Five Australian heroin traffickers, part of the Bali Nine, returned home as free men after nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons. A bilateral agreement secured their release, ending a saga that included executions of two ringleaders in 2015. The men arrived in Darwin, Australia, where they will receive support for rehabilitation and reintegration.
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In 2024, extreme weather events disrupted schooling for at least 242 million children in 85 countries, mainly due to heatwaves, cyclones, flooding, and other climate hazards. UNICEF highlighted that children in low-income nations like those in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa faced the worst impacts, with many schools being destroyed, thereby affecting their right and access to education.
An Australian state lawmaker, formerly known as Ben Dawkins, has changed his name to "Aussie Trump" as a protest against the ruling Labor Party in Western Australia. Expelled from Labor in 2023, he refers to this move as a stand against perceived corruption and tyranny, echoing slogans like "Drill Baby Drill" used by Donald Trump.
Salman Rushdie was critically injured and left permanently blind in one eye after being stabbed multiple times by Hadi Matar at a cultural event. Matar, who shouted 'free Palestine' in court, faces attempted murder and assault charges. The trial, highlighting the chaos and danger of the attack, continues to unfold in New York.
Arizona Democratic Representative Raul Grijalva has died at 77 due to cancer treatment complications. Grijalva, known for his humility and dedication, served in Congress since 2002, championing environmental issues. A special election will be held to fill his seat. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called his death a tremendous loss for Congress and the nation.
Dutch Openness Day has stirred controversy with the release of a database of 425,000 names linked to Nazi collaboration, causing individuals like Peter Baas to question family histories. Privacy concerns have limited access to full records, prompting calls for more transparency.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has cautioned the public about ongoing flood risks in Queensland and New South Wales following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Significant power outages and flooding impacts persist, with financial assistance available for affected residents who have lost income.
UK PM Keir Starmer invited President Donald Trump for a second state visit to Britain, an unprecedented gesture. Trump's acceptance followed discussions on the Ukraine conflict. Starmer urged Trump to involve Kyiv and European leaders in peace talks, while Trump's approach towards Russia and reevaluating US foreign policy stirs European concerns.
US President Joe Biden has enacted a ban on offshore drilling covering vast coastal waters, including the Atlantic, eastern Gulf of Mexico, Pacific coasts, and parts of the Bering Sea. This move aims to protect over 625 million acres amidst the ongoing climate crisis and transition to clean energy.
Ukraine's openness to a ceasefire challenges Russia amidst military advances, as Moscow must choose between accepting a truce or risking disruption in improving US relations. Putin, preferring a comprehensive solution, might set conditions to protect Russian interests. Meanwhile, US officials urge Moscow's unconditional agreement, with Trump expressing hope for Putin's cooperation.
Indo-Canadian Anita Anand, 58, becomes the minister of innovation, science, and industry in new Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet, while Delhi-born Kamal Khera, 36, is the minister of health. Carney, formerly a central banker, was sworn in with a smaller cabinet of 24 members, including 13 men and 11 women.