Author: Admin

Severe weather conditions claimed the lives of at least 96 people and left more than 50 others injured across northern India’s most populated state, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The deadly combination of powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and electrical storms tore through multiple areas of Uttar Pradesh late Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction.

Authorities reported that victims died from various causes including falling trees, building collapses, and lightning strikes. Emergency crews equipped with chainsaws and heavy machinery worked to remove downed trees blocking roadways and train routes throughout the affected regions.

These types of severe weather events typically occur across northern India’s hot season, which spans from March through June, prior to the arrival of the yearly monsoon period.

Narendra N. Srivastava, an administrative official, confirmed that rescue teams had been sent to all impacted zones, noting that residential buildings, agricultural areas, and electrical systems sustained extensive damage, especially in countryside locations.

Residents in Prayagraj district recalled the terror as powerful winds ripped through their communities.

“The storm came suddenly and the sky turned completely dark within minutes,” Ram Kishore said. “Tin roofs were flying and people ran indoors. We could hear trees falling throughout the evening.”

In the adjacent Bhadohi district, Savitri Devi described how her family barely avoided tragedy when fierce winds destroyed their home.

“We rushed outside when the walls started shaking because of the wind. Our roof collapsed moments later. We spent the night at a relative’s house,” she said.

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commanded officials to finish rescue efforts within one day and instructed local authorities to distribute financial assistance and emergency support to impacted households.

BUDAPEST — In a dramatic diplomatic move, Hungary has called in Russia’s ambassador following a large-scale drone assault that occurred close to Hungary’s Ukrainian border, representing a significant policy shift under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar compared to the previous administration’s warm ties with the Kremlin.

Russian Ambassador Evgeny Stanislavov is scheduled to meet with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán at the foreign ministry around midday Thursday regarding Wednesday’s strikes in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, an area with a substantial Hungarian ethnic population.

During a Wednesday news conference in Ópusztaszer in southern Hungary where he revealed the diplomatic summons, Magyar declared: “The Hungarian government strongly condemns the Russian attack on Transcarpathia.”

“She will tell him the same and ask for information on when Russia and Vladimir Putin plan to finally end this bloody war that began more than four years ago,” the prime minister continued.

Moscow has yet to issue any public response regarding the diplomatic summons.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched no fewer than 800 drones in Wednesday’s extensive daylight assault, striking approximately 20 Ukrainian regions including Transcarpathia. The attack resulted in at least six deaths and injured dozens, among them children. The multi-hour bombardment represented one of Moscow’s most prolonged offensives in the conflict now entering its fifth year.

Zelenskyy described the Budapest summons as an “important message” and expressed gratitude for Magyar’s statements.

“Moscow has once again shown itself to be a common threat not only to Ukraine, but also to neighbouring countries and Europe as a whole,” Zelenskyy posted on social media.

Following his historic electoral victory over Orbán last April, Magyar has pledged to reverse much of the previous leader’s 16-year legacy, with particular emphasis on addressing alleged corruption.

The diplomatic protest represents a remarkable transformation following years of Budapest’s close relationship with Moscow — despite Hungary’s membership in both the European Union and NATO — which persisted even after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Last March, Ambassador Stanislavov published a Facebook letter addressed to Magyar, rejecting claims that Moscow had assisted longtime Kremlin ally Orbán.

“It’s really not worth scaring Hungarians with imaginary Russian threats,” he stated. “The embassy has clear objectives: to ensure the maintenance of normal bilateral relations, to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the current situation where possible, and to protect the interests of citizens of Russia and Hungary.”

A high-ranking Taiwanese official stated Thursday that recent discussions between Chinese and American leaders in Beijing yielded no unexpected developments, while calling on China to cease military intimidation efforts against Taiwan.

During earlier talks, China’s Xi Jinping cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump that disputes concerning Taiwan—which Beijing considers part of its territory—could push bilateral relations toward a perilous course and potentially spark military confrontation.

Mainland Affairs Council deputy head and spokesman Liang Wen-chieh told reporters in Taipei that Taiwan consistently ranks among the most significant subjects discussed whenever Chinese and American officials meet.

“So at this point, all we can say is that there has been no surprising information so far and we will continue to maintain close communication with the American side,” he stated, noting that warnings about potential conflict have been voiced previously.

According to Liang, China’s persistent military intimidation represents the genuine danger to regional stability that could spark a crisis, rather than Taiwan’s population seeking to preserve their current lifestyle.

“If maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is truly the greatest common ground between China and the United States, then the Chinese Communist Party should restrain its own behaviour of military intimidation,” he continued.

Beijing has consistently refused to rule out using military force to bring Taiwan under its authority, with Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels conducting operations near the island on an almost daily basis.

Despite lacking official diplomatic relations, the United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international supporter and main arms supplier.

Taiwanese leadership dismisses Beijing’s territorial assertions, maintaining that only Taiwan’s citizens have the authority to determine the island’s destiny.

MOSCOW, May 14 – Moscow announced Thursday it is developing comprehensive ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership while urging neighboring nations to strengthen their own relationships with Kabul, according to statements from a top Russian security official.

Moscow made history last year as the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban government that assumed control in August 2021 following the turbulent departure of U.S.-led military forces after two decades of conflict.

The Interfax news service reported that Russian official Sergei Shoigu emphasized that working with Kabul remains crucial for regional stability and growth.

Shoigu, who serves as secretary of Russia’s Security Council, explained that Moscow is developing practical discussions with the Taliban covering security matters, commerce, cultural exchanges and humanitarian assistance.

His remarks came during discussions with officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a 10-nation alliance that encompasses China, India, Iran, Pakistan and several former Soviet republics.

Shoigu also called for the SCO to restart its Afghanistan contact group.

Russia had previously designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization in 2003, though this classification was removed in April 2025. Moscow views engagement with Kabul as necessary given significant security concerns from extremist groups operating across territories spanning from Afghanistan to the Middle East.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces an imminent leadership challenge as political rivals prepare to make their moves following days of behind-the-scenes positioning.

Sources close to Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicate he plans to make a formal announcement Thursday after securing sufficient backing from Labour Party lawmakers to mount a challenge against Starmer for party leadership and control of the government.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced Thursday she has resolved tax-related issues with authorities, removing obstacles that led to her Cabinet departure last September. Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Rayner suggested Starmer should “reflect on” his position and stated she stands ready to “play my part” in any leadership race should Streeting initiate a challenge.

Calls for Starmer to resign or face a leadership battle have grown louder following Labour’s devastating performance in recent local and regional elections, highlighting voter dissatisfaction with the government’s sluggish progress on key issues.

Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer has pledged to stay in his role, cautioning that a leadership fight would create “chaos” when the government should concentrate on pressing matters including the cost of living crisis and Middle East conflict.

According to Labour Party regulations, any leadership challenger must secure support from 81 of the party’s 403 House of Commons members. More than that threshold have publicly demanded Starmer’s resignation in recent days.

Both Streeting and Starmer represent the party’s moderate faction, while Rayner appeals to progressive voters who want higher minimum wages and increased taxes on wealthy individuals.

Additional candidates may emerge in any leadership race.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been frequently mentioned as a possible contender, though he would need to secure a parliamentary seat before running. His supporters suggest a current House of Commons member could step down, allowing Burnham to compete in a by-election.

Burnham scrapped his scheduled Thursday appearance on a local BBC radio show to “prioritize discussions arising from last week’s elections.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — British military authorities reported Thursday that unauthorized personnel have taken control of a vessel anchored off the United Arab Emirates’ eastern coastline, with the ship now moving toward Iranian territorial waters.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, the incident occurred while the vessel was positioned 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers, 44 miles) northeast of Fujairah, a UAE port located near the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel seizure takes place while U.S. President Donald Trump conducts a highly anticipated diplomatic meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Their discussions are anticipated to address the ongoing Iranian conflict, which has significantly impacted global commerce in oil, gas and other commodities while causing economic instability worldwide.

The incident occurred just hours following Israel’s announcement that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had conducted an undisclosed trip to the United Arab Emirates during the Israeli-U.S. conflict with Iran, although UAE officials quickly refuted any such clandestine meeting took place.

The Gulf state established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020. Iran has condemned this diplomatic arrangement and has consistently alleged through the years that Israel operates military and intelligence facilities within the Emirates.

