Author: News Desk

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for 28 April amid escalating tensions with the US, particularly threats from President Donald Trump regarding Canada’s sovereignty and trade policies.

The Public Sector Fraud Authority is launching an investigation into allegations that thousands of students are fraudulently claiming substantial student loans with no intention of studying or repaying the amounts.

Pope Francis insisted on travelling in his Fiat Papal car rather than taking a helicopter, reflecting his desire to connect with the public after his hospital discharge.

Cliff Notes – At least seven killed in Russian drone attacks At least seven killed in Russian drone attacks in Ukraine following a large-scale drone assault by Russia, affecting multiple regions including Kyiv and Kharkiv. The Ukrainian military successfully intercepted 97 out of 147 launched drones, with significant casualties reported in the capital, including a 5-year-old child. Ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are set to begin in Saudi Arabia, amid mixed prospects for long-term peace as both sides prepare for indirect talks. At least seven killed in Russian drone attacks in Ukraine ahead of peace talks At least seven…

Cliff Notes – Islamic State kills dozens in mosque attack Islamic State kills dozens in Mosque attack in Niger Suspected ISGS militants massacred 44 worshippers using American weapons, during Friday prayers in southwestern Niger, also attacking a market and setting houses on fire. The rising incidence of terrorist attacks since a 2023 coup has intensified following Niger’s severance of military ties with former counter-terrorism partners. The region’s security continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by military coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso and the establishment of a new security alliance among the Sahel states. Islamic State kills dozens in mosque attack…

Cliff Notes – Wildfires in South Korea turn deadly, prompt evacuations Wildfires in South Korea turn deadly and caused a major incident in disaster zones At least three firefighters and a public servant have died as over 20 wildfires continue to burn across South Korea, with one major fire in Sancheong County engulfing 500 hectares. The government has declared disaster zones in North and South Gyeongsang provinces and the city of Ulsan, with nearly 1,600 firefighters deployed amidst severe fire warnings in multiple locations. Wildfires in South Korea turn deadly, prompt evacuations At least three firefighters and a public servant were…

Cliff Notes Pope Francis returned to the Vatican after a 38-day hospital stay due to pneumonia, marking the longest hospitalisation of his papacy. He greeted dog walkers on his way home, appearing tired but expressing gratitude, while also continuing care for a lingering lung infection. As he resumes his duties, he is advised to avoid large gatherings and will have access to medical support at the Vatican residence. Pope stops to greet dog walkers as he returns home to Vatican after hospital stay | World News Pope Francis stopped to greet a pair of dog walkers as he returned to…

Cliff Notes – Pope speaks in public for first time in five weeks The Pope speaks in public for first time in five weeks. The Pope expressed sorrow over the renewed Israeli bombings in Gaza, condemning the violence and calling for an immediate ceasefire and dialogues for hostage release. He welcomed the progress towards a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, urging swift signing to facilitate lasting peace in the region. In his prayer, he called for an end to wars and invoked peace for conflict-ridden areas including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and others. Pope speaks in public for first…

Cliff Notes Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader, has been arrested on corruption charges amid increasing protests across Turkey against his detention. Imamoglu faces allegations of links to a terror organisation, with clashes occurring between demonstrators and police during his ongoing questioning; he denies any wrongdoing. His arrest is perceived by many as a politically motivated attempt to exclude him from the 2028 presidential race, raising concerns about the state of democracy and rule of law in Turkey. Turkish president Erdogan’s main rival Ekrem Imamoglu formally arrested and jailed pending trial The mayor of Istanbul and Turkish President…

Cliff Notes Tensions between South Africa and the Trump administration pose a significant threat to citrus exports, which may jeopardise vital AGOA tariff-free access to US markets. The citrus industry supports approximately 35,000 jobs in South Africa, with potential knock-on effects on an additional 25,000 jobs in the US, highlighting the economic repercussions of potential trade disruptions. The recent land expropriation law has sparked concerns among farmers, with some fearing that government actions may lead to further instability and a volatile investment climate. Tens of thousands of jobs on South Africa’s citrus farms at risk if US imposes tariffs Citrusdal…