Arnold Ruutel, a key figure in Estonia's quest for independence in 1991, has passed away at the age of 96. Ruutel, who served as Estonia's president from 2001 to 2006, played a significant role in the country's accession to the European Union and NATO. His leadership and contributions are fondly remembered.
Related news
In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a child died, and three others were injured after a mortar shell exploded when they mistook it for a toy. The incident occurred in South Waziristan district, known for past militant activity. Such tragedies have claimed numerous lives in the region, with children unknowingly playing with explosive devices.
President-elect Donald Trump criticized Democrats for being happy about the US flag potentially being at half-staff during his inauguration due to former President Jimmy Carter's death. "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves," Trump said.
Dubai International Airport set a new record with 92.3 million passengers in 2024, surpassing its previous high in 2018. This growth marks Dubai’s strong recovery post-pandemic, driven by tourism and real estate booms. Authorities plan to shift operations in a decade to Al Maktoum International Airport, following a $35 billion expansion. DXB remains a key hub for global travel, serving 106 airlines across 107 countries.
For about ten glorious minutes, things were looking good. The Super Heavy booster nailed its landing like an Olympic gymnast, sliding perfectly into its docking arms (aka the ‘chopsticks’). The crowd cheered. Musk probably smiled. Twitter (sorry, X) was on fire with excitement. Then—four out of six engines quit like overworked interns. The spacecraft started spinning like a confused fidget spinner, and then, in classic SpaceX fashion, it exploded. A "rapid unscheduled disassembly," as they... Expand
French authorities arrested two people after improvised explosive devices were thrown into the Russian consulate's garden in Marseille on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Two of the three plastic bottles exploded, but no injuries were reported. Moscow labeled it a "terrorist attack," while Paris condemned the act. Local reports suggest the suspects were identified during a pro-Ukraine protest. No explosions were heard by nearby residents.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya expressed concern over what it said were arbitrary arrests, including of lawyers and members of the judiciary, calling for their immediate release. "UNSMIL is alarmed by the wave of arbitrary arrest and detentions across Libya by law enforcement and security actors," it said in a statement late Saturday.
Marko Elez, a 25-year-old staffer from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, resigned following revelations of past racist social media posts. JD Vance voiced support for reinstating Elez, while Elon Musk criticized Wall Street Journal journalist Katherine Long calling her cruel and disgusting. Musk conducted a poll showing substantial support for Elez's return.
US President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the devastating wildfires in Southern California, which have claimed 24 lives and displaced nearly 200,000 people. He pledged federal aid for firefighting efforts and survivor support. He also highlighted the ongoing risks and expressed gratitude to firefighters and first responders battling the flames.
China imposed tariffs on US coal, LNG, oil, and vehicles in response to Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade war. Tensions with Canada and Mexico initially eased, but a political crisis erupted in Canada, forcing Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation and early elections. Trump's tariff strategy remains aggressive, with potential economic impacts.
After more than a year hiding in tunnels and dodging air strikes, uniformed Hamas fighters returned to the ruined streets of Gaza hours into a ceasefire, defying Israel's vow to crush them. - 'Game of whack-a-mole' - The ceasefire is in its infancy and many questions remain about the future of the Gaza Strip and Hamas.