Israeli officials have conducted periodic trips to the UAE following the establishment of diplomatic relations.

UKMTO has not identified the vessel and stated they are conducting an investigation. No groups have immediately taken responsibility for the seizure.

Fujairah serves as a crucial oil shipping facility and represents the UAE’s primary port located beyond the Persian Gulf boundaries. The facility has faced multiple attacks throughout the Iranian conflict.

Iran has captured multiple vessels following the conflict’s start.

Iranian naval forces captured an oil tanker called the Ocean Koi last week, claiming it was working to interfere with oil shipments and Iranian operations, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Officials stated the tanker was captured in the Gulf of Oman while transporting Iranian oil when personnel boarded it and directed it to Iran’s southern coastline.

U.S. authorities imposed sanctions on the Ocean Koi in February, describing it as part of a “shadow fleet” involved in moving Iranian oil.

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Donald Trump has floated the idea of making Venezuela America’s 51st state on two occasions this week. His most recent suggestion appeared Tuesday on Truth Social, featuring a map that depicted the South American nation covered with the American flag.

In years past, when U.S. officials questioned Venezuela’s sovereignty over the last quarter-century, top government leaders including the president would respond with immediate scorn. The ruling party even staged rallies in Caracas as recently as January 3, just hours after then-President Nicolás Maduro was taken into U.S. custody, featuring crowds shouting “Gringo go home.” This time, however, Venezuelan leadership has remained largely silent, except for brief remarks made to the press Monday by acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

This restrained response highlights the delicate balancing act Rodríguez faces in managing foreign relations and domestic concerns after the January U.S. military operation in Caracas. The Trump administration has rolled out a step-by-step strategy aimed at rehabilitating the crisis-stricken nation and has compelled Rodríguez’s political faction, Chavismo, to set aside the anti-American rhetoric that has traditionally defined its ideology.

“This is probably the most public and sharp manifestation of the government’s transactional, self-survival approach above everything else right now, above even that sort of basic tenet of Chavismo,” said Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at the London-based Chatham House think tank. “It’s better that they hold their tongue, not offend the U.S. right now. Why overreact to a ridiculous claim by Donald Trump?”

When speaking to reporters Monday, Rodríguez stated that Venezuela had no intention of becoming America’s 51st state, though her remarks were far more measured than previous presidential speeches that condemned such U.S. statements. Her comments followed Trump’s declaration that he was “seriously considering” the proposal. Trump has made comparable statements regarding Canada.

“We will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history,” Rodríguez said. Venezuela, she emphasized, is “not a colony, but a free country.”

The Trump administration surprised Venezuelans by choosing to collaborate with Rodríguez rather than the nation’s political opposition after Maduro’s removal. She has since spearheaded cooperation with the administration’s gradual plan, promoting her petroleum-rich country to global investors and opening its energy industry to private investment and international arbitration. Rodríguez has also dismissed key officials, including Maduro’s loyal defense minister and attorney general.

Trump has commended her efforts, and his administration has removed economic sanctions targeting her personally while relaxing sanctions on the country, though some restrictions continue. The U.S. now acknowledges her as the “sole” leader of Venezuela.

The U.S. ceased recognizing Maduro as Venezuela’s rightful leader in 2019, one year after he declared electoral victory in a race widely deemed fraudulent as opposition parties and candidates were prohibited from participating.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges following their January 3 arrest. Both have entered not guilty pleas and remain detained at a Brooklyn facility.

In Caracas, some citizens on Wednesday interpreted the government’s response as yielding to Trump, though they also recognized that Rodríguez lacks the position to deploy Chavismo’s typical anti-American messaging.

“She knows that it’s wise not to engage in direct confrontation because she knows she’s bound to lose,” college student Adonai Osoria said. “Now, are there some who disagree, who don’t like it? Well, yes, of course. But I consider her reaction right now to be a common, understandable reaction.”

Government backers last displayed their hostile stance toward the U.S. in the period following Maduro’s capture, setting American flags ablaze and holding signs declaring “Gringo go home.”

Among the government’s most devoted supporters nationwide are the armed factions called colectivos. These groups are fixtures at pro-ruling party rallies. Local leader Jorge Navas described Trump’s remarks as “irresponsible acts of provocation” and commended Rodríguez for her diplomatic handling.

“We are bending, strategically, but we will not break,” Navas said of Chavismo’s current stance toward U.S. pressure. “We continue to resist, that is, realistically, given the country’s economic situation.”

Latvia’s centre-right Prime Minister Evika Silina announced Thursday that she will step down from her position, bringing down her coalition government just months ahead of the country’s scheduled October election.

The resignation was announced on May 14, with the timing creating political uncertainty as the Baltic nation approaches its upcoming electoral contest.

The Philippine Senate announced Thursday it will transform into an impeachment court on May 18 to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown between the nation’s most influential families.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the upper chamber’s 24 members will meet Monday to establish trial procedures and rules, though the actual trial date remains undecided. He delivered this announcement by reading a formal letter to his counterpart in the lower house.

The 47-year-old vice president, once considered the leading candidate to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in 2028, now faces potential removal from office and a prohibition from holding future positions if found guilty. Marcos is constitutionally restricted to serving only one term.

This impeachment represents a dramatic escalation in the ongoing political warfare between supporters of Duterte and those loyal to the 68-year-old Marcos, former allies who have become bitter adversaries.

The charges against Duterte include allegations of improperly spending government money, acquiring wealth through questionable means, and making death threats against Marcos, his spouse, and the previous House speaker. Duterte has rejected all accusations.

The Senate announcement followed Wednesday’s dramatic events when chaos erupted at the heavily secured legislative building. Gunfire broke out and tensions reached a boiling point after a senator supporting Duterte, who had sought sanctuary inside, informed his followers he faced imminent arrest and potential transfer to The Hague’s International Criminal Court.

Monday’s lower house vote overwhelmingly supported the impeachment complaint, which was filed by a coalition of activists, religious organizations, and legal professionals. Duterte’s legal representatives have dismissed the proceedings as a “fishing expedition.”

The vice president’s anger toward Marcos intensified after his congressional supporters subjected her to extensive investigations into suspected financial misconduct within her office over several months.

The former partners have engaged in repeated public confrontations, and their relationship deteriorated so severely that Marcos handed over Duterte’s father and his presidential predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, to the ICC last year. The elder Duterte faces murder charges as crimes against humanity related to his violent anti-drug campaign.

Despite the political drama, Marcos has maintained distance from the impeachment effort, characterizing it as a legislative matter outside his purview.

Sara Duterte spent this week at The Hague supporting her father while her legal team worked on her defense strategy. She directed full responsibility for the country’s political instability toward Marcos, who is commonly called “Bongbong” in the Philippines, accusing him of squandering government resources to “demolish political opposition.”

“Our country is in turmoil, which should not be the case. We are only in turmoil because of Bongbong Marcos,” she stated in comments released through her office.

A Ukrainian anti-corruption court issued an arrest warrant Thursday for Andriy Yermak, who previously served as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, following money laundering accusations.

The judicial panel established bail at 140 million hryvnias, equivalent to $3.19 million, which would permit Yermak’s release while awaiting a final verdict. Yermak has consistently rejected the charges brought against him.

Speaking to media following the court’s ruling, Yermak stated: “I don’t have that kind of money, and my lawyer will now work with friends and acquaintances (to raise the money for bail).”

He added: “My legal team will file an appeal. We will use every legal avenue to seek justice and the truth.”

Earlier this week, Ukrainian officials identified Yermak as a suspect in a significant corruption investigation. This arrest represents the closest anti-corruption authorities have reached to the president’s immediate advisors.

According to Ukraine’s anti-graft agencies, Yermak allegedly took part in a criminal organization that processed approximately $10.5 million in illicit funds through a luxury residential project near the capital city of Kyiv.

Many considered Yermak the nation’s second most influential figure behind Zelenskyy, exercising considerable control over Ukrainian political affairs despite occupying an appointed rather than elected role.

The former entertainment industry producer and legal counsel regularly accompanied the president during public appearances and served as Kyiv’s primary representative in U.S.-supported peace negotiations with Russia.

Yermak stepped down from his position last year during a wider administrative reorganization designed to rebuild confidence in the presidential office, which has faced criticism over concentrated authority.

While the allegations against Yermak may not immediately threaten Zelenskyy’s position, political observers suggest they could damage his reputation should he seek reelection following the conflict.

When Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping gather for an elaborate state dinner in Beijing this Thursday, the menu will likely showcase Huaiyang cuisine – a regional Chinese cooking style from the Shanghai area celebrated for its gentle flavors, precise preparation techniques, and focus on seasonal ingredients.

China has long leveraged food’s symbolic power during significant official occasions and visits from important foreign dignitaries. The country’s modern history of food shortages and political upheaval that led to years of widespread rationing transformed meals into powerful status symbols within Chinese society.

“One of the key strengths of Huaiyang cuisine is its broad appeal. Its flavours are widely acceptable and accessible to most people … including international guests,” said Shi Qiang, executive chef at Gui Hua Lou, an upscale Huaiyang cuisine restaurant in Shanghai.

“From the overall philosophy of Huaiyang cuisine, state banquets are not centered on luxury ingredients, they don’t rely on expensive items, extravagance is simply not the focus.”

As one of China’s eight primary regional cooking traditions, Huaiyang cuisine has consistently taken the spotlight at important diplomatic gatherings. The cuisine appeared at the 1949 “founding banquet” marking the establishment of the People’s Republic, China’s 50th anniversary celebration feast in 1999, and a 2002 dinner where then-President Jiang Zemin hosted visiting U.S. President George W. Bush.

Culinary moments have also created unexpected viral incidents during foreign officials’ Chinese visits in recent years. In 2023, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made light of consuming “magic mushrooms” at a Yunnan-style restaurant in Beijing, while then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden dined at a modest Beijing establishment known for its fried liver in 2011.

China even developed a chicken preparation named for U.S. top diplomat Henry Kissinger, presented to him during his confidential 1971 visit, and meals served to foreign leaders frequently become “set banquets” offered by local dining establishments.

Notable Huaiyang specialties include soft, bouncy “lion’s head” pork meatballs, Yangzhou fried rice, “squirrel fish” prepared with deep-frying and sweet-and-sour coating, and “wensi tofu” – tofu cut into thousands of thin strips.

The cooking style emphasizes ingredients from the Yangtze river region such as freshwater fish, eel and bamboo shoots, using light seasoning to showcase natural flavors.

“It’s great for banquets because it’s lighter than the food of Shandong in China’s north, not spicy like the foods of the southwest (like Sichuanese), and more approachable and less reliant on exotic ingredients than Cantonese, the big cuisine of the south,” said Christopher St. Cavish, a food writer based in Shanghai.

“In the most basic description, it’s ‘safe’. It’s the equivalent of serving chicken at a banquet in Washington, DC. No one is going to get offended or find it too hot to eat or too exotic to try.”

When Trump previously visited China in 2017, his hosts prepared Huaiyang-influenced dishes including braised vegetables in broth and stewed beef with tomato – acknowledging his preference for well-cooked steak.

India’s top diplomat stressed Thursday that keeping international shipping lanes open is essential for worldwide economic stability, particularly highlighting concerns about key maritime passages like the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made these remarks while opening a two-day gathering of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi.

“The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention,” Jaishankar stated, referencing the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.

“Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.”

The Iranian conflict’s effects, particularly the practical shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, have been characterized as among the most severe disruptions to energy markets in recorded history.

These interruptions have severely limited oil tanker movement and caused energy costs to spike dramatically, raising concerns about accelerating inflation and potential worldwide economic decline.

The BRICS alliance originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. More recent additions include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. India currently serves as the BRICS chair for 2026.

Representatives from most member nations are participating in the New Delhi conference, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and the UAE’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar.

The ongoing war has complicated efforts for the group to agree on unified statements, highlighting tensions between Iran and the UAE, which support different sides in the conflict that began February 28.

Jaishankar additionally criticized what he called the “increasing resort to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the U.N. Charter.”

“Such measures disproportionately affect developing countries. These unjustifiable measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy.”

The minister noted that developing nations look to BRICS to provide constructive leadership and stability in global affairs.

The leadership of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has united in support of President Cyril Ramaphosa amid the ongoing “Farmgate” controversy, according to reports from the country’s public broadcasting service.

During a Wednesday session, the party’s National Executive Committee backed Ramaphosa’s choice to legally contest findings from an independent panel that concluded he engaged in misconduct, SABC politics reporter Samkele Maseko shared on X.

The president successfully resisted demands for his resignation this week regarding the controversy, which centers on criminals who took bundles of money hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s ranch during 2020.

While the ANC previously prevented impeachment efforts against Ramaphosa concerning Farmgate in 2022, the nation’s highest court renewed the proceedings just last week.

The party’s National Executive Committee, which serves as a governing body that directs party members, convened Wednesday to determine their approach to managing the scandal.

Before the session began, a senior ANC leader expressed strong support for Ramaphosa, informing journalists that demands for the president’s departure were politically motivated and that the constitutional court’s ruling contained no requirement for Ramaphosa’s resignation.

Ramaphosa, who has served as the nation’s leader since 2018, has maintained his innocence regarding the Farmgate matter.

Party officials were scheduled to update the media on the National Executive Committee meeting results at 0800 GMT.

China’s President Xi Jinping praised what he called a “fresh framework” for US-China relations on Thursday, emphasizing cooperation alongside controlled competition following his summit meeting with President Donald Trump.

According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Xi indicated that both leaders reached agreement on establishing a constructive and strategically stable relationship to guide their nations’ interactions over the next three years and into the future.

The Chinese leader characterized this approach as fundamentally rooted in cooperation while incorporating controlled competition to achieve “a normal stability in which differences are controllable, and a lasting stability in which peace can be expected,” the ministry statement revealed.

Xi advocated for expanded exchanges and cooperation between the two nations across multiple sectors including trade, health, agriculture, tourism, people-to-people connections, and law enforcement activities.

While promoting cooperation, Xi emphasized the need for “utmost caution” from the United States regarding Taiwan, the democratically governed island that China claims as its territory, though Taiwan disputes this claim.

“If handled poorly, the two countries could collide or even enter into conflict, pushing the entire China-U.S. relationship into an extremely dangerous situation,” the Chinese leader warned.

French President Emmanuel Macron confronts a significant challenge next week as parliamentary committees prepare to vote on his selection of a former chief of staff to lead the nation’s central bank, with critics suggesting the move aims to shield important institutions from potential far-right control following the 2027 election.

Should lawmakers reject Emmanuel Moulin’s nomination, it would deliver a humiliating blow to the unpopular president, highlighting his weakened position with less than a year remaining in his second term.

However, if approved, the decision would likely strengthen opponents’ claims that Macron is positioning trusted allies in influential roles to preserve his legacy and guard against a potential National Rally victory in the upcoming presidential race.

“The president is right to propose (Moulin’s) appointment, as it is technically justified, but he is taking a political risk should the proposal be rejected by parliament, given that he no longer has a majority,” said political analyst William Thay of think tank Le Millenaire.

Parliamentary opponents serving on finance committees in both chambers could prevent Moulin’s confirmation on Wednesday if three-fifths vote in opposition. The tallies from both houses will be combined, and Moulin gains approval if opposition votes fall short of 60% of the total.

Committee membership, featuring 72 members in the lower house and 49 in the Senate, reflects the composition of both chambers. Macron and his supporters lack majorities in either house.

While resistance appears likely in the divided lower house committee, the Senate committee – controlled by the conservative Republicains – holds the deciding power. Several lawmakers caution the outcome could be close, with possible defections among Republicains whose backing Moulin requires.

Moulin’s qualifications as among France’s most seasoned economic policymakers face little challenge.

However, Macron’s advocacy has intensified examination of his independence, a crucial concern for a central bank position designed to remain separate from political influence.

“Have you seen an Elysee chief of staff named to head the Bank of France before? That’s never happened,” said Eric Coquerel, the hard-left head of the finance committee in the lower house.

Coquerel indicated most left-wing parties in the lower chamber would resist Moulin, though the Socialists remain undecided, while non-Macron centrists might divide.

A similar appointment has occurred previously. Macron’s predecessor Francois Hollande appointed his chief of staff Pierre-Rene Lemas in 2014 to run public lender Caisse des Depots, among France’s largest financial institutions.

Moulin will participate in question sessions in both houses on Wednesday before committee voting begins. The Senate meeting will exclude press coverage, while the lower house has not announced whether its session will be public.

