A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan, killing over 1,700 people, including more than 700 worshipers in mosques. The quake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, including airports and mosques, complicating relief efforts.
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Bangladesh is awaiting India's response regarding the appointment of a new high commissioner to India, with a typical timeframe of three to four months. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry has no information on former PM Sheikh Hasina's citizenship status in India. Reports on bilateral agreements have been made public.
In Peru, a police officer dressed as a capybara conducted a drugs raid, apprehending a suspect with over 1,700 packages of cocaine and marijuana. This operation was part of the Escuadron Verde's unique approach, using festive disguises during raids to effectively combat drug trafficking.
British treasurer Rachel Reeves said Saturday that London was a "natural home" for Chinese finance during a visit to Beijing in the shadow of bond market turmoil back home. Speaking at the reopening of long-suspended finance talks between the two countries, Reeves said London was a "natural home for China's financial services firms and your clients raising capital, and a launchpad for Chinese firms seeking to build a global footprint".
China is set to host Russia and Iran for trilateral discussions on Tehran's nuclear program this Friday. The meeting will involve senior foreign ministry officials from the three countries, focusing on the nuclear issue, lifting sanctions, and discussing regional and international developments.
​​“It was an intriguing time to be monitoring those Telegram channels because, all of a sudden, the ones that had been focused on the Convoy and COVID—groups with tens of thousands of members already inclined to distrust experts, government, media, and institutions—shifted to discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Often, they claimed the invasion was justified for reasons the government and mainstream media supposedly wouldn’t tell you,†she explained.
Israel has allowed Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip, which has been heavily damaged during the 15-month war with Hamas, under a fragile ceasefire. Thousands of Palestinians, who had been sheltering in camps, returned to find their homes, despite extensive destruction. Meanwhile, Israel arrested two citizens for allegedly conducting missions for Iran, and violence in southern Lebanon has escalated, resulting in 24 deaths from clashes with Israeli troops.
US Vice President JD Vance faced boos at the Kennedy Center during a National Symphony Orchestra concert, as heightened security delayed the event. The reaction followed Trump's controversial takeover of the Kennedy Center, including dismissing its chairman and trustees. Artistic resistance and canceled performances have emerged in response to these changes and suppressed programming decisions.
Maryland State Police have apprehended Jack Lasota and Michelle Zajko of the Zizians cult, linked to six homicides across various states. Charges include trespassing, hindering, and handgun possession. The accused are connected to the shooting of Border Patrol Agent David Maland in Vermont. The group shares anarchist ideologies, and leader Lasota faces multiple legal troubles.
A fire broke out overnight in the 12th district of Paris, damaging the roof and bell tower of a town hall. Around 150 firefighters spent three hours controlling the blaze, but concerns remain over the stability of the bell tower's spire. The cause is unclear, though authorities don't suspect foul play. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed sadness, recalling the 2019 Notre Dame fire. No injuries were reported.
Recent naval drills in the Philippines involving the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines have drawn criticism from China, which claims the entire South China Sea. The exercises, intended to enhance cooperation among the participating forces, took place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. China condemned the drills as destabilizing and accused the Philippines of colluding with foreign powers to challenge China's territorial claims. This tension is exacerbated by China's... Expand