Ukraine ceasefire: What do Russia, US, EU want?
Washington and Kyiv are both pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but so far Russia has rejected the proposal. What interests are at play here — for Russia, Ukraine, the
China says military drills around Taiwan test seizing power
Chinese warships surrounded Taiwan as Beijing said the military exercises were a “strong punishment for the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces.” Taipei has condemned the drills. China’s military continued its war
Spain: Several killed in Mallorca building collapse
Local media report that the collapsed building was a restaurant in the Playa de Palma area on the Mediterranean island. A building collapse on Spain’s Mediterranean island of Mallorca has left at
China holds military drills around Taiwan as a ‘punishment’
Beijing say the drills are a “strong punishment” for “separatist acts,” three days after Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te was sworn in. Taiwan has condemned the “irrational provocations.” Chinese naval vessels and military
Biden, Ruto urge global lenders to ease debt burden
Kenyan President William Ruto is the first African leader to make a state visit to Washington since 2008. He and Joe Biden are set to announce a slew of new US investments
Russia arrests top military official on bribery charges
Vadim Shamarin has been charged with accepting bribes on a large scale, Russian media reported. It follows the arrests of other members of the military’s top brass as the war in Ukraine
Iran: Raisi to be buried in home city
Another funeral procession has taken place ahead of the burial of late President Ebrahim Raisi, who is to be interred at Iran’s holiest Shiite Muslim site. Iran held the final day of
Mexico: Several killed as stage collapses at campaign rally
At least nine people have died at an event for a presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez in Nuevo Leon after a stage collapsed in a strong gust of wind. An accident at
France’s Macron holds talks in riot-hit New Caledonia
The French president has called ongoing violence in the South Pacific French archipelago an “unprecedented insurrection.” A recent change to voting rights has worsened the situation. President Emmanuel Macron met with local officials
Ecuador: State of emergency declared in seven provinces
President Daniel Noboa declared a state emergency for 60 days in an effort to curb a rising number of violent deaths. Human rights groups have voiced concerns over violations being committed by
Tunisia: Two journalists jailed for publishing ‘false news’
The journalists were jailed for a year after falling foul of Decree 54. The law passed in 2022 punishes the use of communications to “produce or spread false news.” A Tunisian court sentenced two
Atalanta beats Bayer Leverkusen to win Europa League
Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick as Atalanta brought Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten season to an end with the Italian side winning their first ever Europa League title. Atalanta eased to a 3-0 victory
Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognize Palestinian state
Israel has condemned the move, recalled its ambassadors and warned recognition would lead to “more terrorism and instability.” Norway will recognize an independent Palestinian state as of May 28, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on
Germany: Antisemitic incidents in Berlin hit record levels
The number of incidents reported in the German capital increased by almost 50% in 2023, according to new figures. The majority of cases were documented after the October 7 terror attack on
Germany: Antisemitic incidents in Berlin hits record levels
The number of incidents reported in the German capital increased by almost 50% in 2023, according to new figures. The majority of cases were documented after the October 7 terror attack on
Iran: Tehran holds Raisi funeral services
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has led prayers at funeral processions for late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage. Tehran residents received text messages urging them to attend the funeral. The focus of
Ukraine updates: Russia denies Baltic Sea border claim
Latest Russian reports say there’s no plan to alter Baltic Sea borders, after a draft Defense Ministry decree on the issue. Finland said it wasn’t consulted, Lithuania said Moscow was trying to
Gemany: Far-right AfD bans top EU candidate from campaigning
Maximilian Krah is being investigated for suspicious links to Russia and China, and recently made headlines for saying that not all members of the Nazi SS forces were “criminals.” Germany’s far-right Alternative
US: Iowa tornado leaves trail of wreckage and death
Iowa State Patrol said there were “confirmed fatalities,” but did not release an exact number. The Iowa State Patrol has confirmed multiple deaths from a tornado and at least a dozen injuries
Vietnam elects To Lam as new president
In a secret ballot, 472 out of 473 deputies voted in favor of To Lam’s nomination. Vietnam’s National Assembly elected Public Security Minister To Lam as the country’s new president on Wednesday. In
French far-right National Rally splits with Germany’s AfD
The main far-right party of France says it will no longer align with its erstwhile German allies, the AfD, in the EU parliament. This followed comments by the AfD’s top candidate about
Biden says Trump using Hitler’s language with ‘Reich’ post
The video reposted by Donald Trump referred to a “unified Reich” if the Republican gets a second term at the White House. Trump later deleted the video from his social media account.