Socialist lawmaker Philippe Brun reported that Moulin agreed to discuss priorities including bank oversight, inflation control, and his independence with colleagues.

In a questionnaire delivered Friday to Moulin, Brun inquired: “How can the independence of the Bank of France … be guaranteed, given your very recent political roles within the government?”

When contacted by Reuters, Moulin indicated he would save his responses for lawmakers. Brun did not immediately respond regarding his Wednesday meeting with Moulin.

As head of the 226-year-old Bank of France, Moulin would join the European Central Bank’s rate-setting governing council and oversee French bank regulation.

Even before proposing Moulin, Macron’s opponents criticized his placement of allies including Richard Ferrand to lead the constitutional court that reviews legislation and Amelie de Montchalin to direct the audit office that validates public accounts.

RN lawmakers claim these nominations seek to install anti-RN allies should they gain power in next year’s presidential contest.

“After Ferrand and Montchalin, we’re going to say enough is enough,” said RN lawmaker Philippe Ballard.

Polling data suggests next year’s presidential election second round will almost certainly include the anti-immigrant RN, which has promised to dismantle much of Macron’s social and economic policies.

Ferrand received approval by one vote last year in law committees of both houses, with RN lawmakers abstaining, while Montchalin’s selection required no parliamentary confirmation.

The Senate will prove crucial for Moulin, who has worked under both conservative and Macron administrations, with uncertainty over whether some Republicains will break away to oppose his nomination.

“It’s a safe bet that Republicains MPs will be split between those who believe it’s better to maintain a respectable profile on the right and those who want to punish the betrayal of one of their own who left them in 2017 to serve Macron’s camp,” Thay said.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Top diplomats from BRICS member nations launched two days of discussions in New Delhi on Thursday as the growing economic alliance confronts internal disagreements regarding Middle East warfare, escalating fuel costs and mounting worldwide financial instability.

The gathering unites representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa alongside diplomats from recently admitted nations. The conference occurs while Iranian conflict has interrupted worldwide energy distribution and pushed up petroleum costs, happening simultaneously with U.S. President Donald Trump’s discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s chief diplomat Sergey Lavrov are participating. China has sent Ambassador Xu Feihong as its representative while Foreign Minister Wang Yi stays in the Chinese capital during Trump’s diplomatic visit.

India Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar indicated the discussions would concentrate on worldwide and regional obstacles and methods to strengthen collaboration between member states.

During his opening statements, Jaishankar explained that BRICS could assist developing nations in better addressing health and financial difficulties they encounter along with elevated costs for energy, food and fertilizer.

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” he said, adding that emerging and developing countries increasingly expect BRICS to play a “constructive and stabilizing role.”

Established by Brazil, Russia, India and China, BRICS developed as an alliance of significant emerging economies viewed as a balance to Western-controlled organizations like the G7. South Africa became a member in 2010 and the alliance grew additional in 2024 through the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia achieved full membership status in 2025.

The organization has attempted to broaden its reach by advocating for increased participation in a worldwide system historically controlled by the United States and its Western partners. It has received backing throughout portions of the Global South, where numerous nations have criticized Western-controlled financial organizations.

However, BRICS countries stay split on major matters.

India and China persist in competing for regional dominance, while member nations frequently vary in their connections with the West. Russia’s conflict in Ukraine has additionally revealed those disagreements.

The alliance’s growth has also created additional pressures. Conflicting regional priorities have heightened the challenge of displaying a coordinated stance.

Disagreements have intensified during the escalating Middle East crisis. Iran and the UAE hold BRICS membership while following conflicting regional objectives.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister stated Wednesday that internal BRICS disagreements regarding the conflict had blocked the alliance from achieving a coordinated position.

Kazem Gharibabadi informed news agency Press Trust of India that “one member country” had advocated for statements criticizing Iran, making consensus-building within the organization more difficult.

“We want India’s BRICS chairship to be successful. It is not a good approach to send a signal to the world that the BRICS is divided. One country is insisting on condemning Iran,” Gharibabadi said.

Officials in the Philippines worked Thursday to verify whether a senator facing International Criminal Court charges had escaped following a violent incident at the nation’s Senate building the previous evening.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who previously served as the country’s top police official and helped lead former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly anti-drug campaign, had been staying at the Senate to avoid arrest on charges of crimes against humanity – the same accusations facing Duterte.

“Several sources confirmed that the Senator, Senator Bato, is no longer in the Senate premises. But we are still getting confirmation,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a news briefing.

Late Wednesday evening, gunfire erupted inside the Senate building, sending people diving for safety. This occurred hours after the 64-year-old dela Rosa had posted on social media asking his supporters to rally, claiming law enforcement was preparing to take him into custody.

The violent episode created pandemonium, with heavy police and armed security presence surrounding the Senate, demonstrations forming outside, and more than twelve shots fired shortly after marines arrived to strengthen security measures.

On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr held discussions with security leaders, and police reported one individual had been taken into custody. Investigators are working to identify people who attempted to enter the Senate, recovering bullet shells and magazines from assault weapons.

“The person has provided names, but these still need confirmation,” police spokesperson Randulf Tuano said in a radio interview.

Questions remained about who discharged the weapons and whether dela Rosa remained in the Senate Thursday, with widespread speculation suggesting he may have left during the night.

The international court in The Hague made public an arrest warrant Monday that had been issued in November, while dela Rosa has submitted an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court, contending the ICC lacks authority in the Philippines following the country’s 2019 departure from the international body.

Thursday morning, as he entered the heavily secured Senate, dela Rosa’s attorney Jimmy Bondoc said he had spoken with his client overnight and believed he remained inside.

“I asked him if you have plans to leave, he said none,” Bondoc told media representatives.

The outspoken dela Rosa gained widespread recognition as Duterte’s chief aide, directing an aggressive enforcement effort that resulted in thousands of suspected drug dealers being killed, with human rights organizations accusing police of organized killings and concealment efforts.

Law enforcement officials dispute these claims, stating that the more than 6,000 deaths in Project Double Barrel involved armed individuals who fought against arrest.

Human rights advocates say the actual number of deaths may remain unknown, with drug users and sellers shot daily in unexplained neighborhood killings that police attributed to vigilante groups and territorial disputes.

Marcos has attempted to separate his administration from the Senate crisis and stated no directive was issued to capture dela Rosa, who had asked the president Tuesday not to arrest him.

National Bureau of Investigation chief Melvin Matibag acknowledged that intelligence personnel from his agency were present at a structure near the Senate Wednesday, but said they carried no weapons.

He added that investigators are also examining whether the incident might have been orchestrated.

In a radio interview broadcast early Thursday, dela Rosa stated he would “exhaust all available remedies” to prevent his transfer to the ICC, and after learning about Duterte’s detention circumstances, he no longer wanted to defend his case in The Hague.

The timing of that interview remained unclear. Dela Rosa has rejected claims of participation in unlawful killings.

The Senate crisis represents a significant test of Marcos’ leadership, as he had depended on the powerful Duterte family’s backing to secure victory in the 2022 election before a bitter split that resulted in him turning over his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte to the ICC.

The 81-year-old Duterte is expected to become the first former Asian leader to face trial at the ICC. He denies encouraging police to commit murder.

Political tensions have escalated recently regarding dela Rosa and Monday’s impeachment of the former president’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who was previously Marcos’ ally and campaign partner.

Sara Duterte, currently in The Hague visiting her father, is battling for her political future, confronting an impeachment trial in the Senate that could damage her potential presidential campaign in 2028.

“What we are seeing now is the administration using all government resources to demolish political opposition,” she said in statements released by her office.

She claimed dela Rosa would face extraordinary rendition, comparing it to what she described as her father’s unlawful kidnapping.

“That is how the world saw it then. And that is also what they are trying to do now,” she said.

A devastating storm swept through India’s most populous state on Wednesday, killing 89 people and leaving destruction in its wake, according to state disaster management officials who released the death toll on Thursday.

The severe weather struck Uttar Pradesh with powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and hailstones during what officials described as “adverse weather conditions” on Wednesday, the state’s relief commissioner announced in a social media post.

Beyond the tragic loss of life, the storm left 53 people with injuries, destroyed 87 homes, and killed 114 farm animals throughout the region, authorities reported.

News footage captured the storm’s destructive power as strong winds toppled large trees and advertising signs, with debris crashing into vehicles while dust clouds engulfed the area and scattered wooden furniture from street vendors.

