World
- WorldBBC
Blast in sugar factory kills 11 in Tanzania
Among the dead are citizens of Kenya, Brazil, India and China, official say.
1 min read - WorldNBC News
Macron blasts Putin for rejecting Olympics truce
French President Macron said Russia's Putin is "not ready to make peace" in Ukraine after rejecting an "Olympic truce." Ukraine's Zelenskyy has also said no.
3 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany's AfD party expelled from European Parliament group
All members of the far-right Alternative for Germany party have been expelled from the Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament, multiple employees of the group told dpa on Thursday. Marco Zanni, the leader of the ID group, made a request to expel the nine AfD members after negative headlines about the party in recent weeks, including about the AfD's lead candidate for the European elections in June, Maximilian Krah. The move comes after a "string of incidents involving Mr Ma
1 min read - BusinessElectronic Payments
UnionPay Online Payment now available in 60+ apps for visitors to China
UnionPay online payment is designed to fully accommodate the payment preferences of international users in China
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Far-right grouping in European Parliament expels high-flying Alternative for Germany party
A German far-right party hoping for big gains in upcoming European elections suffered a another setback on Thursday when it was kicked out of a right-wing group in the European Parliament. The Identity and Democracy group said it was expelling lawmakers from the Alternative for Germany party with immediate effect because of growing controversy surrounding its lead candidate in the June 6-9 polls. “The ID Group no longer wants to be associated with the incidents involving Maximilian Krah,” it s
2 min read - USFox Weather
9 killed, dozens injured in Mexico after stage collapses during severe thunderstorm
A stage collapsed in northeast Mexico on Wednesday during a thunderstorm, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more, according to local government officials.
1 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Myanmar quietly announces plans to study controversial Chinese dam project suspended 13 years ago
Myanmar’s military government appears to be considering reviving a massive China-backed hydroelectric dam project, work on which was suspended more than a decade ago after protests over its possible impact on the environment. A notice from the Information Ministry, published online in the latest issue of the government gazette on Tuesday, announced a new leadership team for the Myitsone hydropower project, which was put on hold in 2011 by Myanmar’s military-backed former president, Thein Sein.
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
In South Africa, a community struggling for clean water reflects wider discontent ahead of election
This is not a distant, rural community, but a township on the edge of the administrative capital city of Africa's most advanced economy. It's barely 30 miles from the government buildings in nearby Pretoria. Hammanskraal's problems — a lack of clean water, a shortage of proper housing and high unemployment — are a snapshot of the issues affecting millions and driving a mood of discontent in South Africa that might force its biggest political change in 30 years in next week's national election.
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Putin visits Belarus on second trip abroad since start of new term
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to Belarus for a two-day state visit. Putin is scheduled to meet his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday evening for discussions on key international issues, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The two countries are close allies and Minsk has provided support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, without participating directly in the conflict. Lukashenko last visited Moscow on May 9 for Russia's Victory Day military parade. His
1 min read - Worlddpa international
ICJ to make interim ruling on Israeli withdrawal from Rafah on Friday
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is to rule on Friday on further legal steps to prevent the genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in response to a South African application. The ICJ said on Thursday that the ruling would be announced during a public sitting at the Peace Palace in the Dutch city at 3 pm (1300 GMT). ICJ presiding judge Nawaf Salam will read out the court's order. The ruling refers to a request by South Africa on May 10 this year concerning the application of the Conve
2 min read - Worlddpa international
German far-right party faces expulsion from European Parliament group
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could face expulsion from the European Parliament group it belongs to, according to a document seen by dpa on Thursday, just two weeks ahead of European elections. Marco Zanni, the leader of the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, made a request to expel the AfD after multiple negative headlines about the party in recent weeks, including about the AfD's lead candidate for the elections in June, Maximilian Krah. The move comes after a "string of in
3 min read - Worlddpa international
Iran's late president Raisi to be buried in home city of Mashhad
Ebrahim Raisi, the late Iranian president who died in a helicopter crash at the weekend, is to be buried in his home city of Mashhad on Thursday as mass mourning ceremonies continue in the country. Raisi is to be laid to rest at the city's shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth imam of Shia Islam. High-ranking representatives of friendly states are expected to attend, including Russian parliamentary leader Vyacheslav Volodin. Iran's state railway company organized special trains to take mourners from T
2 min read - BusinessJust Auto
Renault and VW end talks for joint ‘e-Twingo’ – report
The two companies had been talking about collaboration on a low-cost EV to meet challenge from China
2 min read - WorldINSIDER
Putin has 'both eyes' on a strategic island belonging to new NATO member Sweden, army commander says
The strategic Baltic island of Gotland is now a key target for Russia, after Sweden joined NATO earlier this year, Sweden's army chief said.
