Saturday, May 18, 2024

UAE lining up with Israel, US on demanding Palestinian reform May 17, 2024 at 10:31PM

Behind the scenes, tensions have escalated as the Emirates blocked a proposed resolution to allocate USD 100 million monthly to the PA, citing concerns about corruption and ineffective leadership.

US conducts third subcritical nuclear test under Biden administration May 17, 2024 at 11:19PM

The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, under President Joe Biden, conducted a subcritical nuclear test in Nevada. The Nimble series experiment at the Principal Underground Laboratory for Subcritical Experimentation (PULSE) facility ensured the safety and effectiveness of nuclear warheads without underground nuclear explosive testing, in compliance with the zero-yield standard of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Friday, May 17, 2024

Israeli cabinet rifts over Gaza break out into the open May 17, 2024 at 12:58AM

New York City said 'no injuries' at Columbia arrests; students' medical records say otherwise May 17, 2024 at 12:02AM

Pro-Palestine student protesters at Columbia University faced injuries during arrests, contradicting statements by New York Mayor Eric Adams and police officials. The incident highlighted concerns about police brutality and fueled the ongoing student protest movement, sparking debates on anti-Israel protests and campus violence.

8 EU members say conditions in Syria should be reassessed to allow voluntary refugee returns May 16, 2024 at 11:20PM

Eight EU states urge re-evaluation in Syria for voluntary return of refugees. Cyprus sees influx from Lebanon. EU announces 1 billion euro aid for Lebanon to curb asylum seeker flow to Cyprus and Italy.

Kenyan lawyers move to block plan to deploy police to Haiti May 16, 2024 at 11:09PM

Kenyan lawyers block Kenya's police deployment to Haiti following a court ruling. President Ruto signed a security deal with Haiti to address objections. Opposition party leaders challenge government actions, citing contempt of court potential. International support for the deployment includes civilian contractors and pledges from various countries.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Georgian opposition member says government is intimidating protesters May 15, 2024 at 11:17PM

Dimitri Chikovani, who is a member of Georgia's opposition United National Movement (UNM) and actively protests against a controversial new law, stated that he was attacked by five people last week. He blamed the government for trying to intimidate opponents. Mass protests have been occurring in the capital city of Tbilisi for the past month.

Irish PM's party level with Sinn Fein in poll for first time since 2021 May 15, 2024 at 10:43PM

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris' Fine Gael and Sinn Fein were tied in an opinion poll for the first time in nearly three years on Thursday. This could be a setback to the opposition party's aspirations of governing. According to The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A survey conducted three weeks before local polls and less than a year before the next parliamentary election.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Zelenskyy lauds aid package, asks Blinken for air defences May 13, 2024 at 10:03PM

US Secretary of State Blinken confirms US weapons arrival in Ukraine, aiding against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy requests two air defence batteries for Kharkiv amidst ongoing Russian air strikes, praising crucial US aid.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Duke University students stage walkout during Jerry Seinfeld's speech over his vocal support for Israel May 12, 2024 at 06:14AM

An apartment block collapses in a Russian border city after heavy shelling, with deaths reported May 12, 2024 at 04:43AM

Belgorod faced tragedy due to Ukrainian shelling, resulting in deaths and injuries. Russian officials blamed Kyiv for the incident, sparking ongoing rescue operations. The region has been under attack from drones, with recent shelling prompting the construction of public shelters.

Afghanistan floods devastate villages, killing 315 May 11, 2024 at 11:38PM

Northern Afghanistan devastated by flash floods, 315 dead, 1,600 injured. Thousands of homes damaged, livestock lost. Villagers lack essentials. Urgent support needed for affected children in Baghlan province.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Donald Trump should have injected himself with bleach: Biden May 11, 2024 at 12:49AM

Joe Biden criticizes Donald Trump for suggesting bleach injection for Covid 19, highlighting pandemic seriousness. Trump's disinfectant comments are recalled, with a mention of cash trouble and the upcoming 2024 election rematch.

At least 200 dead in Afghanistan flash floods; thousands of homes destroyed May 10, 2024 at 11:21PM

Flash floods in northern Afghanistan claimed the lives of at least 200 people, with heavy rains triggering massive flooding in Baghlan province. Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged, with significant impact in multiple provinces. The Taliban government reported 62 fatalities, while the International Organisation for Migration cited over 200 deaths.

Israel orders people in more areas of Gaza's Rafah to evacuate May 10, 2024 at 11:12PM

Friday, May 10, 2024

Gaza aid could grind to a halt within days, UN agencies warn May 10, 2024 at 12:33AM

Gaza aid operations in jeopardy as fuel and food dwindle, crossings shut, and population flees during Israel's military operation, risking hospital closures and worsening malnutrition.

Pro-Palestinian protesters demand endowment transparency. But its proving not to be simple May 09, 2024 at 11:43PM

Pro-Palestinian protesters demand disclosure of university endowment investments related to Israel-Hamas war. Concerns about transparency fallout. Endowments face little regulation, targeted for divestment. Universities cite complexities. Michigan policy shields endowment. Vassar vows transparency.

