Salwan Momika, the Iraqi Christian who sparked outrage in 2023 by burning Qurans in Sweden, was shot dead in Sodertalje. His death comes just before a court ruling on whether he was guilty of inciting ethnic hatred, which has now been postponed to February 3. Police confirmed the shooting occurred indoors, and Momika was taken to the hospital but did not survive, NDTV has reported. … Continue reading Man Who Burnt Quran In 2023 Sparking Huge Protests Shot Dead In Sweden

Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Russian energy infrastructure, including an attempted strike on the Smolensk nuclear power plant, which was intercepted, according to Russian officials. At least 100 drones targeted power and oil facilities across western Russia, causing a fire at an oil refinery. Russia also launched overnight drone strikes on Ukraine, hitting a port in Odesa and causing debris to fall near … Continue reading Russia claims nuclear plant targeted during massive Ukrainian drone attack

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi urged young people to enlist in the army as M23 rebels, backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops, advanced deeper into eastern Congo, capturing parts of Goma and South Kivu. A regional summit called for an immediate ceasefire and talks, but Tshisekedi was absent. Meanwhile, South African peacekeepers were killed, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to accuse Rwanda, leading Rwandan President Paul Kagame to … Continue reading Congo’s leader calls for massive military mobilization as Rwanda-backed rebels expand their control

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from ECOWAS, completing a process that began in January 2024 after the bloc demanded Niger restore democratic rule. The military-led governments accuse ECOWAS of serving French interests and have turned to Russia for support. The three nations have formed their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda … Continue reading Military governments lead West African trio out of ECOWAS regional bloc

An Air Busan Airbus A321 caught fire on the runway at Gimhae International Airport while preparing for departure to Hong Kong. All 169 passengers and seven crew were evacuated, with three suffering minor injuries. The fire reportedly started in the tail section, causing visible damage to the fuselage. The incident comes a month after South Korea’s deadliest recent air disaster, The Guardian has reported. Airbus … Continue reading Passengers and crew evacuated as plane catches fire on South Korean runway

A crowd crush at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj early Wednesday left multiple people dead and at least 20 injured as a barrier near the river broke amid massive crowds. Reports indicate at least 14 bodies were taken to a hospital, though officials have not confirmed the toll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and is in contact with state authorities. The tragedy … Continue reading Multiple people killed in crowd crush at world’s largest religious festival

French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to replace six stained-glass windows in Notre Dame with contemporary designs has sparked backlash. Critics, including preservationists and far-right politicians, argue that the 19th-century windows are legally protected and integral to the cathedral’s aesthetic harmony. The move is seen as Macron’s attempt to leave a legacy akin to past presidents who reshaped Paris with glass structures. Despite opposition—including a unanimous … Continue reading France Furious Over Stained-Glass Windows in Notre Dame

French President Emmanuel Macron returned to the Louvre to address concerns after a leaked memo revealed the museum’s deteriorating condition. He announced a major renovation, including a separate space for the “Mona Lisa,” a new entrance near the Seine, and underground rooms. The project, potentially costing hundreds of millions of euros, may be funded by increasing non-EU visitor prices and raising annual attendance to 12 … Continue reading Italy calls for return of Mona Lisa after Louvre’s dire conditions raise alarm

The ancient Cotofenesti helmet, a 2,500-year-old Romanian treasure, was stolen from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands during the final weekend of its exhibition. Thieves also took three golden wristbands, leaving authorities devastated. The helmet, a revered symbol of Romania’s Dacia civilization, is unsellable due to its fame, raising fears it could be melted for its gold, worth far less than its cultural value. Security … Continue reading Theft in Netherlands of ancient golden helmet leaves Romania distraught

Storm Éowyn caused “unprecedented” damage in Ireland, leaving over 150,000 without power and 74,000 without water. Record winds of 183 km/h (114 mph) were recorded in County Galway, the hardest-hit area. Repairs to electricity and water services are ongoing, with power restoration expected for most by Friday, the BBC has reported. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called for an urgent parliamentary session to … Continue reading More than 150,000 still without power in Ireland after Storm Éowyn

Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted growing security and defense challenges in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as global warming intensifies competition for Greenland’s vast natural resources. With Russia and China expanding Arctic activities, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen plans visits to Berlin, Paris, and Brussels to strengthen European unity and address geopolitical shifts. Frederiksen emphasized the need for allied cooperation amid war in … Continue reading Denmark launches $2 billion Arctic security plan, seeks EU unity on Greenland

Protesters in Kinshasa attacked foreign embassies, including those of Rwanda, France, and Belgium, demanding action against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advancing into Goma, a major city in eastern Congo. Police used teargas as demonstrators looted and set fires. Goma, a city of 2 million and a humanitarian hub, is now a conflict zone with heavy fighting, artillery fire, and mass displacement of civilians. Aid efforts … Continue reading Demonstrators attack foreign embassies in Congo’s capital to protest rebels’ advance in the east

