Oliver Devereaux

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Innovations

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Innovations

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Politics

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,

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Business

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Innovations

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

1 year ago

Earth & Climate

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

1 year ago

Earth & 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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Innovations

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Politics

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,

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Politics

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.

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Business

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Business

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

1 year ago

Society

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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.

1 year ago

Business

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.

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Innovations

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

1 year ago

Arts & Entertainment

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%

1 year ago

Innovations

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

Business

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

1 year ago

World

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.

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Arts & Entertainment

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.

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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. 

1 year ago

Ukraine

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Politics

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

1 year ago

World

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

1 year ago

Business

Russia: Putin picks Mishustin to stay on as prime minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would like Mikhail Mishustin to be reappointed as prime minister. Mishustin has been credited with keeping the Russian economy afloat amid Western sanctions. Russian President Vladimir

1 year ago

Politics

Air Vanuatu files for bankruptcy protection

Vanuatu’s national carrier has canceled all flights and filed for bankruptcy protection, stranding a large number of tourists. Liquidators say it might be sold to a private operator. Air Vanuatu, the national

1 year ago

Business

Stormy Daniels denies using Trump encounter to make money

Adult film star Stormy Daniels denied using a sexual encounter with former US President Donald Trump to make money as she wrapped up testimony in his hush money trial. Adult film star Stormy

1 year ago

World

Panama Papers law firm boss Ramon Fonseca dies mid-trial

He was a partner of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, at one time the world’s fourth-largest provider of offshore financial services. The firm closed due to “irreparable damage” in the wake of

1 year ago

Society

Pope declares 2025 Holy Year

The event happens every quarter century and is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims. But the Italian capital’s infrastructure is in a poor state, leading many to ask if it can

1 year ago

World

Chad: Junta chief Deby declared winner of presidential vote

His father ruled Chad for a generation and now Mahamat Deby Itno has consolidated the family dynasty with victory in the presidential election. Military leader Mahamat Deby Itno has been declared the winner of this

1 year ago

Politics

Nigeria: Rights groups demand release of detained journalist

Investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu has been held without trial for over a week. Not only was his arrest illegal, say press freedom groups, so is his continued detention without charges. Press freedom and

1 year ago

World

Germany: 2 far-right AfD politicians attacked in Stuttgart

Police said two state lawmakers were slightly injured at an event marking the the 75th anniversary of Germany’s constitution. Police in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg said two politicians were attacked in the

1 year ago

Politics

Argentina: Unions call nationwide strike over Milei’s policy

Labor unions called for people to strike against President Javier Milei’s austerity agenda after the lower house of Argentina’s Congress approved a downsized version of Milei’s economic overhaul package in April. Major

1 year ago

Politics

China’s Xi to meet Orban in Hungary

The last stop in the Chinese president’s Europe tour is Hungary — the first EU country to participate in Xi’s signature Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to hold

1 year ago

Politics

Pakistan: 7 workers shot dead in their sleep in Balochistan

Police said gunmen stormed into a house near southwestern Pakistan’s Gwadar city and shot workers in an apparent ethnic attack. The victims were originally from Pakistan’s Punjab province. Unidentified gunmen shot and

1 year ago

World

Russia Victory Day parade: Won’t allow any threats — Putin

“Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but we will not allow anyone to threaten us,” Vladimir Putin told soldiers in Moscow. May 9 is a public holiday in Russia, marking

1 year ago

World

Australia and Tuvalu strike new security deal

Tuvalu raised sovereignty concerns after an earlier pact gave Australia veto power over any other security or defense agreement the tiny South Pacific island nation pursued with a third country, such as

1 year ago

Politics

South Africa: Dozens missing days after building collapse

Twenty-nine of the 75 workers who were at the site when the building collapsed in the city of George have been pulled out of the rubble alive. Six, however, have life-threatening injuries.

1 year ago

World

Fiji: Former PM Frank Bainimarama sentenced to prison

Fiji’s High Court found Frank Bainimarama guilty of quashing a probe into allegations of corruption at a Fijian university. The former prime minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama was sentenced to a year of

1 year ago

World

Champions League: Real Madrid stun Bayern to reach BVB final

Real Madrid scored twice in the dying stages to stun Bayern Munich and reach the Champions League final, where they will meet Borussia Dortmund. For a while, it seemed like Bayern Munich

1 year ago

Sport

Greta Thunberg fined over Stockholm protest

The “Fridays for Future” climate activist has been fined for civil disobedience over a protest that included blocking the entrance of the Swedish Parliament. Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist who inspired

1 year ago

Society

North Macedonia: Right-wing opposition set for big victory

Early results put the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE far ahead in the vote for North Macedonia’s parliament, with President Stevo Pendarovski conceding defeat to VMRO-DPMNE’s Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Polls have closed in North Macedonia following parliamentary elections and

1 year ago

Politics

Olympic flame arrives in France’s Marseille by ship

A ship bearing the flame has docked in the southern port of Marseille. Athletes, public figures and ordinary citizens will now carry the symbol of Olympic tradition to Paris in a relay

1 year ago

Sport

Indian police arrest 4 for luring recruits to Russian war

Investigators in India say police have detained four suspects accused of tricking young men to join Russia’s front-line forces in Ukraine. Investigators in India have announced that federal police arrested four people accused of duping

1 year ago

World

North Macedonia votes in polls crucial for EU membership

The Balkan country’s hope for joining the EU hinges upon the results of the parliamentary elections, which are likely to be won by the center-right coalition. Polling in North Macedonia for parliamentary elections as

1 year ago

Politics

Malaysia plans ‘orangutan diplomacy’ to boost palm oil sales

Malaysia intends to present orangutans to nations that import its palm oil. The move aims to allay concerns that palm oil production is often linked to the destruction of the endangered apes’

1 year ago

Earth & Climate

Court bans ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ protest song

An appeals court has granted a Hong Kong government request to ban a popular protest song. The ruling deepens concerns about the ebbing away of freedom in the semi-autonomous territory. Hong Kong’s appeal

1 year ago

Politics

Ukraine updates: Russia warns France against sending troops

Russia has warned that its forces would view any French forces sent to Ukraine as legitimate targets. Meanwhile, Ukraine has suffered a wave of new attacks on its energy infrastructure. Russia has

1 year ago

Ukraine

North Korea’s former propaganda chief dies at 94

Kim Ki Nam was best known as the mastermind behind building the personality cult around the ruling Kim dynasty. North Korea’s former propaganda chief, Kim Ki Nam, who is credited for his role

1 year ago

World

Franziska Giffey: Berlin politician attacked in library

The Social Democrat was briefly hospitalized. The incident came on the same day as an attack on a Greens politician who was hanging up campaign posters in the city of Dresden. Berlin’s

1 year ago

World

Trump classified documents trial postponed indefinitely

The former US president’s trial in Florida on charges of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office has been postponed. Judge Cannon shelved the May 20 process without setting a new date.

1 year ago

World