Pakistan court rules against Imran Khan, bringing his ouster closer
Islamabad, PakistanReuters Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s move to dissolve parliament was unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers to return, a decision that could spell the end of his premiership as soon as Friday. The former cricket star had moved to break up the lower chamber ahead of a no-confidence vote […]
UN suspends Russia from human rights body, Moscow then quits
United Nations Reuters The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over reports of “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” in Ukraine, prompting Moscow to announce it was quitting the body. The US-led push garnered 93 votes in favour, while 24 countries voted no and […]
Russia laments “significant losses” as Ukraine braces for major offensive
Lviv, Ukraine Reuters Russia on Thursday appeared to give the most damning assessment so far of its invasion, describing the “tragedy” of mounting troop losses and the economic hit as Ukrainians were evacuated from eastern cities before an anticipated major offensive. Moscow’s six-week long incursion has seen more than four million people flee abroad, killed […]
Ukraine war raising malnutrition risk in Middle East – UNICEF
Beirut, LebanonAP Rising food prices as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are increasing the risk of malnutrition of millions of children in the Middle East and North Africa, the UN children’s agency warned Thursday. UNICEF added that families are struggling to put food on the table during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims […]
More than half of Europeans support cannabis legalisation – report
Reuters More than half of the European population support legalisation of adult use of cannabis and around 30 per cent of them are interested in purchasing it, according to polling data by industry consultants on Thursday. Europe’s liberal approach could reap multiple financial and economic benefits as seen in the United States, which has witnessed […]
Balloon tank parked outside UN to protest Ukraine, other bombings
Geneva, SwitzerlandReuters A life-sized tank made out of colourful balloons was parked outside the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday to protest the bombing and shelling of civilians in urban areas of Ukraine and elsewhere. A life-size tank, entirely made with inflatable balloons of biodegradable latex, is pictured in front of the United Nations […]
Sydney asks thousands to evacuate as heavy rains cause flash floods
Sydney, AustraliaReuters Torrential rain pummelled Australia’s east coast on Thursday with Sydney receiving nearly a month’s rain overnight, turning suburban roads into rivers and triggering evacuations as authorities warn of more rain through the day. A man swept away by floodwaters in the city’s north-west was rescued by emergency crews, media reported, while television footage […]
Significant Sights: Lithuania’s world-famous Hill Of Crosses attracts visitors to ponder, pray for Ukraine
MICHAEL RAY SMITH, in an article first published on Religion News Service, looks at the history of Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses and how it’s become a focal point for those praying for Ukraine…
France’s top presidential contenders: Who’s proposing what?
Paris, France AP France’s presidential race involves one frontrunner, centrist incumbent Emmanuel Macron, and eleven challengers from the far left to the far right. The two top candidates in Sunday’s first round qualify for the 24th April runoff. Here’s a look at the main contenders’ key proposals. French President Emmanuel Macron and centrist candidate for reelection delivers […]
Peru protest death toll hits five as fuel price rises stoke anger
Lima, PeruReuters Peruvian authorities said on Wednesday that a fifth person has died in recent anti-government protests sparked by rising fuel prices, a sign of how the global energy crunch linked to the war in Ukraine is stoking unrest in countries around the world. Peru’s ministry of the interior said a 25-year-old man had died […]