Top Biden aide highlights upcoming tax showdown with GOP over 2017 cuts that are due to expire May 09, 2024 at 11:26PM

Biden's team advocates higher taxes on corps, wealthy, while Trump warns against tax hikes. The 2017 tax cuts' impact on the economy is debated. Biden promises no middle-class tax increases, focusing on tax fairness.

UK economy exits recession ahead of election May 09, 2024 at 10:20PM

Britain exited recession with stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter of 2024, official data showed Friday, in a boost to embattled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of this year's election. Sunak, whose governing Conservatives are trailing the main opposition Labour Party ahead of a general election, has made economic growth one of his top priorities.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Lebanon security source says 4 Hezbollah members dead in Israeli strike May 08, 2024 at 11:28PM

A Lebanese security source said four Hezbollah members were killed in an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the country's south, the latest such raid in months of cross-border hostilities. The Lebanese security source, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media, said that "four Hezbollah fighters were killed in an Israeli drone strike on their vehicle in Bafliyeh", about 15 kilometres (10 miles) from the frontier.

Vietnam irks EU by delaying meeting ahead of possible Putin visit May 08, 2024 at 11:18PM

Vietnam delays EU meeting, possibly due to Putin visit plans. Russia's role in Vietnam's weapons supply and gas exploitation highlighted. EU sanctions on Moscow noted. ICC warrant for Putin mentioned amidst diplomatic discussions.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Israeli military seizes Rafah border crossing, steps up attacks in southern Gaza May 06, 2024 at 11:12PM

Israeli military seizes Rafah border crossing, enters town after air strikes. Conflict persists amid ceasefire talks. Hamas agrees to proposal, rejected by Israel. Gaza civilian casualties. International concern over refugee plight. More than one million people have sought refuge in Rafah, living in tented camps and makeshift shelters. Ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, Cairo. Netanyahu's war cabinet continues operation.

2 killed, several wounded in Chinese hospital knife attack May 06, 2024 at 10:33PM

More than 10 people are expected to have died or been wounded in an attack at a hospital in southwest China on Tuesday. The reason for the attack is still unknown. The attack occurred in Zhenxiong County in the southwestern Yunnan province, and authorities were conducting an investigation. There has been a spate of stabbing incidents in recent years.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Britain's King Charles III marks first anniversary of coronation May 06, 2024 at 12:53AM

On Monday, King Charles III of Britain celebrated the one-year anniversary of his coronation after facing challenges such as a cancer diagnosis and ongoing conflicts with his son Prince Harry. Gun salutes were scheduled to be fired in central London and at various locations throughout the UK to commemorate the event.

Biden meets Jordan's King Abdullah as Gaza ceasefire hopes dim May 05, 2024 at 11:04PM

Biden and King Abdullah discuss Gaza ceasefire with slim prospects. Hamas demands war end for hostages, Netanyahu rejects. Kerem Shalom attack kills 3. Dispute over Rafah incursion persists. Arab states criticize. Netanyahu-Biden call.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Pakistan records 'wettest April' in more than 60 years: Weather agency May 03, 2024 at 11:21PM

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. There were at least 144 deaths in thunderstorms and house collapses due to heavy rains in what the report said was the "wettest April since 1961".

Media bodies flag concern over dire state of 'free media' in Pakistan May 03, 2024 at 10:51PM

The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has committed to continue the constitutional and legal struggle for freedom of expression in Pakistan and face unfavourable circumstances head on.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Prince William and Kate release photo of daughter Charlotte to mark ninth birthday May 02, 2024 at 12:20AM

To commemorate Princess Charlotte's ninth birthday on Thursday, Prince William and his wife Kate shared a photograph of their daughter. ​In the photograph taken in the last few days by her mother, the Princess of Wales, Charlotte, the couple's second child, was pictured smiling happily in the garden of their home in Windsor.

Covid-19 'FLiRT' variants: What you need to know May 01, 2024 at 11:02PM

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Trump returns to campaign facing a warning of jail time if he violates a trial gag order April 30, 2024 at 11:09PM

Amidst his ongoing trial regarding hush money, Donald Trump will momentarily step away to rally voters in Wisconsin and Michigan. This comes after facing a contempt of court charge and the looming specter of imprisonment for defying a court order. With a recent $9,000 fine for publicly discussing individuals associated with the case, Trump's remarks will be under intense scrutiny. Judge Juan M Merchan warned of potential incarceration should Trump persist in flouting court directives.

Clashes erupt on UCLA campus between pro-Palestinian supporters and counter-protesters April 30, 2024 at 11:06PM

The UCLA student newspaper Daily Bruin said supporters of Israel had tried to tear down a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the campus. Violent clashes erupted on Wednesday on the campus of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) between pro-Palestinian protesters and a group of counter-demonstrators, according to live video coverage provided by a US broadcaster.