Gaza experienced a 6% population decline in 2024 due to Israel's military actions against Hamas, with 100,000 evacuations and over 45,000 deaths reported. The region suffers severe health and food security issues. Israel's population growth slowed to 1.1% in 2024 amid increased emigration. Conflicts with Hezbollah, Iran, and other militant groups continue.
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King Charles III has expressed his sorrow for the victims of the Myanmar earthquake and recognized their resilience. He also addressed his recent hospitalization due to cancer treatment side effects, leading to the postponement of his engagements as a precautionary measure.
The United States has temporarily stopped sharing satellite imagery and intelligence with Ukraine amid ongoing Russian attacks. This move, coupled with the Trump administration's decision to cut military aid, aims to push Ukraine towards peace negotiations with Russia, impacting the course of the war.
Warren Buffett, in his annual letter, admitted making mistakes at Berkshire Hathaway, particularly in capital allocation and hiring decisions. He stressed the importance of promptly correcting errors and criticized the corporate culture that avoids discussing mistakes. His open approach contrasts with other companies' narratives, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and accountability.
A Buckingham Palace staff member was arrested following a fracas at a London pub after a pre-Christmas gathering. Police responded to reports of a woman smashing glasses and attempting to assault bar staff. The incident occurred during an informal social event involving around 50 palace employees, who had earlier attended a reception at the palace. An internal investigation is underway.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the SPD condemned a false assertion by CDU's Roderich Kiesewetter about a planned meeting between Scholz and Russian President Putin. The SPD called the claim vicious, demanding an apology. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, despite recent communications with Putin, stressing the importance of preventing escalation into a war involving NATO.
Social media users have pointed out the disparity in how Gaiman and Rowling are treated. Rowling has faced years of relentless backlash for her defence of women’s spaces and her belief in the reality of biological sex, while Gaiman’s progressive persona appears to have insulated him from a similar level of scrutiny.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, leaves behind a legacy of reform and inclusivity that reshaped the Catholic Church, though sparking conservative opposition. His tenure was marked by Vatican reforms, financial transparency efforts, and advocacy for global issues like peace and environmental protection. Despite controversies and scandals, Francis bridged religious divides and championed social justice.
Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen announced a meeting with far-right leader Herbert Kickl to discuss forming a government after Chancellor Karl Nehammer's coalition talks failed. The Freedom Party, which won the autumn national election, may now have a chance to take charge amid political uncertainties.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris visited her Los Angeles home, serving food to wildfire evacuees and thanking firefighters, which elicited mixed reactions from Brentwood neighbors. While some appreciate her presence, others are annoyed by increased security measures. Harris hinted at continued political involvement but faced criticism over recent state leadership.
Elon Musk's mother Maye Musk reacted to a social media post that questioned why Vice President JD Vance's wife, Second Lady Usha Vance was not being celebrated while she became the first Indian-American and the first Hindu to serve as the Second Lady of the United States. "Usha is even lovelier in person, smart and charming," Maye Musk said.