3 min read - SportsExplorersWeb
Everest and Lhotse Without O2 in Single Push
Forty-eight hours after summiting Lhotse, Piotr Krzyzowski of Poland has reached the top of Everest. He did both without oxygen or sherpa support and without descending lower than Camp 4. At the time of writing this story, Krzyzowski was still on his way back to Camp 4. We will update as soon as we have […]
1 min read - Worlddpa international
German president honours 75-year-old constitution as 'great gift'
Germany's constitution, or Basic Law, was a "great gift" after the tyranny of the Nazi regime, President Frank-Walter Steimeier said at the ceremony marking the entry into force of the law 75 years ago. "A gift that must not only be remembered, but that we must cherish, preserve and defend in the everyday life of the republic," Steinmeier said during the celebration on Thursday in Berlin. It is one of the oldest constitutions in the world and has become a model for many constitutions, Steinmeier
2 min read - Worlddpa international
European Parliament group leader moves to expel Germany's AfD party
The leader of the Identity and Democracy group in the European Parliament has made a request to expel the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, according to a document seen by dpa on Thursday. The move comes after a "string of incidents involving Mr Maximilian Krah and - by extension - the German delegation of the Group" and their impact on the group's reputation, the text of the motion reads. Krah has come under significant public scrutiny following his comments that not all Schutzstaf
1 min read - BusinessFreightWaves
DHL launches virtual cargo airline for supply chain customers in Brazil
DHL’s supply chain unit has invested nearly $100 million to set up an air line haul operation with the help of a local airline that will support logistics customers in Brazil. The post DHL launches virtual cargo airline for supply chain customers in Brazil appeared first on FreightWaves.
5 min read - USFox News
Harvard board votes to block 13 sanctioned protesters from graduating, risks 'faculty rebellion,' says prof
The Harvard Corporation vetoed a decision by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences to permit 13 seniors facing discipline for participating in an anti-Israel encampment to graduate.
4 min read - WorldINSIDER
UK-supplied drones have destroyed over $1.2 billion of Russian military gear in Ukraine, says UK official
UK drones have taken out $1.2 billion of Russian military gear in Ukraine since 2022, the UK's defense secretary boasted, with over 4,000 drones sent.
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
From South Korea to India, devotees mark the birthday of Buddha with lanterns and prayers
A devotee knelt and gently touched his head on the dome of the Boudhanath Stupa, an iconic Buddhist monument in Kathmandu, as a mark of reverence on Thursday, which marks the birth of Buddha. The birthday of Buddha is a holy occasion for all Buddhists, but is celebrated on different dates depending on the school of Buddhism or country to which one belongs. The highlight of the celebration in South Korea is the lotus lantern festival called Yeondeunghoe, a parade of thousands of colorful, light
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Heavy police presence at ceremony to celebrate German constitution
A total of about 1,000 police officers were deployed in and around the government district of Berlin on Thursday, a spokeswoman said, in order to police the state ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of Germany's constitution. The police were also out on the Spree river on patrol boats and had deployed a helicopter. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and special task forces (SEK) from the Berlin State Criminal Police Office and from Lower Saxony were also involved. The situation was calm
2 min read - USWTXF
Pro-Palestine protesters pack up tent encampment at Drexel University
A pro-Palestine tent encampment that overtook part of Drexel University's campus peacefully disbanded early Thursday morning.
2 min read - WorldBBC
Crisis-hit university students ordered to leave UK
Teesside University students have struggled to pay tuition fees since currency in Nigeria crashed.
5 min read - Worlddpa international
German construction industry misses targets amid housing crisis
Housing construction in Germany again failed to gain momentum last year despite high demand, particularly in urban centres, according to the official figures released on Thursday. The number of flats that been completed fell by 0.3% compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office reported, representing a total of 294,400 homes built. This was a smaller drop than feared, but was still a long way off the centre-left government's target of building 400,000 new homes per year. The numb
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
France is proud of its secularism. But struggles grow in this approach to faith, school, integration
Brought into the international spotlight by the ban on hijabs for French athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics, France’s unique approach to “laïcité” — loosely translated as “secularism” — has been increasingly stirring controversy across the country. Perhaps the most contested ground is public schools, where visible signs of faith are barred under policies seeking to foster national unity. “It has become a privilege to be allowed to practice our religion,” said Majda Ould Ibbat, who was con
6 min read - WorldAFP
The Who bassist's guitar up for auction in France
A bass designed by and built for The Who rocker John Entwistle will be sold at auction in Lyon in eastern France Thursday, an auction house said."The Who was a legendary group," said Antoine Stacchetti, the former manager of the Lyon Guitar Center, who came to see the bass and other items on sale Thursday.
