Year: 2024

China’s economy has grown faster in the first quarter than expected, even as the property sector crisis deepens. Official data show GDP expanded by 5.3% in the first three months of 2024, compared to a year earlier. That beat expectations the world’s second-largest economy could see growth slow to 4.6% in the next first quarter.

Heavy rains have battered Pakistan’s southwest, with flash floods and lightning killing at least 39 people. Some of those killed were farmers struck by lightning while harvesting wheat, authorities say. Flash floods have also disrupted power supplies and transportation networks.

Monday’s Sydney church stabbing has been declared a religiously motivated “terrorist act” by Australian police. A bishop, a priest and churchgoers were attacked during mass at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested.