Many feared dead in fire outbreak on Philippines ferry

At least 28 people have been killed and 230 rescued after a passenger ferry caught fire in the Philippines. The blaze began in the ship’s air-conditioned cabins on Wednesday night but it is unclear how, officials said. Among the dead were at least three children, including a six-month-old baby. Earlier, officials said the number of people missing was uncertain because an exact passenger count was not known. Just 205 were listed on a manifest. The Philippine Coast Guard said search and rescue operations were ongoing. The MV Lady Mary Joy 3 caught fire around 22:40 local time, off Baluk-baluk island … Continue reading Many feared dead in fire outbreak on Philippines ferry

Genocide hero Paul Rusesabagina arrives in US after being illegally jailed in Rwanda

Paul Rusesabagina, an outspoken critic of the Rwandan government, has arrived in the US after being freed from prison in Kigali, the White house says. He rose to prominence after being portrayed as a hero of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda. In 2021, he was sentenced to 25 years on terrorism charges by a court, in what supporters called a sham trial. His release earlier this week followed years of US government diplomatic pressure and talks brokered by Qatar. White House National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Mr Rusesabagina had been “reunited with his family … Continue reading Genocide hero Paul Rusesabagina arrives in US after being illegally jailed in Rwanda

Fatalities confirmed in US military aircraft crash

A number of people are believed to have been killed after two US Army helicopters crashed in Kentucky. The state’s Governor, Andy Beshear, said it was “tough news” with “early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected”. Local news reports say the incident happened at about 21:35 local time and as many as nine people may have been killed. Local military confirmed their helicopters were involved in the crash. It happened in the Trigg County area, close to the large Fort Campbell military base. Fort Campbell spokesperson said two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters had crashed during “a routine training mission”. … Continue reading Fatalities confirmed in US military aircraft crash

LOL: Australian man arrested over AK-47-shaped bong

Australian police have charged a man who was seen allegedly carrying what seemed to be an AK-47 assault rifle – but which turned out to have a rather different purpose. Officers rushed into action after a flurry of emergency calls from north-west Sydney on Wednesday evening. A helicopter joined the search before CCTV led police to a parked car. A “gun” was recovered, but police soon realised it was in fact a bong – a device used to smoke marijuana. A 50-year-old man was later arrested in connection with the incident, police said. “A search of [a] vehicle by police … Continue reading LOL: Australian man arrested over AK-47-shaped bong

Jair Bolsonaro returning to Brazil for first time since 8 January riots

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is on his way back to Brazil, after spending months in the US. The far-right politician is returning for the first time since supporters stormed the Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace in January. The riots came after weeks of protests claiming fraud in his defeat to President to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Speaking at an airport in Florida before boarding a flight, he said he would not lead the opposition to Lula. But in an interview with CNN, Mr Bolsonaro also said he would help his Liberal Party as a “person with experience” … Continue reading Jair Bolsonaro returning to Brazil for first time since 8 January riots

India tribunal upholds $160m fine imposed on Google

An Indian appeals court has upheld a $160m fine slapped on Google by the country’s antitrust regulator in a case related to Android’s market dominance. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) said the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) findings were correct and Google was liable to pay the fine. But it set aside four of 10 anti-trust directives imposed on the firm. On Wednesday, NCLAT upheld the fine. More than 95% of Indian smartphones use the Android system. In October, the CCI accused Google of exploiting its dominant position and imposed the fine for “unfair” business practices. It also asked … Continue reading India tribunal upholds $160m fine imposed on Google

Fifa strips Indonesia of right to host Under-20 World Cup

Fifa has stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup. The decision follows the cancellation of the official draw for the tournament, which was due to be held in Bali last Friday. The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said Fifa was forced to cancel the draw after Bali’s governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team. The U20 World Cup is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June. Indonesia does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Israel and recently protesters have held marches demanding Israel be stopped from competing in the tournament, in … Continue reading Fifa strips Indonesia of right to host Under-20 World Cup

Pope Francis in hospital with respiratory infection

Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will need to spend a few days in hospital in Rome, the Vatican says. The 86-year-old had breathing difficulties in recent days but does not have Covid, a statement said. It said he would need “a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy”. “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the statement added. His closest staff, including security, are expected to stay the night at the Gemelli Hospital. This is the busiest time of the year for Pope Francis, with many events … Continue reading Pope Francis in hospital with respiratory infection

Two women stabbed to death at Muslim centre in Portugal

Two women have been stabbed to death at a Muslim religious centre in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. The attack took place at the Ismaili Centre on Avenida Lusíada. The suspect, who was in possession of a large knife, was shot in the leg by police. He was then detained and taken to hospital. The motive for the attack on Tuesday is not clear. Police said they received a call at about 11:00 local time after the suspect entered the centre. Officers asked the suspect to stop the attack, but he disobeyed and was shot. The attacker is believed to be … Continue reading Two women stabbed to death at Muslim centre in Portugal

IOC recommends Russian and Belarusian individual athletes compete as neutrals

The International Olympic Committee has recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral flag – but has yet to make a decision on Paris 2024. This recommendation only extends to individual athletes, not teams. The IOC’s executive board has also told international federations and event organisers that athletes and support personnel who actively support the war in Ukraine, or who are contracted to the military, should not be permitted to compete. Regarding next year’s Olympics in Paris and the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026, the IOC said it would take a decision “at the appropriate … Continue reading IOC recommends Russian and Belarusian individual athletes compete as neutrals

New cars sold in EU must be zero-emission from 2035

Countries in the European Union have approved a landmark law that will ensure all new cars sold from 2035 must have zero emissions. Poland voted against the law, while Italy, Bulgaria and Romania abstained. The agreement was delayed for weeks after Germany called for an exemption for cars running on e-fuels. E-fuels are argued to be carbon neutral because they use captured CO2 emissions to balance out the CO2 released when the fuel is combusted in an engine. The new law had been expected to make it impossible to sell internal combustion engine cars in the EU from 2035. However, … Continue reading New cars sold in EU must be zero-emission from 2035

Ticketmaster faces lawsuit over Drake ticket prices

A Canadian law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster for allegedly inflating ticket prices for an upcoming Drake concert. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Quebec man, who argued that he had overpaid for a 14 July show before a second tour date was announced. The ticket price for the same seat at the second show was C$360 ($262) cheaper, the lawsuit claims. It is the latest complaint against the popular ticketing website. In the lawsuit filed on 21 March, law firm LPC Advocat Inc described the lead plaintiff as a massive fan of the Toronto … Continue reading Ticketmaster faces lawsuit over Drake ticket prices