1 min read - WorldAFP
Video shows Russia preparing military parade, not 'mobilisation of nuclear weapons'
A video of missiles being transported to Moscow ahead of an annual military parade has been falsely shared in posts that claimed it showed nuclear weapons moved on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin after he warned the West against sending troops to aid Ukraine. The footage was in fact filmed before Putin issued the warning about the "real" risk of nuclear war in February 2024.
2 min read - WorldBBC
Unprecedented insurrection in New Caledonia - Macron
France's president says reinforcements will stay "as long as necessary", as he visits the Pacific territory.
3 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Norway further tightens its restrictions on the entry of Russians
Norway on Thursday said it will further tighten its restrictions on the entry of people from Russia, saying those with tourist visas issued by Norway before regulations were tightened in 2022 or issued by another European country will be barred from entering the Scandinavian country as of next week. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl said the tightening was a response to “Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.”
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Deputy Russian military chief of staff jailed for bribery in latest arrest of high defense official
A deputy chief of the Russian military general staff has been arrested on charges of large-scale bribery, Russian news reports said Thursday, the latest in a series of bribery arrests of high-ranking military officials. The arrest of Lt. Gen. Vadim Shamarin followed the arrest this week of Maj. Gen. Ivan Popov, a former top commander in Russia's offensive in Ukraine, also on bribery charges. In April, Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was arrested for bribery.
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Top UN court declines to issue preliminary orders in Mexico-Ecuador dispute over Quito embassy raid
The top United Nations court declined Thursday to issue an immediate order for Ecuador to protect Mexican diplomatic property following the storming of Mexico's embassy in Quito to arrest a former vice president. International Court of Justice President Nawaf Salam said pledges made by Ecuador in a letter to the court and in public hearings last month “encompass the concerns expressed by Mexico” in its request for interim measures. Ecuador's ambassador to the Netherlands, Andres Teran Parral,
3 min read - WorldAFP
Flag seen on China's new aircraft carrier is used for communication
China's new aircraft carrier flew a signalling flag during its first sea trials in May 2024, not a Japanese flag, contrary to false claims circulating on social media. The China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which manufactured the vessel, confirmed the flag is in fact used by ships to communicate with each other.
3 min read - WorldBBC
Israeli hostage's family hope kidnap video reminds world of need for deal
New harrowing footage shows the moment Naama Levy and other women were seized by Hamas gunmen.
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Nine dead in Mexico as wind topples stage at campaign event
Nine people died and scores more were injured as strong winds caused part of a stage to collapse during an election campaign event in north-eastern Mexico on Wednesday evening. Nuevo León Governor Samuel García, who attended the scene, said that nine people, including a minor, died and 50 suffered medium or serious injuries. At least three people were in surgery. "If you can, avoid going out because there are storms and atypical winds," García said in a post on social media platform X. "I regret
1 min read - Worlddpa international
75 years of German constitution, republic to be marked in Berlin
Germany plans to celebrate the entry into force of its constitution, the Basic Law, and the founding of the modern federal republic 75 years ago with an official state ceremony in the heart of Berlin's government district on Thursday. The Basic Law come into force on May 23, 1949, which is also the founding date of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Peaceful Revolution in the former East Germany, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, is also be commemorated on Thursday. It ultimately led
2 min read - WorldNBC News
Hostage families share disturbing video of Israeli soldiers being abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7
The families of the Israeli women taken hostage on Oct. 7 released disturbing video Wednesday of five female soldiers being captured by Hamas militants who call them “dogs” and threaten to shoot them.
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Sweden to give Ukraine further €6.5 billion in military aid
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Wednesday announced that his country would give Ukraine a further €6.5 billion ($7 billion) in military aid spread over three years to ward off Russia's invasion. "This support will help fund long term donations of additional military materiel and the purchasing of new materiel for direct supply from the defence sector to Ukraine," Kristersson said addressing Ukrainians as he announced the aid package in Stockholm. "Ukraine's cause is Sweden's cause," he
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Report: Israeli war cabinet tells hostage negotiators to keep trying
Israel's war cabinet has instructed the negotiating team to continue efforts to secure the release of the hostages, Israeli media reported early on Thursday morning, citing a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The war cabinet had previously met for four hours. As Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas are not negotiating directly with each other, Egypt, Qatar and the US are acting as mediators in the Gaza war. The most recent round of negotiations ended wi
1 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Stage collapse at a campaign rally in northern Mexico kills at least 9 people and injures 121
The collapse of a stage in heavy winds at a campaign rally in northern Mexico has killed at least nine people, including a child, and injured 121, the governor of Nuevo Leon state said Thursday. The collapse occurred during an event Wednesday evening attended by presidential long-shot candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who ran to escape. Videos of the collapse on social media showed people screaming, running away and climbing out from under metal polls.