Germany: Politically motivated crimes spike in 2023
Politically motivated crimes in Germany rose in 2023 more than in any year over the past two decades. War in the Middle East and increased political polarization at home both appear to
Israel-Hamas war: UN suspends Rafah food aid
The UN has said it has halted food distribution due to lack of supplies and insecurity as Israeli forces continue an assault on the southern Gazan city. The UN agency for Palestinian
Germany’s Toni Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his retirement from football after this summer’s European Championship. The 34-year-old is considered one of the best German players of his generation. Real
Iran: Funeral procession for President Raisi begins
Dayslong funeral arrangements for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi have kicked off after he was killed in a helicopter crash. A procession in Tabriz has taken place amid five days of nationa mourning
One dead as turbulence hits London-Singapore flight
One person has been killed and dozens of others injured after a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence. Over 30 more were injured, among a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew
Greece: Trial on Mediterranean migrant shipwreck dismissed
Nine Egyptian men faced trial for negligent homicide following the shipwreck of a fishing trawler in June 2023 that left hundreds of migrants dead. A judge dropped the case, citing lack of
Germany: Lightning strike in Dresden injures 10
Three women and seven men were injured and taken to nearby hospitals after lightning hit the banks of the Elbe during a thunderstorm. The fire department urged anyone else who may have
Tourist hot spot in Japan blocks view of Mount Fuji
A Japanese town known for scenic spots for photographing the snow-capped Mount Fuji has built a barrier to dissuade tourists from breaking rules. Many visitors are keen to get snaps for social
New Caledonia: Australia, NZ send planes to rescue tourists
Riots erupted in New Caledonia after France approved voting reforms unpopular with the French territory’s indigenous population. The following violence led to six deaths and left hundreds injured. The governments of Australia
Trump hush money trial: Judge scolds witness for behavior
Judge Juan Merchan threatened to remove the witness in Donald Trump’s New York hush money case, after he uttered words like “jeez” and “ridiculous” under his breath from the witness stand. In
Microsoft reveals PCs with AI capabilities
The American multinational corporation has unveiled a new category of personal computers with artificial intelligence capabilities. The tech giant said that the AI features will take place on the device itself. Microsoft
Julian Assange given permission to appeal US extradition
The founder of WikiLeaks is wanted in the United States on espionage charges for leaking military secrets. He will remain in custody in the UK while the appeal goes ahead. The High Court
South Africa: Top court bars Zuma from election run
South Africa is set to hold a general election next week in which the ruling African National Congress (ANC) could lose its majority for the first time since 1994. Jacob Zuma’s MK
Spain demands apology from Argentina’s Milei
The Argentine President Javier Milei called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’ wife “corrupt.” Spain has recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires and summoned Argentina’s envoy. Spain’s Foreign Ministry summoned on Monday Argentina’s ambassador to demand
India election: Voting continues amid severe heatwave
India’s PM Narendra Modi is widely expected to win a third term, but recent lower voter turnout has been a cause of concern for Modi’s BJP. Monday’s polling in the fifth round of
Ebrahim Raisi: What to know about the Iranian president
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash, according to the country’s state media. But who was Raisi and what will happen in the Middle East in the wake of
Taiwan: New president takes office amid rising China threat
Despite President Lai Ching-te’s call for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to pursue peace, China sees him as a “dangerous separatist.” Beijing has increased military activities near Taiwan since his election
Dominican Republic election: Incumbent president in the lead
The highly popular incumbent and anti-corruption crusader Luis Abinader is leading the vote count in the Dominican Republic’s presidential election. The crisis in neighboring Haiti dominated the election campaign. The Dominican Republic’s incumbent president,
Post-Brexit trade border controls to cost UK $6 billion
The UK’s public spending watchdog said government expenditures on implementing new rules for post-Brexit imports would total some $6 billion. The report criticized “uncertainty” surrounding government plans. Britain will spend at least
Biden tells graduating students ‘I hear’ Gaza protests
Speaking with graduating students, US President Joe Biden said he supports their “peaceful nonviolent protest” over the ongoing “humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” US President Joe Biden told the graduating class at Morehouse College that
Iran: President Raisi’s helicopter suffers ‘hard landing’
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been involved in an “accident” in the north of the country. Rescue teams scrambled but did not immediately find the aircraft, amid poor weather
Slovakia: PM Fico’s condition currently not life-threatening
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot at point-blank range when meeting supporters. His condition is “serious” but currently not life-threatening, according to doctors. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is out of danger
