Since the accident, Rana has remained in a persistent vegetative state with no meaningful interaction or prospect of recovery, according to medical assessments.

The court’s ruling followed evaluations by two medical boards, which concluded that Rana’s condition was irreversible and that continued artificial nutrition could sustain biological life but could not improve his condition. 

Thus, his parents had petitioned the court seeking permission to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, arguing that their son was being kept alive artificially with no hope of recovery.

While widely described as a landmark, the case is notable for another reason: India has technically recognised passive euthanasia since 2018. 

In the landmark Common Cause v. Union of India ruling, the Supreme Court held that the constitutional right to life under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. The judgment also introduced the concept of “living wills,” allowing individuals to specify in advance whether life support should be withdrawn if they become terminally ill or incapable of giving consent.

Yet for years the right remained largely theoretical. The procedures set out in the 2018 ruling were widely criticised as too complex for families and hospitals to implement. In 2023, the Supreme Court simplified the process, removing several bureaucratic requirements and clarifying the role of hospital medical boards in end-of-life decisions.

Rana’s case is the first time that framework has been applied to an individual patient by the Supreme Court.

The ruling also underscores how India’s jurisprudence on end-of-life care has evolved over decades. Earlier judgments had rejected the idea of a constitutional “right to die,” but later rulings gradually reframed the issue as one of dignity at the end of life. 

Passive euthanasia — allowing death by withdrawing medical treatment — is now permitted under strict safeguards, while active euthanasia, in which substances are administered to cause death, remains illegal.

Even so, the Supreme Court has noted that India still lacks comprehensive legislation governing passive euthanasia. The current system operates largely through judicial guidelines, leaving many ethical and procedural questions unresolved.

For now, the Rana ruling demonstrates that a right recognised by the courts eight years ago is finally beginning to function in practice — bringing India’s legal promise of a dignified death closer to reality.

Historical records show that the impact varied widely by location, shaped by occupation, collaboration, resistance, and timing.

What emerges from the data is a sobering picture of how deeply embedded the genocide became in European life between 1939 and 1945.

Poland: The epicentre of Jewish loss

Poland suffered the greatest loss of Jewish life during the Holocaust. An estimated three million Polish Jews were murdered, representing about half of all Jewish victims of Nazi genocide.

Before the war, Poland was home to Europe’s largest Jewish population . Nazi Germany’s occupation turned the country into the centre of extermination, with ghettos, mass shootings, and death camps all operating within its borders.

According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), entire Jewish communities that had existed for centuries were wiped out.

The Soviet Union and Eastern Europe

The Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 unleashed mass killings on an unprecedented scale. Around 1.34 million Jews from Soviet territories were murdered, largely through mass shootings carried out by Einsatzgruppen, often with local collaboration.

Other Eastern European countries also experienced catastrophic losses:

Historians note that in several Baltic states, the speed and brutality of the killings were among the most extreme in Europe.

Central Europe: Systematic Deportation and Murder

In Germany , around 165,200 Jews were murdered. While the number is lower than in occupied territories, the country played a central role in planning, organising, and executing the genocide.

Neighbouring countries experienced devastating losses:

Hungary’s case stands out. Despite avoiding mass deportations for years, the situation changed rapidly after German occupation, resulting in one of the fastest killing operations of the Holocaust.

Western Europe: Fewer Survivors Than Often Assumed

Western European countries are sometimes perceived as safer for Jews during the war, but the figures tell a harsher story:

The Netherlands, in particular, lost more than 70% of its Jewish population, a figure that historians attribute to efficient registration systems and collaboration.

Southern Europe and the Balkans

In Southern Europe, outcomes varied sharply:

Romania ranks among the countries with the highest number of Jewish deaths, much of it driven by Romanian authorities acting independently of Germany, according to Yad Vashem.

By contrast, Denmark lost only 116 Jews, largely because of a mass rescue operation that ferried Jewish citizens to safety in Sweden. Albania, uniquely, ended the war with more Jews than it had before, losing around 100 people while sheltering refugees.

These figures are based on decades of research by institutions including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem, the Imperial War Museums, and national historical archives. They are estimates, but they are grounded in transport records, census data, Nazi documentation, and survivor testimony.

What this really means is that the Holocaust was not uniform. Geography, politics, and human choices mattered. Some governments collaborated. Others resisted. Ordinary citizens made decisions that shaped who lived and who died.

Holocaust denial and distortion remain a global problem. Accurate country-by-country data cuts through misinformation and reminds us that genocide unfolded through systems, not chaos.

Six million Jews were murdered across Europe. These national figures show how deeply the crime penetrated societies and how quickly rights, dignity, and life itself can be taken away.

Historical research shows that millions of people were murdered through policies that turned genocide into routine administration.

This was not random violence. It was state-organised extermination.

The most lethal Nazi death camps

At the centre of the Nazi killing system was Auschwitz-Birkenau, where historians estimate that between 1.1 and 1.3 million people were murdered. Most victims were Jews, alongside Roma, Polish political prisoners, Soviet prisoners of war, and others deemed undesirable by the regime.

Auschwitz combined forced labour with mass murder, using gas chambers, starvation, medical experiments, and execution. It became the single deadliest site of the Holocaust.

Several other camps were created solely to kill. These were part of Operation Reinhard, the Nazi plan to eliminate Jews in occupied Poland:

Most people deported to these camps were murdered within hours of arrival.

Why these camps existed

The death camps were built to serve a clear ideological goal, and that is the destruction of Jewish life in Europe. Nazi leadership viewed genocide as a logistical problem to be solved through infrastructure , transport systems, and bureaucracy.

Occupied Poland became the primary location because it had the largest Jewish population in Europe before the war, was under total German control, and had extensive railway connections that enabled mass deportations. These decisions were deliberate and strategic.

According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem, the camps were hidden from the German public but positioned for maximum efficiency.

The Holocaust resulted in the murder of six million Jews and millions of other victims across Europe. The death camps were the most extreme instruments of that crime, built and operated by a regime that normalised mass murder.

This history demands more than remembrance. It requires understanding, vigilance, and the refusal to allow denial to replace truth.

The visual, which differs from census data from 1841 with figures from 2020, highlights what historians and economists describe as one of Europe’s most significant population transformations, rooted in famine, migration and the long-term pull of urban growth.

The above map serves as a reminder of the devastation caused by the Great Famine, which reduced the population by millions through death and mass emigration.

In 1841, population density was highest in rural, agriculturally dependent counties. County Cork alone recorded 855,000 residents, while Galway, Mayo, Tipperary and Donegal each exceeded 300,000.

These figures highlight how densely settled rural Ireland was before the Great Famine, a period that, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), resulted in more than 1 million deaths and another 1 million emigrants, beginning a population collapse from which many counties have never recovered.

By 2020, the distribution looks almost reversed. Dublin emerged as the dominant centre, with more than 1.35 million people in its greater metropolitan area, nearly triple its 1841 population and far surpassing that of any other county.

Meanwhile, rural counties that once formed the core of Ireland’s population have dramatically smaller numbers: Mayo, for example, which held over 388,000 people in 1841, recorded around 130,000 in 2020. County Cork’s population, though still high, stands around 540,000, significantly lower than its pre-famine peak.

The concept is straightforward: visitors lie inside wooden coffins styled after those used in Japanese funerals. A 30-minute session invites participants to reflect on their thoughts while calming music and visual projections play above them. 

Although intended purely for meditation, the coffins are nearly identical to real ones, including a glass viewing panel normally used in traditional services.

The company insists it is not attempting to shock or sensationalise but to provide an unusual place for contemplation. 

Staff say the environment is carefully controlled and that participants must be in good physical and mental health. Those suffering from claustrophobia are strongly advised to avoid the experience.

There are also practical limitations: customers must be at least 18 years old, under 185 centimetres in height and weigh less than 90 kilograms.