3 min read - ScienceAssociated Press
Italian museum recreates Tanzanian butterfly forest to raise awareness on biodiversity research
In a lush greenhouse high in the Alps, butterflies of various species and colors flutter freely while butterfly pupae are suspended in a structure as they grow into adult insects. This is the Butterfly Forest in the tropical mountain greenhouse in Trento, Italy, a project by the Museo delle Scienze (MUSE), an Italian science museum. It's modeled on Udzungwa Mountains, a mountain range and rainforest area in south-central Tanzania that’s one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany's far-right AfD bans EU top candidate from public appearances
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has banned its lead candidate in next month's European elections, Maximilian Krah, from making public appearances, following his comments that not all SS members were criminals. A party spokesman confirmed a report in the Bild newspaper on Wednesday that the federal executive committee had banned Krah from making public appearances ahead of the pan-EU elections to decide the next European Parliament. Krah said on the social media platform X
4 min read - ScienceYahoo News
Extreme weather is having a dire effects on animals. Here’s what’s being done to protect them.
As animals like howler monkeys fall dead from trees in Mexico due to high temperatures, conservationists explain their plan to protect wildlife during what is expected to be an unusually hot summer.
3 min read - BusinessNextShark
Young people in China are buying up scratch lottery tickets
Scratch cards, a type of instant lottery, have become a surprising hit among young people in China. Scratch card sales in China have recently risen in popularity as social media influencers fuel the craze. Experts attribute the trend to the economic slowdown and high unemployment in the country.
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Families of Israeli hostages release video of female soldiers being captured by Hamas
A group representing the families of hostages held in Gaza has released new video footage showing Hamas’ capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on Oct. 7. The video shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded. The footage was taken by Hamas militants who stormed the Nahal Oz military base, part of the militant group’s wider assault on southern Israel that killed roughly 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage.
3 min read - WorldAFP
Canadian military drill sparks unfounded forced removal theories
Social media users claim a military training exercise in Canada's Ontario province was a cover-up for a federal operation to relocate citizens to "re-education camps." This is false; the posts reference wellness checks that involved voluntary conversations with soldiers about emergency preparedness, according to local municipalities and the Canadian Department of National Defence.
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Zelensky continues to collect pledges to attend peace summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is continuing to collect pledges for the planned peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June. "Today I spoke with the heads of state and prime ministers of Chile, Albania, Austria and Mozambique," Zelensky said in his regular video message on Wednesday evening. "Four more countries at the summit - I thank them." It is already known that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be travelling to the meeting on behalf of Germany. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will a
2 min read - LifestyleMen's Journal
Traveler Shows Off Inventive Solution to Avoiding Oversized Baggage Fees
An industrious traveler avoided a pricey oversized baggage fee by using an eccentric workaround. A viral video, first reported by The Sun, shows an airline passenger by the name of Daniel being quizzed about his bag at the Palma de Mallorca Airport in Spain. Told that he’ll have to pay an ...
1 min read - WorldFuturism
That Guy Claiming to Be Satoshi Nakamoto Just Got Beat Down by a Judge
Craig Wright, the Australian computer scientist who has long claimed to be Bitcoin's mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto, has once and for all been revealed to be a fraud. As Wired reports, a judge in the United Kingdom has ruled that Wright perpetrated a long-running scheme, which included extensive document forgery, in service of the lie that […]
2 min read - USAssociated Press
Mexico's drought, heatwave and water shortage are so bad even police are blocking traffic in protest
Mexico’s drought, heatwave and water shortages have gotten so bad that even police blocked traffic in protest Wednesday. In recent months, residents of some Mexico City neighborhoods have regularly taken to forming human chains to block boulevards to demand water. In April, complaints about contaminated water sparked a weeks-long crisis in one upscale neighborhood. The officers stood blocking six lanes of traffic, saying their barracks hadn’t had water for a week, and that the bathrooms were u
2 min read
