Indonesia’s parliament has passed controversial reforms expanding the military’s role in government, allowing active-duty officers to hold civilian positions without retiring. Critics warn this could revive authoritarianism reminiscent of Suharto’s dictatorship. Backed by President Prabowo Subianto, a former general, the changes raise military retirement ages and increase the number of civilian institutions they can join. Thousands protested, fearing democracy is eroding, the BBC has reported. … Continue reading Anger as Indonesia law allows military bigger role in government

M23 rebels have seized Walikale, a key mining hub in eastern DRC, despite calls for a ceasefire from the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC. The town, rich in tin and gold, also controls a vital road linking four provinces. M23’s rapid advance since January has displaced hundreds of thousands and killed over 7,000 people in the worst escalation in a decade. Backed by Rwanda, … Continue reading M23 rebels capture strategic mining hub of Walikale in eastern DRC

Canada confirmed that four dual-citizen Canadians were executed in China earlier this year on drug charges. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada had repeatedly called for clemency, but Beijing insisted the executions were lawful. China’s embassy urged Canada to respect its judicial sovereignty amid already strained relations. Amnesty International condemned the executions as inhumane, the BBC has reported. Tensions between the two nations have worsened … Continue reading China executed four Canadians for drug crimes, says Ottawa

Thousands in Istanbul protested for a second night against the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan, ahead of his expected presidential nomination. Imamoglu was detained on corruption and terror-related charges, sparking concerns over democracy and market turmoil. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protests in multiple cities. The government denies political motives, while critics see it as … Continue reading Thousands rally outside Istanbul city hall for 2nd night over mayor’s arrest

Europe’s top military powers, including the UK, France, Germany, and the Nordics, are discussing plans to take on more responsibility for the continent’s defense amid concerns over a potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO under Trump. They aim to present a structured transition plan to Washington before NATO’s June summit, proposing increased European defense spending and capability-building over the next 5–10 years. While some European capitals … Continue reading European military powers work on 5-10 year plan to replace US in Nato

Peru’s President Dina Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital on Monday, deploying soldiers to assist police in response to rising violence, including the killing of popular singer Paul Flores. The emergency decree restricts certain rights, allowing authorities to detain individuals without judicial orders. The country has seen a surge in violence, with 459 killings and nearly 2,000 extortion reports since the … Continue reading Peru declares an emergency and deploys the army as violence surges in the capital

Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced they are abandoning the 1997 Ottawa convention treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines due to the heightened security threats posed by Russia. The countries stated that Russia’s aggression, particularly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has made it necessary to reassess their defense strategies. The Ottawa treaty, aimed at preventing landmines that cause civilian casualties, is no … Continue reading 4 nations bordering Russia to withdraw from land mine treaty

At least 12 people, including popular musician Aurelio Martínez, died when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after taking off from Roatan, Honduras. The Lanhsa Airlines plane was en route to La Ceiba when it made a sharp turn and fell into the water. Of the 17 passengers and crew, five were rescued and hospitalized, and the search for a missing body … Continue reading Plane crash off Caribbean island kills at least 12, including music star

Two beaches in South Australia were closed after dead fish and unusual off-white foam washed ashore, and surfers reported feeling unwell. A suspected microalgal bloom, triggered by unusual weather, is believed to be responsible for the foam and illness affecting both humans and marine life. Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach, near Adelaide, have been closed since Monday due to a “fish mortality event.” Surfers complained … Continue reading Strange foam and dead fish wash ashore at Oz beaches as surfers fall sick

A Greek woman, Roula Pispirigou, received two additional life sentences for murdering her infant daughters, Malena and Irida, after being convicted last year of killing her 9-year-old daughter, Georgina. The court found she suffocated the children to prevent her husband from leaving. Pispirigou maintains her innocence and plans to appeal, CBS News has reported. The case, which shocked Greece, was reopened after Georgina’s murder led … Continue reading Nurse given 3 life sentences for killing her 3 daughters in Greece

Peru’s president declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima, deploying soldiers to curb rising violence after the killing of popular singer Paul Flores. The decree restricts assembly and movement, allowing detentions without a judicial order. With murders and extortion surging, opposition lawmakers seek a no-confidence vote against the interior minister. Flores was shot after a concert, and a separate explosion at a restaurant injured … Continue reading Murders Hit Record in Peru as Capital Enters State of Emergency

The IDF launched a surprise operation in Gaza early Tuesday, striking 80 targets within minutes, including mid-level Hamas commanders and government officials. The attack, coordinated with Shin Bet, led to eased civilian restrictions near Gaza. Meanwhile, the IDF targeted Syrian artillery and intercepted a Houthi missile from Yemen. Hamas claimed it did not reject a ceasefire proposal, accusing Israel of resuming hostilities to derail negotiations, … Continue reading Israel hits Hamas with 80 missiles in 10 minutes overnight

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded a halt to Western arms supplies to Ukraine as a condition for a ceasefire, sources say. During a visit by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow, Putin reportedly called this a mandatory requirement, with Russia aiming to cut off U.S. aid at minimum. Russian sources claim the suspension would be temporary until a peace deal limiting Ukraine’s military is … Continue reading Putin Wants All Arms to Kyiv Halted for Trump Truce

