TIG Post

Category: World

  • US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

    US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

    Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries across the world will not be able to enter the United States of America (U.S.A).

    The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

    The entry of people from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – will be partially restricted.

    This follows a directive issued on Wednesday, June 5, by U.S. President Donald Trump banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States, citing it as a move to protect his country from “foreign terrorists.”

    The proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests.

    According to Trump, countries that have been subjected to stricter restrictions are known as ones that harbor a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” fail to cooperate on visa security, have an inability to verify travelers’ identities, as well as inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States.

    The president made the final call on signing the proclamation after the antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, according to a White House official.

    He was considering it beforehand, but Sunday’s assault put it into motion faster. The suspect in the attack was an Egyptian national, but Egypt, in a twist of events, was excluded from the travel ban.

    This is not the first time Trump has effected such a ban on countries.

    During his first term, he issued a travel ban on January 27, 2017, through Executive Order 13769. According to the order, travelers from seven countries with most of their citizens being Muslims could not stay for more than 90 days in the US.

    The Muslim countries were Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

    He also suspended refugee resettlement for 120 days and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely.

    His administration justified the ban as a national security measure, arguing that these countries had high risks of terrorism and insufficient vetting procedures. However, the ban faced legal challenges and was revised multiple times before the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a version of it in 2018.

    The recent ban has been met with opposition and displeasure, especially from the people expected to be affected by the ban.

    Many feel disheartened and unfairly targeted.

    Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said he had instructed his government to stop granting visas to U.S. citizens in response to Trump’s action.

    “Chad has neither plans to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and its pride,” he said in a Facebook post, referring to countries such as Qatar, which gifted the U.S. a luxury airplane for Trump’s use and promised to invest billions of dollars in the U.S.

    Afghans who worked for the U.S. or U.S.-funded projects and were hoping to resettle in the U.S. expressed fear that the travel ban would force them to return to their country, where they could face reprisal from the Taliban.

    Democratic U.S. lawmakers also voiced concern about the policies.

    “Trump’s travel ban on citizens from over 12 countries is draconian and unconstitutional,” said U.S. Representative Ro Khanna on social media late on Thursday. “People have a right to seek asylum.”

  • Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

    Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

    Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after taking advantage of an earthquake that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Malir District Jail in Karachi, the Pakistan police have confirmed.

    Thousands of inmates broke down doors and the locks of their cells, shattering windows after they felt the tremors.

    Many of the thousands of prisoners returned to their cells after police responded to the violence with warning shots

    The escape occurred during an evacuation due to earthquake tremors, but some inmates overpowered guards, seized weapons, and fled.

    One prisoner was killed in the operation, and two prison officers were injured.

    As of now, 80 of them have been recaptured while tracing and searches are underway to help find the over 150 who are still at large.

    A prison superintendent in an interview with the BBC said that it all started when inmates began shouting from their cells and barracks around midnight, over fears of being crushed by the building when the tremor began.

    The frenzy turned violent, necessitating some warning shots from the police.

    Many of the inmates were forced into their cells in panic, however, others stormed the main gate in panic, with 216 inmates using the opportunity to escape the prison altogether.

    Police are now on door-to-door visits to residences to arrest those who are still on the run.

    The Sindh government has, on the other hand, launched a high-level inquiry into security lapses.

    This is not the first time a jailbreak has occurred in Pakistan. The previous one before Karachi’s was in 2023, when over 100 prisoners broke out of a high-security facility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    That incident was reportedly orchestrated by militants, who attacked the prison with explosives and firearms.

    The facility in the Malir district is Sindh province’s second-largest prison and is over capacity. While it can accommodate up to 2,200 prisoners, there are at least 5,000 inmates there currently.

  • Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

    Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

    Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election as the new head of the Catholic Church, taking on the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

    This was confirmed in a document released by Vatican News, which showed that Cardinal Prevost received the required majority vote from the 133 cardinals who participated in the conclave.

    The document, written in Latin by Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli — Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations — served as a formal record of Cardinal Prevost’s acceptance of the role.

    The document also noted the papal name chosen by the new pontiff, “Leo XIV,” highlighted in red as tradition requires.

    “Here is the official record confirming that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost accepted the election canonically, making him Supreme Pontiff, and the name he has chosen,” a caption accompanying the official document read.

    Cardinal Prevost’s election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as he becomes the first U.S.-born pontiff to lead the global Catholic community.

    See the post and the document below:

  • Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

    Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

    “Peace be with all of you!” – the first words of Pope Leo XIV. The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The new pope was announced to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.

    From the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti pronounced the formula “Habemus Papam,” proclaiming to the city of Rome and to the whole world the news of the election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV

    Leo XIV – Second Pope from the Americas

    The first Augustinian Pope, Robert Prevost – now Leo XIV – is the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas after Pope Francis. However, unlike Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost is from the northern part of the American continent, though he spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms.

    First Augustinian Pope

    The new Bishop of Rome was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.

    He spent his childhood and adolescence with his family and studied first at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where in 1977 he earned a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy. 

    On September 1 of the same year, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis, in the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Chicago, and made his first profession on September 2, 1978. On August 29, 1981, he made his solemn vows.

    He received his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. At the age of 27, he was sent by his superiors to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). 

    In Rome, he was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica by Monsignor Jean Jadot, then Pro-President of the Pontifical Council for Non-Christians, now the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

    Prevost obtained his licentiate in 1984; and the following year, while preparing his doctoral thesis, was sent to the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru (1985–1986). In 1987, he defended his doctoral thesis on “The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine” and was appointed vocation director and missions director of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Olympia Fields, Illinois (USA).

    Mission in Peru

    The following year, he joined the mission in Trujillo, also in Peru, as director of the joint formation project for Augustinian candidates from the vicariates of Chulucanas, Iquitos, and Apurímac. 

    Over the course of eleven years, he served as prior of the community (1988–1992), formation director (1988–1998), and instructor for professed members (1992–1998), and in the Archdiocese of Trujillo as judicial vicar (1989–1998) and professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology at the Major Seminary “San Carlos y San Marcelo.” At the same time, he was also entrusted with the pastoral care of Our Lady Mother of the Church, later established as the parish of Saint Rita (1988–1999), in a poor suburb of the city, and was parish administrator of Our Lady of Monserrat from 1992 to 1999.

    In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago, and two and a half years later, the Ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine, elected him as Prior General, confirming him in 2007 for a second term.

    In October 2013, he returned to his Augustinian Province in Chicago, serving as director of formation at the Saint Augustine Convent, first councilor, and provincial vicar—roles he held until Pope Francis appointed him on November 3, 2014, as Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Chiclayo, elevating him to the episcopal dignity as Titular Bishop of the Diocese Sufar. 

    He entered the Diocese on November 7, in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio James Patrick Green, who ordained him Bishop just over a month later, on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the Cathedral of Saint Mary.

    His episcopal motto is “In Illo uno unum”—words pronounced by Saint Augustine in a sermon on Psalm 127 to explain that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”

    Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023

    On September 26, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. In March 2018, he was elected second vice-president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, where he also served as a member of the Economic Council and as president of the Commission for Culture and Education.

    In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy (July 13, 2019), and in 2020, a member of the Congregation for Bishops (November 21). Meanwhile, on April 15, 2020, he was also appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Callao.

    Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops

    On January 30, 2023, the Pope called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop. 

    Created Cardinal in 2024

    Pope Francis created Prevost Cardinal in the Consistory of September 30 of that year and assigned him the Diaconate of Saint Monica. He officially took possession of his Titular church on January 28, 2024. 

    As head of the Dicastery, he participated in the Pope’s most recent Apostolic Journeys and in both the first and second sessions of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, held in Rome from October 4 to 29, 2023, and from October 2 to 27, 2024, respectively.

    Meanwhile, on October 4, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as a member of the Dicasteries for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the Eastern Churches, for the Clergy, for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, for Culture and Education, for Legislative Texts, and of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State.

    Finally, on February 6 of this year, the Argentine Pope promoted him to the Order of Bishops, granting him the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.

    During the most recent hospitalization of his predecessor at the “Gemelli” hospital Prevost presided over the Rosary for Pope Francis’s health in Saint Peter’s Square on March 3.

  • Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

    Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

    Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, taking on the papal title Pope Leo XIV.

    The announcement came Thursday evening after white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, confirming that a decision had been reached by the College of Cardinals. Moments later, Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet thousands of faithful gathered in the square.

    Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric who currently heads the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. His years of missionary work and leadership in Latin America have shaped his global pastoral perspective, a quality many say is needed for the Church’s next chapter.

    The papal conclave began with a round of inconclusive voting on Wednesday, indicated by black smoke from the chapel’s chimney. By Thursday night, the long-anticipated decision drew over 45,000 people to St. Peter’s Square, where they waited anxiously past 9 p.m. for the new pontiff’s first appearance.

    Among the many present was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania. In an interview with Vatican News, he reflected on the significance of the moment: “Our role here is to pray and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process.”

    “Wherever the new Pope comes from,” he added, “whether it’s Africa, Asia, America, what we need is we need a holy Pope. We need a Pope who will guide the Church and will be the pastor of the Church.”

    This historic moment follows the funeral of Pope Francis, who was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one under Pope Leo XIV.

  • Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

    Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

    A thick column of black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday evening signaled the end of the first day of the papal conclave without a decision on a new pope.

    The smoke, visible to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, appeared around 9 p.m. local time, indicating that the cardinal electors had not yet achieved the two-thirds majority required to choose a successor to Pope Francis. A total of 133 cardinals are taking part in the secret ballot process.

    Earlier in the day, the cardinals began the solemn task of selecting the next pope following the “Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff” held at St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgy, celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, marked the official start of the conclave.

    In the lead-up to the voting, 12 general congregations were held, during which the cardinals discussed a wide range of issues confronting the Catholic Church. These included the need for renewed evangelization efforts, addressing the decline in priestly vocations, tackling clergy sexual abuse, improving Vatican financial management, embracing synodality, and responding to ongoing global crises.

    The cardinals will reconvene in the coming days for additional rounds of voting until a new pope is chosen.

  • Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

    Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

    Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of all on board, including a senior Siemens executive and his family.

    Authorities have identified the victims as Agustin Escobar, an executive with European technology giant Siemens, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11.

    The 36-year-old pilot, whose name has not yet been publicly released, also perished in the crash, law enforcement sources told ABC News.

    Escobar, who held a key leadership role within Siemens, was reportedly in New York with his family for a brief vacation when the tragedy occurred. Details surrounding the cause of the crash remain under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and local authorities.

    Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency responders rushed to the scene, but rescue efforts proved futile.

    Siemens has not yet issued an official statement but is said to be working closely with authorities and offering support to the grieving families.

    Further updates are expected as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

  • European nations commit €21bn in new military assistance to Ukraine

    European nations commit €21bn in new military assistance to Ukraine

    European countries have promised €21 billion (£18.2 billion) in new military aid to Ukraine, calling 2025 a “critical year” in the ongoing war. The pledge was made during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

    With the U.S. showing signs of shifting its focus under Donald Trump’s leadership, European nations are stepping up to help fill the gap—offering weapons, air defence systems, missiles, and other equipment to support Ukraine on the battlefield.

    Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, said his country would provide €11 billion in aid over the next four years. The UK’s Defence Secretary, John Healey, said the collective pledges would send a strong message to Russia that European support remains firm.

