Passengers and crew evacuated as plane catches fire on South Korean runway

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

Multiple people killed in crowd crush at world’s largest religious festival

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

France Furious Over Stained-Glass Windows in Notre Dame

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

Italy calls for return of Mona Lisa after Louvre’s dire conditions raise alarm

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

Theft in Netherlands of ancient golden helmet leaves Romania distraught

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

More than 150,000 still without power in Ireland after Storm Éowyn

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 launches $2 billion Arctic security plan, seeks EU unity on Greenland

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

Demonstrators attack foreign embassies in Congo’s capital to protest rebels’ advance in the east

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

Swimming pool-sized sinkhole swallows truck in Japan, trapping driver inside

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

Sweden seizes vessel suspected of ‘sabotage’ after undersea data cable rupture in Baltic Sea

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 offers $700,000 reward for information on ELN rebel leaders

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

Congo-Rwanda border shut as M23 rebels claim Goma capture

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

Shock in France after teen fatally stabbed for phone

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

EU should send troops to Trump-target Greenland, says military chief

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 slams US after dozens of deportees arrive handcuffed

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 blow open museum door with explosives, steal gold artifacts

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

Airstrike kills at least 70 in North Darfur capital as Sudan’s civil war rages

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

International peacekeepers killed as fighting rages around eastern Congo’s key city

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

Trump proposes Jordan, Egypt take in Gazans and ‘we just clean out’ decimated Strip

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

Hamas frees 4 Israeli hostages in exchange for 200 prisoners

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 signs controversial land seizure bill, eroding private property rights

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

Taliban reject court move to arrest top officials for persecuting Afghan women and girls

The Taliban rejected the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request to arrest two top officials, including leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, over persecution of women. The ICC’s move, hailed by Afghan women’s groups as a step toward justice, drew condemnation from the Taliban, who accused the court of baseless accusations and ignoring foreign forces’ past crimes. Critics fear the Taliban may exploit the decision for propaganda, the Associated … Continue reading Taliban reject court move to arrest top officials for persecuting Afghan women and girls

UK Teen sentenced to 52 years in prison for deadly stabbing at Taylor Swift-themed event

Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison for fatally stabbing three young girls—Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Da Silva Aguiar (9)—at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, UK, in July. Rudakubana pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including murder, attempted murder, and possession of a jihadi training manual and ricin. Judge Julian Goose called the attack … Continue reading UK Teen sentenced to 52 years in prison for deadly stabbing at Taylor Swift-themed event

UN suspends movement in Houthi-held areas after staff detained

The UN has suspended movement in Houthi-held areas of Yemen after the detention of its personnel in Sanaa, actively negotiating their release. This is not the first instance of Houthi detentions, as they have previously held UN workers and US embassy staff. The Iranian-backed Houthis, controlling large parts of Yemen, have faced accusations of human rights abuses and obstructing aid delivery. While the conflict with … Continue reading UN suspends movement in Houthi-held areas after staff detained

Rebels kill DR Congo governor as fighting intensifies

Rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 killed North Kivu’s military governor, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, during fighting in eastern DR Congo, the army confirmed. Gen Cirimwami, shot while visiting the frontline, died after being airlifted to Kinshasa. The M23 has seized key towns, displaced over 400,000 people, and killed more than 200 civilians this year, as they advance toward Goma, a major city near the Rwandan … Continue reading Rebels kill DR Congo governor as fighting intensifies