A South African researcher at the isolated SANAE IV Antarctic base underwent psychological evaluation after allegedly assaulting and sexually harassing colleagues, officials said. Reports indicate he attacked the base leader and made threats, prompting a plea for help. Authorities intervened remotely, and the man, who has shown remorse, issued a formal apology. The nine-member team remains confined due to harsh conditions, with no evacuation planned, … Continue reading Fear at isolated Antarctica base; Man accused of attacking colleague, making threats

Serbian officials denied using a military-grade sonic weapon against protesters at a massive anti-government rally in Belgrade. Opposition groups claim the banned acoustic device, which causes pain and disorientation, was deployed and plan to file legal charges. The protest, sparked by a deadly train station collapse, drew over 100,000 people demanding accountability. Footage shows a sudden whooshing sound causing panic, the Associated Press has reported. … Continue reading Serbian officials deny illegal sonic weapon attack on protesters

A fire at an illegal nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed at least 59 people, aged 18 to 23, and injured 155 others. The blaze, sparked by pyrotechnics, erupted in a venue operating without a permit and packed beyond capacity. Authorities launched a bribery and corruption investigation, arresting several officials, including a former state secretary and a senior economy ministry official. Some suspects reportedly died … Continue reading At least 59 killed in ‘catastrophic’ fire at illegal nightclub in North Macedonia: Officials

President Trump ordered airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, vowing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-backed rebels stop attacking shipping routes. The strikes, targeting Houthi leaders and military sites, reportedly killed 31 people. The Houthis vowed retaliation, denying they threaten international shipping. The U.S. operation, conducted without allies, follows past strikes by the Biden administration in response to Houthi attacks. Trump warned Iran against supporting … Continue reading Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust is “decolonising” its collection to create a more inclusive museum experience, following concerns that Shakespeare has been used to promote “white supremacy.” The initiative, based on a 2022 research project, examines colonial influences and challenges the idea of Shakespeare as a universal genius. Funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the trust is expanding its international focus, hosting events on global writers and … Continue reading Shakespeare’s birthplace to be decolonized after ‘white supremacy’ fears

Pope Francis has approved a new three-year process for Church reforms, signaling his intent to continue leading despite battling double pneumonia. The initiative extends the Synod of Bishops, focusing on issues like women’s roles and LGBTQ inclusion, with global consultations leading to a 2028 summit. Francis approved the plan from his hospital bed, countering speculation about his resignation. Critics argue his reforms dilute Church teachings, … Continue reading Pope Francis, showing plans to stay on, starts new Catholic reform process

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ending its SAMIDRC mission. The decision follows months of conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have seized key cities, causing at least 7,000 deaths. South Africa, the largest troop contributor, lost 14 soldiers, while Malawi also suffered casualties, Al-Jazeera has reported. The … Continue reading Southern Africa regional bloc to withdraw troops from DRC amid M23 advance

British authorities are investigating a cargo ship crash off the English coast involving the Solong and the US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate, which was carrying jet fuel for the US military. The Russian captain of the Solong has been arrested for gross negligence manslaughter, while a missing crew member is presumed dead. Experts are puzzled by how the crash occurred despite modern navigation systems. Environmental groups … Continue reading Cargo ship captain arrested in North Sea collision with US-flagged tanker is Russian national

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to a peace deal, aiming to end nearly 40 years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia accepted Azerbaijan’s final proposals, and both nations confirmed the draft agreement is ready for signing. However, Azerbaijan demands Armenia amend its constitution to remove territorial claims, a point Armenia disputes. The deal follows decades of war, with Azerbaijan regaining control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, leading … Continue reading Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to peace treaty after nearly four decades of war

A citizen search group in Jalisco, Mexico, uncovered evidence of mass disappearances at a remote ranch, revealing shoes, clothing, and burned bone fragments—items missed by state investigators months earlier. The ranch, allegedly a cartel training and execution site, was previously raided in September, but authorities failed to find key evidence. Their inaction sparked outrage, pushing the federal government to take over the case. Families are … Continue reading Mexicans searching for missing relatives uncover possible mass killing site in Jalisco state

An Israeli airstrike hit an apartment in Damascus’ upscale Dumar neighborhood, targeting what Israel claimed was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad command center. The apartment had reportedly been vacant for years, and a Syrian housekeeper next door was seriously injured. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the strike, citing national security, while a Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesperson denied the location was a militant base, NPR has reported. … Continue reading Israel targets what it says was an Islamic Jihad command center in Damascus

Ugandan judge Lydia Mugambe, a U.N. tribunal member, was convicted of trafficking a young woman to the U.K. and forcing her into unpaid labor. A jury found her guilty of facilitating illegal immigration, forced labor, and witness intimidation. Prosecutors said Mugambe conspired with Ugandan diplomat John Leonard Mugerwa to bring the victim to the U.K. under false pretenses in exchange for judicial favors. Mugambe, who … Continue reading UN Judge Found Guilty of Slavery