A state relief official confirmed to news agencies that many of the deaths resulted from trees falling on victims and residential walls collapsing under the storm’s force.

These types of severe storms typically occur in the northern Indian state during the hot months spanning March through June, before monsoon season arrives to provide relief from the intense heat.

The state’s chief minister, whose administration operates under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has ordered government officials to provide immediate assistance to storm survivors and distribute emergency financial support within one day, according to state authorities.

PUNTLAND, Somalia — Abdi Ahmed Farah has watched most of his hundreds of goats perish. The 70-year-old herder never imagined his region of Somalia could go three years without consistent rainfall.

Water purchases have left him drowning in debt. The water reservoir beside his tent sits nearly dry. His family survives on just one daily meal of rice mixed with sugar and oil. His newborn, the youngest of 22 children born just three weeks ago, receives only sporadic drops of breast milk from his wife.

“I have considered abandoning my family because I cannot provide for them,” Farah stated, positioned protectively near his dwindling food reserves.

Another devastating drought has struck millions across Somalia, a nation ranked among the globe’s most susceptible to climate disasters. Rivers have run dry while harvests have failed. Climate experts believe this drought may rank as the most severe in the country’s recorded history.

The emergency has worsened due to reduced aid contributions, particularly steep cuts from the Trump administration, alongside escalating costs from the Iran war. Somalia imports the majority of its fuel from Middle Eastern nations and relies on foreign sources for 70% of its food supply.

Maize and sorghum production during the October-December rainy period hit record lows in Somalia, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization reported.

Nutrition specialists caution that close to half a million children could experience severe acute malnutrition, the most dangerous form. This figure would exceed the number of children needing treatment during the 2011 and 2022 droughts, UNICEF data shows.

“2026 is the worst year on record for Somalia in terms of drought,” stated Hameed Nuru, the U.N. World Food Program director for Somalia. “Children have started dying.”

Government officials and United Nations representatives calculate that 6.5 million residents confront emergency hunger levels, accounting for one-third of the nation’s population and marking a 25% jump since January.

Relief organizations work to stretch available resources while the Somali diaspora sends financial assistance home, though humanitarian officials caution these efforts fall short of meeting needs.

“This drought is not just another cycle of dry season. It’s a repeated climate shock with shrinking humanitarian support,” explained Mohamed Assair, a manager with Save the Children in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region.

Farah’s herd once numbered 680 goats, but inadequate food and water combined with drought-related diseases have killed all except 110 animals, which barely survive.

“There is no market for my goats because they are so thin. Previously we would trade them for rice, but now we can’t,” he explained. Farah’s family established camp near Usgure village ten days earlier. Nearly a dozen goat carcasses scatter the surrounding area.

In Usgure, housing 700 families, community leader Abshir Hirsi Ali described the local economy’s collapse due to dependence on herders like Farah. Businesses have shuttered while food supplies have diminished.

A brief recent rainfall created puddles of contaminated water. “Some families were so desperate they drank it … now there is a high number of people with fever,” Ali reported.

Save the Children occasionally delivers free water to Usgure, though commercial water delivery services have increased prices fourfold and a 50-kilogram bag of flour now costs $40, representing a one-third price increase.

“I’m not only afraid for my family but the future of the whole village,” said Muhubo Tahir Omar, a 47-year-old mother of 11 children.

Omar, like other parents, sold her livestock to cover educational expenses, “but when we didn’t pay, the teachers left.” Her remaining goat has fallen ill.

Decades of warfare in Somalia have forced millions from their homes. The current drought has displaced an additional 200,000 people this year, U.N. estimates indicate.

Families traverse difficult terrain carrying minimal provisions.

“People are on the move … and when people move, people die,” noted Kevin Mackey, the Somalia director for humanitarian group World Vision. He recently encountered people who traveled nine days on foot to reach assistance in southern Dollow.

Approximately 80 families reside in a displacement camp near Shahda village in Puntland.

Shukri, a 20-year-old mother of four, typically manages one daily meal from charitable donations. Currently no food remains available and clean water access is restricted.

“The children got diarrhea (from dirty water) and malnourishment worsened,” said Shukri, who provided only her first name. “I know a few people who have died.”

Many migrate to Mogadishu, the capital, where food remains scarce.

Fadumo, a 45-year-old mother of seven, relocated there from Lower Shabelle, where al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants already threatened livelihoods.

“The water sources we depended on for farming, including the river, dried up,” Fadumo said. “Conflict made our situation even worse, forcing us to flee.”

Drought devastated Somalia in 2022 with an estimated 36,000 deaths, the U.N. reported. Now the emergency assistance previously mobilized for such crises has diminished.

“Unless there is a sudden and substantial response from donors, the outlook is deeply concerning. A drought of similar severity in 2022 received a response five times greater than what we are seeing,” said Antoine Grand, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Somalia.

Aid funding to Somalia declined to $531 million in 2025 primarily due to reduced contributions from the United States, which previously served as Somalia’s largest donor. In 2022, aid funding totaled nearly five times more at $2.38 billion.

WFP planned to assist 2 million people with food aid this year but has reached only 300,000 due to funding shortfalls.

A treatment center at the hospital in Qardho, Puntland, cares for children with severe acute malnutrition. However, therapeutic milk supplies have become scarce, forcing nurses to use homemade substitutes like cow’s milk, director Shamis Abdirahman explained.

The facility receives approximately 15 children monthly, though staff anticipate increases as displaced populations arrive.

Four-year-old Farhia weighs only 7.5 kilograms. Her eyes appear sunken while her bones show prominently beneath her skin.

Her family fled to Qardho after all their goats died, her mother Najma explained.

“I don’t know what to hope for, or see how we can get back to what we had,” she said.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — While Israeli drones fly overhead and emergency vehicle sirens echo in the distance, Tarik Zaeem remains focused on his computer, developing code for a valet parking application based in Saudi Arabia and fixing issues with its barcode scanning feature.

During the week, the programmer navigates through Gaza City’s bomb-damaged streets to reach a shared workspace where independent contractors can power their equipment and connect to reliable internet service. This remote employment offers crucial financial support and mental relief from life in the impoverished and heavily damaged Gaza Strip.

“When I work, I forget everything and focus on the coding. I stop thinking about my family’s basic needs,” said the 44-year-old developer, referring to his spouse and three children who escaped to Egypt when the conflict began. “I stop thinking about airstrikes or searching for drinking water. When I’m on my laptop, I shut everything else out.”

Zaeem belongs to a network of independent contractors who create code, develop designs, and build programs for overseas customers. Online platforms that link them with clients — such as Freelancer.com, Upwork and Mostaql — have registered thousands of Palestinian workers from Gaza.

Similar to other Gaza residents, these workers have sometimes faced difficulties obtaining food, water and housing, lost friends and family members, and watched their homes and communities destroyed by Israeli bombing campaigns. While many ceased working, others continued their projects, creating brand logos for Canadian pizza restaurants, developing reservation systems for Palestinian barbershops, and building websites for companies in Kuwait and Turkey.

Following two challenging years of intense warfare, their employment situation is becoming more stable, though broader recovery and rebuilding initiatives remain stalled seven months after an unstable ceasefire began in October.

Online freelance work gained popularity over ten years ago in Gaza. Conventional industries declined after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, as Israel’s strengthened blockade severely damaged farming, manufacturing and other economic sectors.

Widespread joblessness and improved internet access — over 90% of Gaza households had online connectivity before the war — drove thousands of tech-savvy university graduates to pursue work opportunities overseas.

International donors and non-governmental organizations recognized this trend, funding coding competitions, business incubators and programming schools. The United Nations Development Program stated in 2018 that “freelancing and online jobs are considered to be among the best temporary solutions to the unemployment problem.”

Prior to the conflict, the U.S.-based organization Mercy Corps operated Gaza Sky Geeks, which managed active coworking facilities featuring glass walls and graffiti artwork displaying the word “entrepreneur” in Arabic. According to senior program manager Rand Safi, enthusiasm grew dramatically when it became evident that remote workers from Gaza could successfully compete in international markets.

Most of this progress disappeared during the war that began with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, when Hamas-led fighters killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s counterattack resulted in more than 72,700 deaths, according to local authorities, and forced most of Gaza’s 2 million residents to relocate — frequently several times. Hundreds of thousands found refuge in overcrowded tent settlements, while electrical and internet service interruptions became common.