    Friday’s announcements included a £450 million package from the UK and Norway. The support will go toward drones, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and vehicle repairs.

    Healey clarified that this amount is part of the £4.5 billion the UK had already committed earlier this year—the largest single pledge to Ukraine in 2025 so far.

    Air defence was a key topic at the meeting. Healey noted that Russia had dropped 10,000 glide bombs on Ukraine and launched about 100 attack drones per day in the first three months of the year.


    At this stage in the war, battlefield casualties on both sides inflicted by drones “way outnumber those inflicted by artillery”, the UK defence secretary said.
    “In our calculations, 70% to 80% of battlefield casualties are now caused and inflicted by drones,” he added.
    Defence ministers from 50 nations gathered in Brussels for the 27th gathering of the UDCG.


    US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth joined the meeting remotely, telling allies that America appreciated all the work “you guys” are doing.
    Pistorious said it Hegseth’s decision was a matter of “schedules” rather than “priorities”, and that the “most important fact was that he took part”.

  • Colonel in charge of Greenland base fired for disputing Vance’s remarks

    Colonel in charge of Greenland base fired for disputing Vance’s remarks

    The commander of the U.S. military base in Greenland, Col. Susannah Meyers, has been relieved of her duties after reportedly sending an email that appeared to distance the base from comments made by Vice-President JD Vance.

    According to the U.S. Space Operations Command, Col. Meyers was removed from her position at Pituffik Space Base due to a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.”

    Last month, during a visit to Greenland, Vice-President Vance criticised Denmark, saying the country had not done enough for the people of Greenland or invested properly in security.

    In response, a military news outlet published what is believed to be an internal email from Col. Meyers to base staff, stating that Vance’s remarks were “not reflective” of the base’s views.

    A Pentagon spokesperson, referencing the report, said actions that appear to “undermine U.S. leadership” are not acceptable.

    Following Vance’s trip, on 31 March, Col Meyers is reported to have written: “I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice-President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”


    Military.com – which published the email – said the contents had been confirmed as accurate to them by the US Space Force.
    Appearing to confirm this was the reason for her firing, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell linked to the Military.com article in a post on X, writing: “Actions [that] undermine the chain of command or to subvert President [Donald] Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”


    The Space Force’s statement announcing Col Meyers’ removal on Thursday said that Col Shawn Lee was replacing her.


    It added: “Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties.”

    Col. Susannah Meyers took over as commander of the Arctic base in July last year. She has now been replaced by Col. Lee, who previously led a squadron at the Clear Space Force Station in Alaska.

    During his recent visit, Vice-President JD Vance repeated former President Donald Trump’s interest in the U.S. acquiring Greenland for strategic security reasons.

    Since that visit, Greenland and Denmark have presented a united stance, firmly rejecting any idea of U.S. annexation of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

    Earlier this month, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Greenland, where she appeared alongside Greenland’s current leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and former Prime Minister Mute Egede to reinforce their shared position.


    Speaking to reporters, Frederiksen directly addressed Trump, telling him: “You can’t annex other countries.”
    She added that Denmark was fortifying its military presence in the Arctic, and offered closer collaboration with the US in defending the region.


    The US has long maintained a security interest in Greenland as a strategically important territory. It has had a military presence on the island since occupying it following the occupation of Denmark by Nazi Germany during World War Two.


    “If Russia were to send missiles towards the US, the shortest route for nuclear weapons would be via the North Pole and Greenland,” Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, previously told the BBC.


    “That’s why the Pituffik Space Base is immensely important in defending the US.”


    Greenland, the largest island in the world, has been under Danish rule for about 300 years.

    Surveys show that most Greenlanders support the idea of becoming independent from Denmark, but they do not want to become part of the United States.

    Since 2009, Greenland has had the legal right to hold an independence referendum. In recent years, some political parties have been increasing pressure to make that vote happen.

  • Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors

    Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors

    Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has addressed rumors suggesting trouble in her marriage to former President Barack Obama.

    Speculation had been mounting after Mrs. Obama was notably absent from several major events, including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

    Her absence led to widespread assumptions that the couple might be heading for a split.

    Speaking on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama did not directly reference these events but made it clear that her schedule is now fully her own.

    As she put it, she’s a “grown woman” who prioritizes where and how she spends her time.

    She explained that after years of public service and constant public appearances, she now values her independence and chooses to engage in activities that nourish her personally and professionally. Michelle emphasized that her decisions are not a reflection of problems in her marriage, but rather a sign of her growth and autonomy.

    “That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with like disappointing people,” she said.

    “I mean, so much so that this year people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.

    “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”

  • China makes AI education compulsory for primary,secondary students

    China makes AI education compulsory for primary,secondary students

    China is making a significant move to include artificial intelligence (AI) education in its primary and secondary schools. Starting from the fall semester on September 1, 2025, students will have a minimum of eight hours of AI lessons each year.

    Schools can choose to incorporate AI into their existing subjects or offer it as a separate course. Younger students in elementary school will focus on hands-on activities to learn basic AI concepts.

    In middle school, students will study how AI is used in everyday life, while high school students will dive into more advanced AI topics and innovation.

    This change is part of China’s strategy to lead the world in AI technology. By introducing AI education early, the country aims to equip the next generation with the skills needed to drive future innovations.

    China’s Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, stated that AI is revolutionizing technology and creating valuable educational opportunities.

    He also revealed that China will release a white paper on AI education in 2025, outlining the country’s plans and goals for incorporating AI into its education system.

    Other countries are also focusing on AI education. For example, California has passed laws to include AI in school curriculums, and Italy is testing AI tools to improve digital skills in classrooms.

    Many nations are recognizing the importance of teaching AI and are working to include it in their educational systems.

    China’s decision to start AI education at an early stage reflects its desire to prepare young people for a future where AI is a key part of many industries. This initiative highlights the growing importance of technological knowledge and positions China as a leader in the global AI field. The upcoming white paper will provide more details on how China plans to shape the future of AI education.

  • China hits back with 84% tariff on US goods as trade war heightens

    China hits back with 84% tariff on US goods as trade war heightens

    China has raised its tariffs on US goods to 84%, following the implementation of Donald Trump’s 104% duties on Chinese products earlier today.

    The move comes after China’s foreign ministry strongly criticized the US, vowing to “fight to the end” against Trump’s new trade measures if necessary, and accused the White House of “bullying practices.”

    Reacting to China’s decision, Trump addressed businesses, saying “now is a great time” to relocate to the United States.

    At the same time, the European Union is getting ready to impose its own set of retaliatory tariffs.

    These could include a 25% tax on American goods like motorcycles, luxury boats, and orange juice.

    Stock prices for European pharmaceutical companies also dropped after Trump hinted at introducing a “major” tariff on all drug imports.

    Before steeper tariffs on around 60 nations came into effect today, Trump said many countries were “dying” to negotiate deals. “I’m telling you these countries are calling us up, kissing my ass,” he said.

    The Bank of England said Britain is well placed to weather the storm but warns of future risks as the UK government said it’s “confident” it will get a US trade deal.

  • X moves to crack down on impersonation profiles

    X moves to crack down on impersonation profiles

    X is introducing tougher rules for parody accounts starting April 10.

    Under the new guidelines, any account pretending to be someone else must clearly include the word “fake” or “parody” at the beginning of its account name. In addition, these accounts must not use the same profile pictures as the real people or accounts they are imitating.

    This move comes after several users raised concerns about being misled by parody accounts, especially ones pretending to be X owner Elon Musk.

    “These changes are designed to help users better understand the unaffiliated nature of PCF accounts and reduce the risk of confusion or impersonation,” the company said in a post on Saturday.

    It encouraged affected accounts to update their profiles by the enforcement date.
    The changes will also apply for fan and commentary accounts, it said.

    “Hopefully this includes all the thousands of fake variations of Elon Musk accounts,” wrote one user in response to X’s post about its policy update.


    “About time, I get a fake Elon account contacting me almost once a week,” wrote another.
    There are many parody accounts of Elon Musk on X, each using different ways to show they’re fake. Some of these accounts post funny memes, jokes, or even promote things like cryptocurrency and fake car giveaways.

    In one example, a parody account with over a million followers asked users to “like and comment” for a chance to win a Tesla. That post ended up getting 428,000 likes and over 200,000 replies.

    Back in January, X introduced labels for parody accounts. This built on earlier rules that required users who impersonate others for entertainment to make it clear they are doing so. The platform’s blue tick system was also meant to help users tell real accounts from fake ones. However, some say these steps haven’t worked well enough.

    In July 2024, the European Union criticized the blue tick feature, saying it could mislead users. They said some verified accounts might confuse people. Musk responded by calling the EU’s claims “misinformation.”

    After he bought X in November 2022, Musk warned that accounts pretending to be someone else without clearly saying so would be banned.

    While many parody accounts do label themselves—often putting “parody” in brackets at the end of their usernames—this isn’t always effective. When account names are too long, only part of the name shows up in posts or replies. If the profile photo also matches the real person, users can easily be fooled.

  • South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, impeached

    South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, impeached

    South Korea is set for an early presidential election following the historic impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been officially removed from office after a unanimous ruling by the Constitutional Court.

    The decision, delivered on Friday, marks the dramatic end of Yoon’s presidency, which had been suspended since December after parliament voted to impeach him over his failed attempt to impose martial law. The court’s eight-member panel upheld the charges, declaring Yoon’s actions unconstitutional and unjustifiable.

    In reading the verdict, acting court president Moon Hyung-bae declared that Yoon had “[gone] against the people he was supposed to protect.” He further noted that the president’s actions “damaged people’s basic political rights” and “violated the principles of the rule of law and democracy.”

    The judgment sparked powerful reactions across South Korea’s capital, where thousands had gathered to watch the ruling live. Emotions ran high, with some in tears of relief and vindication, and others heartbroken at the loss of a leader they believed had been wrongly targeted.

    A fresh election must now be held within 60 days — no later than June 3 — but the country faces a deeply fractured political landscape. Yoon’s abrupt downfall has left South Korea not only leaderless but sharply divided.

    Despite overwhelming public outcry over his attempt to invoke military rule, Yoon refused to step back. He denied any wrongdoing, fought his impeachment relentlessly, and continued to promote conspiracy theories that accused political rivals of being agents of North Korea and China. He claimed these “anti-state forces” had interfered in previous elections and infiltrated state institutions.

    “Smuggled goods are crippling our local businesses, and we are determined to stop it,” he warned.

    Through repeated assertions of voter fraud and foreign influence, Yoon has become a rallying figure for South Korea’s far right. For his supporters, he is a political martyr brought down by a corrupt system, with weekly protests in central Seoul growing in size and intensity.

    These protests reflect a shifting public sentiment. A growing segment of the population no longer trusts the institutions at the heart of South Korea’s democracy. According to recent surveys, more than one-third of citizens distrust the Constitutional Court, and over a quarter question the credibility of the country’s voting system.

    Amid this climate of suspicion and unrest, the next president will inherit a nation in urgent need of reconciliation — and leadership. The new administration must also prepare for external pressures, particularly from the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s return has already strained trade relations, with fresh tariffs hitting South Korean exports of cars and steel.

    Many in Seoul fear tougher demands ahead, including heightened defence spending and diplomatic compromises with North Korea. All this adds to the formidable task awaiting Yoon’s successor.

