, Russian state media has reported.

It quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying that ammunition detonated on the Moskva missile cruiser as a result of a fire.

Earlier, the governor of Odessa said that Ukrainian forces had hit the Moskva with missile strikes.

Governor Maksym Marchenko wrote on Telegram that Neptune missiles guarding the Black Sea caused very serious damage to the Russian ship.

*) Teen among several Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in West Bank

Israeli troops have shot and killed three Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy and a lawyer, the Palestinian Health Ministry has said.

The three killings on Wednesday, all in separate incidents, were the latest in a wave of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Israeli troops are carrying out a days-long military operation in the occupied West Bank following a spate of deadly attacks.

*) Suspect faces terror charge over New York subway shooting

A 62-year-old man accused of shooting 10 people on the New York subway has been taken into custody after a day-long manhunt.

Frank James is suspected of detonating two smoke canisters on the train, before firing into the crowd. He faces a federal terrorism charge.

James was stopped by officers on a Manhattan street and arrested without incident, authorities say.

*) Sri Lanka seeks donations from citizens abroad, offers talks to protesters

Sri Lankan authorities have urged its citizens overseas to send home money to help pay for desperately needed food and fuel.

The Prime Minister's office has separately offered talks with protesters calling for the government's ouster over an unprecedented economic crisis.

A foreign currency shortage is stalling imports of fuel and medicines in the island nation and bringing hours of power cuts a day.

And, finally...

*) Liverpool, Manchester City reach Champions League semis

Liverpool have drawn 3-3 with Benfica in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and reached the semis with a 6-4 aggregate win.

Another English team, Manchester City, too, have entered the semis 1-0 on aggregate. They produced a disciplined performance to secure a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the second leg.

City will take on Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, while Liverpool will play against another Spanish team, Villarreal, in the semi-finals.

*) Biden accuses Putin's forces of 'genocide' in Ukraine

US President Joe Biden has for the first time accused Vladimir Putin's forces of committing “genocide” in Ukraine.

Biden has also said that Putin "is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being able to be a Ukrainian".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — who has repeatedly accused Moscow of attempted "genocide" — welcomed Biden's remark.

Biden had previously described Russian President Putin as a "war criminal", but stopped short of using the term "genocide". Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

*) Putin vows offensive will continue as Russian troops move east

Russia has vowed to continue its offensive as the Ukraine conflict nears its seventh week.

President Vladimir Putin has insisted that the campaign is going as planned despite a major withdrawal and significant losses.

He has said that Moscow's military operation aims to protect people in parts of eastern Ukraine and “ensure Russia’s own security”.

Thwarted in their push toward the capital, Kiev, Russian troops have focused on the eastern region of Donbass, where they are feared to be readying a massive onslaught.

*) Manhunt after 10 shot in Brooklyn subway attack

A massive manhunt is under way in New York for a man who shot 10 people on a packed subway train.

Police say the suspect donned a gas mask before setting off two smoke bombs and opening fire on terrified commuters.

Thirteen others were injured as they tried to get out of the station or suffered smoke inhalation.

None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.

Police say the incident in Brooklyn is not being investigated as an act of terrorism at this stage.

*) UK's Johnson fined over lockdown-busting party

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has offered a "full apology" after being fined for breaching Covid-19 lockdown laws in the so-called "Partygate" scandal.

Johnson has said in televised remarks that he has paid the fine.

Johnson's office has said his fine was for attending a surprise birthday gathering in his honour on the afternoon of June 19, 2020 in the Cabinet Room at Number 10.

And, finally...

*) Universal Music to manage Elvis Presley song catalog

Universal Music is set to add the song catalog of the "King of Rock 'n' Roll", Elvis Presley, under a publishing deal with Authentic Brands Group.

Universal Music Publishing Group has said it will approve and collect revenue when Elvis' songs are used in media, films or television.

Financial terms of the deal have not been not disclosed.

The deal comes ahead of the June release of director Baz Luhrmann's drama "Elvis", a biopic of the "Heartbreak Hotel" singer, starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler.

*) Russia aims to take Mariupol as part of eastern Ukraine onslaught

Russian troops are planning to take control of Mariupol as part of an anticipated onslaught across eastern Ukraine.

But the Ukrainian army has insisted that "the defence of Mariupol continues".

In an address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a fresh plea to his allies for more weapons to boost the defence of the besieged city.

He said: “we are not getting as much as we need to end this war sooner.”

*) UN: Ukraine children, women need more protection

Top officials at the United Nations have called for a probe into violence against women and the protection of children in the Ukraine conflict.

Sima Bahous, director of the UN women's agency, told a meeting of the Security Council in New York that the organisation is hearing of increasing rape and sexual violence incidients.

She said the “allegations must be independently investigated to ensure justice and accountability”.

It is not clear if the Security Council, on which Russia is a veto-wielding permanent member, would agree to any investigation.

*) Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan's new prime minister

Pakistan’s parliament has elected Shehbaz Sharif the country’s new prime minister after the ouster of Imran Khan.

Sharif was elected with 174 votes in his favour after more than 100 lawmakers from Khan's party walked out of the National Assembly in protest.

Sharif, the brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was the only contender.

*) US monitoring rise in rights abuses in India

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the United States is monitoring what he described as a rise in human rights abuses in India by some officials.

He made the remark in a joint press briefing with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austinand India’s foreign minister and defence ministers.

It came days after US Representative Ilhan Omar questioned the alleged reluctance of the US to criticise Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on human rights.

And, finally...

*) Cobain's guitar in Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' video to be auctioned

The guitar Kurt Cobain rocked out with in Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video is expected to sell for up to $800,000.

The 1969 blue Fender is arguably one of the most famous in rock, said Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien’s Auctions.

The guitar will come to the auction block next month, Nolan said, calling it “one of Kurt Cobain's favourite guitars of all time.”