In the past week, Houthi militants in Yemen shot down three U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones, totaling six since March 15. This coincides with a U.S. air campaign, Operation Rough Rider, initiated by the Trump administration to deter Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The campaign has seen approximately 750 airstrikes since its inception, significantly more than during the Biden administration. The last official count was over 200 airstrikes, as reported by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 5:30 am
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is effectively shutting down a federal agency focused on economic growth in developing countries to cut federal spending. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will see significant staff and program reductions, with all employees except the acting CEO potentially placed on administrative leave. This move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce US foreign aid, targeting agencies like USAID and the US Institute of Peace. MCC, established in 2004, provides grants for infrastructure and policy reform in developing countries, countering China’s Belt and Road initiative. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 5:30 am
Jordan has shut down the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and banned its membership, linking the decision to an alleged plot involving 16 arrested members accused of threatening national security. The Brotherhood denied involvement. Interior Minister Mazen Farraya cited secretive activities undermining stability. The group, founded in Cairo in 1928, has faced a tightening crackdown in Jordan, despite its political wing, the Islamic Action Front, being a significant opposition force. The Brotherhood’s criticism of Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel and its support for Gaza protests have increased its popularity amid regional tensions. Noah Prescott 24/04/2025 5:30 am
A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least two and injured 54, including children, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Falling drone debris caused fires, and people may be trapped under rubble. Ukraine’s DSNS later reported nine dead and 63 injured. Kharkiv also faced attacks, injuring two. This follows US President Trump’s criticism of Ukraine’s stance on Crimea. Rescuers are searching for survivors in Kyiv’s worst-hit Svyatoshynskyi district. Footage shows missiles hitting Kyiv, causing large fires. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 5:30 am
On a Tuesday afternoon in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, newlyweds Shubham Dwivedi and Aishanya Pandey rented horses to view the scenic landscape. Tragically, Dwivedi was among 26 people killed by militants who attacked sightseers near Pahalgam, marking one of the worst civilian attacks in decades. Despite efforts to stabilize the region, Kashmir remains vulnerable to violence. The massacre left 17 injured and highlighted the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror, with victims pleading for their lives amidst the bloodshed. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 2:00 am
Following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed 26 tourists, India has closed its border with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty, crucial for water distribution between the two nations, will remain suspended until Pakistan ceases support for cross-border terrorism. India has also restricted Pakistani nationals’ entry and is expelling military advisers. Pakistan denies involvement in the attack, attributing it to India’s internal issues. Tensions over the disputed Kashmir region, claimed by both countries, continue to escalate. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 2:00 am
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to climate action while subtly criticizing Donald Trump’s protectionist policies during a virtual meeting with global leaders. Xi highlighted China’s advancements in renewable energy and criticized unilateralism impacting international order. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the sentiment, asserting that no government could hinder the clean energy transition. The meeting, which excluded the US, underscored China’s strategic positioning as a stable global leader amid US-China trade tensions. China’s control over critical clean energy materials was also noted. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 2:00 am
Mourners are paying respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 after a stroke and pneumonia. His body was moved from his Vatican residence to St Peter’s Basilica for a funeral on Saturday. An open coffin procession through St Peter’s Square drew 20,000 pilgrims, with applause and tolling bells marking respect. The Pope, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, served for 12 years. His body will lie in state until Friday evening, with public viewing starting Wednesday. Visitors, including honeymooners from Mexico, expressed their connection and admiration. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 10:30 pm
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and surrounding areas, causing widespread panic but no serious damage. Over 150 people were hospitalized with injuries from fleeing buildings. The quake’s epicenter was in the Sea of Marmara, 40 km southwest of Istanbul, and was felt in nearby provinces and Izmir. Several aftershocks followed, including one of 5.3 magnitude. The incident occurred during a public holiday, prompting the disaster agency to advise residents to avoid buildings. Injuries were mostly from people jumping from heights, but none were life-threatening. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 10:30 pm
Political parties are expected to be informed that trans women cannot be on women-only shortlists, but trans men can, following a Supreme Court ruling defining women by biological sex under equalities law. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is anticipated to update guidance on this issue. Previously, trans women with a Gender Recognition Certificate could access these shortlists, but the ruling clarifies they are only for those born female. Labour has suspended all-women shortlists for the 2024 election due to having more female MPs. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 10:30 pm