Sessions cost around $13 (2,000 yen) and run four times a day.

While the idea may appear extreme, it fits into a broader Japanese culture of seeking quiet spaces — whether in cafes, hot springs or parks — where people can pause and detach from daily pressures.

“Today I am one of her children to pay respects for our mother for Thai people, and now she is with our father up above,” said one mourner. 

"Even the boss has all passed away from us. But they will never be forgotten from our heart. They will be remembered in our hearts forever," another added.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led the nation in mourning, announcing a year-long observance for civil servants and government officials, and a 90-day period for the general public. Flags will remain at half-mast for 30 days. 

Thais were encouraged to wear black or muted colours and to observe a respectful tone in public life, including concerts and public events.

Queen Sirikit, who suffered a stroke in 2012, was revered for championing women’s empowerment, rural development, and Thai craftsmanship through royal initiatives that transformed communities. Together with her late husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, she helped shape the modern Thai monarchy, earning deep affection across generations.

The Queen Mother’s passing marks an end of an era for Thailand and the start of a year-long mourning period for its transitional government.

Under the new law, mentally sound adults diagnosed with an irreversible and terminal illness can personally and in writing request euthanasia, as long as they are Uruguayan citizens or foreign residents. 

It does not allow assisted suicide, in which a patient gives themselves a fatal dosage of a prescription drug. The procedure must be carried out by a healthcare professional and ensures that death occurs in a “painless, peaceful, and respectful manner.”

Euthanasia and assisted suicide differ primarily in who carries out the last act: in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers the prescribed medication, whereas in euthanasia, a doctor administers the lethal substance.

This reform continues Uruguay’s trend of progressive policies. The country had previously legalised marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Public opinion also leaned strongly in favour, with about 62% of Uruguayans supporting the bill. Advocates like Beatriz Gelós, a 71-year-old living with neurodegenerative ALS, described the law as “compassionate, very humane.”

However, opposition came mainly from the Catholic Church. Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, warned that the bill could promote the idea that some lives are “disposable”. 

Emotions ran high during the Senate debate, with some opponents shouting “murderers” after the vote passed.

Where assisted suicide or euthanasia is legal

Latin America

Uruguay’s move follows similar developments elsewhere. While the Latin nation is the first in the region to achieve this through legislation, Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalised the practice via Supreme Court decisions. 

Europe

North America

Australia

Most Australian states now allow voluntary assisted dying for people with terminal illnesses or conditions causing intolerable suffering. Victoria led the way in 2019.

Where legislation is being considered

Europe

Uruguay’s decision adds momentum to the global debate on assisted dying, as more countries look to shift toward laws that prioritise dignity and personal choice at the end of life, with the number of people opting to die with assistance increasing exponentially over the years.

In Canada, the number of assisted deaths more than doubled, rising from 4,480 in 2018 to 10,064 in 2021. 

Out of the over 320,000 deaths that occurred in Canada in 2023, 15,300 of those deaths—roughly one in 20—were medically assisted. 

The death of 27-year-old Omar Badjie in Mandinaring has triggered nationwide outrage, with conflicting accounts deepening public mistrust of the authorities. Police said Badjie collapsed while fleeing a patrol. However, eyewitnesses allege he was beaten while in handcuffs. His family has rejected the official explanation, demanding accountability. The Gambia Police Force has issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging an investigation.

The Gambia auditor flags unreported funds in Mega Bank sale

The Auditor General’s 2023 financial report has revealed discrepancies in the sale of Mega Bank, noting that while the bank was sold for D921.2 million, only D896.8 million was recorded in government financial statements, leaving D24.4 million unreported. Of this amount, D23 million was disbursed by the Central Bank directly to Guarantee Trust Bank accounts without passing through the Consolidated Fund or Treasury Main Account. The sale of Mega Bank to KM Holdings for US$15.25 million in December 2024 drew widespread criticism, with lawmakers and civil society raising concerns over transparency.

Audit reveals $520,000 in undocumented spending by presidency

The 2023 Audit Report on The Gambia’s government accounts has found that the Office of the President disbursed over $520,000 to suppliers without the required procurement documents. This included a $14,000 business-class ticket for First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow’s travel to New York. The report also noted that in November 2023, the presidency extended a soft loan of $520,000 to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretariat to cover staff salaries.

Audit finds $10.2 million discrepancy in government accounts

The National Audit Office has reported discrepancies of more than $10.2 million in The Gambia’s 2022 government financial statements. According to the audit, closing balances from 2021 were not accurately carried forward as opening balances in 2022, resulting in variances totalling $10.2 million across several government accounts.

Autopsy conducted on Omar Badjie amid disputed accounts of his death

A post-mortem examination has been carried out at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital on the body of Omar Badjie, whose death has drawn conflicting accounts from his family, eyewitnesses, and the police. The examination was conducted by Dr. Leigh in the presence of Dr. Daffeh, representing the family, and the family’s legal counsel, Ayub Johnny Njie of AJ Njie & Associates Law Chambers, to determine the official cause of death. Badjie’s family and eyewitnesses allege he was assaulted by security officers after being found with a cannabis joint, while police claim he died after falling during a “hot pursuit” and was later pronounced dead.

What they said

“In applying article 7 of the military penal code, the court imposes a single sentence, namely the most severe one, which is the death penalty,” Lt Gen Mutombo Katalayi said in court. “This is a vast joke. We have always said this is a political trial,” Kabila's party’s permanent secretary, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, said after the verdict. “Instead of seeking cohesion and national reconciliation, this trial will further divide Congolese.” However, victims’ lawyers hailed the outcome. “Victims finally appear and the suffering they live in anonymity now has an author,” said Kasongo Mayombo, who represented several NGOs in eastern Congo.

While the death penalty was imposed, the court granted a two-year reprieve, citing Tang’s confession, cooperation with investigators, and repayment of illegal gains. His political rights were revoked for life, and all personal assets were confiscated.

Tang, 61, previously served as governor of Gansu province and vice-chairman of Guangxi before leading the agriculture ministry. He was expelled from the Communist Party in November 2024, months after the party’s anti-graft watchdog opened its probe.

His case highlights the scope of President Xi Jinping’s comprehensive anti-corruption campaign, which has since 2012 led to the punishment of more than a million officials, including senior figures in the military and government.

Analysts note the campaign has reinforced Xi’s control over the ruling Communist Party, while Beijing insists it strengthens governance and public trust.

Tang’s sentencing follows high-profile corruption cases against two former defence ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, reflecting the campaign’s reach across both civilian and military institutions.

Critics say the plan incentivises lethal force in a state already notorious for violent policing. In 2024 alone, 703 people were killed in police operations in Rio de Janeiro, nearly two deaths every day, according to official data from the state’s Public Security Institute .

“This stimulates violence and turns death into public policy,” warned federal deputy Henrique Vieira, who opposed the measure. Rights groups echoed the concern, with Djeff Amadeus of the Black Coalition for Rights stating publicly that the policy could trigger a “widespread massacre perpetrated by police officers who will do everything possible to earn more money.”

Brazil’s security forces are among the deadliest in the world. According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch , police in Brazil kill thousands annually, disproportionately targeting young Black men in impoverished neighbourhoods. A similar bonus system, known as the “Wild West Bonus,” operated in Rio from 1995 to 1998 before being scrapped after a spike in killings.

Supporters argue the policy will strengthen the fight against heavily armed drug gangs that dominate Rio’s favelas. But opponents warn it risks worsening the cycle of violence in a city where confrontations between security forces and criminal groups already endanger civilians.

The legislation also underscores Brazil’s broader political divide on security. Governor Castro and Bolsonaro-aligned lawmakers have promoted aggressive policing as a deterrent to organised crime, while critics insist such policies normalise extrajudicial killings and erode human rights protections.

