The US and UK embassies in Kenya have issued security warnings, urging citizens to exercise heightened vigilance due to concerns about possible terrorist attacks. American citizens are advised to avoid crowded places and maintain a low profile, while the UK has recommended avoiding non-essential travel to specific regions.
China's embassy in Beirut has advised its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Lebanon, citing elevated security risks. While the advisory did not specify incidents, it aims to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the region.
The BBC has rolled out a new Pidgin English news service to connect with the expansive audience across West Africa. Pidgin English serves as a lingua franca among diverse ethnic groups in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. This service aims to deliver news on politics, business, sports, and more, focusing on localized issues relevant to West African citizens.
An Air India flight en route from Delhi to San Francisco made an emergency landing in Russia due to a technical problem. The plane, carrying 220 passengers, landed safely, and arrangements were made to transport the passengers from Krasnoyarsk International Airport. The FAA is investigating the incident, which echoes a similar event from June 2023.
In a shocking incident, former US President Donald Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, leaving one dead and two critically injured. World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden, have condemned the attack, calling for unity against political violence. The incident underscores rising concerns about the safety of democratic institutions globally.
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims from across the globe have assembled at Mount Arafat near Mecca for the most sacred day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This ritual, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj journey, where pilgrims seek God's mercy and blessings. Many describe it as the most profound spiritual experience of their lives.
In a significant diplomatic event, Pakistan, Somalia, Denmark, Greece, and Panama have been chosen as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Their term starts on January 1, 2025, and ends on December 31, 2026. This election underlines the global trust in their capacities to foster peace and stability.
Amanda Knox, now 36, returns to an Italian court to appeal a slander conviction from 16 years ago. It involves accusations made during the investigation into the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, in 2007. Convicted but later exonerated for the murder, Knox hopes to clear her name of the slander charge.
South Korea has suspended a key peace agreement with North Korea following a series of balloon launches carrying trash and manure by the North. The decision, endorsed by South Korea's national security council, allows for resumed military exercises and defensive measures. This response follows North Korea's reaction to South Korean civilian campaigns involving leaflet-filled balloons.
China has issued a stark warning of potential war over Taiwan, pledging to intensify measures until achieving 'complete reunification.' This comes as Chinese military forces conduct large-scale drills around Taiwan, simulating strikes and showcasing their readiness to seize the island.
In a significant development in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued several of the Chibok girls, handing them over to the Borno State Government. The operation marks a crucial achievement in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.