Russia will veto a UN Security Council resolution that would have authorised an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into atrocities committed by all sides in the Syrian conflict.

Russia's UN envoy Vitaly Churkin told reporters on Wednesday that Russia would block the US and French-backed resolution, which he described as a "publicity stunt" that would be detrimental to "joint efforts in trying to resolve politically the crisis in Syria".

The veto will be considered as a major blow to international efforts towards accountability in Syria.

Thailand's military has declared martial law after six months of unrest between the government and anti-government protesters.

Insisting the move was not a military coup, the army said it was intended to "preserve order and bring back peacefulness." The decision was announced on television at 03:00 local time on Tuesday. (See here, here and here for more).

Twin bombs were set off in a Nigerian business district packed with commuters and traders killing over 100 people today, reports The Guardian.

No organisation has claimed responsibility for the blasts in the city of Jos, although commentators suspect that the attack is another attempt by the militant group Boko Haram to showcase its capabilities ahead of the Nigerian general elections.

Boko Haram have been responsible for recent bombings and the kidnapping of over 200 children.

Russian’s President Vladmir Putin today ordered troops placed on Ukraine’s border to withdraw reports the BBC.

A statement by the Kremlin said that troops in Tostov, Belgorod and Bryansk had been ordered back to their permanent bases.

“In connection with the completion of the planned spring phase of military training.. at ranges in Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions,  Putin ordered the defence minister to withdraw the troops that took part in the exercises,” said the statement from the Kremlin.

A suicide blast has killed four in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, reports the BBC.

Nigerian police reported that the attack on Sunday night happened in a street with many bars and night spots.

The attack occurs amidst growing unrest against Islamist militant group Boko Haram, after the group abducted over 200 schoolgirls last month.

African leaders meeting in Paris agreed today to wage war on the Boko Haram militant group operating in Nigeria. Reports the Guardian.

The French President Francois Hollande, speaking after hosting the meeting, said that the all participants had agreed on a “global and regional action plan” that would involve “co-coordinating intelligence, sharing information, border surveillance, a military presence notably around Lake Chad and the capacity to intervene in case of danger.”

US President Barack Obama, last week renewed economic sanctions on Myanmar for another year citing a lack of expected progress in reforms, reported Reuters.

Commenting on the reasons behind renewing sanctions, Obama said,

Updated 15:52 BST

The BJP is on course for a landslide victory in the Indian elections, winning beyond the 272 seats needed to form a majority government.

So far the BJP has won 285 seats, whilst its alliance has secured 335 seats, IBNlive reported. Votes are still being counted, with over 500 millions votes cast during this protracted election.