In Turkey, anti-Erdoğan protests erupted after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest, with demonstrators clashing with police. Amidst the chaos, a person in a Pikachu costume was seen running alongside protesters in Antalya, captured in a viral video by photojournalist Ismail Koçeroğlu. An AI-generated image of Pikachu at the protests also went viral, though it was debunked by local outlets. The protests, the largest in decades, oppose President Erdoğan’s authoritarian policies. Erdoğan labeled the demonstrations as “street terrorism,” humorously implicating Pikachu as a “terrorist.” Penelope Kingsley 27/03/2025 7:30 pm
Israel has used food and humanitarian aid as leverage against Palestinians during its war on Gaza, leading to severe shortages and famine-like conditions. Many children have died from starvation and preventable illnesses. Despite international pressure, aid remains insufficient. In March, Israel broke a ceasefire, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over war crimes, including starvation. Temporary truces have allowed limited aid and prisoner exchanges, but the conflict and humanitarian disaster persist. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 7:30 pm
The BBC reported that Turkey deported correspondent Mark Lowen, labeling him a “threat to public order” amid antigovernment protests. Lowen was detained for 17 hours before returning to London. BBC News chief Deborah Turness condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of impartial reporting. Lowen was covering the political crisis following Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest, which sparked widespread protests. Imamoglu’s arrest is seen as politically motivated, with critics accusing President Erdogan of authoritarianism. Lowen, familiar with Turkey, wasn’t the only journalist affected by the crackdown. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 7:30 pm
At least five Russian tourists, including two children, died when a submarine sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The vessel, carrying 50 people, was on a routine coral reef excursion. Passengers included Russians, Indians, Norwegians, and Swedes. Emergency crews rescued 38 Russians, with 14 hospitalized. Several Egyptians and Indians were also hospitalized. The cause of the sinking near Hurghada remains unclear. The submarine, named Sindbad, was chartered by a resort of the same name. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 7:30 pm
Sir Keir Starmer criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for making “hollow promises” regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine. At a Paris summit co-hosted with French President Emmanuel Macron, plans were discussed to deter future Russian aggression, including potentially deploying troops. Despite a Black Sea ceasefire agreement, Starmer accused Putin of “playing games” and not being serious about peace talks. The summit, attended by 30 countries, NATO, and the EU, emphasized full support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating a separate deal on energy infrastructure strikes. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 4:00 pm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged international partners to match Ukraine’s resilience against Russia, emphasizing the US’s role in ceasefire negotiations. He expressed gratitude for US public support but criticized some officials for echoing Russian narratives, which he believes weakens pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy advocated for Ukraine’s NATO membership, highlighting its military experience as beneficial, though acknowledging US hesitance. In Paris, he attended a security summit to discuss long-term support for Ukraine, reiterating interest in a ceasefire despite Russian preconditions. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 4:00 pm
Search and recovery efforts are ongoing for four U.S. Army soldiers missing during a training exercise near Pabradė, Lithuania. The soldiers, based in Fort Stewart, Georgia, were reported missing on Tuesday. Their M88 Hercules vehicle was found submerged in water. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene described the search as “very complicated.” Efforts include pumping down water to begin excavation, with the vehicle’s position still unclear. Lithuania’s chief of defense emphasized the urgency of finding the soldiers due to the importance of U.S. presence. Noah Prescott 27/03/2025 4:00 pm
A 2023 expedition to the Clarion Clipperton Zone revealed that seabed areas mined over 40 years ago have not fully recovered, highlighting long-term impacts. This supports calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining during U.N. talks. Delegates from 36 countries are discussing regulations, with environmental groups and 32 governments advocating for a halt. Greenpeace emphasizes the need to prevent deep sea mining. TMC claims its environmental impact is less than terrestrial mining and seeks clarity on application processes. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 4:00 pm
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has arrested First Vice President Riek Machar, raising fears of renewed civil war. Machar’s bodyguards were disarmed, and embassies, including the U.S., Germany, and the UK, are evacuating staff. The U.N.’s Nicholas Haysom warned of potential conflict, while the U.S. urged Kiir to reverse the arrest. Gunfire was reported in Juba before the arrest, but there has been no comment from Kiir or officials. Noah Prescott 27/03/2025 4:00 pm
South Korean authorities are battling the largest wildfires in the nation’s history, affecting over 35,000 hectares in North Gyeongsang Province. Despite deploying helicopters, fire trucks, and over 5,000 personnel, the fires have claimed at least 26 lives and injured 30. Weather forecasts predict minimal rain, offering little relief. The wildfires, which began in Sancheong County, have led to a state of emergency and mass evacuations. These fires surpass the 2000 East Coast wildfire, previously the largest, by over 10,000 hectares. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 12:30 pm
