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What Is HapPening This week around the world

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We use artificial intelligence to create summaries of the latest events and trends from around the globe 

The world is witnessing a series of dramatic events that are shaping the global landscape and affecting millions of lives. Here are some of the most important stories that you need to know | Generated by Microsoft Copilot

monday

February 26, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot


Palestinian Prime Minister Resigns

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced his resignation, aiming to facilitate the formation of a broad consensus among Palestinians about political matters. [1]


Navalny's Controversial Death

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death. President Vladimir Putin's role in this situation remains under scrutiny. [2]


Water Crisis Looms for a Major City

One of the world's largest cities is facing an imminent water shortage. Experts warn that it may run out of water within months. [3]


Belarus' Upcoming Election

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko plans to stand for re-election in 2025, raising questions about the country's political future. [4]


Navalny's Widow Accuses Putin

Alexei Navalny's widow accuses President Putin of "satanism" and violating both human and divine laws. [5]


Unexploded WWII Bomb Found in England

An unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in a garden in England, prompting authorities to take necessary precautions. [6]



tuesday

February 27, 2024

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European Response to Ukraine Crisis

Germany, Britain, and other European countries have ruled out sending ground troops to Ukraine, despite French President Emmanuel Macron hinting at the possibility. The Kremlin has warned against any such move, as tensions escalate in the region . [1]


Democratic Rebellion Against Biden Over Gaza War

President Joe Biden's handling of the Gaza war has sparked anger within the Democratic Party. The depth of this discontent has caught his campaign off guard, highlighting the challenges faced by his administration. [2]


South Korea's Record Number of Russian Asylum Seekers

South Korea has recorded a record number of Russians seeking asylum. The situation reflects the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with implications for global migration patterns. [3]


Belarus' President Lukashenko to Stand for Re-election

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced his intention to stand for re-election in 2025. His controversial leadership has drawn international attention and scrutiny. [4]


Navalny's Widow Accuses Putin of 'Satanism'

The widow of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny has accused President Vladimir Putin of 'satanism' and violating both human and divine laws. Her statements come after Navalny's death and highlight ongoing tensions within Russia. [5]




wednesday

February 28, 2024

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South Korea Records Record Number of Russians Seeking Asylum

South Korea has seen a surge in Russians seeking asylum, highlighting geopolitical tensions and individual hardships. [1]

  

Bolsonaro Denies Coup Plot as Thousands Rally in Support of Former Brazilian Leader

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faces allegations of plotting a coup, while his supporters rally in his defense. [2]


Zelensky Warns of Dire Consequences Without US Aid to Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the importance of US aid to counter Russian aggression. [3]

 

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko to Stand for Re-election in 2025

Despite international criticism, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announces his intention to seek re-election. [4]

 

How Gaza's Hospitals Became Battlegrounds

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has severely impacted healthcare facilities, endangering patients and medical staff. [5]

  

thursday

February 29, 2024

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FDA finds problems at animal lab run by Elon Musk's brain implant company

According to a report by Reuters, U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors found issues with record keeping and quality controls for animal experiments at Neuralink, a startup founded by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk that aims to create brain-computer interfaces. The inspection took place in September 2023, less than a month after Neuralink said it was ready to start human trials for its device that could potentially treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Neuralink said it was working to address the FDA's concerns and that none of the findings affected the safety or efficacy of its product. [1]


Biden and Trump try to work immigration to their political advantage during dueling trips to Texas

President Joe Biden and his likely Republican challenger Donald Trump both visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday, in a sign of how central immigration has become to the 2024 election campaign. Biden defended his administration's efforts to deal with the surge of migrants arriving at the border, while Trump accused him of creating a "humanitarian disaster" and a "national security crisis". Both leaders also met with local officials and law enforcement agents, as well as some of the migrants themselves. [2]


US to probe if Chinese cars pose national data security risks

The United States is opening an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks and could impose restrictions due to concerns about "connected" car technology, the Commerce Department said on Thursday. The probe will cover vehicles that have advanced features such as self-driving capabilities, wireless connectivity, and artificial intelligence. The move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, and human rights issues. [3]


Gaza desperately needs more aid but agencies can't cope

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, more than two months after a ceasefire ended an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas that killed more than 250 people and damaged thousands of homes and infrastructure. The United Nations and other aid agencies say they are struggling to deliver basic services and supplies to the 2 million people living in the besieged enclave, due to Israeli restrictions, Palestinian infighting, and donor fatigue. Gaza needs urgent assistance to rebuild its health system, water network, electricity grid, and education facilities, as well as to provide food, shelter, and psychosocial support to the traumatized population. [4]


One of the world’s biggest cities may be just months away from running out of water

Mexico City, home to more than 20 million people, is facing a severe water crisis that could leave millions without access to clean and safe drinking water by next summer. CNN explains that the city relies on an ancient and crumbling network of pipes, pumps and wells that lose up to 40% of water through leaks and theft. The situation has been worsened by climate change, which has reduced rainfall and increased evaporation from reservoirs. The city’s authorities are scrambling to find solutions, such as repairing infrastructure, drilling new wells and promoting water conservation. [5]


monday

March 04, 2024

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Israel and Hamas are still locked in a deadly war over Gaza, with no sign of a lasting ceasefire. 

