Safety concerns after deadly fire rips through Egypt church
Cairo, EgyptAP Egypt was in mourning Monday over a blaze at a Coptic Orthodox church that killed 41 people, but many also raised questions about the emergency response, fire safety codes, and restrictions on building houses of worship for the country’s Christian minority. Neighbourhood residents expressed shock over the fire Sunday, one of Egypt’s deadliest […]
Ukraine calls on world to “show strength” after shelling near nuclear plant
Kyiv, Ukraine Reuters Ukraine called for new sanctions on Russia and warned about the consequences of catastrophe at Europe’s biggest nuclear plant, where fresh shelling nearby has renewed a blame game between both sides. The world nuclear watchdog has warned of disaster if the fighting does not stop. Ukrainian and Russian-installed officials have traded accusations […]
Kenya’s Ruto declared President-elect in chaotic scenes
Nairobi/Kisumu, KenyaReuters Kenya’s elections chief declared Deputy President William Ruto the winner of a tight presidential race on Monday but some senior election officials disowned the result, fuelling fears of widespread violence like that seen after previous disputed polls. Hailing the electoral commission as “heroes” after he was declared the winner, Ruto said: “There is […]
Pandemic pushed millions more into poverty in the Philippines – government
Manila, The PhilippinesReuters About 2.3 million people in the Philippines were pushed into poverty between 2018 and 2021, largely due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the statistics agency said on Monday. The number of people living in poverty in 2021 rose to a total of almost 20 million or 18.1 per cent […]
Modi says India aims to become developed nation in 25 years
New Delhi, India Reuters India will aim to become a developed nation within 25 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national day address on Monday, with policies to support domestic production in power, defence and digital technology. Speaking from the 17th century Red Fort in Delhi as India celebrates its 75th year of […]
Japan PM promises to never again wage war, ministers visit controversial shrine
Tokyo, JapanReuters Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to never again wage war on the anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, while members of his cabinet marked the date with visits to a controversial shrine, moves set to anger China and South Korea. With the Yasukuni Shrine seen as a symbol of Japan’s past […]
Cash-strapped Britons give up pets as living costs soar
London, UKReuters Stood on her hind legs to greet any prospective owner who might approach her glass-doored kennel, Harriet is a black English cocker spaniel abandoned as a deepening cost-of-living crisis pushes growing numbers of Britons to part with their pets. She was found running along a busy road in London after witnesses saw her […]
Russian forces pound Ukraine’s Donetsk region
Kyiv, UkraineReuters Ukrainian forces reported heavy Russian shelling and attempts to advance on several towns in the eastern region of Donetsk that has become a key focus of the near six-month war, but said they had repelled many of the attacks. The General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces also reported Russian shelling of more than […]
UN humanitarian agencies face record funding gap this year
Geneva, SwitzerlandReuters UN humanitarian projects face a record funding gap this year, with only a third of the required $US48.7 billion secured so far as global needs outpace pledges, according to a spokesman for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The money is needed to help around 204 million people worldwide […]
Exploring sacred sites: How virtual reality technology is opening up access from the comfort of home
LUIS ANDRES HENAO, of Associated Press, reports on how virtual reality technology is providing new access to sacred sites around the world…