Results for: World

A crippling strike and protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) capital Muzaffarabad turned violent on Friday as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The strike, called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was sparked by a police crackdown on its members and activists. Protesters pelted stones at police, who responded with teargas shelling. Businesses remained closed, and normal life was disrupted in several districts. The JKJAAC has been protesting against high electricity bills, demanding that electricity be provided at the production cost of hydropower in the state.

Just hours before the Eurovision 2024 final, Dutch artist Joost Klein was removed from the competition due to a backstage incident. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) launched an investigation into an incident involving a complaint made by a female crew member, and Swedish police confirmed they were probing “unlawful threats” made after the semi-final. The investigation resulted in the EBU deeming Klein’s behavior in violation of contest rules, leading to his withdrawal from the grand final.

Unprecedented rainfall has triggered devastating flash floods in Afghanistan, leading to the tragic loss of over 300 lives. The floodwaters have decimated homes and infrastructure, leaving thousands in need of urgent assistance. Northern provinces, particularly Baghlan, have suffered the brunt of the disaster.

As tensions escalate within the Royal Family, experts have speculated about a possible reunion between King Charles and Prince Harry. However, both father and son appear to have been too busy to meet while Harry was in London. While the Duke claimed his father had other priorities, King Charles held a meeting with David Beckham. This news may further widen the rift between the two. Meanwhile, King Charles announced he will hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William, a duty originally intended for Harry. Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on the monarch not seeing Harry during his UK visit.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein will engage in an unprecedented debate on May 23 prior to the European elections. This will mark the first-ever encounter between a sitting Prime Minister and the head of the opposition in Italy. Meloni, who leads the Brothers of Italy party, has been in power since October 2022 as part of a right-wing coalition. Schlein, on the other hand, took over the leadership of the center-left Democratic Party in March 2023 following the party’s electoral defeat in 2022. Notably, both are at the forefront of their respective parties’ lists for the European elections scheduled for June 8-9, but neither intends to take up their seats in the European Parliament.

Israel has ordered further evacuations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands more residents to flee as the military prepares to intensify its military operation. The order follows heavy international criticism, including from the US, and warnings from aid agencies of a humanitarian crisis. Israel has already displaced over 1.4 million Palestinians, half of Gaza’s population, with many seeking refuge in Rafah. The latest evacuations will force them to move again to areas already devastated by previous Israeli attacks. The military is also moving into northern Gaza, where Hamas is believed to have regrouped.

In a significant setback to the United States’ support for Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict, 143 countries voted in favor of a United Nations resolution that seeks to expand rights for Palestinians. The move sends a clear message that the world stands with the Palestinian people and rejects Israel’s occupation of their lands. On Friday, the UN General Assembly held a vote on the resolution. Nine nations, including the US and Israel, voted against it while 25 abstained. The resolution calls for allowing Palestinians to initiate their own resolutions and fully participate in UN and global gatherings. Palestine has been an observer since 2012 and has been seeking full membership in the UN. Notably, the resolution urged the Security Council to accept Palestine’s full membership, a move the US had previously blocked. This outcome signifies a strain in relations between the US and Israel and a potential shift in US policy towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Sierra Nevada Corporation, an American firm, has acquired five Boeing 747 jets previously operated by Korean Air for specialized military use. This procurement aligns with SNC’s recent $13 billion contract to develop a next-generation replacement for the E-4B Nightwatch, the U.S. Air Force’s current airborne military command center. The E-4B Nightwatch, also known as the ‘Doomsday Jet,’ is renowned for its ability to withstand nuclear warfare and serve as an emergency communications hub. SNC expects to receive the acquired aircraft by the third quarter of 2025.

The Biden administration is preparing to impose significant new tariffs on a wide range of products imported from China, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar equipment, and medical supplies. This move comes amidst growing concerns within the administration about China’s manufacturing overcapacity and the potential threat it poses to U.S. jobs and national security. The tariffs, which are expected to be announced on Tuesday, will quadruple the current 25% tariff on electric vehicles to 100%. They will also cover a range of other products, including Chinese syringes and solar equipment. The administration is also reviewing the Trump-era tariffs on $360 billion worth of Chinese goods, and there is the risk that the new tariffs could lead to a broader trade conflict between the two countries.

A colossal solar storm has unleashed an extraordinary spectacle of Northern Lights, illuminating the skies across the United Kingdom. Predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the most potent since 2003, the celestial show captivated skywatchers with its vibrant hues and ethereal beauty. From the hills of Scotland to the urban centers of England and Wales, the night sky transformed into a canvas of nature’s artistry. This rare event is a testament to the sun’s influence on our planet, enhancing the wonder of our natural surroundings.