World

The Vatican's papal conclave, tasked with selecting a new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, is steeped in time-honored procedures and rituals that have been refined over centuries. Yet, this year’s conclave presents a unique mathematical landscape that will surely influence the outcome of the election: 133 Cardinal-Electors A record 133 cardinals are eligible to participate in this conclave, an increase from the 115 cardinals involved in the last two conclaves of 2005 and 2013. This diverse group…

Pakistan Vows Response to India's Strikes In recent developments, tensions have escalated between Pakistan and India following a series of military strikes. Pakistani officials have expressed a firm commitment to respond decisively to these aggressive actions, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty and security. “We will not tolerate any aggression on our territory,” stated a senior military official, highlighting Pakistan’s resolve to protect its borders and citizens. The situation appears to be intensifying,…

In a significant escalation of tension, India launched missile strikes against Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir yesterday. This has sparked a promise of retaliation from Pakistan, which claims to have shot down five Indian aircraft in the most severe confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations in over twenty years. During a meeting with over a dozen foreign envoys in New Delhi, India issued a stark warning: "If Pakistan responds, India will respond." This declaration raises the specter of a broader…

In a significant development, Ireland, along with five other nations, has voiced its concerns over Israel's proposed expansion of military operations in Gaza, denouncing it as a "dangerous new escalation." The foreign ministers of Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain came together to express their "grave concern" regarding the anticipated military actions. They articulated that such escalation would "only exacerbate an already catastrophic situation for the civilian Palestinian population and threaten…

In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes targeting a school sheltering families displaced by conflict, as well as a nearby bustling market and restaurant in Gaza City, have resulted in the loss of at least 38 lives, according to local health authorities. Medics reported that two airstrikes struck the Karama School in the Tuffah suburb, claiming the lives of 15 individuals. Later, another strike near a restaurant and market led to at least 23 fatalities, including women and children. The situation is dire,…

Lithuania has announced an investment of €1.1 billion to bolster its border with Russia and Belarus, a move that includes the acquisition of anti-tank mines. As a NATO member situated on the eastern flank of the alliance, Lithuania is taking proactive steps to enhance its security. Together with Latvia and Estonia—all sharing borders with Russia—Lithuania is increasingly concerned about its safety amid fears that it could become a target should Russia emerge victorious in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. "In the current…

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has recently dismissed Sudan’s case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which accused the Emirates of exacerbating genocide in Sudan by supplying weapons to paramilitary forces. The court concluded that it lacked the necessary jurisdiction to hear the case. In a hearing last month, Sudan presented its arguments to the UN's highest court, claiming that the UAE was in violation of the Genocide Convention through its support of paramilitary groups in Sudan. However, the UAE…

On the historic occasion marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, King Charles and other prominent royals gathered alongside veterans and enthusiastic crowds to witness a magnificent military parade and flypast. This event kick-starts four days of heartfelt commemorations acknowledging the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945. Events have been meticulously organized by the UK government as the nation reflects on this pivotal moment, recognized not just in the UK, but in countries like…

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced his resignation following a decisive win by far-right opposition leader George Simion in the first round of the presidential election re-run. Ciolacu's own candidate faced a disappointing exit from the race. In light of the election results, Mr. Ciolacu declared that the centre-left Social Democrats will withdraw from the pro-Western coalition, effectively bringing it to an end. He noted, "This coalition is no longer legitimate," and emphasized that cabinet ministers…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced plans for a significantly intensified military operation in Gaza, aiming to decisively defeat Hamas. However, specifics regarding the extent of territorial control to be established remain vague. This announcement follows approval from the Israeli security cabinet for expanding military operations in Gaza, which includes a contentious assertion of "conquest" and intentions for relocating the local population. "Population will be moved for its own protection,"…