Amadeus cautioned that the measure could deepen mistrust in public institutions while further entrenching systemic racial and social inequalities in the country’s justice system.

Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated

The infection occurs when contaminated freshwater enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel through the sinuses into the brain, where it destroys tissue.

On September 1, two patients, an infant and a woman, died while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Doctors confirmed both were infected by the same Naegleria fowleri strain. Health officials have since launched 'Jalamanu Jeevan' ('Water is Life'), a statewide chlorination drive targeting wells, swimming pools, and storage tanks.

Authorities are also using the imported drug miltefosine in treatment, but survival rates remain extremely low, Times of India reports.

Outbreak triggers political fallouts

The outbreak has triggered a fierce political debate. In the state assembly this week, the opposition Congress-led UDF accused the ruling LDF government of failing to prevent the spread of the disease, calling the crisis evidence of a “collapse of public health management.”

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan noted that eight people had died in just 15 days, asking what preventive measures were in place and whether enough awareness campaigns had been carried out in communities most at risk.

Health Minister Veena George rejected the criticism, highlighting Kerala’s broader health gains, including a fall in infant mortality and the expansion of free advanced treatments. She accused the opposition of smearing the state’s health sector, but critics said her reliance on comparisons to past administrations avoided addressing present failures.

Meanwhile, aside from PAM, Kerala is also battling jaundice, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid, and diarrhoeal diseases, stretching the state’s health system further. 

Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason described the gunman as “college age” and confirmed that investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack.

Kirk, 31, was shot while addressing an audience at the campus and later died in the hospital.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant as the manhunt continues. No arrests have been made.

Kirk, 31, was shot dead during a public event in Utah on Wednesday evening. According to reports, the activist was answering a question on gun violence in front of an audience of 3,000 when he was fatally attacked. His death has shocked the conservative movement, where he was widely regarded as one of the most influential voices of his generation.

Trump said the posthumous award ceremony would be held soon and promised it would draw significant public attention. “I can only guarantee you one thing,” he told the crowd, “we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big.”

The Z9 helicopter went down in dense forest in the Ashanti Region. All eight on board, five passengers and three crew members, were killed.

“This gentleman passed away because we are going to perform a national assignment, and this was their untimely death,” said Samson Asaki Awingobit, National Chairman of the People ’s National Convention. “I want the country to use this opportunity to totally eradicate, eliminate galamsey.”

Professor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, expressed disbelief. “Until I see their mortal remains well dressed and placed in their caskets, I’m still thinking that maybe they got lost in the forest.”

The government has declared three days of national mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast across the country.

New baby malaria drug could save thousands of African newborns, researcher says

A Ugandan health expert has welcomed the approval of the world’s first malaria drug designed specifically for newborn babies, calling it a long-overdue breakthrough for countries still battling high infection and death rates from the disease. Read more here .

What’s behind the petrol price gaps across Africa?

New data shows that fuel prices across Africa in June 2025 reveal a striking disparity, with the cost of petrol ranging from just $0.02 per litre in Libya to $1.54 per litre in Zimbabwe. Read more here .

Could Botswana abandon death penalty to tackle gender-based violence?

President Duma Boko has suggested a reassessment of the effectiveness of capital punishment in curbing violent crime, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), amid growing public concern over its persistent rise across Botswana. Read more here .

Asia

China suffers $7.6 billion in losses from natural disasters in H1 2025

Natural disasters across China in the first half of 2025 brought direct economic losses of 54.11 billion yuan ($7.55 billion) and affected more than 23 million people, an official from the emergency response ministry said on July 15. Read more here .

Indonesia leads the world in peacekeepers on Israel–Lebanon border

According to the latest data from the  United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon  (UNIFIL), Indonesia has emerged as the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops to the Israel–Lebanon border, deploying 1,255 personnel to help maintain stability in one of the Middle East’s most volatile regions. Read more here .

How Vietnam’s nine new laws are rewriting rules for schools, salaries and state money

Vietnam’s President Lương Cường has approved nine new laws that bring major reforms to the country’s education system, tax policy, labour rules, energy use and more. Read more here .

Latin America

Lula says he won't take orders from foreigner Trump, calls tariffs blackmail

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on July 24 said he would not take orders over tariffs from a foreigner, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, and later called the United States' threatened duty "unacceptable blackmail." Read more here .

Chile reveals Latin America's first zero-emission tugboat, Trapananda

Chile has launched Latin America’s first fully electric tugboat as part of efforts to reduce pollution and modernise its port services. Read more here .

Cuba fires minister who said beggars were all fakes

The Cuban government fired its labor minister after she was publicly rebuked by the president for saying the country's beggars were all phonies in disguise. Read more here .

Could Botswana abandon death penalty to tackle gender-based violence?

President Duma Boko has called for a review of capital punishment’s role in addressing violent crime, especially gender-based violence (GBV), as such crimes continue to rise in Botswana despite decades of its enforcement. Read more here .

Massacre in Benue, relief in reforms: Can new tax laws ease Nigeria's security crisis?

Over 100 people were killed in a June 13, 2025 attack in Yelewata, Benue State, amid ongoing land conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, Amnesty International reports. With over 1,000 deaths since May 2023, violence persists. Meanwhile, President Tinubu's new tax reforms aim to ease the burden on low-income Nigerians by boosting disposable income. Read more here .

U.S. visa cuts on Africa—Is it really about reciprocity?

The U.S. has imposed new visa restrictions on Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, reducing student, tourist, and business visas to single-entry with three-month validity. The State Department cites its Global Reciprocity Realignment—but is reciprocity the real motive? Read more here .

Asia

Over 200 Chinese children poisoned after school used paint in food: summary

Over 200 kindergarten children in Tianshui, China, were hospitalized with lead poisoning after staff used industrial paint pigments to color food. Authorities say 233 of 251 children were affected. The school principal and others are in custody. Some food samples had lead levels over 2,000 times the legal limit. Read more here .

Key events in the Air India crash investigation

A preliminary report on last month’s Air India crash, which killed 260 people, reveals the engines were starved of fuel seconds after takeoff when fuel cutoff switches flipped to “off.” Read more here .

China, Malaysia agree on reciprocal visa-free entry for tourists and business travellers

China and Malaysia will launch a reciprocal visa-free travel deal on July 17, 2025, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit and 90 days within 180 days. It applies to Chinese official and ordinary passport holders and Malaysian ordinary passport holders. Read more here .

Latin America

Adriano Baracho: Covering climate, communities, and change in Brazil

Adriano, a one-man journalist for TV10 in rural São Paulo, has spent a decade covering local stories solo. Originally from the Amazon’s Pará region, he also documents climate change, deforestation, and Indigenous struggles from remote areas often overlooked by the media. Read more here .

Why Colombia is celebrating its independence day in another country

Colombia will celebrate its Independence Day in the Czech Republic for the first time this July 2025, as part of efforts to deepen cultural ties abroad. Organised by the Colombian Embassy and ASOCOLCZ, the event will be held on Saturday, July 19, at Betlémské náměstí in the heart of Prague. Read more here .

Trump intensifies trade war with threat of 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico

President Donald Trump has threatened a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting August 1, after trade talks stalled. Announced via letters posted on Truth Social, the move escalates tensions with key U.S. partners. Both Mexico and the EU criticised the tariffs as unfair but vowed to keep negotiating. Read more here .

According to Punch Nigeria, over 1,043 people have died from violence between May 2023 and May 2025.

Global South World sought to understand the gravity of the impact and what steps have been taken so far to address these dastardly acts through an interaction with Nigerian journalist, Segun Adewole.

Just like many locals in the country, Segun believes that at least 200 people were killed from this treachery which received global attention.

According to the journalist, several measures like doubling the weapons of security personnel as well as dialogue on security are in place to tackle the insecurity menace in the country.

