Category: World

In the early hours of a Sunday morning, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake rocked the landscape of western South Africa, reaching as far as Cape Town. Situated 101 kilometers west of Brandvlei, the seismic event woke residents and prompted safety assessments. With tremors at a depth of 10 kilometers, the earthquake stirred alarms but, fortunately, left both people and properties largely unharmed.

The persistent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have left millions without power, challenging Ukraine's air defense systems. Despite intercept efforts, several missiles hit their targets, stretching the defenses thin. Ukraine seeks increased Western support to enhance defense capabilities as the economic impact deepens and international condemnation grows.

Following a Europa League match in Amsterdam, violent antisemitic attacks on Israeli football fans prompted condemnation from Israel and the Netherlands. Fifty Israeli supporters were injured, with five hospitalized, after antisemitic rioters deliberately targeted them. The incident led to 62 arrests despite efforts by Amsterdam’s mayor to prevent clashes. The Israeli government swiftly responded with rescue measures, urging Dutch authorities to take decisive action.

Global leaders are expressing heightened concerns about escalating violence following severe Israeli air strikes in Lebanon. The bombardments, marking Israel's most intense offensive since the Lebanese civil war, have sparked fears of broader conflict. International voices are calling for immediate measures to reduce tensions and protect civilians in the region.

Telegram's CEO and founder, Pavel Durov, has been arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris by French police. Durov, a French-Russian billionaire, faces allegations related to fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorism promotion. Durov is under scrutiny for failing to prevent criminal activities on Telegram. His court appearance is scheduled for Sunday.

Following violent nationwide protests, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. The Army Chief has announced an interim government. The unrest, initially sparked by student demands, led to widespread violence and numerous casualties. The military has imposed measures, including curfews, to restore order during this tumultuous period.

In a shocking incident, former US President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The attack led to worldwide condemnation from leaders across Europe, South America, and Asia, who stressed that political violence has no place in democracy. Trump sustained a minor wound, and one bystander was killed as leaders united in expressing support and solidarity.

Andrea Skinner, daughter of Nobel laureate Alice Munro, has revealed that her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin, sexually abused her from the age of 9. The abuse continued for years, with Munro remaining in the dark or choosing to ignore the truth. These revelations, revealed in an essay, have sent shockwaves through the literary community and put Munro's legacy under scrutiny.

Pope Francis met with his Holiness Aram I, the leader of the Armenian Church of Cilicia, marking their first encounter in 10 years. The meeting, held behind closed doors, reflects the longstanding efforts toward Christian unity and the profound bond shared between the Vatican and the Armenian Church.

A tragic incident on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British man and injuries to dozens of others due to severe turbulence. The Boeing 777 plunged 6,000 feet, compelling an emergency landing. Investigations are underway to determine the causes and prevent future occurrences.

The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued Lydia Simon, one of the Chibok girls, and her three children. They were handed over to the Borno State Government for familial reunification after her release.

At the IDA-21 summit in Nairobi, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan called for 50-year loan periods to advance Africa's growth. She underlined the need for an increase in concessional loans and improvement in policies to push technological and human capital development across African nations.