    South Korea must now navigate this critical juncture — restoring public confidence, rebuilding unity, and repositioning itself in an increasingly volatile global environment.

  • USAID cuts: Funding cuts could lead to one million child deaths

    USAID cuts: Funding cuts could lead to one million child deaths

    A leading global health organization has sounded the alarm over a potential crisis, warning that up to one million children could die from preventable diseases if the United States withdraws its financial support.

    Dr. Sania Nishtar, head of Gavi, an alliance that provides life-saving vaccines to developing nations, told the BBC that losing US funding would severely undermine global health security. Her warning comes amid reports from the New York Times that the Trump administration is considering halting contributions to Gavi, despite the US being its third-largest donor.

    While Gavi has not yet received an official notice of termination, Dr. Nishtar confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the White House and Congress to secure $300 million in funding for 2025, along with longer-term financial commitments. The US has previously pledged $1.6 billion for the 2026-2030 period, which accounts for approximately 15% of Gavi’s total budget.

    Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has emphasized his “America First” approach, signaling a shift in overseas spending priorities.

    The international development sector has been preparing for widespread cuts, with USAID among the first agencies affected when the Trump administration imposed a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid earlier this year. The move was part of broader budget reductions overseen by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

    Dr. Nishtar warned that without US support, 75 million children could miss critical vaccinations, exposing them to deadly diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and polio. Additionally, the ability of health agencies and governments to maintain emergency vaccine stockpiles for outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, and mpox would be severely compromised.

    Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has echoed Gavi’s concerns, emphasizing the devastating impact that funding cuts could have on global health efforts.

    “The consequences of this political decision will be catastrophic,” said MSF USA chief programs officer Carrie Teicher.

    The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) “fully supports” Gavi and was “engaging” with US authorities on the disruption caused by the withdrawal of US funding for major programmes, said Africa CDC emergencies incident manager Dr Ngongo Ngashi.

    He added: “We are prioritising routine vaccines but we also know how crucial vaccines for emergencies are.”

    Dr Ngashi also said it was “critical that we find our own funding streams – that are not dependent on the decision of partners” and which help Africans contribute “to advancing public health”.

    Gavi has said it will try to further broaden its donor base. Indonesia, a country that has previously been a recipient of Gavi’s assistance, became a donor last year.

    “As a lean and efficient organisation where 97 cents in every dollar raised goes towards our immunisation programmes, it is impossible to consider that any cut in funding by the US would not have disastrous implications for global health and for the safety of people everywhere,” Dr Sania Nishtar said.

    The BBC has contacted the US State Department, which runs what remains of USAID, for comment.

  • LJ Smith, author of The Vampire Diaries, passes away at 66

    LJ Smith, author of The Vampire Diaries, passes away at 66

    LJ Smith, the acclaimed author behind The Vampire Diaries series, has passed away at the age of 66.

    Smith first introduced readers to the world of The Vampire Diaries in the early 1990s, crafting a captivating story centered around two vampire brothers and a young orphan caught in a supernatural love triangle. The original four-book series, published in 1991 and 1992, became a major success, leading to a follow-up trilogy between 2009 and 2011.

    Despite creating the beloved series, Smith was later replaced by ghostwriters hired by her publisher. Undeterred, she continued writing new installments independently, releasing them as fan fiction for her dedicated readers.

    LJ Smith, the acclaimed author behind The Vampire Diaries series, has passed away at the age of 66.

    Smith first introduced readers to the world of The Vampire Diaries in the early 1990s, crafting a captivating story centered around two vampire brothers and a young orphan caught in a supernatural love triangle. The original four-book series, published in 1991 and 1992, became a major success, leading to a follow-up trilogy between 2009 and 2011.

    Despite creating the beloved series, Smith was later replaced by ghostwriters hired by her publisher. Undeterred, she continued writing new installments independently, releasing them as fan fiction for her dedicated readers.

    In 2009, her books were adapted into a television series, which quickly became a sensation among teens and ran for eight seasons, cementing its place in pop culture.

  • Namibia swears in first female president Nandi-Ndaitwah

    Namibia swears in first female president Nandi-Ndaitwah

    Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a dedicated member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), the party that has governed Namibia since it gained independence in 1990 after years of fighting against apartheid rule by South Africa.

    She joined Swapo at just 14 years old when it was still a liberation movement fighting against white-minority rule.

    Although the party has introduced reforms and improved the lives of many black Namibians, the effects of apartheid are still visible, especially in wealth distribution and land ownership.


    “Truly, land is a serious problem in this country,” she told the BBC ahead of the inauguration.
    “We still have some white citizens and more particularly the absent land owners who are occupying the land.”
    From freedom fighter to Namibia’s first female president

    Nandi-Ndaitwah says she fully supports the “willing-buyer, willing-seller” approach, meaning no one will be forced to sell their land.

    Namibia is a large country with a small population of three million people. Government data shows that about 70% of the country’s farmland is owned by white farmers. The 2023 census recorded 53,773 white Namibians, making up just 1.8% of the total population.

    Namibia is one of the most unequal countries in the world. According to the World Bank, its Gini coefficient was 59.1 in 2015, and poverty is expected to remain high at 17.2% in 2024. The country’s unemployment rate also increased from 33.4% in 2018 to 36.9% in 2023.

    Nandi-Ndaitwah believes Namibia should focus on processing its minerals instead of exporting raw materials. She also wants the country to invest more in creative industries and adjust its education system to match current economic needs.

    She is the second African woman to be directly elected as president, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The only other female president in Africa today is Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the former president passed away.
    Nandi-Ndaitwah wants to be judged on her merits, but she said that it was a “good thing that we as countries are realising that just as men [can do], women can also hold the position of authority”.

  • JFK experts scour newly unsealed assassination files

    JFK experts scour newly unsealed assassination files

    The U.S. government has published the final set of documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a case that continues to spark conspiracy theories even after 60 years.

    This release follows an executive order by former President Donald Trump, which required all remaining unedited files to be made public. Experts are now analyzing the documents, though not all have been uploaded online yet. They say reviewing them will take time and do not expect any major new discoveries.

    Over the years, authorities have released hundreds of thousands of JFK-related files but kept some classified due to national security concerns. Many Americans still doubt that the accused gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, acted alone.

    Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Before the release, Trump announced that 80,000 pages would be made public.

    However, from the 1,123 documents published on Tuesday by the National Archives, it is unclear how much of the material is entirely new, as many had previously been shared with some redacted content.


    “You got a lot of reading,” Trump told reporters on Monday, previewing the release. “I don’t believe we’re going to redact anything.”

    Some of the newly released files still had sections blacked out, while others were difficult to read due to faded text, poor scanning, or content that seemed unrelated to the JFK case, experts noted.

    David Barrett, a professor at Villanova University, said that ordinary readers might find the documents confusing. Speaking to CBS News, he described the release as “useful” but did not expect any groundbreaking revelations about Kennedy’s assassination or other matters.

    Meanwhile, other JFK researchers believe the American public may continue to question whether more undisclosed files or hidden information still exist.

    “I think there may continue to be more record releases,” historian Alice George told Reuters. But she went on to say the passage of time made investigations hard: “It’s much harder to find the truth when most of the people involved are dead.”

  • Tinubu declares emergency rule in oil-rich Rivers State

    Tinubu declares emergency rule in oil-rich Rivers State

    Nigeria is facing a growing political crisis after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a major oil-producing region. He also suspended the governor, deputy governor, and all state lawmakers for six months.

    In a televised address on Tuesday evening, Tinubu said he had received troubling security reports about militants vandalizing oil pipelines in the state. He claimed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to act against these activities, making the situation too serious to ignore.

    The crisis follows a major explosion on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, one of the country’s key crude oil pipelines. Such attacks, often carried out by criminal gangs or militants, have disrupted oil production and exports in the past. According to Africa Report, the pipeline carries crude oil worth about $14 million (£11 million) daily at current market prices.

    However, beyond the pipeline attack, Rivers State has been struggling with deep political tensions. Governor Fubara is a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has been dealing with internal conflicts. Nationally, the PDP is the main rival to President Tinubu’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Despite the president’s decision, legal experts and opposition figures are questioning whether he has the power to remove an elected governor and lawmakers in this manner.


    President Tinubu stated that political leaders in Rivers State have struggled to cooperate due to ongoing conflicts. He accused Governor Fubara’s supporters of making serious threats against their opponents and criticized the governor for not distancing himself from these remarks.

    According to Reuters, some lawmakers in the state had even discussed removing the governor and his deputy from office. Tinubu described the situation as a deadlock, saying that governance in Rivers State had come to a halt. He defended his decision, claiming it was necessary to restore stability and order.

    Governor Fubara, however, responded calmly to the declaration of a state of emergency.

    He said there have been “political disagreements, but good governance has continued”.
    “Rivers state is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch,” he said.

    With the state of emergency in place, the federal government will temporarily take over the administration of Rivers State and deploy security forces if necessary.

    However, many groups believe President Tinubu’s decision is too extreme. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the move, calling it illegal to remove elected leaders from office.

    The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also rejected the emergency rule, accusing Tinubu of trying to take full control of the state. They claimed this was an attempt to weaken democracy and turn Nigeria into a one-party system.

    “It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers state,” it said.
    Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, criticised the move which he described as “reckless” on X.
    This is not the first time a state of emergency has been declared in Nigeria. Former presidents resorted to the action in a bid to curb insurgency and instability in different parts of the country.

  • Rival to Erdogan taken into custody shortly before presidential bid

    Rival to Erdogan taken into custody shortly before presidential bid

    Turkish authorities have arrested the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, just days before he was set to be nominated as a presidential candidate.

    Imamoglu, a member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), is considered a strong opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prosecutors have accused him of corruption and links to a terrorist organization, labeling him a “criminal organization leader suspect.”

    As part of the investigation, police have also detained 100 others, including politicians, journalists, and business figures. Meanwhile, the Istanbul governor’s office has imposed four days of restrictions across the city.

    Reacting to the arrest, Imamoglu posted online, stating, “The will of the people cannot be silenced.”

    In a social media video, he vowed to “stand resolute” for the people of Turkey “and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide”.
    “I stand firm in my fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms,” Imamoglu added.


    Protests have broken out across Turkey, including on the streets, university campuses, and subway stations, as people chant against the government. This level of public anger has not been seen in years.

    In Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, clashes have been reported between protesters and police. Footage from Reuters shows officers using pepper spray pellets to disperse crowds outside Istanbul University.

    The government has banned public gatherings in the city as part of a four-day restriction, but more demonstrations are expected across the country. Opposition leaders, including Ekrem Imamoglu’s wife, are calling on people to “raise their voices.”

    Authorities have also shut down several streets in Istanbul and suspended some metro services. Meanwhile, UK-based internet watchdog NetBlocks reported that Turkey has severely limited access to social media platforms like X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

    The mayor’s arrest is part of a larger crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and entertainers in recent months. Many people on social media are now expressing fears that Turkey is moving toward autocracy. Some are even calling for an election boycott, arguing that a fair and democratic vote is no longer possible.

    Imamoglu’s party, the CHP, even condemned the arrests as “a coup against our next president,” a sentiment widely echoed by pro-opposition voices.
    But Turkey’s justice minister criticised those who linked Erdogan to the arrests.
    Yilmaz Tunc said it was “extremely dangerous and wrong” to suggest this was a political move, insisting that nobody was above the law in Turkey.