However, efforts at dialogue seem to be producing nothing as security forces appear overwhelmed by the consistent loss of lives in the line of duty.

“How can they go to Benue State and kill people? Killed 200 people and no police could come and do something about it. They went to Benue, killed 200 people. For 2 days, they operated, and the police could not go there. Yet we have the military, we have the army, the navy, the police, the NSCDC, and different security agencies. That shows that there's something wrong somewhere,” Segun said. 

This, Segun also attributes to a problem in the governing structure of the country.

“No matter who becomes president, if Trump should come into Nigeria, with the kind of structure we have right now, he won't be able to succeed because the structure is not created for success,” he added.

Away from the boiling insecurity, the ordinary Nigerian seems to be getting some respite from the new tax measures President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law.

In a statement , the president said “The tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income.”

During the discussion, Segun explained that workers or individuals earning less than a million naira ($653.41) are exempt from paying taxes.

“The tax reforms signed into law, they affect the ordinary citizen, the ordinary man on the streets, because right about now, I think there's a portion that says if you are earning less than a million naira you won't, you'll be exempted from tax. That is one good thing because how can I be earning something little and I'm, I'll still be required to pay tax? So, the payment of tax would be for those earning above 1 million naira and the majority of the populace are earning below 1 million naira, so they are exempted from tax,” he explained.

The new tax laws are: the Nigeria Tax Act , which simplifies taxation by merging rules and scrapping 50+ overlapping taxes; the Tax Administration Act , which standardises tax collection nationwide; the Nigeria Revenue Service Act , replacing FIRS with the independent NRS; and the Joint Revenue Board Act , which boosts coordination and creates a Tax Ombudsman and Appeal Tribunal.

Watch the discussion attached to this story.

The deaths began after a birthday party in Antananarivo, where 17 people were reported to have died from poisoning.

Since then, similar cases have been recorded in different regions, with the national death toll rising to at least 42.

In the southern town of Ambohimahazo, multiple deaths were also linked to food served at a party.

While some reports suggest the poisoning may have been intentional, health officials are still waiting for lab test results to confirm the cause.

The situation has triggered widespread concern among the public, especially in the capital. Small street restaurants, known locally as "gargotes," have been especially hard hit, with some vendors reporting income losses of up to 70% as customers stay away.

According to officials, a DNA test has confirmed the identity of the last victim of the Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, bringing the death toll to 260. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board and 19 others on the ground, with one survivor reported. Previous estimates had pegged the death toll higher, but 240 bodies were identified before this confirmation. Medical authorities indicated that the DNA matching process was complex due to severe damage to many bodies.

Mahaa News office vandalised in Hyderabad, allegations against BRS

Reports confirm that unidentified assailants attacked the office of Mahaa News in Hyderabad, vandalising vehicles and property on June 28. Congress MLC Venkat Balmoor has condemned the incident, attributing responsibility to BRS party leaders. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is scheduled to visit the affected channel's office as authorities continue to investigate the attack.

Saquib Nachan, alleged ISIS leader, dies in Delhi Hospital

Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan, alleged chief of ISIS India , has died in a Delhi hospital following complications from a brain haemorrhage. Nachan, previously convicted for his involvement in the 2002-03 Mumbai blasts, was under medical care after being admitted from Tihar Jail. His death raises concerns over the ongoing investigations into terrorism in India.

India's unvaccinated children: Global ranking reevaluated

India has been reported to have the second highest number of unvaccinated children globally, with 1.4 million behind Nigeria's 2.5 million, according to The Lancet. However, analysis suggests that these figures may not accurately reflect India's vaccination efforts due to its large population. Experts highlight the need for more nuanced comparisons to understand the context of vaccination rates in such a populous nation.

Air India flight returns to Mumbai due to cabin emergency

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai made a precautionary return on June 27 after a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and provided support to passengers affected by the disruption. This incident follows other recent reports concerning aircraft safety and security measures within the airline.

Among the deceased are Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces; IRGC Commander Hossein Salami; and Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, who had recently assumed command of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

The funerals, held in Tehran, drew large crowds of mourners paying their respects to these prominent figures.

The Iranian Ministry of Health reported 610 deaths and 4,746 injuries resulting from Israeli airstrikes.

However, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates higher figures, citing 974 deaths and 3,458 injuries, including both military personnel and civilians.

Israel reported 29 fatalities and over 3,200 injuries due to Iranian missile and drone attacks. The Israeli military targeted over 900 sites in Iran, aiming to dismantle its nuclear capabilities and missile production infrastructure.

The conflict concluded with a ceasefire mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian officials.

The agreement stipulated that both nations would cease hostilities, with the understanding that any further aggression would nullify the truce.

While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, tensions remain high . Iranian citizens have expressed both hope for lasting peace and concern over potential future conflicts. The Iranian government faces internal criticism for its handling of the situation, and the international community continues to monitor the region closely.

What they said

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered condolences and wished the injured a swift recovery. He called the incident a “painful tragedy” and extended his thoughts to the bereaved family.  “It is with great sadness and sorrow that we received the news of our supporter who passed away after falling from the upper stands.”, MC Alger issued a statement in an Instagram post mourning the death of one supporter, Younes Amguzzi.

His family has decided to hold a private funeral and burial in South Africa, saying it was in line with their wishes .

Family lawyer Makebi Zulu thanked the South African government for supporting the decision and for allowing a peaceful and respectful ceremony.

Efforts to bring Lungu’s body back to Zambia were delayed after the family objected to the presence of current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the funeral.

The two leaders had a long and bitter political rivalry. On June 19, Hichilema cancelled the 16-day national mourning period he had earlier declared, saying Zambia could not remain in mourning indefinitely.

He also apologised to the South African government for any inconvenience caused.

Hichilema said his administration had tried to reach an agreement with Lungu’s family but had to accept their final decision.

Lungu, who was 68, served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021 before losing the election to Hichilema.

Even after leaving office, he remained a powerful voice in Zambian politics, especially ahead of the 2026 elections .

The two men had clashed repeatedly over the years.

In 2017, Hichilema was jailed for treason under Lungu’s administration, and last year, Lungu accused the government of harassment and preventing him from leaving the country for medical care, an allegation officials denied.

The death occurred during the second week of June and is the first COVID-related fatality reported since May 2024.

Last year, Malaysia recorded 57 deaths linked to the virus.

Officials say the overall situation remains stable, even as the country saw a 68% increase in weekly cases.

A total of 3,379 infections were recorded in the week ending June 15, up from 2,011 the week before. So far, Malaysia has recorded more than 21,700 COVID-19 cases in 2025.

Six patients, all with underlying conditions were admitted to intensive care during the latest surge.

Four of them have since been discharged and returned home, while two remain in hospital wards for further treatment.

The World Health Organisation is currently tracking a new COVID-19 subvariant known as NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus,” which has been spreading quickly in several parts of Asia, including India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand .

The variant is being monitored for its potential health risks and ability to spread more easily than earlier strains.

Health authorities in Malaysia are urging people to stay cautious, wear masks in crowded places, improve indoor ventilation, and stay home if unwell.

  What they said

Matthew Nlan, a survivor of the massacre, said , "They burnt some of our community members in stores there; there are some stores that are housing more than 50 persons. All were burnt down." "People slaughtered here, others burnt to ashes,” he added.

  What they said

“Doña Violeta died peacefully, surrounded by the affection and love of her children and those who had provided her with extraordinary care, and now she finds herself in the peace of the Lord,” the Chamorro family said in a statement. They added that she will be temporarily buried in Costa Rica "until Nicaragua once again becomes a republic.”

How $500m in missing aid threatens millions in Sudan

Famine threatens several areas south of Khartoum, warns the World Food Programme, which has reached one million people in seven parts of the city. Ongoing conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF since April 2023 has displaced millions and split the country into rival zones. Read more here .

