A photo went viral claiming to show Xi Mingze, daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The image was from a 2018 UN event. An X user discovered the woman was not Xi Mingze. She was identified as Fi (Catherine) Chen. The older woman was Noelle Kwok. Media outlets used the photo without verifying. This incident highlights the risk of misinformation.
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Thousands in Bulgaria protested against adopting the euro, demanding a referendum on abandoning the lev. Organized by civic groups and nationalist parties, demonstrators voiced concerns over economic impacts and national sovereignty. President Radev, citing public anxieties about inflation, supports the referendum, but parliament rejected it, accusing him of pro-Russian sentiments.
The EU is grappling with a surge in Russian fertilizer imports despite efforts to cut ties with Moscow. While reducing Russian oil and gas, the EU's fertilizer purchases have increased significantly, now constituting 30% of imports. To counter this, the European Parliament has endorsed tariffs on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, aiming for a 50% duty by 2028.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin, accusing him of "playing with fire" amid stalled peace talks and escalating attacks on Ukraine. Trump hinted at potential severe consequences for Russia if it weren't for his past actions.
In Florida, Rhonda Paulynice has been arrested for allegedly killing her 6-year-old son in a misguided attempt to exorcise demons. The child's decomposing body was discovered nearly two weeks after his death, prompting charges of second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and altering a body. Authorities had visited the home previously for domestic disturbances, but the boy was never directly involved.
The US Coast Guard intercepted an overcrowded 25-foot sailboat carrying 16 Mexican nationals off the coast of California near San Diego. The vessel was spotted by a Coast Guard aircraft, and a cutter was dispatched to take the migrants into custody. This interception is part of increased efforts to stop migrant vessels.
Vladimir Motin, a Russian captain, denied manslaughter in a UK court. This relates to the death of Mark Angelo Pernia after a cargo ship collision. The incident occurred in the North Sea involving the Solong and MV Stena Immaculate. The collision resulted in a fire and the release of plastic nurdles. Rescue efforts saved 36 people.
The UN warns of a high probability that average global warming will surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius benchmark between 2025 and 2029, following record-breaking temperatures in recent years. The report highlights the increasing negative impacts on economies, daily lives, and ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need to cut fossil fuel emissions and transition to clean energy to mitigate dangerous levels of warming.
In anticipation of Eid-ul-Adha, the Bangladesh central bank has released new currency notes of Taka 1,000, Taka 50, and Taka 20. These notes replace the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with depictions of nationally significant establishments and scenic locations. The new notes are available in limited quantities at the Motijheel office and will be distributed more widely soon.
Donald Trump seemingly rejected his envoy's proposal allowing Iran to retain low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, insisting any deal requires complete dismantling of Iran's enrichment program. This stance contradicts envoy Steve Witkoff's reported offer of limited enrichment for uses like nuclear medicine in exchange for shutting down underground sites. Tehran has refused deals completely ending enrichment activities.
Donald Trump pardoned James Callahan, a former labour union leader, just before his sentencing for concealing over $300,000 in unreported gifts. Callahan, who pleaded guilty to receiving lavish perks from an advertising firm linked to his union, was facing a potential prison term. He had agreed to repay the union and resign as part of his plea deal.