IOC president meets Kim Jong-un, UNSC meet on Gaza violence, and other news in pictures

North Korea committed to upcoming Olympics

North Korea will take part in the next two Olympic Games in Japan and China, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said on Saturday after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. Mr. Bach travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday in a visit that comes after North Korea’s participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Games helped ease tensions over the Korean peninsula.

Vaiko's walk

DMK working president M.K. Stalin flags off MDMK leader Vaiko's awareness walk from Madurai against ₹1,1450-crore Indian Neutrino Project.   | Photo Credit: S. James

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko urged the State government not to give Pollution Control Board clearance for the ₹1,1450-crore Indian Neutrino Project, proposed to be established at Pottipuram near Thevaram in the district as it would destroy environment and all livelihood activities of the farmers in Theni and nearby districts.

New Zealand recovers in Christchurch

New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme and teammate BJ Watling celebrate their hundred run partnership during play on day two of the second cricket test against England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday, March 31, 2018.   | Photo Credit: AP

It was another enthralling day's Test cricket in Christchurch as New Zealand recovered from 36 for 5 to 192 for 6 at the end of the second day. BJ Watling was unbeaten on 77, leading the recovery with Colin de Grandhomme who was dismissed for 72. The two added 142 for the sixth wicket. England's Jonny Bairstow completed his century and was dismissed for 307. Then England's seamers took over and jolted New Zealand's top order.

Gaza clashes: U.N. leader calls for investigation

The United Nations Security Council meets on the situation in Gaza, at the United Nations headquarters.   | Photo Credit: AP

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Friday for an independent investigation into deadly clashes in Gaza between Palestinians and Israeli troops, while the Security Council members urged restraint on both sides. The Council didn’t decide on any action or joint message after an emergency meeting on Friday evening. Kuwait convened it hours after the bloodiest day in Gaza since the 2014 cross-border war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules the coastal strip.

David Warner’s tearful apology

A distraught David Warner issued an abject apology for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal on Saturday and said he was resigned to the prospect of never playing cricket for Australia again after his 12-month ban. In a fourth highly emotional media conference in three days involving the Australian cricket team, the former vice-captain struggled to fight back the tears as he read a prepared statement in which he said his actions had been “inexcusable”.

Pope presides over Good Friday

Pope Francis presided over solemn Good Friday services amid heightened security at Rome’s Colosseum for the Via Crucis procession and a new communications controversy at home over the existence of hell. Wearing his white coat to guard against the nighttime chill, Pope Francis listened intently along with some 20,000 faithful as the meditations re-enacting Christ’s crucifixion were read out in the torch-lit Colosseum. At the end, he delivered a meditation of his own, denouncing those who seek power, money and conflict and praying the Catholic Church will always be an “arc of salvation, a source of certainty and truth.”