ISLAMABAD: Pakistan experienced its “wettest April since 1961”, receiving more than twice as much rain as usual for the month, the country’s weather agency said in a report.

GAZA STRIP: Talks were expected to resume Saturday in Egypt aimed at halting months of war in Gaza between Hamas militants and Israel that have triggered widening protests around the world.

HONG KONG: A record-breaking heatwave is broiling parts of Asia, helping drive surging demand for cooling options, including air-conditioning.

NEW YORK: The lawyer who negotiated a hush money payment from Donald Trump to porn star Stormy Daniels was grilled by the former US president’s defence attorney, who suggested his activities bordered on “extortion.

SEOUL: South Korea’s spy agency said Friday that Pyongyang was plotting “terrorist” attacks targeting Seoul’s officials and citizens overseas, with the foreign ministry raising the alert level for diplomatic missions in five countries.

GAZA STRIP: Hamas said it was considering in a “positive spirit” a proposed truce and hostage release deal with Israel as the bloodiest ever Gaza war claimed more lives on Friday.

WASHINGTON: Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry joined a group of US senators to announce new legislation that would provide tens of millions of dollars towards menopause research and education.

TOKYO: Japan authorities will be blocking the view of Mount Fuji in Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, because of troublesome visitors, as reported by Japan Moments.

SYDNEY: Russia will face consequences for a cyber attack allegedly orchestrated by a group with ties to its military intelligence, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said on Friday.

DUBAI: An attack by gunmen on a humanitarian convoy of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Sudan’s South Darfur killed two drivers and injured three other staff on Thursday, the ICRC said in a statement.