Gaza Sky Geeks reported that two of its three facilities were destroyed in bombing raids. Business owners, program participants and teachers have been killed or lost touch. Currently, the organization is among those working to revive the industry, supporting operations at five independent shared workspaces where digital freelancers can resume their activities.

“They want the vibes, and I think they want a piece of their past,” Safi explained. “There is a sense among people of not wanting to be dependent on humanitarian aid. They want an income.”

More than three-quarters of Gaza’s communication infrastructure sustained damage during the war, and electrical outages frequently made completing contracts difficult.

“When we first started, the main problem was electricity and internet access. Now that’s less of an issue because workspaces have opened across Gaza,” said software engineer Sharif Naim.

During the conflict, Naim established Taqat Gaza, a shared workspace running on solar power systems, providing remote workers the chance to work in three-hour time slots. Currently, it serves over 500 freelancers, providing full-day internet connectivity and professional networking opportunities that Naim described as equally valuable.

“The focus (today) is creating a proper work environment, training and helping freelancers rebuild skills lost during the war so they can compete in the global market again,” he explained.

Some of these efforts have targeted women, many of whom became primary earners or needed additional income during the war.

Reem Alkhateeb, a mother and graphic designer, explained that she attempts to find time for online work while handling daily survival challenges, including standing in lines for food and water. Costs have increased dramatically and her husband lost his employment, transforming her freelance work from extra income into the family’s primary financial support.

“Our dreams are no longer about luxury or big ambitions. We dream about the simplest things that should already be basic human rights: having electricity, having internet access, being able to live and work normally,” she stated.

With banking services frequently unavailable in Gaza and payment systems like PayPal blocked for users with Palestinian addresses, freelancers have needed to discover alternative payment methods. Some direct payments through family members living abroad who can receive transfers for them, while others use cash intermediaries who accept electronic payments for high fees.

Several programs have emerged to assist freelancers in managing complex payment obstacles. Following the deaths of her husband and daughter in 2024, Salsabil Bardawi created “Gaza Talents” as a service to connect Gaza freelancers with international customers and support their career development. The platform has generated over $600,000 in earnings for workers, collaborating with the Bank of Palestine and the digital payment system “PalPay.”

“A lot of people can work, all they need is a laptop, internet, electricity and clients,” she said.

VIENNA (AP) — The renowned coffee shops of Vienna have welcomed the Eurovision Song Contest with open arms. However, they’ve also felt the impact of controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the glittering pop music event.

Officials initially excluded Israel when they announced their list of “Eurofan Cafes” — Vienna establishments serving dishes and music from participating nations.

MQ Kantine, a contemporary café located in the city’s artistic museum district, volunteered to fill the gap. The establishment now features falafel, bagels with lox and kosher wine on its menu, small Israeli flags strung across the ceiling — and a police officer stationed at the entrance.

Heavy security measures are in place throughout Vienna during the international music competition, whose “United by Music” theme feels somewhat empty this year. Five nations are refusing to participate due to Israel’s involvement. Pro-Palestinian activists have organized a protest concert — among multiple Eurovision alternative events happening across Europe — and plan an anti-Israel demonstration before Saturday’s grand finale.

At MQ Kantine, volunteers rotate shifts watching for possible problems. However, the atmosphere has remained welcoming so far, according to Daniel Kapp, a PR consultant and pro-Israel advocate.

“It’s beautiful,” he said, watching patrons enjoy coffee and beer on the café’s outdoor seating area in the warm spring weather, though he acknowledged that the police presence indicates things are “not entirely normal.”

“My feeling is that Austria to a certain degree has learned from its history,” Kapp said, referencing the lethal antisemitism during Nazi rule before and throughout World War II. “Which is why the support for Israel is a lot more normal than it is in other countries.”

Israel has participated in Eurovision for over five decades, claiming victory four times. However, its involvement has faced opposition since launching military action in Gaza following the Hamas-led cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people. Over 73,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict started, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which functions under Hamas control and maintains detailed records generally considered reliable by the international community.

Israel’s government has consistently justified its military campaign as retaliation for the Oct. 7 assault. However, several experts, including those appointed by a United Nations organization, have characterized Israel’s Gaza offensive as genocide. Israel, which is home to numerous Holocaust survivors and their families, has strongly rejected this accusation.

Recent Israel-Hezbollah conflicts in Lebanon and the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran have escalated tensions further.

The 2024 Eurovision event in Malmo, Sweden, and the previous year’s competition in Basel, Switzerland, witnessed pro-Palestinian demonstrations demanding Israel’s exclusion. Five nations — Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain — withdrew from the 2026 contest after organizers permitted Israel to participate.

These conflicts have created a divided Eurovision experience. A celebratory party environment exists within the Wiener Stadthalle arena and the separate Eurovision Village fan area. However, entry requires navigating extensive security, including searches, scanners and a complete bag prohibition inside the venue. Armed officers maintain a highly visible street presence.

Concern about potential terrorist threats remains elevated in the city following a 21-year-old Austrian man’s guilty plea for planning to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024, after allegedly swearing loyalty to the Islamic State group.

Israeli performer Noam Bettan informed Israeli media that, similar to last year’s Israeli representative Yuval Raphael, he rehearsed performing while facing hostile crowds. Occasional shouts mixed with applause when he performed during Tuesday’s first Eurovision semifinal. He earned a place in Saturday’s finale by ranking among the top 10 in combined viewer and national jury voting.

Contest organizers reported removing four individuals from the 10,000-person audience for disruptive conduct.

Austrian Eurovision enthusiast Ivo Herzl, who attended the semifinal, described “the vibe was incredibly positive.” He demonstrates Israel support by creating and selling Mazel Lov T-shirts — a wordplay on “mazel tov,” a Hebrew and Yiddish congratulatory expression.

“Vienna has always been a city of tolerance,” Herzl said. “It’s the city of music and we’ll always do everything possible for everyone to enjoy a musical event.”

Some Israeli supporters expressed comfort with the extensive security measures. Oz Yona, experiencing his first Eurovision, reported encountering “no hate” and felt Austria addresses antisemitism seriously.

He attended with friends to support Israel, though he remained pessimistic about Bettan’s prospects — for artistic rather than political considerations.

“I don’t think he will win,” Yona said. “Finland is better this year. Greece is better this year. We have a good song, but not a winning song.”

Birgitta Peterson and Kristina Nilsson, wearing coordinated pink bomber jackets and calling themselves The Swedish Ladies, enjoy discovering new cities and reuniting annually with their “Eurovision family” of fellow supporters. They intend to display Israeli flags during Saturday’s finale, after Swedish participant Felicia stated earlier this year that she questioned Israel’s contest participation.

They describe how Israel-related tensions have split a fan community historically recognized for its welcoming nature and celebration of diversity.

“The wounds are very deep at the moment,” Nilsson said.

“This event should really be about ‘united by music’ and happiness,” she added. “That’s what Eurovision is all about.”

A prominent human rights organization has released findings detailing severe violations committed during the occupation of a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a Thursday report.

Human Rights Watch documented serious crimes during M23 rebels and Rwandan military forces’ control of Uvira, which lasted approximately one month spanning late 2025 into early 2026.

The organization’s investigation recorded 53 summary executions, eight sexual assaults, and 12 enforced disappearances that occurred while the armed groups controlled the city.

According to the findings, combatants opened fire on civilians attempting to flee and conducted house-to-house searches specifically targeting males they suspected of connections to government-supported local armed groups.

The rebel forces initially seized control of Uvira in December but later retreated following diplomatic pressure from the United States.

Neither the government of Rwanda nor representatives for the rebel organization provided immediate responses to requests for comment. Both parties have previously rejected similar accusations of rights violations and have instead pointed to alleged attacks against Tutsi community members by Congolese military forces and their militia allies.

Despite ongoing international mediation attempts, including efforts by the United States, violence has persisted throughout eastern Congo.

In March, Washington implemented sanctions targeting the Rwandan Defence Force and high-ranking military leaders due to their purported backing of M23, allegations that Rwanda continues to reject.

Most recently, the rebel forces pulled back from multiple positions in South Kivu province, where Uvira is situated, moving approximately 30 kilometers northward.