    Erdogan and his party have also denied the claims, insisting that Turkey’s judiciary is independent. He has been in power for 22 years.
    Last year, Imamoglu won a second term as Istanbul’s mayor, when his CHP party swept local elections there and in Ankara.
    It was the first time since Erdogan came to power that his party was defeated across the country at the ballot box.

    The elections were also a personal blow to the president, who grew up in and became mayor of Istanbul on his rise to power.
    Dozens of police officers were involved in the early-morning raid on Imamoglu’s house in Turkey’s largest city.
    The CHP’s presidential candidate selection, in which Imamoglu is the only person running, is set to take place on Sunday.

  • Telegram founder allowed to leave Franceb after arrest, authorities continue case against him

    Telegram founder allowed to leave Franceb after arrest, authorities continue case against him

    Founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been allowed to return to his home in Dubai while French authorities continue their legal case against him.

    The billionaire was arrested in August 2024 after being accused of not doing enough to control illegal activities on Telegram. He denies claims that he failed to help law enforcement stop drug trafficking, child abuse content, and fraud. Telegram has also rejected accusations of poor moderation.

    This case is historic, as it is the first time a tech leader has been arrested for crimes linked to their platform.

    In a message on his Telegram channel, Durov said, “The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home.”

    He was first detained in Paris when he arrived on his private jet, and French judges initially refused to let him leave. However, on Monday, a French court announced that his travel restrictions had been lifted from March 15 to April 7. No further details were given about his release conditions.

    Durov was born in Russia and holds multiple citizenships, including French, Emirati, and St Kitts and Nevis. Telegram is widely used in Russia, Ukraine, other former Soviet countries, and Iran.


    ‘Relentless efforts’
    Telegram has about 950 million users worldwide and has always promoted itself as a platform that values user privacy over the stricter policies followed by other major social media companies.

    However, investigations by the BBC and other media outlets have revealed that criminals have been using the app to sell drugs, offer cybercrime and fraud services, and even share child abuse content.


    It led one expert to brand it “the dark web in your pocket”.

    The firm has previously said his arrest is unfair, and he should not be held liable for what users do on the platform.
    From his home in Dubai, Mr Durov thanked the French judges for letting him go home.


    He also thanked his lawyers for their “relentless efforts in demonstrating that, when it comes to moderation, cooperation, and fighting crime, for years Telegram not only met but exceeded its legal obligations”.

    Since Pavel Durov’s arrest, Telegram has made several changes to how it operates.

    The platform has joined the Internet Watch Foundation, an organization that helps detect, remove, and report child abuse content online.

    Telegram has also announced that it will share the IP addresses and phone numbers of users who break its rules with the police if requested through legal channels.

    Additionally, the company has started publishing transparency reports showing the amount of content it removes. This is a common practice in the tech industry, but Telegram had previously refused to follow it.

  • Former Georgian president Saakashvili jailed for four more years

    Former Georgian president Saakashvili jailed for four more years

    A court in Georgia has given former president Mikheil Saakashvili more prison time.

    On Monday, he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for illegally entering the country in 2021 after living in exile, according to his lawyer.

    Saakashvili is already serving time for embezzlement and abuse of power while in office, bringing his total prison sentence to over 12 years.

    He has always denied any wrongdoing, calling his latest sentence “illegal” and “unfair.” Human rights groups believe his imprisonment is politically motivated.

    Saakashvili has been a strong critic of the ruling Georgian Dream party, which supports closer ties with Russia. During his presidency, he pushed for stronger relations with Western countries.

    In a video posted on X on Monday from the hospital where he is being held, Saakashvili said: “No matter what, I will fight to the end.”

    Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili was sentenced last week to nine more years in prison for embezzlement. This sentence runs alongside the jail time he was already serving.

    In 2018, he was tried in absentia and sentenced in two separate cases.

    Saakashvili was arrested in 2021 after secretly returning to Georgia by smuggling himself on a ferry from Ukraine just before the country’s local elections. He urged people to protest against the government, but authorities quickly detained him.

    Now 57 years old, he served as Georgia’s leader for two terms from 2004 to 2013. After leaving, he mostly lived in Ukraine.

    In 2015, he was granted Ukrainian citizenship and gave up his Georgian nationality to become governor of Ukraine’s Odesa region. However, his Ukrainian citizenship was revoked in 2017 before being restored in 2019 by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

    “This [sentence] is basically sending a message… to President Zelensky, for them to scare him to show what happens when you don’t surrender your country… I did not surrender Georgia,” Saakashvili said in his video address while wearing a black shirt with the words “I’m Ukrainian” emblazoned on it.

    Zelensky, who appointed Saakashvili to oversee reforms in Ukraine, has demanded his transfer to Kyiv.
    He has previously accused Russia of “killing” Saakashvili “at the hands of the Georgian authorities”.
    The European Union has repeatedly called for Saakashvili’s immediate release from prison, expressing concern over his deteriorating health.

    The Council of Europe rights watchdog has branded him a “political prisoner,” while Amnesty International has called his treatment an “apparent political revenge”.

  • The Princess of Wales drinks Guinness at St. Patrick’s Day celebration

    The Princess of Wales drinks Guinness at St. Patrick’s Day celebration

    The Princess of Wales joined the Irish Guards to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, where she sipped half a pint of Guinness during the event.

    Dressed in a deep green outfit with a matching hat, Catherine carried out her traditional duty of handing out sprigs of shamrock to officers, guardsmen, and Seamus, the regiment’s Irish wolfhound mascot, at the annual parade at Wellington Barracks.

    She also treated the soldiers by covering the cost of drinks at the bar, saying, “That’s the least I can do.”

    As the colonel of the regiment since 2023, Catherine missed last year’s celebrations due to her cancer diagnosis.

    Before the parade, she presented medals for long service and good conduct to soldiers who had recently returned from Iraq. She then led the march-past as the regiment’s colonel.

    The princess presents the traditional sprig of shamrock to an officer

    After the formal ceremony, Catherine joined the junior ranks in their dining hall, where a senior guardsman proposed a toast in her honor. While drinking Guinness, she engaged in conversations with soldiers about their time on deployment.
    Guardsman Barry Loughlin, who led the toast, said afterwards: “She wanted to know how things were going with the blokes in general.
    “She was really nice and really warm. I was kind of flustered.
    “You could tell she had a genuine interest in us.”
    Catherine then went to the sergeants’ mess where she met with relatives of soldiers serving overseas, including those involved in training Ukrainian troops.
    The event dates back to the first regimental St Patrick’s Day in 1901.

    The princess receives the guard’s salute
  • Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing ‘neo-colonial attitudes’

    Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing ‘neo-colonial attitudes’

    Rwanda has officially cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European country of repeatedly undermining it amid the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

    Belgium has been at the forefront of efforts to push for European sanctions against Rwanda, citing its alleged support for M23, the rebel group heavily involved in DR Congo’s crisis.

    As a result, Rwandan authorities have ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

    Belgium, which once ruled Rwanda as a colonial power, has called the decision an overreaction and promised to issue a response.

    While both the UN and the US have accused Rwanda of backing M23, Kigali has strongly denied any involvement.
    In its statement on Monday, Kigali accused Brussels of attempting to “sustain its neo-colonial delusions”.

    “Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilise both Rwanda and the region,” the statement said.

    Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot responded to Rwanda’s measures on social media, saying: “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”

    Prevot said Rwandan diplomats in Belgium will be declared “persona non grata”.
    When a diplomatic declaration is issued, it can strip individuals of their official status, often leading to their expulsion or a refusal to recognize their roles.

    Since the beginning of this year, fighting between the M23 rebels and the DR Congo’s military in the eastern region has caused around 7,000 deaths, according to Congolese authorities. The conflict has also displaced more than 850,000 people, as reported by UNICEF, with violence escalating significantly since January.

    In the past two months, the M23 rebels have seized control of two major cities, Goma and Bukavu. In response to the situation, Britain has reduced its financial aid to Rwanda as a way to pressure the country to stop supporting the M23 rebels.

    Last month, the UN Security Council called for an end to M23’s attacks and demanded that Rwanda withdraw its troops from DR Congo. Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame promised that his nation would stand firm against Belgium before Kigali officially cut ties with Brussels.
    “We would ask [Belgium]: ‘Who are you by the way? Who put you in charge of us?’ Rwandans believe in God, but did God really put these people in charge of Rwanda?” Kagame asked in an address on Sunday.

  • Fishermen discover human remains while pulling in their catch

    Fishermen discover human remains while pulling in their catch

    Fishermen off the coast of Boston made a grim discovery when they retrieved a decomposed body entangled in their fishing nets. The body, which was wrapped and bound with a belt or rope, was pulled from the water approximately 40 miles offshore on Friday morning.

    The crew immediately alerted the authorities, with the Massachusetts State Police being the first to arrive at the scene, followed by the US Coast Guard. An autopsy is now underway to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death.

    A disturbing image obtained by US news outlet TMZ shows the body lying on a blue tarp aboard the vessel, with its arms visibly restrained. Investigations are ongoing.

    The fishermen were initially unaware of the body in their catch, as their net was unusually heavy and filled with fish. It was only when they began sorting through the haul that they made the shocking discovery. They immediately reported it to the US Coast Guard, prompting an investigation by both the Coast Guard and the District Attorney’s office.

    Authorities have yet to determine the identity, age, or gender of the deceased, and the cause of death remains unknown.

    This grim find comes months after a similar case in New York City, where the body of a man, weighed down with stones, was recovered near Riverside Park. In September, another unidentified corpse—believed to be a man in his mid-30s to 40s—was found floating in the Hudson River under suspicious circumstances.

    The Boston discovery also bears resemblance to an incident in Brooklyn, where a fisherman once pulled a decomposed body from the water near a pier. Investigations into the latest case are ongoing.

  • UK Conservatives push for increased salary requirements on work visas

    UK Conservatives push for increased salary requirements on work visas

    The Conservative Party has announced plans to push for higher salary thresholds on all work visas, proposing an increase to £38,700. They intend to introduce these changes as amendments to the government’s immigration bill currently under parliamentary review.

    Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp emphasized the party’s commitment to ending what he described as the “era of mass migration.”

    Additionally, the Conservatives are calling for stricter marriage visa regulations. Under their proposal, immigrants would only be allowed to bring their partners to the UK if they have been married for at least two years, are both at least 23 years old, and are not first cousins.


    Responding, a Home Office spokesperson said: “The Tories had 14 years to reform immigration and asylum, yet they left a system in chaos and our borders weaker.”

    Since April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for work visa applicants has been raised to £38,700—a nearly 50% increase from the previous threshold of £26,200. However, exemptions apply to certain professions, including those in health and social care.

    The previous Conservative government initially planned to raise the salary threshold for sponsoring family members to £38,700 but later revised it to £29,000.

    Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that the Conservatives had intended to implement the £38,700 threshold for UK-based immigrants seeking to bring a foreign spouse but alleged that Labour had suspended the policy.


    Too many people arriving on work visas end up in minimum wage jobs, Philp told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, so a new focus should be on “a much smaller number of very high-skilled migrants, rather than mass low-skilled migration”.
    “For 20 or 30 years now, we’ve seen huge numbers arriving in the UK, often coming to work on low wages and in low-skilled jobs and it’s time, we think, that ends,” he said.


