Category: World News

French President Macron landed in Hanoi and clinched over $10 billion in trade deals with Vietnam, led by a landmark Airbus A330neo order. These agreements deepen cooperation in defense, energy, and technology—right as global trade pressures mount and France seeks fresh influence in Asia.

Pope Francis has died at 88 in Vatican City after suffering a stroke and cardiovascular collapse, following various health complications. His passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church. With a nine-day mourning period underway, cardinals will soon gather for a conclave to choose his successor.

Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary halt on visas for 14 countries to regulate Hajj pilgrimage attendance, impacting nations like India and Pakistan. This measure follows the 2024 tragedy where over 1,200 unregistered pilgrims died due to severe overcrowding and heat. The ban covers Umrah, business, and family visit visas but does not affect diplomatic and official Hajj visas.

Suspicious activities related to global gold smuggling and money laundering have led to the US and UK imposing sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni and his network. Accusations revolve around bribery, corrupting officials, and hiding illicit activities through a complex business web. The move highlights the global fight against corruption and illicit trade practices.

In an intensification of global dissent, Türkiye joins a chorus of nations condemning Israel's decision to ban the UNRWA. This move threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis for displaced Palestinians and impede progress towards a two-state solution. As controversies pile up, international figures from the UN to European leaders voice their grave concerns over the implications of Israel's parliamentary decision.

The European Union has expressed significant regret over Mongolia's failure to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The warrant, issued due to alleged war crimes linked to the deportation of Ukrainian children, was not executed during Putin's visit to Mongolia. This criticism underscores the EU's commitment to global rule of law and accountability.

Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas political leader, has been assassinated in Iran during his stay for an official event. The incident has prompted outrage among Palestinian groups and heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. While Hamas blames Israeli forces, Israel has yet to officially respond. The killing has sparked calls for protests and condemnation from various factions.

Yemen's Houthi rebels reported significant casualties following an Israeli strike on the Hodeida port, vowing major retaliation. The attack, targeting fuel storage and a power plant, has severely impacted vital infrastructure. Amidst the worsening humanitarian crisis, both local and regional tensions are escalating.

Egyptian expatriates in the US are actively participating in the 2024 presidential election. Voting started on March 15 and continues until March 23 at embassies and consulates or via mail. Incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Moussa Mostafa Moussa are the candidates. Results will be announced on April 2. Over 94,000 expats have registered, marking a significant increase from 2018.

The official report on the helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has ignited a wave of skepticism. The report indicated no external interference but left numerous questions unanswered, prompting public mistrust given the Iranian government's past record.

The city of Porto Alegre in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul faces severe flooding and mudslides, displacing 70,000 people, with 57 fatalities and 67 missing. Rainfall and the swelling Guaiba River have wreaked havoc, demanding urgent evacuation and relief efforts amid a lack of clean water.