Germany: AfD politician struck with ashtray in pub argument
A politician from Germany’s far-right AfD party was injured after an alterncation in a pub in Schwerin. Incidents of violence against politicians have made headlines in recent weeks in Germany. A local
Germany’s Bundesrat passes gender self-identification law
Lawmakers in Germany’s upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, have passed the country’s Self Determination Act. The law makes it easier for people to change their registered gender. Germany’s upper legislature, the
India: Owner of billboard that killed 16 people arrested
Mumbai police tracked down the owner of the billboard which fell during a storm killing 16 and injuring 75. He has been charged with culpable homicide. Police from the west Indian city of Mumbai
Putin hails Russia-China cultural and economic ties
On the second day of his trip to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a trade fair in the northeastern city of Harbin and emphasized the growing economic ties between the two
Israel responds to Rafah genocide charges at ICJ
South Africa has filed an urgent request to the UN’s top court for provisional measures, including ordering a cease-fire in Gaza. This is the third hearing on the war between Israel and
French police kill man who tried to set fire to synagogue
France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said police fatally shot a man who was trying to set fire to a synagogue in the city of Rouen in Normandy. Authorities say he approached officers
Reddit, OpenAI strike deal to use forums to feed ChatGPT
Publicly listed Reddit is looking to diversify its revenue beyond advertising. Earlier this year, the social network also struck a deal allowing Google’s parent company to use its data to train AI
Global life expectancy set to grow by nearly 5 years by 2050
New research predicts a rise in life expectancy worldwide over the next three decades, particularly in Africa. Meanwhile, obesity and other factors are also set to play a larger role in poor
German government must amend climate plan, court rules
A major state-supported environmental group won a suit against the German government, which will have to improve its climate protection plan after the court found it insufficient to achieve the country’s climate
Germany: 3 dead, 16 injured in overnight explosion, blaze
Officials in Düsseldorf say it is unclear what caused a fire that engulfed an apartment building on Thursday. Three men were killed in the incident and two of the sixteen hospitalized sustained
Germany faces challenge as 2025 tax forecast sinks
Germany’s federal, state and local governments can expect less revenue next year than had been assumed. Finance Minister Christian Lindner said it was clear that the public sector would have to tighten
Switzerland: Police arrest knife attack suspect
A man with a knife attacked and injured several people in the Swiss town of Zofingen on Wednesday evening before being arrested by police. Several victims are in hospital. Two passersby were severely
New Caledonia state of emergency comes into effect
New Caledonia saw a third night of riots over an electoral reform imposed by France. Pacific nations such as Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu have called for peace. A state of emergency came into
Germany: Money-laundering probe into far-right AfD lawmaker
Bavarian prosecutors are investigating suspected money-laundering activities by a far-right politician. The German parliament says it has lifted the political immunity of the AfD member Petr Bystron. The Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office
German police raid pro-Palestinian group in Duisburg
The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has banned the group Palestine Solidarity Duisburg over alleged Hamas support and antisemitism. German police in the western city of Duisburg carried out raids on
South Africa to ask ICJ to halt Israel’s Rafah offensive
South Africa will ask the top UN court to order Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah. The hearing is part of a broader case accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza,
UN says Sudan faces ‘inferno of brutal violence,’ famine
The UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Sudan said residents of the country were at risk of famine as the rainy season approaches. The violence between the army and paramilitary forces has made it
Canada: Evacuations as wildfire closes in on oil sands town
Some 6,000 people have already evacuated from Fort McMurray as the wildfire approached and grew in size. Authorities hope favorable weather conditions can turn the blaze away from the town. Authorities in Canada are
Switzerland: ‘Several’ wounded in knife attack
A man with a knife attacked and injured several people in the Swiss town of Zofingen on Wednesday evening before being arrested by police. Several victims are in hospital. Several passers-by have
New Caledonia: France declares state of emergency amid riots
The French government has declared a 12-day state of emergency in New Caledonia. This follows deadly riots over voting reforms unpopular with the French territory’s indigenous peoples. The French government declared a
Netherlands: Right-wing parties to form government
Far-right populist Geert Wilders has said the leaders of four right-wing Dutch parties have reached agreement on forming a coalition government. Wilders himself will not be prime minister. Far-right Dutch firebrand Geert Wilders on
Putin in China seeking support for Ukraine war effort
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed his Russian counterpart, saying their ties were “conductive to peace.” Putin’s second trip to China in six months is expected to focus on military and financial assistance.
