Sweden on Saturday announced new rules upping checks on foreign vessels in the Baltic from July 1, reinforcing a crackdown on Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers deployed to circumvent sanctions on its oil trade. The Swedish government said in a statement that the new rules "reinforce checks on foreign vessels by requiring insurance information".
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More than a million Muslim pilgrims poured into the holy city of Mecca ahead of the annual hajj, with authorities vowing to hold a safer pilgrimage amid searing desert heat and a massive crackdown on illegal visitors. As of Friday, more than 1.3 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day pilgrimage, according to officials.
North Carolina's SAFE week of action, from June 1-7, emphasizes safe firearm storage to combat rising gun thefts and injuries. Partnering with local police, NCDPS distributes free gun locks and promotes safe practices. Governor Stein proposes $2.2 million in funding to address gun violence, especially after recent deadly shootings across the state.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. rebounded significantly in May, ending a five-month decline. The Consumer Confidence Index rose to 98, driven by easing inflation, steady job growth, and subsiding the tariff concerns. This surge in optimism could boost consumer spending and overall economic activity, signaling a potential turnaround in the near-term economic outlook.
Australian defence minister Richard Marles highlighted security concerns regarding China's growing military presence as a key factor driving closer ties with Indonesia. During his Jakarta visit, Marles emphasized Indonesia's strategic geographical importance to Australia. Both nations are enhancing cooperation, particularly in maritime domain awareness, to share vital information about shared waters.
A federal judge in Colorado temporarily halted the deportation of the family of Mohamed Soliman, the suspect in the Boulder firebombing incident. Soliman, an Egyptian national, is accused of attacking a Jewish gathering. The restraining order protects his wife and five children from being removed from the US until a hearing on June 13, following concerns about potential irreparable harm.
The transition was made quietly, with MoHAP removing all related service options from its website and discontinuing its WhatsApp-based application system. Residents are now required to navigate a decentralised process based on their emirate of residence.
Driven by the Ukraine war and global instability, a growing number of young Germans are reconsidering careers in the defence sector, marking a shift from post-war pacifism. Arms manufacturers are actively recruiting, attracting students with perks and scholarships. While some still hold ethical reservations, economic factors and changing perceptions of national security are fueling interest in the industry.
In 2025, millions of Muslims will gather in Mecca for Hajj, beginning June 4th. This pilgrimage, a central pillar of Islam, involves rituals symbolizing faith, unity, and sacrifice. Saudi authorities are implementing safety measures due to expected record turnout and high temperatures, including cooling stations and health services. Pilgrims will utilize technology like the Hajj Smart App for assistance.
A significant earthquake, measuring 6.1 in magnitude, rattled the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, on Saturday evening. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake struck at a depth of 20 kilometers near Kushiro.
Senator Dorinda Cox from Western Australia has resigned from the Greens party and joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party, a significant setback for the Greens, who have already lost lower-house seats. Cox cited alignment with Labor's values and priorities, particularly in advancing reconciliation, as her reason for switching parties.