    “We think actually it’s bad for the taxpayer, because recent OBR analysis shows that people coming here on lower wages actually cost the general taxpayer money because they consume more in services than they pay in tax.
    “It obviously puts pressure on public services, and in some cases, can undermine social cohesion as well.”


    During the initial debate on the bill, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill would be effective, unlike the Conservatives’ plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, which Labour ditched as “a failed gimmick”.


    The Border Security Bill sets out Labour’s plan to treat people smugglers like terrorists and repeals most of the Conservative’s Illegal Migration Act 2023, which laid the legal groundwork for the Rwanda policy.
    A Home Office spokesperson pointed out that the Conservatives had the opportunity to introduce all the measures they’re now suggesting during the party’s 14 years in government “including the three they passed whilst Chris Philp was a Home Office minister”.


    “The Labour government is getting a grip on the system,” they said.
    “As part of our Plan for Change, Labour’s Border Security Bill will bring in counter-terror style powers to disrupt the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings, as well as ensuring police and immigration officers have the powers they need to act where anyone poses a public safety threat.
    “As with all proposed amendments to government bills, these will be examined as part of the Parliamentary process.”]

  • Mark Carney becomes Canada’s next PM, vows to win trade war against US

    Mark Carney becomes Canada’s next PM, vows to win trade war against US

    Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s next Prime Minister, pledging to take a tough stance against US President Donald Trump in an ongoing trade dispute.

    Speaking to a crowd of supporters after securing a decisive victory in the leadership race, Carney, a former governor of the Bank of England and Bank of Canada, made it clear that his administration would not back down in the face of US trade policies.

    “Americans should make no mistake: in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win,” he declared.

    Carney, 59, will be sworn into office in the coming days and has already outlined plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods. He insists these measures will remain in place “until Americans show us respect.”

    Despite never having held elected office, Carney won the leadership race with an overwhelming 86% of the vote. He is expected to call a general election soon, though polls indicate a narrowing lead for his party over the Conservative opposition.

    His victory comes after Justin Trudeau stepped down in January, ending a nine-year tenure as Prime Minister.

    Who is Mark Carney?

    Born in the Northwest Territories and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Carney is an economist with a track record of navigating financial crises. He previously served as governor of the Bank of Canada, helping the country weather the Great Recession, before being recruited to lead the Bank of England in 2013—becoming the first non-British person to hold the role in its three-century history.

    Most recently, Carney worked as a special economics adviser to Justin Trudeau, helping shape Canada’s fiscal policies. Now, as Prime Minister, he faces one of his biggest challenges yet—leading Canada through an escalating trade standoff with its largest trading partner.

    “In a situation like this, you need experience in terms of crisis management, you need negotiating skills,” he said during a leadership debate last month.

    As he takes office, all eyes will be on how he handles tensions with Washington and whether his economic expertise can translate into political success.

  • Trump, Zelensky clash at White House over Russia-Ukraine war

    Trump, Zelensky clash at White House over Russia-Ukraine war

    A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House took a tense turn as the two leaders clashed over Ukraine’s approach to peace talks with Russia.

    During the Oval Office discussion, Trump made it clear that continued American support was contingent on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate. “Make a deal or we’re out,” he warned, hinting at a potential shift in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing war.

    He also accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” and suggested that Ukraine should show more appreciation for the aid it has received from the United States.

    Zelensky, however, pushed back, maintaining that Ukraine “should not compromise” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, standing firm against any forced settlement.

    The talks ended without an agreement, and Zelensky left the White House without signing a minerals deal that had been a central part of the discussions. Plans for a joint news conference with Trump were also scrapped, and Zelensky departed without addressing reporters.

    Shortly after, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, writing, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”

    Vice President JD Vance also questioned whether Zelensky had demonstrated sufficient gratitude for America’s continued support throughout the war.

  • Apple’s AI mistakenly transcribes ‘racist’ as ‘Trump’; company pledges to resolve issue

    Apple’s AI mistakenly transcribes ‘racist’ as ‘Trump’; company pledges to resolve issue

    Apple says it is working to resolve an issue with its speech-to-text tool after reports emerged of iPhones transcribing the word “racist” as “Trump.”

    This comes after their speech-to-text tool on iPhones has been mistakenly transcribing the word “racist” as “Trump” before correcting itself. This glitch has caused outrage among Trump supporters and conservative commentators, leading to widespread criticism.

    The tech giant suggested that the error in its Dictation service may stem from a difficulty in distinguishing words containing the letter “r.”

    “We are aware of an issue with the speech recognition model that powers Dictation and we are rolling out a fix today,” an Apple spokesperson said.

    A speech recognition expert has cast doubt on Apple’s explanation for the AI transcription error, calling it “just not plausible.”

    Peter Bell, a professor of speech technology at the University of Edinburgh, suggested that the issue was more likely caused by a deliberate change to the software rather than a simple phonetic mistake.

    Videos circulating online show instances where Apple’s Dictation tool incorrectly transcribes the word “racist” as “Trump” before quickly correcting itself. However, in some cases, the word is transcribed accurately from the start.

    The BBC has not been able to replicate the error, indicating that Apple may have already implemented a fix.

    Prof. Bell challenged Apple’s claim that phonetic similarities caused the mistake, arguing that the words “racist” and “Trump” are not alike enough to confuse an AI system. He explained that speech-to-text models are trained using real speech recordings paired with accurate transcripts, making such an error unlikely.

    They are also taught to understand words in context – for example, they could distinguish the word “cup” from “cut” if it was within the phrase “a cup of tea”.

    Prof Bell says the situation with Apple is unlikely to be a genuine mistake with its data because its English language model would be trained on hundreds of thousands of hours of speech, which should give it a high level of accuracy.
    For “less well-resourced languages” he said it could be an AI training issue.

    But he said in this case: “it probably points to somebody that’s got access to the process.”
    A former Apple employee who worked on its AI assistant Siri told the New York Times: “This smells like a serious prank.”

    Apple recently backtracked on an AI-powered feature following complaints from the BBC and other news organizations. The company suspended its AI-generated news summaries after the tool displayed inaccurate notifications, including a false claim that tennis star Rafael Nadal had come out as gay.

    In a separate announcement, Apple revealed plans to invest $500 billion (£395 billion) in the U.S. over the next four years. The investment will include the development of a major data center in Texas to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-driven technology.

    Meanwhile, CEO Tim Cook indicated that Apple might reconsider its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies following calls from President Donald Trump to eliminate such programs.

  • ‘EB-5’ visa to be replaced as Trump announces $5M ‘gold card’ residency permit for investor immigrants

    ‘EB-5’ visa to be replaced as Trump announces $5M ‘gold card’ residency permit for investor immigrants

    U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new “gold card” residency program, offering foreign investors a pathway to citizenship for $5 million.

    This high-value visa is set to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor program, which grants green cards to foreigners who create jobs in the U.S. Trump’s Commerce Secretary has criticized the EB-5 system, calling it flawed and rife with fraud.


    “You have a green card, this is a gold card,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday. Permanent residents who are not citizens in the US are known as “green card” holders.

    “It’s going to give you green card privileges plus it’s going to be a route to (American) citizenship,” the president added.
    What is the EB-5 visa program and why is Trump ending it?

    Introduced in 1990, the EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain immediate green cards by investing approximately $1 million in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 jobs. This visa provides a direct path to citizenship, unlike other green card applicants who often face waiting periods ranging from several months to years.

    The program is limited to 10,000 visas annually, with 3,000 specifically allocated for investments in high-unemployment areas, according to the U.S. State Department.

    The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) describes the EB-5 visa as a tool designed to boost the American economy through job creation and foreign capital investment.

    However, Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has criticized the program, arguing that it is being misused and that the investment threshold is too low.

    “The EB-5 program … it was full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud, and it was a way to get a green card that was low-price. So the president said, rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we’re going to end the EB-5 program,” said Lutnick.

    In 2021, the US Government Accountability Office found that EB-5 visas carry significant fraud risks, particularly due to challenges in tracing the origins of applicants’ funds and potential perceptions of favouritism.

    “It’ll be people with money,” Trump said, without noting any job-creation requirements.

    However, all applicants will undergo thorough vetting to ensure they are “wonderful, world-class global citizens”, according to Lutnick.

    When asked if wealthy Russians could qualify, Trump replied, “Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs who are very nice people.”

    TTrump’s proposed “gold card” visa program appears to have no set cap, with the former president suggesting that up to 10 million visas could be sold to help reduce the national deficit.

    This initiative comes as his administration continues its aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with Trump vowing to carry out mass deportations.

    Under the proposed plan, each visa would cost around $5 million. Trump announced that further details would be provided in two weeks when the program officially launches.

    Currently, green card holders—including those under the EB-5 program—must live as lawful permanent residents for five years before applying for U.S. citizenship. It remains unclear whether recipients of the new gold card visa will have a shorter waiting period.

    Golden visa programs are not unique to the U.S.; they exist in several countries, including the UK, Spain, and Greece. Some nations, such as Malta, Egypt, and Jordan, even grant citizenship directly in exchange for investment. The Caribbean is particularly competitive in this space, with Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis offering passports for as little as $200,000 to $300,000.

    These schemes, however, are often criticized for attracting individuals involved in money laundering or fraud. They can also inflate real estate prices in major cities, leading to public backlash. Due to such concerns, countries like the UK, the Netherlands, and Greece have recently scaled back their golden visa programs.

    Trump’s proposal could face even greater scrutiny, especially if he bypasses Congress, which is responsible for setting citizenship requirements. While Congress previously approved the EB-5 visa, which Trump now plans to replace, he insists that his new program does not require legislative approval.

  • UK and India to recommence trade talks in Delhi after nearly a year’s break

    UK and India to recommence trade talks in Delhi after nearly a year’s break

    India and the UK will resume discussions on a free trade agreement on Monday after nearly a year-long break due to elections in both countries.

    The UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, is in Delhi to meet India’s Trade Minister, Piyush Goyal, for two days of negotiations.

    Reynolds described the trade deal as an obvious opportunity, given India’s expected rise to become the world’s third-largest economy soon.

    Since 2022, the two nations have held multiple negotiation rounds, but no final agreement has been reached. Key issues include India’s high tariffs on Scotch whisky and its request for lower fees and easier visa rules for Indian students and professionals moving to the UK.

    This is the first round of talks since the Labour Party took charge in the UK, and Reynolds has emphasized that securing the trade deal is a top priority for his government.

    “Growth will be the guiding principle in our trade negotiations with India and I’m excited about the opportunities on offer in this vibrant market,” he said in a statement.



    India’s trade negotiations have gained fresh momentum, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent move to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from various countries, including India.

    The United Kingdom remains a key trade partner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has set an ambitious goal of boosting exports to $1 trillion by the 2030 fiscal year.

    Following a meeting between UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and PM Modi at the G20 summit in Brazil, Britain announced in November last year that trade discussions would resume in the new year.

    Currently, trade between the two nations stands at £41 billion ($52 billion), according to a UK government report. A potential trade deal could open up new economic opportunities, with London highlighting key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and professional and trade services.

    Additionally, an agreement could expand market access for British exports, including automobiles, Scotch whisky, and financial services, which hold multi-billion-dollar potential.

    Meanwhile, India is advocating for improved mobility rights for its skilled professionals and students, alongside a push for faster visa processing times to facilitate smoother movement between the two nations.