Malawi's army implicated in death of Vice President

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Senior Kenyan policeman arrested over death of blogger in custody

Kenyan authorities arrested a senior officer over blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in custody, which sparked protests. Police had claimed suicide, but an autopsy suggested assault. Read more here .

Asia

Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 240

Over 240 people died when an Air India flight to London crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, marking the worst aviation disaster in a decade. The Boeing 787 hit a medical college hostel, leaving one survivor—a British national of Indian origin—who described hearing a loud noise after takeoff. Read more here .

China to make all hospitals offer epidurals to incentivise childbirth

China will require all large hospitals to offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth by year-end to support a 'friendly childbearing environment.' Smaller hospitals must comply by 2027, as authorities seek to reverse declining birth rates. Read more here .

Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to fly to the International Space Station

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS, launching June 10 on Axiom Mission 4 via SpaceX. He’ll join a four-member crew for up to 14 days of research and outreach. Read more here .

Latin America

From peace negotiator to prisoner: Salvadoran artist in exile fights for his father's freedom

Atilio Montalvo Valiente, a musician and activist, fled El Salvador after his father, a key figure in the 1992 peace process, was kidnapped and jailed by the government. Facing threats, Valiente now lives in exile, continuing his fight against autocracy. Read more here .

Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval dips to 28%, Datafolha poll shows

Brazilian President Lula’s approval dipped to 28% in June, while disapproval rose to 40%, according to Datafolha. Despite the drop, ratings remain better than February’s record lows. Read more here .

Mexican president condemns violence in Los Angeles protests

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned violence during Los Angeles protests against U.S. immigration raids and urged respect for the rule of law in migration. Demonstrators rallied citywide, denouncing U.S. policies. Read more here .

'He admits to being the perpetrator of the act, but does not really explain it', said the Chaumont public prosecutor at a press conference. 'In police custody, the person concerned showed himself to be detached, both with regard to the seriousness of the alleged acts and the consequences for himself', he added.

"The head, the whole head, was full of blood, the whole head. On top of the head, normally we call it the scalp, it was full of blood. And then when we checked inside that blood, it went inside his brain. So the cause of death of Albert is because of a head injury caused by blunt trauma, and he had signs of neck compression," Geoffrey Mutuma, a pathologist, said.

This revelation defeats the police report, which states that the deceased died from repeatedly hitting his head against the wall of the police cell.

"While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall," a police statement said. "He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival."

Ojwang was arrested on Friday, June 6, in Homa Bay, a town in western Kenya.

He was detained in connection with a post on X that was allegedly critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

He was later transferred to Nairobi on Sunday, June 8, where the police claim he was found unconscious from self-inflicted injuries.

Ojwang's death sparked public outcry as activists and protesters swarmed Nairobi to demonstrate for justice.

To 'salvage' the situation, the country's police chief, Douglas Kanja, on Monday, June 9, suspended the station head and all police officers who were on duty the day Ojwang died for independent investigations.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tripoli repeatedly demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah amid recent militia clashes, which claimed at least eight lives. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for governmental reform as protests persist in a divided Libya, where the UN-recognised GNU faces opposition from Khalifa Haftar's eastern administration. The unrest follows an announcement by Dbeibah aimed at dismantling rival armed factions, exacerbating tensions within the capital, Le Monde reports.

UN reports surge in Sudanese refugees

The United Nations has reported a significant rise in the number of Sudanese refugees entering Libya since the onset of conflict in Sudan, with nearly 313,000 refugees arriving to date, according to The Libya Observer . The UNHCR has projected a potential total of 621,000 Sudanese refugees by the end of 2025, while the WFP has called for urgent funding to continue food assistance to vulnerable populations, warning of a looming aid suspension due to critical funding shortages.

Budget passed by Eastern Parliament raises concerns

Libya’s eastern-based parliament has approved a budget of 69 billion Libyan dinar ($12.71 billion) for a development and reconstruction fund, seeking to distribute the funds over three years. However, uncertainty surrounds the actual disbursement of these funds, as the Tripoli-based Central Bank, responsible for Libyan oil revenues, remains under the control of a rival government, potentially hindering implementation of the budget.

Mass graves discovered in Libya confirm human rights violations

Dozens of bodies have been uncovered at various detention sites in Tripoli, affirming deep-rooted concerns regarding abuse and torture within these facilities, as highlighted by the UN human rights chief. The Mirage reports that the grave findings indicate possible extrajudicial killings linked to the Stabilisation Support Apparatus, an armed group in Tripoli. The High Commissioner has called for immediate forensic investigations and accountability for these human rights abuses amid ongoing protests against violence.

Sudan saw 670 civilians killed by explosive weapons, while Nigeria recorded 463.

Most of these deaths occurred in populated areas, especially residential neighbourhoods and places where civilians sought shelter.

Sudan’s high numbers were linked to the brutal internal conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has devastated urban areas like Khartoum and Omdurman.

In Nigeria, the report highlighted an increase in airstrikes by the country’s military that often resulted in unintended civilian casualties.

These included incidents in rural markets and camps for displaced people, raising concerns over rules of engagement and accountability.

Somalia was the third most-affected African country, with 225 civilian deaths in 2023. Most of these casualties were caused by non-state actors such as al-Shabab, who often use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in busy urban centres.

Outside Africa, the highest number of civilian deaths was recorded in Gaza, where 4,518 civilians were killed in 2023. Ukraine followed, with 1,105 deaths, as Russia's invasion entered its second year with ongoing shelling in major cities.

Other countries with high civilian tolls included Syria, Afghanistan and Myanmar, where long-running conflicts have made urban areas frequent targets of explosive attacks.

Background

The report , released annually by AOAV, monitors the impact of explosive weapons worldwide using data from English-language media sources.

In 2023, it recorded 6,883 civilian deaths and over 10,600 injuries caused by explosive violence across 66 countries and territories.

The majority of these incidents occurred in towns, homes, refugee camps, markets and streets, places where civilians live, work, or gather.

Explosive weapons used in populated areas were especially deadly, accounting for 90% of all civilian deaths recorded.

Airstrikes and shelling were the most lethal forms, with state actors responsible for 58% of civilian deaths globally. Non-state groups were linked to a third of the total.

The report also noted an increase in harm caused by air-launched weapons, drones, and long-range artillery, especially in countries like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza.

AOAV called on governments and armed groups to respect international humanitarian law and to avoid the use of wide-area explosive weapons in civilian settings.

Below are the rankings by the respective countries as compiled by the AOAV

Civilian Deaths by Country (2023)

Country Civilian Deaths  Context

Gaza      4,518     Israeli airstrikes during ongoing conflict

Ukraine 1,105     Russian invasion and shelling of cities

Syria      717        Ongoing civil war and foreign interventions

Sudan    670         Internal war between army and RSF

Afghanistan        512        Attacks by Islamic State and Taliban

Nigeria  463        Military airstrikes and insurgent attacks

Myanmar             241        Conflict between military junta and rebels

Somalia 225        Attacks by al-Shabab using IEDs

Pakistan               198        Militancy and cross-border shelling

Israel     148        Hamas-led rocket attacks

Kyra Hill got into difficulty in a designated swimming area at Liquid Leisure near Windsor, Berkshire, on August 6 2022. Senior coroner Heidi Connor concluded that Kyra had been unlawfully killed following gross health and safety breaches at the park.

Mexican beauty influencer shot to death during TikTok live stream

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Africa

Survivors fight to heal from rampant sexual violence in war-torn Sudan: Video

In Port Sudan, now serving as the de facto capital of eastern Sudan, survivors of sexual violence find refuge at the Aman Centre—a community-run hub offering psychological support and a path to healing amid the country’s ongoing conflict. The centre has become a critical lifeline for many. Read more here .