A massive sinkhole, measuring 32 feet wide and 16 feet deep, swallowed a truck at a busy intersection in Yashio, Japan, on Tuesday. Believed to be caused by a sewer pipe crack in the Nakagawa River Basin, the collapse trapped the driver, whose seat filled with sand and mud. Rescue teams worked for hours, pumping air into the hole to sustain the driver, though communication … Continue reading Swimming pool-sized sinkhole swallows truck in Japan, trapping driver inside

Swedish prosecutors have launched an investigation into suspected sabotage after an underwater fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden was damaged. A Malta-flagged vessel, Vezhen, anchored near Karlskrona, has been detained as part of the inquiry. The cable rupture disrupted data transmission but alternative routes maintained operations. Latvian and Swedish authorities, along with NATO, are collaborating on the investigation amid concerns of potential Russian involvement, the … Continue reading Sweden seizes vessel suspected of ‘sabotage’ after undersea data cable rupture in Baltic Sea

Colombia has announced a $700,000 reward for information on four ELN leaders as violence intensifies in the coca-growing Catatumbo region. Clashes between the ELN and FARC dissidents have left 80 dead and 40,000 displaced. President Gustavo Petro declared emergency measures and suspended peace talks with the ELN, holding them responsible for the violence, which includes attacks on civilians, the Associated Press has reported. The military … Continue reading Colombia offers $700,000 reward for information on ELN rebel leaders

The border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near Goma closed after M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, entered the city, taking control of the airport and state radio. The conflict has caused widespread fear, displacement, and skyrocketing food prices. Thousands of prisoners escaped, looting ensued, and power outages left Goma in darkness. UN representatives report worsening conditions as 400,000 people have … Continue reading Congo-Rwanda border shut as M23 rebels claim Goma capture

French police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Paris who refused to surrender his phone to two teenagers. The boy was attacked after a football training session and later died in the hospital. Two suspects, aged 16 and 17, were arrested, with one admitting to the crime. Both had prior charges for violent theft, Barron’s has reported. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau … Continue reading Shock in France after teen fatally stabbed for phone

The EU’s top general, Gen Robert Brieger, proposed deploying troops to Greenland in response to Donald Trump’s suggestion of seizing the territory. Brieger argued the move would deter Russian and Chinese activity, support stability, and help secure critical minerals and shipping routes exposed by melting ice caps. Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, holds strategic importance, with U.S. troops stationed at its Pituffik Space Base. … Continue reading EU should send troops to Trump-target Greenland, says military chief

Brazil’s government condemned the U.S. on Saturday for deporting dozens of Brazilians in handcuffs, calling it a “flagrant disregard” for their rights. The foreign ministry demanded explanations for the “degrading treatment,” as passengers reported inhumane conditions, including lack of water and air conditioning on the flight. President Lula mobilized a Brazilian Air Force plane to ensure their safe onward travel, the AFP has reported. The … Continue reading Brazil slams US after dozens of deportees arrive handcuffed

Thieves used explosives to break into the Drents Museum in the early hours, stealing three Dacian royal bracelets and the golden Cotofenesti helmet from the “Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver” exhibit. The museum’s director, Harry Tupan, called it the most significant incident in its 170-year history. While no injuries occurred, the building sustained damage, the Local 12 news has reported. Police and investigative … Continue reading Thieves blow open museum door with explosives, steal gold artifacts

A drone strike on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, killed at least 70 people, mostly women and children, according to officials and the WHO. The attack targeted the last functioning hospital in North Darfur’s capital, which was packed with patients. This marks another escalation in Sudan’s 20-month civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), … Continue reading Airstrike kills at least 70 in North Darfur capital as Sudan’s civil war rages

Fighting between M23 rebels and allied forces in eastern Congo has left at least 13 peacekeepers and soldiers dead, including troops from the U.N. and the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC). M23, accused of receiving Rwandan support, has advanced toward Goma, a key city of 2 million. Congo’s army, with allied forces, repelled an offensive near the city. The U.N. Security Council moved an … Continue reading International peacekeepers killed as fighting rages around eastern Congo’s key city

Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Arab nations like Jordan and Egypt to create a “clean slate” in the war-torn region. Arab states strongly oppose this, citing fears of permanent displacement and Israel’s refusal to guarantee refugees’ return. Over 100,000 Gazans entered Egypt during the war, facing high fees and little support. Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” … Continue reading Trump proposes Jordan, Egypt take in Gazans and ‘we just clean out’ decimated Strip

Four Israeli female soldiers were returned to Israel after being paraded by Hamas militants in Gaza City and handed to the Red Cross as part of a fragile ceasefire. In exchange, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, including those with life sentences and detainees without charges. Celebrations erupted in Ramallah as freed Palestinians, some wearing Hamas headbands, arrived. However, tensions rose as Israel refused displaced Palestinians’ … Continue reading Hamas frees 4 Israeli hostages in exchange for 200 prisoners

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill allowing land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions deemed “just and equitable” and in the public interest. The law, replacing the 1975 Expropriation Act, aims to address land ownership disparities favoring the White minority, over 30 years after apartheid. The African National Congress praised it as a milestone, but opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and Freedom … Continue reading South African president signs controversial land seizure bill, eroding private property rights