The Explainer: What is the Epiphany? Why is it also called Three Kings Day? And when do Christians celebrate it?
The Associated Press takes a look at what the Christian celebration of Epiphany is all about…
Denmark’s Margrethe takes last carriage ride in Copenhagen as Queen
Copenhagen, Denmark Reuters Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II on Thursday defied a cold spell to ride through the streets of Copenhagen in a gold-coated horse carriage for the last time as monarch before handing over the throne to her son Crown Prince Frederik next week. The 83-year-old Queen, who was crowned in 1972, announced on live […]
Vatican moves to calm bishops over same-sex blessings approval
Vatican CityReuters The Vatican on Thursday moved to calm Catholic bishops in some countries who have balked over last month’s approval of blessings for same-sex couples, telling them that the measure is not “heretical” or “blasphemous”. In a five-page statement, the Vatican’s doctrinal office also acknowledged that such blessings could be “imprudent” in some countries […]
Congo’s Catholic and Protestant churches demand inquiry into election issues
Kinshasa, Democratic Repiblic of CongoReuters Democratic Republic of Congo’s powerful Catholic bishops conference and Protestant churches on Thursday demanded an independent inquiry be opened into irregularities and alleged legal violations observed during December general elections. Congo’s CENI election commission said on Sunday that President Felix Tshisekedi had secured more than 73 per cent in the […]
US strike kills militia leader blamed for Iraq attacks, Pentagon says
Baghdad, Iraq/Washington DC, US Reuters The US military launched a retaliatory strike in Baghdad on Thursday that killed a militia leader it blames for recent attacks on US personnel, the Pentagon said, a move condemned by Iraq’s government. The US strike took place at about 0900 GMT and targeted Mushtaq Jawad Kazim al Jawari, the […]
Israeli defence minister outlines new phase in Gaza war
Cairo, Egypt/Gaza/JerusalemReuters Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday outlined a new stage of Israel’s war in Gaza: a more targeted approach in the north and further pursuit of Hamas leaders in the south while Israel seeks to free remaining hostages held by Hamas. Under international pressure to shift to less intense combat operations and in […]
Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly Iran attack, Tehran vows revenge
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reuters Islamic State claimed responsibility on Thursday for two explosions in Iran that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores at a memorial for top commander Qassem Soleimani who was killed in Iraq in 2020 by a US drone. In a statement posted on its affiliate Telegram channels, the militant Sunni […]
As Japan’s Wajima city digs out from quake, hopes fade for tourism recovery
Wajima, Japan Reuters Hotel chef Makoto Wakabayashi was among those in Wajima hoping for a banner year as visitors returned to the scenic, seaside town that weathered more than two years of pandemic gloom. Those dreams came apart in minutes of violent shaking on New Year’s Day, when the strongest earthquake to strike Japan in […]
Helpdesk: Phishing scams – seven safety tips from a cybersecurity expert
In an article first published on The Conversation, THEMBEKILE OLIVIA MAYAYISE provides some advice on how to avoid phishing scams…
Russia accidentally bombs own village, vows to rebuild homes
London, UKReuters A Russian regional governor said on Wednesday he had ordered the rebuilding of nine houses in a village that was accidentally bombed by one of Russia’s own warplanes. The incident took place on Tuesday, when the state news agency RIA quoted the defence ministry as reporting an “abnormal discharge of aircraft ammunition” over […]