In Brief

China to commission third aircraft carrier

Beijing: China plans to operationalise its third aircraft carrier’'Fujian’ this year as it has completed nearly three years of sea trials, setting the stage for the Chinese navy for the first time to operate three carrier groups, official media reported on Tuesday. Fujian posseses the cutting-edge electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

Pak withdraws envoy from Bangladesh

Dhaka: Pakistan has withdrawn its high commissioner in Dhaka and named a new envoy to replace him, weeks after he went on sudden leave sparking widespread speculations in social media about his alleged relations with two Bangladeshi women. Islamabad’s current ambassador to Myanmar, Imran Haidar will replace Ahmed Maroof.

North Korea to send deminers to Russia

Seoul: North Korea will send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to support reconstruction work in Russia’s Kursk region, Russian media reported, another sign of expanding military partnership between the two nations. North Korea has already sent thousands of troops and conventional weapons to support Russia.

Great Britain mulls permitting abortion

London: British lawmakers are preparing to debate proposals to decriminalise abortion amid concerns that police are using antiquated laws to prosecute women who end their own pregnancies. Currently, doctors here only legally carry out abortions up to 24 weeks.