Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi, at a BRICS summit in Kazan. Despite predictions of isolation due to the Ukraine war and an arrest warrant, the summit highlights Russia’s global alliances. The BRICS bloc, initially Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded to include Iran, Egypt, and others. Putin aims to showcase Russia’s influence and negotiate deals to bolster its economy. The summit underscores Russia’s role in countering Western dominance and offers participants opportunities for collaboration. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 9:00 am
Israel’s military launched strikes on Lebanon, targeting financial institutions linked to Hezbollah, including the Hezbollah-run al-Qard al-Hassan bank. The IDF issued evacuation warnings for 24 areas, including Beirut, and plans further attacks. Israel claims these institutions finance Hezbollah’s activities under civilian covers. Al-Qard al-Hassan, sanctioned by the US and Saudi Arabia, assured customers of fund safety. The strikes follow US criticism of high civilian casualties in Lebanon, where over 1,700 have died recently. Tensions have escalated into war, with Israel conducting ground operations and Hezbollah firing rockets. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 9:00 am
The U.S. is investigating the unauthorized release of classified documents detailing Israel’s plans to attack Iran, confirmed by three officials. The documents, from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and NSA, indicate Israel’s military preparations following Iran’s missile attack on October 1. Shared within the “Five Eyes” alliance, the top-secret documents were leaked on Telegram and reported by CNN and Axios. The investigation is probing the source of the leak, including potential intentional disclosure by a U.S. insider. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 9:00 am
Beirut residents fled as blasts rocked its southern suburbs following Israel’s military announcement of strikes on Hezbollah-linked banking branches. Dense smoke was seen after at least 10 blasts, with a building in Chiyah reduced to rubble but no casualties reported. The IDF warned people to leave areas linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a US-sanctioned financial organization. Strikes targeted its branches in Beirut, Bekaa valley, and southern Lebanon. A strike near Beirut’s airport, a key humanitarian hub, was also reported. The US claims Al-Qard Al-Hassan finances Hezbollah activities. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 5:30 am
A surge in hoax bomb threats is severely disrupting Indian air travel, causing flight diversions, cancellations, and delays. Recently, an Air India flight from Mumbai to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit, Canada, due to a false bomb threat, leaving 211 passengers stranded. This incident highlights the growing issue, with at least 90 threats reported last week alone. The situation is causing significant frustration among passengers and raising concerns over the impact on both domestic and international operations. Authorities are alarmed by the frequency and disruptive nature of these hoaxes. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 5:30 am
Moldova’s EU referendum is tightly contested, with No at 50.1% and Yes at 49.9% after 97% of votes counted. President Maia Sandu claims foreign interference, alleging Russia paid voters, which Moscow denies. Sandu, who leads the presidential race with 41%, faces a challenging second round. She accuses “criminal groups” and “foreign forces” of vote manipulation, citing evidence of 300,000 bought votes. Despite the referendum’s non-binding nature, it was intended to solidify EU accession talks, which will continue regardless of the outcome. Penelope Kingsley 21/10/2024 5:30 am
Hurricane Oscar made landfall on Cuba’s northern coast near Baracoa in Guantanamo province at 5:50 p.m. ET Sunday. Initially with 80 mph winds, it weakened to 75 mph by 8 p.m. The storm brought hurricane conditions, heavy rain, and storm surge to eastern Cuba. Oscar, a Category 1 storm, formed off the Bahamas and prompted warnings for Cuba’s north coast. It was moving west-southwest at 6 mph and is expected to weaken over Cuba’s terrain but may remain a tropical storm as it moves north of Cuba and across the Bahamas. Cuba faced power outages from recent grid failures. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 2:00 am
Cubans faced prolonged power outages after an island-wide blackout, worsened by Hurricane Oscar hitting the eastern coast. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy hopes to restore electricity by Monday or Tuesday, but key power plants are affected. Some Havana neighborhoods regained power, but most remain dark, impacting essential services like water supply. Residents resorted to cooking on improvised wood stoves, and long lines formed for bread. The blackout stemmed from the failure of the Antonio Guiteras plant, highlighting ongoing energy distribution issues. Many, like Rosa RodrÃguez, have been without power for days. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 2:00 am
Prabowo Subianto, 73, became Indonesia’s eighth president, pledging to tackle corruption and enhance self-sufficiency. Once a military commander with unproven rights abuse allegations, he won nearly 60% of the vote. In his speech, Prabowo emphasized freedom from fear, poverty, and oppression, and called for a polite democracy. He aims for food and energy self-sufficiency within five years. His cabinet, announced later, includes a mix of professionals and political figures, with Sugiono, a former special forces member, as foreign minister. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 2:00 am
The Israeli military’s pursuit of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar ended with his death, sparking a battle over his narrative. Israel portrays him as a fugitive, releasing graphic images of his demise. However, Sinwar’s supporters and much of the Arab world view him as a defiant warrior, celebrating his end. Iran contrasts his actions with Saddam Hussein’s, predicting his image will strengthen his following. Experts suggest Hamas is winning the narrative battle. An IDF official defended releasing the images, citing transparency. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