  • 500,000 Haitians risk deportation as Trump ends TPS effective August

    500,000 Haitians risk deportation as Trump ends TPS effective August

    The US government will end the temporary protected status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitians living in the country in August, the Department of Homeland Security said on Thursday.


    This comes despite deteriorating conditions in the Caribbean country, with gangs controlling about 85% of the capital and sexual violence against children increasing by 1,000% last year, according to the United Nations.
    TPS is granted to nationals of designated countries facing unsafe conditions, such as armed conflict or environmental disasters.

    US President Donald Trump has moved to overhaul parts of the US immigration system since returning to office and promised “mass deportations” and arrests.

    Haitians have had Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since 2010, but it will officially end on August 3, 2025.

    When this happens, they will no longer have work permits and could face deportation.

    On February 1, the Trump administration also decided to end TPS for Venezuelans in the U.S., but this decision is being challenged in court by the National TPS Alliance.

    “For decades the TPS system has been exploited and abused,” the Department for Homeland Security said in a statement on Thursday.

    The system has allowed Haitians who “entered the US illegally, to qualify for legal protected status,” it added.


    The decision to end TPS for Haitians has faced strong criticism.

    Last year, over 5,600 people in Haiti were killed due to gang violence. The UN has reported that many families are living in unsafe shelters and struggling with health risks.

    Democratic congresswoman Ayanna Pressley called the decision “shameful,” saying it puts people in danger despite the extreme violence in Haiti. She argued that Haitians who have lived in the U.S. for 15 years now face deportation simply because of their nationality.

    During his campaign, Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in an Ohio city.

    However, local officials told BBC Verify that no real evidence supports this claim.Then US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called the claim a “conspiracy theory… based on an element of racism”.

  • You could have made a deal – Trumps comments suggests Ukraine to blame for war

    You could have made a deal – Trumps comments suggests Ukraine to blame for war

    U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is likely to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin this month.

    During a press briefing on Tuesday, after U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia, Trump strongly suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was responsible for Russia’s invasion.

    He also brushed aside concerns about Ukraine not being included in discussions aimed at ending the war.

    “I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it’s going very well. But today, I heard, ‘Oh, well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been there for three years. You should have ended it…,” Trump said at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

    “You should have never started it. You could have made a deal. I could have made a deal for Ukraine.”

    Trump said that he was “much more confident” of reaching an agreement following the talks in Riyadh led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

    “They were very good. Russia wants to do something, they want to stop the savage barbarism,” he said.

    Asked if his administration would support Russia’s calls for elections in Ukraine as part of any peace deal, Trump claimed without evidence that Zelenskyy had an approval rating of just 4 percent and noted that the country’s elections had been suspended under martial law.

    In an opinion poll carried out by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology in December, 52 percent of respondents said they trusted Zelenskyy, down 12 percentage points from February.

    “Yeah, I would say that, you know, when you want a seat at the table… Wouldn’t the people of Ukraine have to say like, ‘It’s been a long time since we’ve had an election?’” Trump said.

    “That’s not a Russia thing, that’s something coming from me, and coming from many other countries also.”

  • Stay away – Alleged victims in Andrew Tate’s case warn US against interference

    Stay away – Alleged victims in Andrew Tate’s case warn US against interference

    Four women who say they were sexually abused by social media influencer Andrew Tate have asked the US not to get involved in his case in Romania.

    The women are worried because they heard that US officials asked Romania to ease travel restrictions on Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate, who have both UK and US nationality. Their lawyer, Matthew Jury, told the BBC that they are confused about why the Trump administration is interfering, but Romania says it is not being pressured by the US.

    Tate, 38, and his brother were arrested in Romania three years ago and are facing trial for rape, trafficking minors, and money laundering, which they deny.

    In the UK, the brothers are also wanted by police for rape and human trafficking, which they also deny. Their extradition to the UK will be handled after the Romania case is over.

    Tate’s representatives had no comment on the new development. The Financial Times reported that US officials mentioned the case to the Romanian government last week, and Trump’s envoy Richard Grenell followed up over the weekend. A source said the US asked for the brothers’ passports to be returned so they could travel while waiting for their trial.

    The Tate brothers are not allowed to leave Romania but are no longer under house arrest.


    Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu confirmed to Euronews that Grenell had raised Tate’s case with him, and that Grenell had said he was “interested in the fate of the Tate brothers”. The minister denied this amounted to pressure from Americans.
    A spokesperson for Mr Hurezeanu told the Financial Times: “Romanian courts are independent and operate based on the law, there is due process.”
    Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also denied the reports on X, writing: [The US] has not made any requests to [Romania] upon the legal situation of well-known foreign influencers investigated by the Romanian authorities.


    “There were no demands either during the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Richard Grenell discussion or after it. Romania and USA share the same values regarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.”
    According to the FT, Grenell said he had no “substantive conversation” with Hurezeanu, but added: “I support the Tate brothers as evident by my publicly available tweets.”
    The US State Department has been approached by the BBC for comment.

    The Tate brothers have wide support on right-wing social media, and supported Trump during the US election campaign.
    Lawyer Mr Jury said: “It’s very clear from members of the Trump administration’s social media posts and public statements that there is a great deal of support for Tate.
    “Either they don’t know or they don’t care about the nature of the allegations and how serious they are,” he told BBC Newsnight.
    He said the women he represented were “absolutely distraught”.
    “To see the most powerful man in the world support their alleged abuser, is incredibly traumatising… it’s gaslighting of a sort.”
    And he called the reported US actions a “gross interference in my clients’ right to a fair trial and due process”.

  • British journalist Charlotte Peet reportedly missing in Brazil

    British journalist Charlotte Peet reportedly missing in Brazil

    A British journalist named Charlotte Peet has reportedly gone missing in Brazil, causing concern among foreign correspondents who have asked authorities to intensify the search.

    Charlotte Peet, 32, last contacted a friend on February 8, saying she was in São Paulo and planned to travel to Rio de Janeiro. Her family in the UK reported losing contact with her a few days later and provided authorities with her flight details and a copy of her passport.

    The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in Brazil (ACIE) released a statement expressing worry about her disappearance and support for her family and friends.

    According to the statement, the case was initially reported to the police in Rio but later transferred to São Paulo, where she was last seen. Brazil’s Department of Homicides and Personal Protection (DHPP) is helping with the investigation.

    Charlotte Peet has worked as a freelance journalist in Rio and London for media outlets like Al Jazeera and the Times, according to her LinkedIn profile.

    “Her disappearance has sparked growing concern among colleagues and journalists in the region, with ACIE calling for intensified efforts to locate her as soon as possible”, a statement on behalf of its president Edmar Figueiredo and its board of directors said.

    A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has been reported as missing in Brazil and are in contact with the local authorities.”

  • Pope suffers double pneumonia; condition remains ‘complex’ – Vatican

    Pope suffers double pneumonia; condition remains ‘complex’ – Vatican

    Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, complicating his ongoing treatment for respiratory issues, the Holy See Press Office confirmed in a Tuesday evening statement.

    Despite the severity of his condition, the Vatican reassures that the Pope “remains in good spirits.”

    The latest update follows his hospitalization last Friday for bronchitis. According to the press release, “Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture.”

    Medical evaluations have identified a polymicrobial infection, which developed alongside bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis. This has necessitated the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics, making the treatment process more challenging.

    “A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the ‘A. Gemelli’ Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy.”

    While undergoing treatment, Pope Francis has remained active in prayer and reflection. The statement noted that he “received the Eucharist and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue.”

    “The Pope spent a restful night, woke up and had breakfast,” the Holy See Press Office shared in a note to journalists on Wednesday morning.

  • Netanyahu applauds Trump’s daring plan for Gaza during meeting with Rubio

    Netanyahu applauds Trump’s daring plan for Gaza during meeting with Rubio

    Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that he is working with US President Donald Trump to implement a plan to resettle Gaza’s population. After meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that both countries have a shared strategy for the Palestinian territory.

    This discussion follows Trump’s proposal to have the US take over Gaza and relocate the two million Palestinians to neighboring countries. The UN has warned that forcing civilians to move from occupied territories is illegal under international law and could be considered ethnic cleansing.

    The US Secretary of State mentioned that Trump’s plan might have surprised people, but he believed it was bold to offer a new approach instead of old ideas. Netanyahu confirmed that he and Rubio discussed ways to make Trump’s vision happen and that the US and Israel agreed on the Gaza issue.

    He also warned that there would be severe consequences if Hamas did not release all Israeli hostages.

    “Hamas can not continue as a military or government force,” Rubio added. “And as long as it stands as a force that can govern or administer or a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible.”

    The Israeli military started a campaign to destroy Hamas after a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, where about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. The fighting has caused severe damage in Gaza, with over 48,200 deaths in the 16-month war, according to Gaza’s health ministry run by Hamas.

    Most people in Gaza have been displaced many times, and nearly 70% of buildings are damaged or destroyed. The systems for healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene have collapsed, and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.

    Palestinian and Arab leaders have rejected Trump’s plan to take over Gaza, stating that Palestinian land is “not for sale.” The US top diplomat did not meet with any Palestinian leaders to discuss Gaza’s future, unlike previous US peace efforts in the region.

    At a joint news conference on Sunday, Rubio and Netanyahu discussed shared goals, such as removing Hamas’s control in Gaza, preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and monitoring developments in Syria after Assad.

  • Trump files Supreme Court appeal on removal of US agency leader

    Trump files Supreme Court appeal on removal of US agency leader

    Former President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to let him fire the leader of an independent ethics agency that protects federal whistleblowers. He has made an urgent appeal to the highest court to decide if he can dismiss Hampton Dellinger, who heads the US Office of Special Counsel.

    This is believed to be the first case from Trump’s many executive actions to reach the Supreme Court. Trump has also removed over a dozen inspectors general from various federal agencies and dismissed thousands of government employees.

    Mr Dellinger, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, sued the Trump administration after he was fired by email this month.

    He argued that his removal broke a law that protects leaders of independent agencies from being fired by the president, “except in cases of neglect of duty, malfeasance or inefficiency”.

    The agency’s main goal is to protect federal employees from illegal actions taken against them for whistleblowing, as stated in its mission statement. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Washington DC issued a temporary order allowing Mr. Dellinger to keep his job while the case is reviewed. On Saturday, the US Court of Appeals in the capital, which was split in its decision, denied the Trump administration’s request to overturn the lower court’s ruling.

    This has led to the current legal situation.tice department filing an emergency appeal to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court, a filing seen by various US media.

    “This court should not allow lower courts to seize executive power by dictating to the president how long he must continue employing an agency head against his will,” Sarah M Harris, acting solicitor general, wrote in the filing provided by the Department of Justice to the Washington Post.


    “Until now, as far as we are aware, no court in American history has wielded an injunction to force the president to retain an agency head,” the acting solicitor general wrote, according to the Associated Press news agency.

  • “I still consider it my biggest failure” – Bill Gates on life after divorce

    “I still consider it my biggest failure” – Bill Gates on life after divorce

    Bill Gates is speaking candidly about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, calling it “the mistake I regret the most.”

    In an interview with The Times of London published on Saturday, Jan. 25, the former Microsoft exec, 69, opened up about his 2021 divorce from his wife of 27 years, revealing that one of his biggest goals in life was to replicate his own parents’ 45-year marriage.

