Saints of Past Ages: St Brigid
As people all around the world mark St Patrick’s Day on 17th March, medieval historian LISA BITEL, in an article first published on The Conversation, looks at the life of another Irish saint – St Brigid…
WHO says global rise in COVID cases is “tip of the iceberg”
Reuters Figures showing a global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem as some countries also report a drop in testing rates, the WHO said on Tuesday, warning nations to remain vigilant against the virus. After more than a month of decline, COVID cases started to increase around the world last week, […]
Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill discuss Ukraine war for first time
Vatican CityRNS Pope Francis and Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow spoke via video on Wednesday to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and joint efforts to promote peace and provide aid to the Ukrainian people. “The discussions focused on the war in Ukraine and the role Christians and their pastors can have in doing everything […]
Biden calls Putin a war criminal, Russia says mission “going to plan”
Kyiv/Lviv, UkraineReuters US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal on Wednesday, prompting the Kremlin to say the comment was “unforgivable” as the war in Ukraine raged for a 21st day despite talk of compromise in peace negotiations. Moscow has yet to capture any of Ukraine’s biggest cities following its incursion […]
World Court orders Russia to halt military operations in Ukraine
The Hague, The NetherlandsReuters The United Nations’ top court for disputes between states ordered Russia on Wednesday to immediately halt its military operations in Ukraine, saying it was “profoundly concerned” by Moscow’s use of force. Although the rulings of the International Court of Justice are binding, it has no direct means of enforcing them, and […]
Ninety per cent of Ukrainian population could face poverty in protracted war – UNDP
Geneva, Switzerland Reuters Nine out of 10 Ukrainians could face poverty and extreme economic vulnerability if the war drags on over the next year, wiping out two decades of economic gains, the UN Development Programme said on Wednesday. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, said that his agency was working with the Kyiv government to avoid a […]
Pandemic sends 4.7 million more people into extreme poverty in South-East Asia – ADB
Manila, The PhilippinesReuters The pandemic added 4.7 million more people to Southeast Asia’s most extreme poor in 2021, reversing gains made in fighting poverty, the Asian Development Bank said on Wednesday, while urging governments to take steps to boost economic growth. The number of people in extreme poverty – defined as those living on less […]
StrangeSights: Biggest potato contender not a potato; longest car even longer; and, a rhino Queenie…
DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Lebanese youths abandon education as crisis bites
Beirut, LebanonReuters Before Lebanon’s devastating financial crisis struck, Faraj Faraj thought university could set him on a path out of a cramped family home in a poor area of Beirut and towards financial independence. Instead, like increasing numbers of Lebanon’s young people, soaring costs forced the 19-year-old to drop out of studying just over a […]
Washington invitation opens way for UN expert’s Guantanamo visit
Geneva, Switzerland Reuters A UN expert told the world’s top rights body on Tuesday that she had received a preliminary invitation from Washington to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in what could lead to the first-ever visit by one of the body’s special rapporteurs. UN independent experts and Washington have been discussing a possible visit to the […]