Gambian lawmakers demand expanded probe into Jammeh’s hidden assets

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Libyan economy and trade minister resigns from the internationally recognised government

Libya's Economy Minister, Mohamed al-Hawij, has resigned, joining two other ministers amid protests in the capital after this week’s violent clashes. Local Government Minister Badr al-Tumi and Housing Minister Abu Bakr al-Ghawi also stepped down. Read more here .

Asia

Vietnam leads the world in breeding high-value sushi fish in lab

Vietnam has made history as the first country to successfully breed amberjack, a prized fish widely used in Japanese cuisine. Read more here .

Turkish police detain 97 students over university protest

Turkish police detained 97 students at Istanbul’s Bogazici University on Tuesday during a protest against a campus event featuring controversial Islamic preacher Nureddin Yildiz. Read more here .

Rogue communication devices found in Chinese solar power inverters

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According to the report, 41 LGBTQ+ individuals have been murdered so far in 2025, representing a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The data reflects rising homicide rates but also points to an alarming consistency in the timeline: e very 48 hours, an LGBTQ+ person is killed in Colombia.

“The report presents heartbreaking figures that constitute an urgent call to eradicate the dynamics of prejudice in the country,” said Iris Marín Ortiz, Colombia’s Ombudswoman, at the report’s presentation in Bogotá.

"Every two days, according to this report, one person is murdered, an LGBTQ+ person, and every two days, one person from this population has been a victim of sexual violence. The report presents heartbreaking figures that constitute an urgent call to eradicate the dynamics of prejudice in the country," Iris added.

But homicides are only part of the picture. The NGO also recorded that, on average, an LGBTQ+ person is sexually assaulted every two days, painting a broader picture of entrenched violence, discrimination, and systemic neglect.

Vietnam’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, outlined in Resolution 57, was praised at the launch of the 2025 Human Development Report in Hanoi for advancing national development and contributing to the country’s rising Human Development Index (HDI), which reached 0.766 in 2023. Experts from the UN, UNESCO, and academia highlighted Vietnam’s progress in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and AI integration across key sectors. However, they also urged the government to establish a national ethical framework for AI, strengthen legal protections, and enhance public education to ensure AI development remains inclusive and human-focused.

Bank leads profit

As of Q1 2025, Vietnam's banking sector remains the most profitable, dominating the country's corporate earnings with 8 out of the top 10 spots and 12 of the top 20, reflecting its central role in financing infrastructure and consumer growth. In contrast, China, while still led by state-owned banks like ICBC and CCB, is gradually shifting profit centres toward tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to lead globally in profits through its innovation-driven tech sector, with companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia at the forefront.

Death sentence cancelled

The Lao Cai provincial police have confirmed that 10 death row inmates at a local detention facility have had their sentences officially commuted, following a clemency order signed by President Luong Cuong on April 23. This act of leniency, part of a broader national effort, marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification and reflects the state’s commitment to compassion and rehabilitation, even for those convicted of the most serious crimes. The decision underscores the Vietnamese government’s humane approach to justice and social reintegration.

Belarus-Vietnam partnership

Belarus and Vietnam have officially established a strategic partnership , following high-level talks in Minsk on Monday between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, To Lam. President Lukashenko pledged to enforce existing agreements strongly and emphasised Belarus’ interest in deepening bilateral trade. He proposed joint production ventures, particularly in equipment manufacturing, and expressed readiness to resume military-industrial exports to Vietnam.

Nuclear power plant

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to swiftly negotiate and sign intergovernmental agreements for the construction of nuclear power plants in Vietnam, according to a joint statement released during Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam’s visit to Moscow. The two countries committed to using advanced technology and adhering strictly to nuclear and radiation safety standards. The agreement is aimed at boosting Vietnam’s socio-economic development and meeting the country’s growing energy demands.

Her religious group, the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus, confirmed her death, indicating that she died under “natural circumstances”.

Sister Inah would have turned 117 on May 27.

Known not only for her age but also for her joyful spirit, strong faith, and years of service as a teacher and religious sister, Inah became the oldest living person in the world in January, according to LongeviQuest .

Sister Inah, born on June 8, 1908, in southern Brazil, is known for her cheerful spirit and devotion to her Catholic faith. Her family says her birth was registered late, so her real birthday is May 27.

She chose to become a nun as a teenager and lived a life of teaching and prayer, teaching thousands of students across Brazil and Uruguay. One of her former students even became Brazil’s president during the military rule — Gen. Joao Figueiredo.

Sister Inah loved art , sports and prayer.

At age 116, she shared that her faith is what kept her going for so long

“I’m young, pretty and friendly — all very good, positive qualities that you have too,” she told visitors to her retirement home .

She was the second-oldest nun ever known.

She took over the title of world’s oldest person after Japan’s Tomiko Itooka died in December 2024.

The new oldest person is now Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old woman from the United Kingdom.

Sister Inah’s funeral took place on May 1 in Porto Alegre.

Her religious group said she will be remembered with love and respect for her life as a teacher, a nun, and a woman who lived through more than a century of history.

Pakistan has cancelled all flights to and from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as tensions with India escalate following a terrorist attack in Jammu that killed 26 tourists. The precautionary measure, reported by NDTV World , is aimed at securing airspace amidst fears of military action by India. Officials are investigating the efficacy of the hotel’s fire safety mechanisms, as the tragedy unfolded with many guests trapped, leading to tragic fatalities.

Probiotic Dairy Market on the Rise in India

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Hotel Blaze in Kolkata Causes Tragic Loss of Life

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India to Conduct Caste Census for the First Time in Decades

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Air India Fleet Modernisation: Retrofit Programme Gains Momentum

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Tens of thousands of people lined the streets as the popemobile carried the late pope’s coffin through Rome. Many clapped, prayed, and waved flags to say goodbye to the Argentine pope, who died at the age of 88.

The late pope had requested to be buried in a modest grave, with only the Latin word “Franciscus” inscribed on his tombstone.

The marble for the tomb came from Liguria, the Italian region where his family roots can be traced. His burial site is close to the altar of Saint Francis, in a quiet side part of the fifth-century church.

Earlier in the day, a large funeral service was held at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by world leaders and thousands of mourners.

Among them were US President Donald Trump , Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain’s Prince William, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei.

It was one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders in recent years.

After the service, the pope’s coffin was taken across the River Tiber to Santa Maria Maggiore.

Many young people from different countries also came to Rome to say goodbye to Pope Francis, remembering him as a leader who spoke for peace and stood with people suffering from war and hardship around the world.

Here are some of the major photos from the event that happened earlier today:

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from his residence:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," the Vatican News Service wrote.

His death has brought sadness across the world, with millions remembering him as a humble and kind leader who stood for the poor, peace, and the environment.

Flags are flying at half-mast at the Vatican. Bells rang at St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the passing of a man many people loved, even outside the Catholic Church.

  What caused his death?

The Vatican said Pope Francis died after suffering a major stroke. The stroke caused him to lose consciousness, which led to heart failure.

“The cause of Pope Francis' death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,” the Vatican said .

The report was released on Monday evening by the Holy See Press Office after the official certification was issued by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City.

“According to the medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes,” the Vatican added .

Pope Francis had been struggling with health problems for some time. Over the past few years, he had surgery on his lungs, one that cost him a portion of the organ that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.  

On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from a “bout of bronchitis” for several days, the Vatican said. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18.

Even though he was not in perfect health, Pope Francis continued his work almost until the very end.

He kept meeting leaders, attending public events, and speaking to the world about kindness, peace, and protecting the Earth. Many people admired his strength and commitment even while he was sick.

A Pope who cared about the poor and the planet

Pope Francis was known for changing the way many people saw the Catholic Church. He wanted the Church to be closer to ordinary people and not just focus on rules and traditions.

He spoke a lot about helping the poor, protecting nature, and welcoming migrants. He often said the Church must be a home for everyone, including those who felt forgotten or left out.

