Breaking news: UK police investigate warehouse package fire amid Russian sabotage fears. A package burst into flames at a DHL warehouse near Birmingham in July, with authorities probing possible links to similar incidents across Europe. This comes as Germany's domestic intelligence chief blames "Russian espionage and sabotage" for a similar incident at Leipzig airport.
A controversy surrounding boba tea has sparked debate on cultural appropriation, with some arguing that a Canadian company's canned version of the popular drink is an example of cultural insensitivity. Simu Liu, a Chinese-Canadian actor, expressed concerns about the lack of recognition of Taiwan's role in originating the beverage. The company, Bobba, has since apologized for any harm caused. Meanwhile, some Taiwanese boba tea fans are unconcerned, seeing it as part of globalization and creativity. Others view it as a symbol of cultural identity, highlighting the complexities surrounding cultural appropriation.
The Indian cricket team suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test match against New Zealand, being bowled out for 46 runs. The hosts struggled against the pace and movement of the visiting team's fast bowlers in overcast conditions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This is India's lowest total in a home Test match, with five Indian batters dismissed for zero. The collapse was halted briefly by a 20-run partnership between Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
A new United Nations report reveals that 1.1 billion people worldwide are living in acute poverty, with nearly half of them residing in countries experiencing conflict. The Multidimensional Poverty Index highlights the severity of deprivation across various indicators, including nutrition, access to electricity, and water and sanitation. The report also notes that children under 18 account for 27.9% of those in extreme poverty.
Tragedy strikes as former One Direction star Liam Payne dies at 31 in Argentina after falling from hotel balcony. The incident occurred while he was attending a concert, leaving fans and the music industry stunned.
Israeli military launches airstrikes in southern Lebanon, causing widespread destruction and casualties. The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with each side blaming the other for recent violence. The UN has called for an independent investigation into Monday's airstrike on a Lebanese apartment building that killed at least 22 people.
A recent letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Austin has pressured Israel to ease restrictions in Gaza, particularly in the north. The letter emphasizes the need for civilians to be allowed to move inland before winter, citing "extreme overcrowding" that poses a high risk of serious diseases. As a result, Israel has partially lifted restrictions on humanitarian aid convoys entering Gaza.
Archaeologists in Jordan have made a significant discovery at Petra, uncovering a tomb beneath the ancient Al Khazneh monument. The tomb contains 12 complete skeletons and various artifacts, including bronze, ceramic, and iron pieces. While one skeleton was found clutching a ceramic juglet resembling the Holy Grail chalice from the Indiana Jones film, experts assure that it's just a normal ceramic vessel. The discovery sheds light on the Nabatean Kingdom's engineering and architectural achievements.
The stage is set for an thrilling encounter between Australia and South Africa in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal! Captain Healy's fitness remains uncertain, while South Africa seeks revenge after their heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 final. Both teams have a strong track record, with Australia aiming for their eighth consecutive ICC Women's T20 World Cup final berth and South Africa looking to build on their recent wins.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India's government of violating Canadian sovereignty by targeting Sikh dissidents in Canada. This comes after a rift between the two countries deepened over allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau stated that there are "ever clearer indications" that India violated Canada's sovereignty, calling it a "horrific mistake." The dispute started with Nijjar's murder in June 2023 and has since escalated.
Northern Gaza hospitals are facing a dire humanitarian situation, with food and medicine running out amid Israel's ongoing ground assault. Doctors at three hospitals have refused to leave their patients despite evacuation orders, calling for a humanitarian corridor to deliver essential supplies. The UN estimates that over 400,000 people are trapped in the area, lacking food, water, and medicine. International organizations are urging Israel to improve the situation, while Israel claims it has allowed aid deliveries into the area.
An Israeli man has been arrested on charges of plotting the assassination of a local scientist, allegedly following orders from Iran. The accused, Vladimir Verhovsky, is said to have carried out tasks assigned by an individual known as "Eli" over the Telegram app, in exchange for financial compensation. The investigation revealed that Verhovsky had also gathered intelligence on a resident of Tel Aviv and had agreed to kill the scientist in exchange for $100,000.
Rights groups demand end to asylum seeker detentions in Guantanamo, citing "inhumane" conditions. A coalition of 125 organizations has urged the US government to stop holding asylum seekers at a detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, claiming it violates human rights obligations. The groups argue that the conditions are illegal and inhumane, with detained migrants subjected to inadequate facilities and lack of transparency.
The US presidential election is just around the corner, and a recent poll suggests that Arab-American support for Democrats may be waning. The Biden administration's stance on Israel has sparked controversy, with some criticizing its failure to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Vice President Kamala Harris has been meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders in Michigan, but it remains unclear whether these efforts will reverse the trend. The outcome of this election may depend on how well Democrats can connect with this crucial voter demographic.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/world/is-harris-losing-arab-american-support-in-coming-elections-768137
Niger has dropped French place names, renaming streets and monuments to honor local heroes who fought for independence. The move is seen as a step towards cutting ties with the country's former colonial power, France. Niamey's Avenue Charles de Gaulle is now Avenue Djibo Bakary, while a war memorial now pays homage to all civilian and military victims of colonization.
Qatar's Emir Calls for Ceasefires in Israel-Gaza and Lebanon Conflicts at EU-GCC Summit. The Emir also stresses the need for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the importance of establishing a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
Mexico's former public security chief, Genaro Garcia Luna, is set to be sentenced in a US federal court for allegedly taking millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa drug cartel. The conviction stems from his time as Mexico's top security official from 2006-2012, when he reportedly allowed the cartel to smuggle massive quantities of drugs into the US. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence, while Garcia Luna's lawyers argue that the charges were based on lies from criminal sources.
A Russian whale watcher, Mikhail Pichugin, has been found alive after 67 days adrift at sea. He was rescued along with two deceased relatives in a stable condition. The incident highlights the importance of effective rescue operations and the resilience of individuals facing extreme situations.
Tragedy struck in Nigeria when a fuel tanker exploded, killing at least 147 people who rushed to collect leaking petrol. The accident occurred in Jigawa state, with many more injured and taken to hospital. Despite warnings not to approach the scene, the crowd overwhelmed authorities. An investigation is underway.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has admitted that his government did not have hard evidence when it accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau made the revelation during a testimony before the Foreign Interference Commission, stating that they only had intelligence and no concrete proof to support their allegations. This admission comes as Canada and India continue to trade barbs over the issue.