Argentina: Yearly inflation hits 290% as monthly rate slows
Although the yearly inflation rate is the highest it has been in decades, the monthly inflation figure decreased more than experts predicted. Javier Milei’s government has introduced strict austerity policies. Inflation in Argentina slowed
Georgia: EU, NATO condemn passing of ‘foreign agent’ law
Georgia’s government has drawn condemnation from the West following its passing of the controversial law. The law is seen by many as the result of Russian influence. The European Union and NATO on Wednesday called for Georgia to
Germany: Man jailed for life for train knife attack
A 34-year-old man has been given the toughest penalty in German law after attacking people with a knife on a train in 2023, killing two and wounding four others. The defense argued
Chinese planes ‘increasingly provocative’ to Taiwan
The record number of Chinese daily sorties near Taiwan this year comes ahead of President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20. Taiwan reported 45 Chinese warplanes in its airspace within 24 hours, according
New Caledonia: 3 killed, scores wounded as riots continue
Riots erupted in the French Pacific territory after France’s National Assembly voted in favor of a new bill allowing French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote
Hong Kong: YouTube complies with order to block protest song
Video platform YouTube says it is blocking access in Hong Kong to sites featuring a protest anthem after a court order. But it said it shared concerns that the move went against
Argentina: Yearly inflation at almost 300%
When President Javier Milei took office in December he promised to address the economy with monthly inflation at over 25%. Meanwhile, experts warn that falling inflation is the symptom of a painful
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch millions at auction
The sale featured eight watches belonging to the seven-time F1 champion, who has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in 2013. Among the watches were timepieces from Rolex, Audemars
Tunisian bar association slams ‘abuse of power’ over arrests
Police arrested two lawyers in recent days. Critics of President Kais Saied have accused him of cracking down on lawyers, activists, politicians and journalists following a power grab in 2021. The head
France: Macron condemns ‘odious’ Holocaust Memorial attack
Authorities and Jewish groups have condemned a graffiti attack on the anniversary of a Nazi round-up of Jews, calling it a “hateful rallying cry.” A criminal complaint has been filed over the
Italy: Police arrest over 100 mafia members in mass raid
The Calabrian ‘Ndrangeta is known to be one of the most powerful crime organizations in the world. But now Italian authorities are trying to loosen its grip. Italian police detained 109 suspected
Georgia parliament passes divisive ‘foreign influence’ bill
Politicians came to blows in parliament in Tblisi during the final reading of the bill. It has already caused weeks of protests and renewed warnings from the EU. The Georgian parliament on
EU gives final approval to migration and asylum reform plan
After years of debate, the EU is introducing new migration and asylum rules that include tougher borders and shared responsibility among the bloc’s members. Economy ministers from the European Union’s 27 countries
US announces higher China tariffs, including 100% for EVs
The US has announced a series of increased tariffs on goods in various key sectors hailing from China. Semiconductors, solar cells, batteries, electric vehicles and some minerals are among the affected items.
New Caledonia: Curfew, airport closed after riots in Noumea
Authorities have closed the airport and declared a curfew in the French territory in the Indo-Pacific, following riots in opposition to proposed voting reforms. New Zealand’s foreign minister postponed a visit there.