He also warned world leaders about the dangers of climate change and called for more fairness in the economy.

Francis was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to lead the Church. He lived simply, choosing a small home instead of the grand papal palace. He used a simple car and often wore plain clothes. His message was always about humility, mercy, and love.

During his time as Pope, he visited places others had not, like South Sudan and Iraq, meeting people who were suffering from war and poverty. Many young people and people outside the Church respected him for his honest, caring style.

From Buenos Aires to the Vatican

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His parents were immigrants from Italy. As a young man, he loved soccer and dancing.

He also studied chemistry and even worked briefly as a nightclub bouncer.

In his early twenties, he decided to become a priest.

He joined the Jesuit order, which is known for helping the poor and focusing on education. He quickly became a leader in the Jesuits because of his simple way of living and strong faith.

He later became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned, Bergoglio was elected Pope. He chose the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, who was famous for his love of the poor and of nature.

What happens now?

With the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican is now preparing for his funeral. Church leaders have already started meeting to plan the funeral ceremonies, which will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

The Catholic Church will also begin the process of choosing a new Pope. This process is called a conclave. During the conclave, all the cardinals of the Church will meet in the Sistine Chapel. They will pray and vote in secret until they agree on a new leader.

Until a new Pope is elected, the Church will be led by the Camerlengo, a Vatican official who looks after the Church’s daily affairs during this period.

Tributes continue to pour in from all corners of the globe, honouring Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to promoting peace, justice , and human dignity.

"I believe that all of us who knew him—and even those who knew him only from afar, through the news—remember this great man who worked tirelessly not only for the Church, but for the world, for peace in the world, for peace among nations, and dialogue between people s. His concern for the environment, and at the same time, his concern for debt and people in need of greater dignity," Orani Joao Tempesta, Cardinal of Rio de Janeiro, told AFP.

Ecuador's election crisis: Gonzalez to contest results amid fraud allegations

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Mexico confirms first human case of screwworm myiasis

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Colombia's Petro pauses FARC offensive to progress in peace talks

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Asia

Robots join thousands of runners in Beijing’s futuristic half marathon

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Pakistani Christian man to appeal death sentence for blasphemy

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Earthquake of magnitude 5.8 strikes Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, GFZ says

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Africa

Death toll in Nigeria attacks by herders rises to 56

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Uganda plans law to allow military prosecution of civilians

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South Africa reaffirms 'One China' policy, instructs Taiwan to relocate office

South Africa has asked Taiwan to move its liaison office from Pretoria to Johannesburg to reaffirm its commitment to the “One China” policy. Minister Ronald Lamola said the move doesn’t change Taiwan’s diplomatic status, as formal ties ended in 1997 when South Africa recognised the PRC. Read more here .

Three days later, families are still waiting to identify the dead, while the nightclub lies in ruins - its roof reduced to rubble and twisted steel . According to the office of President Luis Abinader, 189 people were pulled alive from the debris.

First responder Fabio Miniato, a 60-year-old firefighter, described the trauma of the rescue efforts. “At the entrance, under a slab, there was a leg sticking out. She couldn’t have been more than 18 or 20. And I thought - someone is waiting for her at home.”

As dawn broke that morning, he recalled the haunting sound of cell phones ringing beneath the rubble. “That was all people looking for their relatives,” he said.

The tragedy has left young people especially shaken. Emma Nicole Barba, a 23-year-old student, stood among mourners near the site.

“You think it could have been me, a sibling, a friend,” she said. “Let’s hope the authorities respond. This was a very big catastrophe.”

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. 

"It has been distressing, very distressing, you can't imagine," said Yuni Garcia, who lost her brother, Johnny Humberto Garcia, a security guard at the club. “They brought him here at ten o'clock in the morning, but they haven't told us anything else,” she told the AFP

According to Garcia, her brother’s body was only discovered early Thursday morning, buried under debris in what was one of the final recovery zones at the disaster site.

The scene outside morgues in the capital has grown increasingly chaotic. Relatives shared emotional accounts of confusion, misidentification, and delays in body handovers.

"On Wednesday, we spent the whole day here,” said Julio Alberto Acosta, who is waiting for the body of his stepdaughter, Nelsy Anabel Melo. “At the last minute, they gave us a bag. We said: 'We have to open it to see if it's her.' But it wasn't. Then they just told us to come back tomorrow. They have you [waiting] like that.”

“We’ve been here since Tuesday morning,” added Melvin Gil, 47, whose niece is among the victims. “It has been very tedious. On top of the anguish of the death of a relative, they still haven't handed over the body. It’s a very painful process.”

Authorities have not yet released a full list of confirmed victims from the Jet Set nightclub disaster, which is still under investigation. While the government has deployed emergency response teams and grief counselors, the lack of clear communication and morgue capacity has sparked public frustration.

The Jet Set nightclub is one of Santo Domingo’s most iconic entertainment venues.

The tragedy which ocurred at the Jet Set nightclub in the early hours of April 8, sending shockwaves through the nation. Relatives of missing people were still waiting desperately for news Wednesday of their loved ones outside the ruined club, at hospitals and at the local morgue.

Over 300 rescue workers, aided by sniffer dogs, had spent two days combing through mounds of fallen bricks, steel bars and tin sheets, supported by firefighters from Puerto Rico and Israel.

In recent months, Thailand has showcased its prowess in weightlifting, particularly highlighting the remarkable achievements of female athletes who have garnered a substantial 14 out of 17 total Olympic medals, including five prestigious golds. According to IWF , this journey began with Khassaraporn Suta's bronze medal win in the 58kg category during the 2000 Olympics, marking the inception of female Olympic participation for Thailand. The success continued with Udomporn Polsak clinching the first gold for a Thai female athlete in the 53kg category at the 2004 Olympics. The momentum carried on until the 2016 Rio Games, where Sinphet Kruaithong made history as the first male Thai lifter to achieve medal success, securing bronze in the 56kg event.

Chinese tourist, holder of Thailand Privilege Card, found dead on Pattaya Beach

The tranquil Yinyom Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, was disrupted by a tragic event involving a 40-year-old Chinese tourist, Ronghua Qiu, whose lifeless body was discovered on the morning of Saturday, April 5. The examination of the body revealed signs of trauma, specifically abrasions and a notable split wound above the eyebrow, suggesting a violent occurrence before his death. As reported by The Nation , medical experts estimated that Qiu had been deceased for approximately 6 to 12 hours at the time of discovery. Holding a Thailand Privilege Card, Qiu had been residing in the country since early 2023, and a passbook found alongside him indicated a balance of 60,000 baht.

Charoen Pokphand Group chairman Dhanin tops Thailand wealth list with $15bn

On the financial front, Dhanin Chearavanont, the senior chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group, has emerged as the wealthiest individual in Thailand, boasting a staggering net worth of $15.2 billion, earning him the 141st position on Forbes' 2025 Billionaires list. Bangkok Post reports that within this prestigious ranking, Thailand is represented by 25 billionaires, including Sarath Ratanavadi, CEO of Gulf Development Plc, with a net worth of $12.9 billion, and Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi from Thai Beverage Plc, valued at $11.7 billion.

Thailand’s top 10 fake news revealed

Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has taken proactive measures to combat misinformation, identifying the top 10 fake news stories that circulated in the past week. The most concerning item on the list was a false tsunami warning affecting Phuket and Samut Prakan provinces stemming from an earthquake. Between March 27 and April 3, the DES's Anti-Fake News Centre diligently monitored over 837,000 social media messages, revealing that 599 required verification due to their potential to mislead the public. The Nation said the prevalent themes of misinformation pertained to natural disasters, government policies, and health-related products. Key examples of fake news included alarming claims of tsunamis, structural failures, and distorted economic forecasts.