President Trump arrived in Beijing Thursday seeking Chinese assistance to resolve the ongoing conflict with Iran, as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain at a standstill and global economic impacts continue mounting.

The Iran conflict is dominating Trump’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first presidential visit to China since 2017, though experts doubt he will receive the backing he’s seeking from Beijing.

More than a month has passed since a fragile ceasefire was implemented, yet diplomatic initiatives have failed to advance toward ending a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives, altered Middle Eastern partnerships, and increased prices for oil and other essential commodities worldwide.

The United States is demanding that Tehran abandon its nuclear program and release its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that handled approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport before hostilities commenced on February 28.

Tehran is seeking war damage payments, an end to the American blockade of Iranian ports, and cessation of combat on all battlefronts, including Lebanon where Israel is fighting Iran-supported Hezbollah. Trump has called Tehran’s demands “garbage.”

Trump’s China trip, taking place while Beijing maintains strong relations with Tehran and purchases significant amounts of Iranian oil, occurs as the war drives up domestic inflation and creates political risks for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections.

America hopes to persuade China “to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they’re doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Fox News’ “Hannity” program in footage released Wednesday.

“We’ve made clear to them that any support for Iran would obviously be detrimental for our relationship. That obviously is going to come up in this conversation on trade,” Rubio added during the Air Force One interview while traveling to China.

The administration announced Tuesday that senior American and Chinese officials agreed last month that no nation should impose fees on regional traffic, as Iran has threatened. China has not challenged this statement.

Ship-tracking information revealed Wednesday that a Chinese supertanker loaded with 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude passed through the Strait of Hormuz, representing the third confirmed Chinese oil tanker transit since the war started.

Additional nations are considering shipping agreements similar to Tehran’s arrangements with Iraq and Pakistan, sources indicated, potentially solidifying Tehran’s dominance over the waterway that typically carries fertilizers, petrochemicals, and other bulk materials essential to global supply networks.

Tracking data from LSEG showed Thursday that a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker operated by Japanese refining company Eneos has navigated the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second known Japan-connected vessel to cross the strait.

Japan depended on the Gulf region for roughly 95% of its oil imports before the conflict began.

Wednesday reports demonstrated how the Iran war has accelerated political realignment throughout the region.

Israel announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret March journey to the UAE for discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, which Israel described as producing a “historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations.

The nations restored diplomatic ties in 2020 through the Trump-supported Abraham Accords, and their partnership has grown stronger since the UAE faced Iranian attacks.

However, the UAE’s foreign ministry rejected claims about the visit, stating “any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded.”

Iran, which has targeted the UAE more heavily than other Gulf states in response to American-Israeli strikes, cautioned the Emiratis against becoming adversaries.

“Enmity with the Great People of Iran is a foolish gamble. Collusion with Israel in doing so: unforgivable. Those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted on X.

Reuters also reported that Saudi military aircraft attacked Iran-backed militias in Iraq, part of a wider pattern of Gulf nation military responses during the war that have stayed concealed. Sources said retaliatory attacks were also conducted from Kuwait into Iraq.

Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday he believes advancement is occurring in talks to conclude the war.

“The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president’s red line?” Vance told White House reporters. “And the red line is very simple. He needs to feel confident that we put a number of protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons.

A South Korean government official says Iran was most likely responsible for an attack on one of their country’s cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from Yonhap news agency on Thursday.

The senior foreign ministry official told reporters that Seoul is reviewing intelligence information provided by the United States regarding the May 4 incident involving HMM’s Namu vessel. The attack sparked a fire and caused damage to the ship’s lower stern hull.

“Once we go through the investigation and present the evidence, I trust that the Iranian side will respond in an appropriate way,” the official said.

The foreign ministry has not yet verified the official’s statements made to reporters.

Investigation teams from South Korea have traveled to Dubai, where the damaged Namu is currently docked for inspection before repairs begin. The experts are conducting detailed forensic analysis of the vessel’s damage.

Iranian officials have previously rejected claims they were involved in the attack, which involved a powerful strike to the ship’s side. Iran has not issued further statements while Seoul continues its investigation.

Shortly after the incident occurred, the U.S. President said Iran had attacked the South Korean ship and called on Seoul to participate in American-led initiatives to protect maritime traffic in the strait.

Demonstrations erupted across several areas of Cuba’s capital city on Wednesday night as residents expressed their anger over recurring electrical blackouts by banging pots and pans in the streets, a Reuters witness reported.

The protests took place in various neighborhoods throughout Havana despite a heavy police presence in the area. Hundreds of people participated in the demonstrations, voicing their frustration with the ongoing power outages that have been affecting the city.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces unleashed a devastating aerial bombardment on the nation’s capital during the early hours of Thursday, wounding a minimum of four civilians.

The head of Kyiv’s Military Administration Tymur Tkachenko confirmed that destruction occurred throughout six separate districts of the city. Tkachenko stated that Russian forces were launching both ballistic missiles and unmanned aircraft against the capital, causing harm to homes and essential infrastructure.

The Darnytsia district experienced severe devastation when a multi-level apartment complex suffered a partial collapse, creating a split through the middle of the structure and trapping residents beneath debris. Ukraine’s Emergency Service reported successfully pulling at least 10 individuals from the wreckage.

Rescue teams worked at the location to locate additional survivors while smoke from the bombardment continued rising from the debris pile.

Tkachenko reported that in the Dnieper district, an unmanned aircraft struck the top of a five-floor apartment building. Additional structural damage occurred to another building located in the Dniprovskyi district.

Residents throughout the capital heard multiple explosions during the early morning hours of Thursday.

This assault occurred just hours following an unusual midday strike on Kyiv that resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy stated that the previous attack utilized no fewer than 800 drones. He described the multi-hour bombardment as designed to inflict maximum “pain and grief” on the population.

Visual documentation has surfaced showing diplomatic discussions between former President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to China.

The images capture moments from high-level conversations between the two world leaders, providing a glimpse into international diplomatic proceedings.

The photographs document the meeting between the American and Chinese officials during the official visit.

Cuba’s energy minister announced Wednesday that the Caribbean nation has completely depleted its diesel and fuel oil supplies, leaving the capital experiencing the most severe power outages in decades as U.S. sanctions continue to restrict fuel imports to the island.

“We have absolutely no fuel (oil), and absolutely no diesel,” Energy Minister Vicente de la O stated during a government media appearance, describing the national power system as being in a “critical” condition. “We have no reserves.”

The minister reported that power outages have intensified significantly over recent weeks throughout Havana, with numerous districts experiencing darkness for 20 to 22 hours each day. This development adds to the mounting difficulties facing residents who are already dealing with severe shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.

According to de la O, the country’s electrical system is now running exclusively on domestic crude oil, natural gas and renewable energy sources.

While Cuba has added 1,300 megawatts of solar energy capacity during the previous two years, much of this power generation is being lost due to electrical grid instability caused by the fuel crisis, the minister explained, which diminishes both efficiency and total power output.

The nation’s leading energy official indicated that Cuba is continuing efforts to secure fuel imports despite the sanctions, though he noted that increasing worldwide oil costs and shipping expenses related to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran are creating additional complications for these procurement efforts.

“Cuba is open to anyone that wants to sell us fuel,” the minister stated.

Both Mexico and Venezuela, which previously served as major oil suppliers to Cuba, have halted fuel shipments to the island following an executive order issued in January 2026 that threatens tariffs against any nation providing fuel to the communist-governed country.

Since December, only one major oil vessel, the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, has successfully delivered crude oil to Cuba, offering brief assistance to the island during April.

These latest power disruptions in Havana and other areas occur as the U.S. fuel embargo against Cuba reaches its fourth month, severely impacting public services throughout the Caribbean island home to nearly 10 million residents.

The United Nations recently condemned the fuel blockade as illegal, stating it has hindered the “Cuban people’s right to development while undermining their rights to food, education, health, and water and sanitation.”

The leaders of the United States and China began their highly anticipated summit Thursday in Beijing, with observers predicting limited progress on major disputes involving Iran conflict, commercial relations, technology issues and Taiwan.

Trump hopes to focus talks on trade and deals for China to buy more agricultural products and passenger planes, setting up a board to address their differences and avoid a repeat of the trade war ignited last year after Trump’s tariff hikes.

Xi will likely bring up America’s decision to sell weapons to Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its own territory. Trump in December authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but has not yet moved forward with delivery.

