Browsing: Main Headlines

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.

Bayer Leverkusen have won their first-ever Bundesliga title after a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen. They’ve secured the title with a massive five games to spare. “We have to enjoy and celebrate today with our families, friends and fans,” said Alonso, who was showered with beer after the victory in a German tradition.

Downing Street’s annual Eid celebration will be boycotted by some Conservative politicians and business and charity leaders over the government’s support of Israel. The annual event, held by PM Rishi Sunak, will take place in Downing Street on Monday. A government spokesperson said it understood humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza.

Early in Asian trading, oil prices experienced a decline following Iran’s retaliatory strike on Israel during the weekend. Despite this, Brent crude, a crucial global oil price benchmark, remained lower but hovered around $90 per barrel on Monday morning.

The UN chief has warned that it is time to “step back from the brink” after Iran attacked Israel late on Saturday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council that people in the Middle East face the danger of a devastating full-scale conflict.

Joel Cauchi, 40 – the man who went on a stabbing attack in a Sydney shopping mall appears to have targeted women, police say. Cauchi attacked people at the busy Westfield Bondi Junction complex on Saturday. He stabbed and killed six people – five women and 1 man, with a long blade.

Former US President Donald Trump will head to a NY courthouse on Monday and become the first former American president to stand trial in a criminal case. He is accused of falsifying his business records to disguise a hush-money payment made to a former adult film star – Stormy Daniels, just before the 2016 election.  

Ohtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball star US officials have charged the long-time interpreter of baseball sensation…