    “I encouraged Melinda to be a little calmer than my mother was, but we were both quite driven,” he told the outlet, reflecting on how he tried to make his own marriage reflect his parents’. “I spent more time with the kids than my dad did, but the ratio was still 10:1, with Melinda doing most things for the kids. We had a great time.”

    Bill said he believes there is a “certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person,” especially when you share children together, as well as fond memories and shared projects.

    “When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful — that came during the time that we were together,” he told The Times of London. “So, she saw me through a lot. When we got divorced, it was tough and then she made the decision to leave the foundation — I was disappointed that she took the option to go off.”

    The former couple first met in 1987, when Melinda became a product manager at Microsoft, and they eventually married in Hawaii in 1994. The pair founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to combating global poverty and disease — in 2000. Following their split, Melinda, 60, resigned from the foundation in May 2024.

    When asked if divorce was his only failure in life, Bill told The Times of London: “You would have to put that at the top of the list. There are others but none that matter.”

    “The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years,” he continued, adding elsewhere in the conversation that he has become “more cheerful” in the nearly four years since their split, but still considers it to be “the mistake I most regret.”Bill and Melinda Gates with their children in 2018. Melinda Gates Instagram

    “Melinda and I still see each other — we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events,” he said. “The kids are doing well. They have good values.”

    The pair share three children: son Rory, 25, daughter Phoebe, 22, and daughter Jennifer, 28, as well as two grandchildren, Jennifer’s daughters Leila and Mia. Bill is now dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle executive Mark Hurd.

    Melinda has also previously opened up about her split from Bill, telling Time last year that while their divorce was “hard” and “painful,” over time it eventually came with “wonderful” new opportunities.

    “I live in a neighborhood. Now I can walk to little stores. I can walk to the drugstore, I can walk to a restaurant,” she told the outlet, speaking about her change of scenery after the split. “I absolutely love it.”

    Melinda also revealed that the former couple had separated during the COVID-19 pandemic, trading off who was able to stay at their shared family home with their children.

    “It gave us the privacy to do what needed to be done in private,” she told Time of their family life during the pandemic. “You know, I separated first before I made the full decision about a divorce. And to be able to do that in private while I’m still trying to take care of the kids, while still making certain decisions about how you’re going to disentangle your life — thank God.”

  • Kanye West reclaims title as wealthiest rapper, surpassing JAY-Z

    Kanye West reclaims title as wealthiest rapper, surpassing JAY-Z

    Kanye West has reportedly reclaimed the title of the richest rapper, surpassing JAY-Z with an impressive net worth of $2.77 billion.

    This comes from Eton Venture Services, a business valuation firm, which credits West’s financial comeback to his music assets and full ownership of the Yeezy brand.

    On Thursday, 23 January, the music and fashion icon shared the news via an Instagram post, writing, “LAA LA LA LA,” in what appeared to be a celebratory jab at his critics.

    If the reported numbers are correct, Kanye West’s net worth has surpassed JAY-Z’s, who is currently valued at $2.5 billion according to Forbes. The two, who once worked together on the popular Watch the Throne album, are the only rappers to reach the billion-dollar milestone.

    Earlier reports that Dr. Dre and Diddy had also become billionaires have since been disproven.

    Kanye’s return to billionaire status follows a challenging period. In 2022, his wealth dropped significantly after Adidas ended their profitable partnership with him due to his controversial antisemitic remarks.

    Before the split, Forbes had estimated the partnership added $1.5 billion to his fortune, which was then around $2 billion. Afterward, his net worth fell to an estimated $400 million.

    West later opened up about the financial strain he endured following the partnership’s collapse. Speaking to TMZ in 2024, he admitted, “I’m gonna be honest with y’all: I was two months from going bankrupt, really… And we survived. We survived through the cancellation.”

    Despite facing challenges, Kanye kept ownership of the Yeezy brand and now runs it independently. The brand’s recent success, including making millions in sales from a single clothing release, has been key to his financial recovery.

    Meanwhile, 50 Cent is aiming for billionaire status. The rapper and businessman claimed last year that he is close to becoming a billionaire, thanks to his successful media and spirits ventures.

    The split between Kanye and Adidas was costly for the German company, which estimated a loss of about $246 million in 2022 due to the separation. However, it allowed Kanye to fully take charge of Yeezy, which has since shown strong growth and profitability.

  • Meta offers TikTokers $5,000 to join Facebook, Instagram

    Meta offers TikTokers $5,000 to join Facebook, Instagram

    Social media giant Meta has offered to pay up to $5,000 (£4,040) to popular creators in the United States who join Facebook and Instagram.

    It says those joining from “third-party social apps” will get cash based on “an evaluation of your social presence”.

    Though it does not mention TikTok by name, the timing would suggest Meta is attempting to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding its rival, as questions swirl about whether President Trump can find a way of preserving it for US users.

    TikTok says it has 170 million users in the US – with many of them relying on it for their livelihoods – meaning lots of people would be seeking an alternative place to post if the platform disappeared.

    Meta says on its website that those accepted into the so-called “Breakthrough bonus programme” will be paid the money during their first 90 days on the app, so long as they post regularly.

    Users must post at least 20 reels on Facebook and 10 reels on Instagram – Meta’s version of vertical TikTok videos – during each 30-day period.

    It also dictates that these must be original videos, rather than those previously shared on other platforms.

    But not everyone can join – the cash will only be available to those people who are completely new to either Facebook or Instagram.

    And the firm will seemingly decide who to accept on a case-by-case basis, as people must apply to be accepted onto the programme.

    It is also offering other perks, such as a free subscription to its blue check verification system.

    Meta courts TikTokers

    This is not the first move by Meta to go after ByteDance’s users.

    On Sunday, the firm announced Edits, an app strikingly similar to ByteDance’s CapCut – a video editing app which went offline when the ByteDance ban took effect that same day.

    And two days earlier, Meta posted a video in which two creators discussed Facebook’s “new affiliate link experience for your shoppable content” – in other words Meta’s attempt to build its own version of the highly successful TikTok Shop.

    In the new system, Meta users will be able to add prominent affiliate links directly on their videos – rather than in the comments – exactly how it works on TikTok.

    But that’s not all the changes Meta has made – and perhaps the most visually significant is a direct change to how Instagram looks.

    Rather than posts and videos being square on user profiles, they are now rectangular – again, clearly taking inspiration from TikTok.

    This has led to some backlash from creators frustrated that their profiles now look different, and Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said he was aware of the criticisms.

    “One of the mistakes I made was not giving people enough of a heads up,” he said in a post on Threads – a platform which was itself launched by Meta in attempt to capitalise on the turbulence at Twitter, now X.

    Source: BBC

  • About 1,600 Capitol riot defendants pardoned by Trump

    About 1,600 Capitol riot defendants pardoned by Trump

    President Donald Trump has issued pardons or commuted sentences for nearly 1,600 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

    The sweeping executive action, one of his first acts after being sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, includes blanket clemency for most defendants and commutations for key figures from far-right groups involved in the attack.

    “These are the hostages, approximately 1,500 for a pardon, full pardon,” Trump announced during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. “This is a big one. These people have been destroyed. What they’ve done to these people is outrageous. There’s rarely been anything like it in the history of our country.”

    Among those granted clemency were Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, and Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys. Both men had been convicted of seditious conspiracy for their roles in orchestrating the violence but had not entered the Capitol themselves.

    Rhodes, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison, and Tarrio, who received 22 years, were among 14 members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who had their sentences commuted. Tarrio, barred from Washington, DC, at the time of the riot, watched the events unfold from a Baltimore hotel room. His mother confirmed that he would return home to Miami on Tuesday after his release from a federal prison in Louisiana.

    Trump’s order granted “full, complete, and unconditional pardons” to most of those charged, citing a desire to “end a grave national injustice” and foster “national reconciliation.” Approximately 1,583 individuals faced charges ranging from misdemeanors like trespassing to assaulting law enforcement officers with weapons such as flagpoles and fire extinguishers.

    The riot, which occurred as lawmakers gathered to certify Joe Biden’s election victory, left over 140 police officers injured and five people dead, including Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed rioter fatally shot by Capitol Police.

    Democrats denounced Trump’s decision, framing it as an affront to the justice system and a betrayal of law enforcement. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was among the lawmakers forced to flee the Capitol that day, called the move “an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who suffered physical scars and emotional trauma as they protected the Capitol, the Congress, and the Constitution.”

    Washington state Senator Patty Murray echoed the sentiment, stating, “It’s a sad day for America when a President who refused to relinquish power and incited an insurrection returns to office years later only to grant violent criminals a Presidential pardon or commutation.”

    The decision surprised many observers, as Trump’s team had previously suggested case-by-case reviews of riot-related convictions. Vice-President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi had both condemned violence against law enforcement and signaled that clemency would be selective. Trump’s blanket pardon, however, marked a significant departure from those earlier statements.

    Supporters of those pardoned gathered outside the DC jail and other detention centers nationwide, celebrating Trump’s action. “Freedom!” one woman shouted, referencing the president’s description of the defendants as “J6 hostages.” Families and friends of those detained awaited news of their loved ones’ release, which began hours after Trump’s signing.

    Derrick Storms, chief legal counsel for Capitol riot defendants, confirmed that prisoners would begin leaving detention facilities before midnight. “We expect freedom for many by midnight,” Storms said.

    While critics decried the move as rewriting history, Trump and his allies have framed the pardons as a step toward healing a deeply divided nation.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Swearing-in ceremony for Donald Trump

    LIVESTREAMING: Swearing-in ceremony for Donald Trump

    Today marks the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States, with a swearing-in ceremony that will officially transfer power from the Biden administration to the Trump administration.

    The event is scheduled to commence at 11:30 a.m. ET, with Trump taking the presidential oath at noon, in accordance with the 20th Amendment. Due to anticipated cold temperatures in Washington, D.C., the ceremony will be relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

    The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, is overseeing the day’s proceedings. The theme of this year’s ceremony is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”

    https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1881372933710589978

  • Inauguration Day schedule for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony today

    Inauguration Day schedule for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony today

    Donald Trump will take the oath of office today to officially begin his second term as President of the United States.

    The swearing-in ceremony, marking the transfer of power from the Biden administration, will solidify Trump’s return to the White House.

    In accordance with the 20th Amendment, the president-elect’s term commences at noon on January 20. Trump’s inauguration will be the culmination of a series of carefully planned events overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. This year’s committee, chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, has themed the ceremonies “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”

    https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1881073769449492971

    The day’s schedule is packed with tradition and symbolism. The events, beginning with a musical prelude by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs and “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, are set to unfold indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to Washington’s cold weather.

    Klobuchar will formally open the proceedings, followed by an invocation delivered by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and the Rev. Franklin Graham. Christopher Macchio, a celebrated opera singer known as “America’s Tenor,” will perform Oh, America!

    Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh will administer the vice-presidential oath of office to JD Vance, marking another milestone in the day’s events. “America the Beautiful,” performed by country singer Carrie Underwood alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club, will follow the vice-presidential swearing-in.

    Chief Justice John Roberts will then lead the pivotal moment of the ceremony by administering the presidential oath to Trump. Once sworn in, Trump will address the nation in his inaugural speech.

    Other highlights include the Naval Academy Glee Club’s rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic and a benediction featuring an interfaith coalition of leaders: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, Imam Husham Al-Husainy, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, and Rev. Father Frank Mann.