Australian army whistleblower McBride sentenced to prison
Former army lawyer David McBride admitted to having shared more than 200 classified military documents — that had to do with alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan — with journalists. A court
EU slams Eurovision for banning its flag from song contest
The European Union has accused the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest of “incoherence” for banning its flag from the concert hall during the final in the Swedish city of Malmo. The
India: Billboard collapse kills 12, injures dozens in Mumbai
A billboard collapsed in India’s financial capital Mumbai, killing at least 12 people amid thunderstorms and heavy rain. Twelve people were killed and at least 60 injured after a billboard at a
Grave of German politician Wolfgang Schäuble desecrated
Someone dug a meter-deep hole at the grave of German politician Wolfgang Schäuble, but didn’t reach the coffin. The motive for the incident is not yet known. A hole more than a
Georgia poised to adopt ‘Russian law’ despite mass protests
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the bill will go to its third and final reading on Tuesday. Meanwhile, university students went on strike and led another major protest outside parliament. Georgia’s prime
French campaign urges men: ‘Drive like a woman!’
There is a perception in society that men are safer drivers than women, according to the Victims and Citizens association. But French road accident statistics suggest otherwise. A new campaign aimed at
Germany: Angela Merkel’s memoirs to be published in November
The memoirs of the former German chancellor, titled “Freedom,” will be available in more than 30 countries. Merkel has kept a relatively low profile since leaving office. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s memoirs will be
Germany: Cybercrime by foreign actors rose by 28% in 2023
A new report found that cybercrimes by foreign actors increased by 28% as compared to the previous year. In 2022, the increase was 8% on the previous year. German authorities reported a 28%
Armenia detains scores of Azerbaijan land deal protesters
Police in Armenia say they have detained dozens of demonstrators who were trying to block streets in capital Yerevan. The protesters are angry at plans to hand over land to Azerbaijan. Armenian
Emirates Group logs record profits of $5.1 billion
Dubai-based Emirates Group announced record annual profits of $5.1 billion — a 71% increase from last year — based on strong customer demand. Dubai-based airline Emirates announced record annual profits of $5.1 billion
German court upholds AfD ‘suspected’ extremist status
The designation could allow Germany’s intelligence agency to surveil and investigate members of the far-right party. The AfD says it plans to appeal the ruling. A higher regional court in western Germany
India election: Race heats up as 4th round of voting begins
The fourth phase of India’s seven-phase elections are underway, with people headed to vote in 96 constituencies across 10 states and union territories. Rising temperatures could affect an already low voter turnout.
Hundreds of fans greet Eurovision winner Nemo in Switzerland
Nemo arrived at Zurich Airport, where they signed autographs from fans and posed for selfies. The 24-year-old won this year’s Eurovision contest with a song focusing on the performer’s non-binary identity. Nemo
Lithuania: Nauseda and Simonyte head to presidential run-off
Incumbent Gitanas Nauseda declared victory in the first round but will face a run-off vote against Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. The election was marked by security concerns amid the war in Ukraine.
Catalonia: Separatists lose majority, Socialists make gains
Spain’s Socialists won the largest share of the vote in Catalan elections, as separatist parties are set to lose their majority after more than a decade in power in the region. Catalans voted
Ukraine updates: Putin appoints Shoigu to security council
In a surprise reshuffle, Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to move Sergei Shoigu out of the Defense Ministry. Russia has claimed its forces have taken four villages in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
Germany: Tesla protests end with arrests and dismantled camp
Police have filed criminal charges and detained protesters near Tesla’s Brandenburg gigafactory. Protesters are waiting to see if the the US carmaker will be allowed to expand the site before taking action
India: Modi rival Kejriwal released on bail to campaign
India’s top court has granted Delhi’s chief elected official, Arvind Kejriwal, temporary bail so he can campaign in elections. His detention on corruption charges is seen by supporters as a bid to
Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy says Ukraine will regain momentum
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will be able to halt Russian troops “as soon as the arms supplies arrive.” Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone attack on an oil refinery. Ukraine intends
Britain’s economy exits recession ahead of elections
The UK’s economy grew stronger than expected at 0.6% in the first quarter of this year. However, the country’s economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic has been slow. Britain saw stronger than expected