From May 1, electronic arrival cards become mandatory for tourists in Thailand

To modernise its travel infrastructure, Thailand has announced a transformative initiative requiring all tourists to complete an electronic arrival card before entering the country, effective from May 1. This digital approach replaces the traditional paper-based system, mandating that travellers register online at least three days before their arrival, providing essential personal and travel details. Azer News reports that the primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the immigration process, bolstering security measures and improving overall data management. This initiative not only reflects Thailand's ambition to evolve as a "smart travel destination" but also aligns with the broader global trend of enhancing travel experiences through technology and innovation.

As of Friday morning, Farmasum Fuddang, an official with the Bokkos local government, reported that 48 bodies had been recovered — a significant increase from the initial count of 10. “Yesterday alone, we made a mass burial of more than 30 people,” Fuddang said.

A representative from the Red Cross confirmed the death toll had exceeded 40, noting that most victims were women and children .

Despite the peaceful coexistence of millions of Nigerians from various backgrounds, Plateau State remains a flashpoint for sectarian violence. Even in urban areas where Christians and Muslims live side by side, small-scale disputes have spiraled into large-scale massacres along community lines.

Maren Jushua, a resident of Manguna village, described the terrifying moment when gunmen stormed his village. “I and my other brothers managed to hide ourselves inside a small building behind our house. After they had gone, we came out to discover four people were killed,” he told AFP.

In neighbouring Daffo, John Mathew estimated the toll to be even higher. “The number of casualties would be more than 20,” he said.

Fuddang alleged on Thursday that the attackers were committing “ethnic and religious cleansing,” claiming they were heard speaking the Fulani dialect.

This assertion drew sharp criticism from a local herders' association. They denounced the characterization, arguing that Fulfulde — the formal name of the Fulani language — is widely spoken across Nigeria, including by criminals. In a statement, the Plateau chapter of the Gan Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria condemned the killings as “barbaric” but also contended that “herders should be the ones complaining about land grabbing” by farmers.

Military forces, alongside local vigilantes, reportedly engaged the attackers. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals,” said the military. The state police spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

History of Conflict

Experts say the root causes of violence in Plateau are complex. With Nigeria’s population booming, the demand for farmland has intensified, while traditional grazing routes are shrinking, partly due to climate change . Land disputes, political rivalries, illegal mining, and poor governance all contribute to ongoing tensions, with impunity remaining a persistent issue.

A similar attack in late March on the village of Ruwi left 10 people dead. “Unidentified men came into the community shooting sporadically and killed 10 people,” said village leader Moses John at the time.

Reacting to the recent violence, Plateau State Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap strongly condemned the killings and urged both religious and community leaders to “reinforce the message of peace , unity, and lawful engagement.” She also noted that “important arrests have been made,” though no details were provided.

Tensions in the region have been high since a brutal assault during Christmas 2023 left about 200 people dead in a mostly Christian community. Another deadly episode occurred in May last year in Wase, where around 40 people were killed and several homes burned.

In 2019 alone , more than 250,000 people died as a result of firearms worldwide. Nearly 71% of gun deaths were homicides, about 21% were suicides, and 8% were unintentional firearms-related accidents. A smaller subset of gun deaths occur as the result of mass shootings and school shootings, which are often highly publicized.

Out of the estimated 250,227 gun-related deaths worldwide in 2019, 65.9% occurred in just six countries: Brazil, the United States, Venezuela, Mexico, India, and Colombia.

Brazil recorded the highest number of total gun deaths from all causes combined, with 49,436 fatalities. The United States followed closely, with more than 40,000 gun deaths that year. Mexico ranked third, with over 30,000 gun deaths, while India and Venezuela rounded out the top five.

The U.S. ranked 20th in gun fatality rates worldwide in 2016, and in 2021, it was the 28th-highest , with 4.31 deaths per 100,000 people. This was over seven times higher than Canada (0.57 per 100,000) and 340 times higher than the United Kingdom (0.013 per 100,000).

A 2018 study found that the U.S. gun death rate was 10.6 per 100,000 people, far exceeding Canada (2.1), Australia (1.0), and European countries like Germany (0.9) and Spain (0.6). However, it was significantly lower than El Salvador (39.2), Venezuela (38.7), and Guatemala (32.3), where firearm violence is more rampant.

Gun violence in Latin America is exceptionally high due in no small part to the prevalence of criminal gangs and a vibrant drug trafficking industry. The Inter-American Development Bank released a report highlighting several critical factors in Latin American cities that contribute to increased gun violence, including economic deprivation, residential instability, family disruption, absence from school, the population’s age structure, and alcohol consumption.

While gangs are a major factor in Latin America, gun deaths in the U.S. are largely attributed to suicides. In 2019 , nearly two-thirds (63%) of gun deaths in the United States were suicides, contrary to the common assumption that mass shootings are the primary cause.

In contrast to the U.S. and Latin America, gun deaths are extremely rare in countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia. These countries have implemented strict gun control measures to reduce the number of firearms in circulation. For example, Australia introduced a permanent gun amnesty program in July 2021, allowing unregistered firearms to be anonymously surrendered at police stations.

Japan, with a population of over 127 million, had a gun death rate of just 0.02 per 100,000 people in 2019. This success is largely attributed to its strict firearm laws. To purchase a gun, Japanese citizens must attend an all-day class, pass a written exam, and achieve at least 95% accuracy in a shooting test.

As war rages on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the dead are becoming just another part of the shattered landscape.

Civilians trapped in besieged neighborhoods speak of unbearable scenes.

“As we all know, these cemeteries in Tarb al-Shuhada are illegal due to the siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). We were unable to reach the legitimate cemeteries because of the ongoing clashes and the RSF blocking our access," said Al-Samani Mohammed Al-Samani, a volunteer gravedigger.

While the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medical treatment, the number of people dying from the same is startling. Nearly 600,000 persons died from Malaria globally according to 2023 WHO statistics, with 263 million malaria cases recorded.

Out of this number, 246 million, representing 94% and 569,000 representing 95% respectively were recorded in the WHO African Region.

Children under 5 suffered the most, with about 76% of deaths coming from that category in the region. In this article, we put together a list of countries with some of the highest malaria mortality rates:

1. Nigeria

Nigeria can be said to be leading the malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all malaria deaths worldwide. In 2022, the country reported nearly 200,000 malaria-related deaths. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected groups, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% among children aged 6-59 months as of 2021, according to the WHO .

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

As a result of its tropical regions and other major challenges in DRC's healthcare infrastructure, high incidence and mortality rates associated with malaria are consistently recorded in the country. ​The country currently accounts for approximately 12% of global malaria deaths.

3. Niger

Malaria is a leading cause of death in Niger, representing approximately 6% of global malaria deaths. The country's predominantly rural population and limited access to healthcare services make malaria a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. ​

4. Tanzania

Approximately 4% of Tanzanians die globally from malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria remains a major public health issue, particularly affecting children under five years old.

5. Mozambique

Mozambique contributes to approximately 4.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's climate and environmental conditions promote malaria transmission, leading to significant health impacts. 

6. Uganda

Uganda has relatively higher numbers compared to other African countries as far as number of global malaria deaths are concerned. With an estimated 5.1% of global malaria deaths , malaria is endemic across the country, with high transmission rates posing substantial health risks to the population.

7. Angola

Angola represents approximately 3.4% of global malaria deaths. Many, particularly pregnant women and children die from malaria in this part of Africa, according to statistics available to the World Health Organisation.

8. Burkina Faso  

Burkina Faso contributes to about 3.2% of global malaria deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, the high transmission rates are a significant public health concern, especially in rural areas. ​

9. Mali

Mali accounts for approximately 3.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's malaria situation poses ongoing challenges to public health efforts. ​

10. Cameroon

Cameroon represents about 2.6% of global malaria deaths. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with children under five being the most vulnerable.

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