    The program will conclude with a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Christopher Macchio, bringing the historic day to a close.

  • WhatsApp to stop working on these devices in 2025

    WhatsApp to stop working on these devices in 2025

    WhatsApp will soon cease supporting 18 Android models and 3 iPhone models, affecting those with older smartphones.

    While the New Year signifies fresh beginnings for many, users who have managed to keep their devices running for over a decade may face disappointment as WhatsApp adjusts its compatibility with operating systems, making it inaccessible for older phones.

    The number of people affected won’t be massive, but for those who have diligently maintained their phones over the years, it’s worth checking if their device is on the list.

    As of January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer function on Android devices running KitKat or earlier versions of the operating system. However, users with KitKat can continue using the app if they can update their phones to a more recent version of Android.

    Unfortunately, many of these older models no longer receive official updates, and upgrading them manually could void warranties and insurance while risking damage to the device.

    For those in possession of aging Android models, several phones will be impacted, including Samsung’s Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy Ace 3, along with Motorola’s Moto G (1st Gen) and Razr HD, as well as HTC’s One X and Desire models.

    LG’s Nexus 4 and Xperia Z from Sony will also be among the affected devices. These phones are now deemed incompatible with the app as it evolves to meet the demands of newer operating systems.

    Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has stated that these updates are part of a routine process aimed at ensuring the app’s security and functionality, particularly with the latest smartphones.

    Come mid-2025, iPhone users will also face a similar fate. Starting May 5, WhatsApp will no longer work on iPhones running iOS versions prior to 15.1. Devices like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, which currently only support iOS 12.5.7, will lose access to WhatsApp. This change will apply to both the regular WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as they share the same system requirements.

  • South Korea: Deadly plane crash at Muan Airport claims 179 lives

    South Korea: Deadly plane crash at Muan Airport claims 179 lives

    A devastating tragedy has unfolded as at least 179 people lost their lives when a passenger aircraft skidded off the runway and crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea, marking one of the country’s most catastrophic aviation accidents.

    The incident occurred at 9:03 AM local time (00:03 GMT) on Sunday, when the Jeju Air flight, which was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members from Bangkok, Thailand, was approaching Muan International Airport, situated approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) southwest of Seoul.

    The National Fire Agency confirmed the heartbreaking toll of 179 fatalities, including 85 women, 84 men, and 10 individuals whose gender could not immediately be ascertained. Only two survivors, both crew members, were rescued from the wreckage. The fire that engulfed the plane has since been brought under control.

    Initial investigations point to a bird strike as the likely cause of the crash, leading to a malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear as it was preparing to land at the airport.

    Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Seoul, stated that this incident is now being recognized as the deadliest air disaster in South Korea’s history.

  • Biden grants full pardon to son Hunter amid criminal sentencing

    Biden grants full pardon to son Hunter amid criminal sentencing

    US President Joe Biden has granted a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases.

    In a statement, President Biden said his son had been “singled out” and described the cases against him as “a miscarriage of justice.”

    “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” he stated.

    Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to tax charges in September and was convicted in June of being an illegal drug user in possession of a firearm, making him the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime.

    The pardon comes after President Biden had previously ruled out granting clemency to his son. In September, the White House press secretary reiterated that the president would not issue a pardon. However, on Sunday evening, Biden justified his decision, citing the influence of politics on the legal process.

    “Politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” the president remarked. “Once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further.”

    He added, “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”

    Reacting to the pardon, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude, acknowledging his past mistakes during the “darkest days” of his addiction.

    “Mistakes I made have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame my family for political sport,” he said. “I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.”

    Hunter, now 54, has reportedly been sober for over five years, a milestone his father highlighted in his statement.

    Hunter had pleaded guilty to nine counts of federal tax fraud in September, which could have carried a prison sentence of up to 17 years. In June, he was also convicted of three felonies related to a gun purchase, for which he faced up to 25 years in prison.

    Sentencing for these cases was initially scheduled for 12 and 16 December.

    The legal troubles surrounding Hunter Biden had cast a shadow over his father’s presidency and political career. President Biden had withdrawn from the 2024 election race in July, endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. Harris ultimately lost to Republican Donald Trump in November.

    Trump, who will succeed Biden, is set to assume the presidency on Inauguration Day, 20 January 2025.

  • Court issues 2-year suspended death sentence to former Bank of China Chair for bribery, others

    Court issues 2-year suspended death sentence to former Bank of China Chair for bribery, others

    Former Bank of China chairman Liu Liange on Tuesday received a suspended death sentence for bribery and illegal loan issuance, state media reported, according to Reuters.

    He was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a court in China’s Shandong province. The sentence, per reports, will be executed if he commits further crimes during the period. He would have a life sentence if reprieved.

    China’s anti-graft watchdog has intensified its crackdown on the financial sector, targeting high-profile figures such as Liu Liange, former chairman of the Bank of China, and Fan Yifei, a former deputy central bank governor sentenced to death in October for accepting bribes, with a two-year reprieve.

    According to state broadcaster CCTV, Liu was found guilty of abusing his position to secure promotions for others and accepting bribes totaling more than 121 million yuan ($17 million). While the court acknowledged Liu’s confession and the recovery of most of the illicit funds, it opted to delay the enforcement of the death penalty.

    During his tenure at China Export-Import Bank and the Bank of China, Liu unlawfully approved loans exceeding 3.32 billion yuan, resulting in losses of over 190 million yuan, CCTV reported.

    Liu, born in 1961, had a decades-long career in banking and finance, holding roles at the People’s Bank of China and the Export-Import Bank of China before being promoted to chairman of the Bank of China in 2019.

    In October 2023, the Chinese Communist Party expelled Liu, accusing him of illegal activities and corruption.

  • Ghanaians among UN peacekeepers injured in Southern Lebanon attacks

    Ghanaians among UN peacekeepers injured in Southern Lebanon attacks

    The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has reported that four of its soldiers were injured when a rocket hit a base, marking one of three separate incidents in which its troops and bases came under fire on Tuesday.

    The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) stated that four Ghanaian peacekeepers were hurt, with three needing hospital treatment, after a rocket struck a base east of the village of Ramyah, near the Israeli border. The extent of their injuries remains unclear.

    Unifil also confirmed that a base in Shama was damaged by rocket fire, with “non-state actors within Lebanon” likely responsible. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

    The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), currently conducting a ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, attributed both rocket attacks to the Lebanese armed group, although Hezbollah has not issued a statement.

    Additionally, a Unifil patrol came under gunfire while passing through a road northeast of Khirbat Silim, but there were no injuries.

    Unifil condemned the attacks on its personnel and infrastructure in a statement shared on social media.

    “The pattern of regular attacks – direct or indirect – against peacekeepers must end immediately,” the statement said.

    “Any attack against the peacekeepers is a flagrant violation of international laws and resolution 1701, which forms the basis of Unifil’s current mandate.”

    According to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the UN was tasked with establishing a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon, excluding all armed forces except for the Lebanese army.

    However, Israel has criticized Unifil for allegedly overlooking the expansion of Hezbollah, which has since become more powerful than the official Lebanese army. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the UK, the US, and several other nations.

    Tensions between Israel and the UN over its peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon have escalated in recent months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the forces to pull out of “combat areas”.

    A Unifil spokesman in Geneva said UN peacekeepers were seeing increased levels of violence, with “huge, shocking” destruction across the blue line – the UN-recognised boundary that separates Israel and Lebanon.

    Israel’s objective behind the ground invasion and the intensification of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets is to facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 displaced residents from northern communities who fled due to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.

    Hezbollah initiated its offensive the day after the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel last year, asserting it was acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

    Over the past year, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of over 3,840 people and injured nearly 15,000, according to the Lebanese health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

    On Tuesday, the Lebanese army confirmed that three soldiers had died in an Israeli airstrike on a military base in Safarand, with 17 others, including civilians, wounded in the attack.

    The ongoing Israeli strikes have forced over one million people to flee, exacerbating the hardships of a country already grappling with a prolonged economic crisis.

    According to Israeli authorities, Hezbollah’s attacks have killed at least 31 soldiers and 45 civilians in Israel. Additionally, 45 Israeli soldiers have died in combat in southern Lebanon.

    While Israel has severely damaged Hezbollah’s infrastructure and killed numerous leaders, the group continues to launch daily assaults, though with reduced intensity.

    Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah are gaining momentum, with Lebanon’s government set to respond to a ceasefire proposal drafted by the US

  • Russia denies Trump told Putin to restrain Ukraine war efforts

    Russia denies Trump told Putin to restrain Ukraine war efforts

    The Kremlin has rejected media reports suggesting that US President-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he allegedly warned Putin about escalating the war in Ukraine.

    The call, which was first reported by the Washington Post on Sunday, was said to have occurred on Thursday.

    During the reported conversation, Trump is believed to have mentioned the significant military presence of the US in Europe.

    However, the Kremlin swiftly denied the existence of such a conversation, labeling the claims as “pure fiction.”

    Trump’s team, when contacted by the BBC, declined to comment on the matter, with communications director Steven Cheung stating, “We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.”

    He did, however, confirm that leaders have started reaching out to the president-elect.

    Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, reiterated the denial, describing the reports as “completely untrue” and “false information.”

    “This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction. That is, this is simply false information. There was no conversation,” Peskov said.

    While Trump has repeatedly stated his commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine, he has not yet outlined a clear strategy.

    Bryan Lanza, a former adviser to Trump’s campaign, suggested over the weekend that the incoming administration would focus on achieving peace in Ukraine, rather than solely aiming to reclaim occupied territories.

    A spokesperson for Trump distanced the president-elect from these remarks, clarifying that Lanza “does not speak for him.”

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned against any territorial concessions to Russia, stressing that without US support, Ukraine would be unable to win the war.

    On the other hand, Dmitry Peskov spoke of “positive” signals from the new US administration. In contrast, other international figures, including British Defence Secretary John Healey, are confident that the US will continue to support Ukraine.

    “This is a warning for the ones who say, this war has to end, so let’s finish it as soon as possible no matter how. How matters,” he said.

    Healey expressed his expectation that the US would stay alongside its allies, particularly the UK, “for as long as it takes to prevail over Putin’s invasion.”

    During a visit to Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cautioned that any peace settlement must be sustainable. He warned against those pushing for an immediate end to the war without considering the long-term implications, emphasizing that “how” peace is achieved matters.

    In Washington, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that President Joe Biden would stress to Trump that walking away from Ukraine would lead to increased instability in Europe.

    In Germany, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock raised concerns that Putin could exploit the US transition period to gain an upper hand in Ukraine. She urged European Union members to boost their support for Ukraine immediately, asserting, “We don’t have time to wait until spring.”

    The war continues to escalate, with Russia and Ukraine launching their largest drone attacks since the conflict began. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed it intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including some approaching Moscow, leading to airport diversions. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down most of the 145 Russian drones launched on Saturday night.

    On Monday, Russia’s airstrikes killed at least six people and injured 21 others in Ukraine. Zelensky condemned the strikes, criticizing Russia for targeting civilians and calling for stronger global support to counter the aggression.

    Russian forces have also made territorial advances. Moscow’s Ministry of Defence reported capturing the village of Kolisnykivka in the Kharkiv region. According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War, Russian territorial gains in October were the largest since March 2022.