The primary objective for the two-day diplomatic gathering centers on maintaining stability between the nations. Trump plans to depart Friday afternoon following a final private session with Xi.

The ongoing Iran conflict will probably feature prominently in discussions. Before the meetings began, Trump had hoped China would leverage its significant influence to pressure Iran into accepting American conditions to end the two-month conflict or reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, though he has moderated those expectations before the summit.

Trump touched down in Beijing Wednesday evening, with formal summit activities commencing Thursday.

China’s leader will formally receive Trump in a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, followed by official discussions between the two nations.

Cultural activities are also planned, including a stop at the Temple of Heaven, before concluding the day with a formal state dinner.

While the visit promises elaborate ceremony and symbolic gestures, neither country has revealed specific outcomes Trump might achieve from the meetings.

BEIJING (AP) — President Donald Trump began Thursday’s activities marking the most intensive phase of his China visit, engaging in a summit anticipated to showcase elaborate ceremonies and symbolic gestures while offering limited prospects for significant advances on critical matters including trade disputes, U.S.-Taiwan relations, or the conflict in Iran.

Trump’s arrival Wednesday evening featured an ornate welcoming ceremony, with his convoy passing beneath numerous American and Chinese flags while skyscrapers displayed illuminated Chinese text proclaiming “Beijing Welcome.” Following the reception, the Republican leader proceeded to his accommodations without scheduled public appearances.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was scheduled to conduct meetings with Trump Thursday at the Great Hall of the People, which serves as a legislative headquarters for the communist administration and hosts significant cultural and social gatherings on Tiananmen Square’s western edge.

Their bilateral discussions will precede Trump’s visit to the Temple of Heaven — a 15th-century religious site representing the connection between celestial and earthly realms. Both leaders will participate in a formal state dinner.

Friday’s agenda includes planned working sessions over tea and lunch between Trump and Xi.

White House representatives have maintained that Trump’s journey aims to achieve tangible outcomes, indicating potential announcements regarding trade matters, possibly including Chinese agreements to purchase American soybeans, beef, and aircraft. Administration officials also seek to establish a Board of Trade with China for addressing commercial disputes between the nations.

However, both governments have not provided specific details about potential outcomes from the three-day diplomatic mission, particularly as Beijing’s strong economic connections to Iran may create complications.

The president’s Beijing visit occurs while Iran continues influencing his domestic priorities and raising concerns about potential U.S. economic weakness during the election period preceding November’s midterm elections — where Republicans aim to retain Congressional control.

The U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran has resulted in the practical shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving oil and natural gas vessels stranded and causing energy costs to surge, threatening worldwide economic stability.

Extended time with Xi — particularly amid spectacular settings — will provide substantial opportunity for Trump to address multiple challenging subjects. These encompass Iran and trade issues, along with Taiwan and potential three-nation nuclear weapons agreements involving Washington, Beijing, and Russia.

Nevertheless, advancement beyond diplomatic courtesies — and extensive mutual praise between Trump and Xi, who have publicly exchanged effusive compliments for years — may prove difficult to achieve.

“Neither side will make much progress on the two major foreign policy issues,” predicted Jim Lewis, a tech policy fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. “Trump will press the Chinese to help him on Iran. They’ll be unwilling. The Chinese will press Trump to make concessions on Taiwan. We’ll see what we get out of that.”

In Washington, war politics became more complex Wednesday when Senate Republicans again prevented Democratic legislation aimed at ending Iranian hostilities — though Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposed her party, becoming the third Republican senator voting against continuing the conflict.

China purchases the most Iranian oil globally, yet Trump has minimized suggestions that he will pressure Xi to increase efforts against Iran regarding strait reopening — despite White House officials indicating he will privately advocate this position to China’s leader.

The president also states that U.S. economic pressures will not weaken American negotiating positions with Iran during the current fragile ceasefire. When asked while departing the White House whether ordinary Americans’ financial stability influences Iranian negotiations, Trump replied, “Not even a little bit.”

“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated, suggesting that “every American understands” this stance.

The administration has struggled maintaining consistent messaging regarding inflation and warfare.

Vice President JD Vance emphasized at Wednesday’s news conference that Trump remained “laser focused” on inflation while disputing Trump’s statements that U.S. economic concerns were irrelevant to war resolution.

“Well, I don’t think the president said that,” Vance responded when questioned about the remarks. “I think that’s a misrepresentation of what the president said.”

Taiwan’s situation remains prominent, given China’s displeasure with U.S. weapons sales to the self-governing island that Chinese authorities consider part of their territory.

The Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan while delaying delivery. Trump has also shown increased uncertainty regarding Taiwan — raising questions about potential reduced support for the island democracy.

Taiwan leads global chip manufacturing, creating components vital for artificial intelligence development. Trump has pursued trade agreements with Taiwan to encourage domestic chip production.

Trump personally contacted Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, inviting him aboard Air Force One during an Alaska refueling stop en route to Beijing — joining numerous CEOs from technology, defense, finance, and agriculture sectors in the delegation. Additional officials include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with Trump’s son Eric and daughter-in-law Lara Trump.

Elon Musk, the SpaceX leader who previously directed Trump’s federal workforce reduction efforts, also traveled to China.

The U.S. and China established a trade agreement last year that reduced mutual tariff threats. White House sources report ongoing discussions and shared interest in extending this arrangement, though announcement timing during Trump’s visit remains uncertain.

Trump indicated he will request Xi provide American companies increased Chinese market access, encouraging his counterpart to “‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic.” He also seeks extending agreements allowing continued Chinese rare earth mineral exports to the U.S., encouraging China to avoid limiting global supplies in response to Trump’s threatened tariffs.

Senior American officials have stated Trump will propose U.S., China, and Russia signing agreements limiting each nation’s nuclear weapon stockpiles — a concept Beijing has previously questioned.

Political opposition leaders in the Dominican Republic voiced strong criticism Wednesday regarding a newly signed pact with the United States that would allow the Caribbean nation to temporarily house deportees from other countries, arguing the arrangement compromises national sovereignty and lacks sufficient transparency.

The Dominican Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that the non-binding memorandum of understanding would permit the country to temporarily accept a restricted number of third-country nationals who have clean criminal backgrounds before they are sent back to their nations of origin.

This arrangement represents the most recent in a series of similar pacts between the Trump administration and various nations across Latin America and Africa, which have faced widespread criticism. These third-country deportation programs, requiring millions in funding, form part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy that involves sending migrants to nations other than their countries of origin.

“This agreement represents a surrender of our national sovereignty,” Manolo Pichardo, from the opposition Fuerza del Pueblo party, told The Associated Press.

“It subordinates Dominican interests to the geopolitical priorities of major Western powers and their strategic allies,” Pichardo added.

Former Dominican Foreign Minister Andrés Navarro raised concerns about the apparent secrecy surrounding the pact and urged the government to release the complete memorandum so citizens can fully comprehend its implications.

“What has been published says practically nothing,” Navarro said Tuesday.

Navarro explained that although he backs maintaining and enhancing ties with the U.S., he seeks assurance that the pact won’t compromise Dominican sovereignty.

The Dominican Foreign Ministry maintained the pact “will be carried out in accordance with national law and the country’s international obligations, without altering Dominican immigration policy or current border control and management procedures.”

The ministry stressed that the arrangement excludes children and nationals from neighboring Haiti, which occupies the same Caribbean island of Hispaniola alongside the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Leah Campos, stated on Instagram that “this short-term memorandum of understanding allows the United States to remove and repatriate third-country nationals more quickly, while respecting Dominican law, the country’s sovereignty, and current border procedures.”

She highlighted that the U.S. is working alongside the Dominican Republic to address transnational crime and drug trafficking, combat terrorism, and advance regional stability and prosperity.

Search teams from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces working alongside U.S. military personnel have recovered the remains of a second American service member who disappeared during joint training exercises in southern Morocco, officials announced Thursday.

According to a social media statement from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, the servicewoman’s body was discovered on May 12 at a rocky cliff location in the Cap Draa region after extensive search and rescue operations.

Both American military personnel had been participating in the African Lion joint training exercises when they were reported missing near Tan Tan in Morocco’s southern region on May 2, according to U.S. and Moroccan military officials. The first soldier’s remains were found and recovered near a cliff in the Cap Draa area on Sunday, the U.S. Army confirmed.