The first international commercial flight since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime landed at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday, with a Qatar Airways flight marking the occasion. Many passengers were returning Syrians, some for the first time in over a decade. The airport, rehabilitated with Qatar’s help after years of neglect and damage from Israeli airstrikes, welcomed its first flight amid Syria’s recovery. Additionally, a … Continue reading First international flight since al-Assad’s removal lands in Syria

Indonesia has officially joined BRICS, becoming the tenth full member of the bloc of developing economies. The announcement was made by Brazil, the 2025 rotating president of BRICS. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy and most populous nation, shares the group’s goals of reforming global governance and enhancing South-South cooperation. Initially endorsed in 2023, Indonesia delayed its accession until after its new government was formed, the … Continue reading Indonesia officially becomes full member of BRICS bloc

Executions in Iran rose to 901 in 2024, the highest since 2015, including 31 women, some convicted for defending themselves against domestic violence or forced marriage, according to the U.N. Most executions were for drug-related offenses, but political dissidents and protesters linked to the 2022 unrest over Mahsa Amini’s death were also among the victims. U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called the rise “deeply … Continue reading UN says Iran executed over 900 people in 2024

The Biden administration will announce a final major weapons aid package for Ukraine during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany on Thursday. While the exact amount remains unspecified, it is expected to be substantial, leaving some funds for the incoming Trump administration. The aid aims to bolster Ukraine amid ongoing missile attacks and military offensives. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, the U.S. has contributed $66 … Continue reading U.S, set to announce ‘substantial’ final weapons package for Ukraine

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet’s Shigatse City on Tuesday, killing at least 126 people and injuring over 188, according to Chinese state media. The quake, with a depth of 10 km, caused over 3,600 homes to collapse. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at 7.1, citing the region’s history of significant seismic activity. Multiple aftershocks, the largest at 4.4, followed. The Dalai Lama … Continue reading At least 126 dead, scores injured in 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Tibet

Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, has been hit by severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, submerging neighborhoods and causing widespread disruption. Footage shows residents forming human chains to rescue trapped children and aiding those swept away by floodwaters. Cars, buses, and debris were left abandoned as water surged through the streets, Metro has reported. The extreme weather has also impacted other regions, including Madinah and Riyadh, … Continue reading Mecca flooded after extreme rain