Auma Obama, half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, was tear-gassed by Kenyan police during protests against a new tax bill. The protests turned violent with police firing on demonstrators, resulting in at least five deaths, dozens injured, and parts of the parliament building set ablaze.
Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, a position he last held in 2014. Congress party members expressed confidence that he will be a strong voice for the people and hold the government accountable.
Heavy rains in the Midwest have caused widespread flooding, resulting in at least two deaths, evacuations, and significant damage. Further storms are expected, adding to the challenges faced by communities already dealing with floodwaters and extreme heat.
Sweden’s metal workers’ union, IF Metall, is taking Tesla to court for refusing to provide financial information. The union argues that Swedish law mandates companies to inform unions about their financial situation, even without a collective agreement. This legal action follows a strike launched by IF Metall against Tesla for refusing to sign a collective wage agreement, escalating into a larger conflict involving multiple unions across Nordic countries.
Consumer confidence in the US eased in June, according to the Conference Board’s index, driven by a weaker outlook for business conditions, the job market, and incomes. While current conditions remain strong, concerns about the future are growing.
Lufthansa, the German airline giant, announced it will implement an environmental charge of up to €72 on European flights to cover the increasing costs of EU climate regulations. The charge will be added to flights departing from EU countries, Britain, Norway, and Switzerland starting in January 2024. The airline cites the EU’s requirement to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a major driver of the new charge.
The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll on children, with an average of 10 children losing one or both legs daily, according to the UNRWA chief. The agency is facing a severe funding crisis, with its cash reserves expected to run out by the end of August.
At least five protesters were killed and dozens wounded after Kenyan police opened fire on demonstrators attempting to storm the parliament building in Nairobi. The protesters were demanding the rejection of a new finance bill that would impose new taxes on Kenyans already struggling with the high cost of living. The incident highlights the growing discontent with the Kenyan government and its economic policies.
Greece’s decision to introduce a six-day work week, effective July 1st, stands in stark contrast to the trend towards shorter work weeks across Europe. The move comes as the country struggles to recover from years of economic hardship, while other nations like Germany and Spain are experimenting with four-day work weeks to improve work-life balance and address labor shortages.
Leaders from China, Poland, and Vietnam gathered at the Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, calling for collaboration to navigate global challenges and leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They emphasized the role of travel and tourism in driving economic growth and fostering cultural exchange, aiming to create a more interconnected and resilient world.
