Spain and Portugal have pledged to complete the high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Lisbon by 2030. This plan, highlighted at the Iberian summit in Faro, aims to enhance travel efficiency and support sustainable European transport goals. With sections under construction, this development will not only reduce travel time but also contribute to economic growth and environmental sustainability across the region.
Hassan Nasrallah, the influential leader of Hezbollah, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. Known for transforming Hezbollah into a regional power, Nasrallah's leadership and political maneuvers deeply impacted Lebanon and the broader Middle East. His death marks a significant moment in the continuing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
The death toll from Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam has surged to 59, highlighting the immense destruction caused by landslides and flash floods, with 44 lives lost to these disasters. The severe weather also resulted in infrastructure collapse such as the bridge in Phong Chau. This dire situation urgently calls for immediate relief and recovery initiatives.
The BBC has introduced a new Pidgin language service to cater to West Africa. This effort aims to make news, current affairs, and cultural content more accessible through a widely spoken but unofficial language. Targeting primarily Nigeria, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon, the service is part of the BBC World Service's significant expansion efforts funded by the government in 2016.
Russian President Vladimir Putin asks Iran to steer clear of civilian casualties in its expected response to Israel. This comes after heightened tensions due to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. Putin aims to ease the escalating violence, reflecting broader concerns about regional security implications and Russia's need to balance its relationship with Iran while advocating for restraint.
In a shocking development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken the drastic step of reporting President Bola Tinubu to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. This move comes in response to numerous protester deaths at the hands of security forces during ongoing hunger protests in Nigeria. The situation has escalated rapidly, drawing intense criticism from human rights organizations worldwide.
Iran has vehemently denounced Israel's airstrike on the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida in Yemen, which resulted in casualties and escalated regional tensions. This attack was in retaliation for a drone assault by the Iran-backed Houthis on Tel Aviv. The incident has heightened the ongoing conflict, with the Houthis vowing major retaliation and added strain due to the Israel-Hamas war.
A Kenyan court has ruled the killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif by police unconstitutional. Sharif fled Pakistan amid sedition charges and was killed in Kenya in October 2022. His widow and journalist groups filed a complaint leading to a landmark ruling and compensation order. This case sets a strong precedent for police accountability.
The search for renowned British television doctor Michael Mosley has resumed with helicopters and drones on Symi island. The 67-year-old disappeared during a walk, prompting a large-scale search effort involving locals, Greek officers, and additional police forces amid extreme heat. Authorities are focusing on the Pedi area, and there is speculation he may have been injured.
Over 45 lives tragically lost in a devastating strike on Rafah refugee camp. Graphic videos reveal the intense scale of destruction, fueling widespread condemnation and renewed calls to end the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict. Urgency for peace escalates as the ravaged camp becomes a somber symbol of the ongoing violence.