Category: World

UNICEF reports that violence in Haiti is displacing one child every minute, with 300,000 children already affected. Over half of the 600,000 displaced people are children, mostly in gang-controlled Port-au-Prince. The number of displaced children has increased by 60% since March. This crisis puts children at risk of dropping out of school, sexual assault, and exploitation. UNICEF calls for increased international support and funding to address this humanitarian catastrophe affecting Haiti’s children. AFP

A violent clash between two drug cartels in Chiapas, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border, resulted in 19 deaths, including four Guatemalans. The incident involved the Sinaloa cartel and the “Chiapas and Guatemala” cartel fighting for control of the border area. Sixteen bodies were found in a cargo truck, with three more outside. This region is crucial for drug, arms, and migrant trafficking. The violence is part of ongoing cartel conflicts that have plagued Mexico since 2006. Source AFP

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports that anti-government protests against new tax hikes have resulted in 39 deaths and over 360 injuries. This toll is nearly double the government’s previous figure. The protests, which began peacefully, turned violent last week when lawmakers passed controversial legislation. Despite President Ruto’s announcement that he won’t sign the tax bill, activists have called for new protests. The Indian Embassy has advised its nationals in Kenya to exercise caution amid the unrest. NDTV

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles towards South Korea on Monday, continuing a series of weapons tests that have heightened tensions in the region. South Korea’s military detected the launches and has increased surveillance. This follows North Korea’s claim of successfully testing a multiple warhead missile last week, which South Korea disputed. Relations between the two Koreas are at a low point, with North Korea also criticized for supplying weapons to Russia. South Korea has responded by suspending a military treaty and resuming border activities. NDTV

Passengers and crew of British Airways flight 149, taken hostage in Kuwait in 1990, have filed a lawsuit against the UK government and BA. The 94 claimants accuse both parties of knowingly endangering civilians by allowing the flight to land despite awareness of Iraq’s invasion. The lawsuit alleges the flight was used to insert covert operatives into Kuwait. Claimants seek damages for physical and psychiatric harm suffered during their captivity. The UK government and BA have previously denied these accusations. NDTV

A massive explosion at a pyrotechnics warehouse in Zamboanga City, southern Philippines, killed five people, including a four-year-old child, and injured 38 others. The blast created a 20-meter crater, damaged nearby buildings, and ignited a fire that took over two hours to control. The explosion’s cause is under investigation, but authorities suspect it originated from stored pyrotechnics. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, with emergency services reporting the details on Sunday. Source AFP

The UN is witnessing increasing attacks on women’s and gender rights globally, with the organization itself becoming a key battleground. Diplomats report growing efforts to remove references to women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues from UN resolutions and texts. A coalition of conservative countries, including Russia, China, and some Muslim states, are leading this pushback. The tension is particularly evident in UN forums like the Human Rights Council, WHO, and ILO. Experts warn of a coordinated effort to undermine social rights gained over the past 30 years.AFP

Mount Ibu, an active volcano in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, erupted twice on Friday, sending ash clouds up to 7 kilometers high. No casualties or damage were reported. Authorities urged locals to stay 5 kilometers away from the crater. Ibu, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes with over 21,000 eruptions last year, is currently at the second-highest alert level. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. AFP

Bolivia’s army chief General Juan Jose Zuniga was arrested after leading troops and tanks to surround government buildings in La Paz, in what President Luis Arce called an attempted coup. The uprising lasted about five hours before troops withdrew. Zuniga claimed Arce had instructed him to stage the event to boost his popularity. The incident sparked international condemnation and calls for respecting democracy. Arce swore in new military leaders and urged Bolivians to mobilize against the coup attempt. AFP

China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft successfully returned to Earth with samples from the Moon’s far side, marking a world-first mission. The probe landed in Inner Mongolia after a 53-day journey, bringing back soil and rocks that could reveal new insights about lunar formation. This achievement highlights China’s growing space ambitions, including plans for a crewed lunar mission by 2030 and a future Moon base. Source AFP

Senior officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan strongly condemned the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia in a joint statement released by South Korea’s foreign ministry on Monday. They expressed serious concern over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Pyongyang. The statement highlights the increasing worry among these allies about the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia, which could potentially destabilize regional security. AFP

Saudi Arabia reported 1,301 deaths during this year’s hajj pilgrimage, with 83% being unregistered pilgrims. Most casualties were due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 51.8°C. Many deceased were Egyptians who lacked official permits and access to amenities. Saudi officials defended their response, citing successful management and treatment of heat stress cases. The high death toll has raised concerns about climate change impacts on future pilgrimages and the risks of unauthorized pilgrims. AFP

A shooting at a supermarket in Fordyce, Arkansas, resulted in three civilian deaths and 10 injuries, including two police officers. The suspect was wounded and taken into custody after a shootout with police. Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hagar reported that civilian injuries ranged from non-life-threatening to critical. The wounded officers and suspect are expected to survive. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised law enforcement’s quick response and expressed sympathy for the victims. Source Reuters

New tensions emerged between the Biden administration and Israeli PM Netanyahu over claims of withheld US weapons. The White House called Netanyahu’s comments “disappointing” and “vexing,” emphasizing continued US support for Israel. The dispute centers on a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs under review. This adds to existing tensions over Gaza operations and concerns about escalation in Lebanon. The Gaza conflict remains a complex issue for Biden’s administration and re-election campaign. AFP

In a historic move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense pact, elevating their ties to an “alliance.” The agreement provides for military assistance if either country faces aggression. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang aims to deepen cooperation amid their international isolation over Ukraine and nuclear tensions.

At least 550 pilgrims, mostly Egyptians, died during the recent hajj in Saudi Arabia, according to diplomats, underscoring the grueling nature of the pilgrimage which took place amid scorching temperatures. The deaths, largely attributed to heat-related illnesses, highlight the increasing challenges posed by climate change to the annual Islamic ritual. Saudi authorities have not provided updated fatality figures, but have reported treating over 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress amid temperatures exceeding 51°C (125°F) in Mecca.

At least nine patients died in a devastating fire that broke out at Ghaem Hospital in Rasht, Iran, early Tuesday morning. The blaze, which started around 1:30 AM, was eventually extinguished, but not before claiming the lives of individuals primarily in the intensive care unit. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the tragic incident.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called for consequences on China if it continues supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. He highlighted a sharp increase in defense spending by NATO allies since Russia’s invasion. Stoltenberg accused China of fueling the war through exports to rebuild Russia’s defense industry, and urged imposing a cost on Beijing unless it changes course. The upcoming NATO summit aims to send a message of long-term support for Ukraine.

In Seoul, scientists are injecting cultured beef cells into individual rice grains, creating “meaty rice” that is 8% higher in protein and 7% higher in fat than regular rice. This meat alternative aims to be an eco-friendly, ethical way to get protein, reducing carbon footprint while eliminating the need for livestock farming.

A “large-magnitude” landslide in the Ecuadorian city of Banos de Agua Santa has killed at least 6 people and left 30 others missing, according to preliminary information from Ecuadorian authorities. The landslide occurred amid heavy rainstorms caused by low pressure systems sweeping across parts of Central and South America, heightening the risk of landslides, rock falls, and flooding in the region. Authorities have expressed solidarity with the affected families.