More than 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began on February 14, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israel says it has killed more than 10,000 Hamas fighters, but this claim has been disputed by BBC Verify. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with shortages of food, water, medicine and electricity. The US has airdropped some aid into Gaza, but many people were killed or injured by Israeli gunfire at the drop site. Egypt is hosting talks with Hamas and other Palestinian factions to try to broker a truce, while the US and other countries are urging Israel to stop its attacks. [1]


Iran has held its presidential election, but the turnout was reportedly the lowest since the 1979 revolution. 

The hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi is widely expected to win, as most of his rivals were barred from running by the Guardian Council. Many Iranians boycotted the vote, saying it was not free or fair. Raisi is a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is seen as a potential successor. He is also sanctioned by the US for his role in human rights abuses. [2]


A massive blizzard has hit the western United States, dumping up to 10 feet of snow in some areas. 

The snowstorm affected California's Sierra Nevada mountains, where several ski resorts had to close due to avalanche risks. The storm also caused power outages, road closures and flight cancellations across several states. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous travel conditions and urged people to stay indoors. [3]


Russia has published a video of a meeting between German army officers and Ukrainian officials, in which they discussed the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine. 

The video was leaked by hackers who claimed to have breached the German defense ministry's servers. The German government confirmed the authenticity of the video and said it was investigating the leak. The video sparked outrage in Russia, which accused Germany of violating its security interests and fueling tensions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have been fighting government forces since 2014. [4]


US fashion designer Iris Apfel has died at the age of 102. 

She was known for her distinctive style, featuring white hair, oversized glasses and colorful accessories. She became a fashion icon in her 80s, when she was featured in a documentary and an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She collaborated with several brands and celebrities, including MAC Cosmetics and Kanye West. She was also an entrepreneur, interior designer and lecturer. [5]



tuesday

March 05, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot


Russia is gearing up for its presidential election in March 2024, but there is little doubt that Vladimir Putin will secure another six-year term. 

The opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned with a nerve agent last year and later jailed on politically motivated charges, died in prison on February 28. His funeral in Moscow was attended by thousands of supporters, despite the threat of arrest by the authorities. Navalny's allies have vowed to continue his fight against corruption and authoritarianism, but they face a relentless crackdown by the Kremlin, which has banned Navalny's movement as extremist and labeled his associates as foreign agents. [1]

Norway's King Harald has flown home after being hospitalized in Malaysia for two weeks. 

The 87-year-old monarch was fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill while on holiday with his wife Queen Sonja. He was treated at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur and discharged on March 1. He then boarded a chartered plane back to Norway, where he will resume his duties as head of state. King Harald has been on the throne since 1991 and is widely respected by Norwegians for his down-to-earth style and his support for democracy and diversity. [2]



Monday

March 11, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot


Middle East: Gaza crisis continues amid hopes of ceasefire

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening as Israel continues its military campaign against Hamas, the militant group that controls the territory. More than 30,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since the war began on February 14, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel says it has killed more than 10,000 Hamas fighters and destroyed thousands of rocket launchers and tunnels. The US, which is Israel's main ally, has been trying to broker a ceasefire, but so far without success. President Joe Biden said on Monday that he expected a "significant de-escalation" from Israel soon, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the operation until Hamas's "terrorist capabilities" were degraded. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for talks with Egyptian mediators, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough. Egypt has been playing a key role in previous truces between Israel and Hamas.  [1]


Europe: Ukraine appeals to West as Russian drone kills eight in Odesa

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more air defence systems from the West after a Russian drone strike killed at least eight people and wounded dozens more in the port city of Odesa on Monday. The attack was the latest escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and backs separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukraine needed more support from NATO and the European Union to counter Russia's "aggression" and "hybrid warfare". He also accused Russia of trying to disrupt the upcoming presidential election in Ukraine, scheduled for March 31. Russia denies any involvement in the drone strike and says it respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.  [2]


Asia: Iran holds elections amid low turnout and economic woes

Iranians have voted in parliamentary and presidential elections on Tuesday, but many have stayed away from the polls amid widespread discontent with the country's economic situation and political system. The elections are widely seen as a test for President Hassan Rouhani, who is seeking a second term after signing a landmark nuclear deal with world powers in 2015. The deal lifted international sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, but it has failed to deliver the expected economic benefits for ordinary Iranians, who are struggling with high inflation, unemployment and corruption. Rouhani faces a strong challenge from hardline candidates who oppose the nuclear deal and advocate a more confrontational stance towards the West. The main contender is Ebrahim Raisi, a conservative cleric and former judge who is close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The results are expected to be announced on Wednesday.  [3]


Africa: Ghana passes anti-homosexuality bill amid outcry from rights groups

Ghana's parliament has passed a bill that criminalizes homosexuality and imposes harsh penalties for anyone who engages in or promotes same-sex relations. The bill, which was approved by lawmakers on Friday, bans any form of sexual activity between people of the same gender, as well as any expression or advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights. It also punishes anyone who provides counseling, shelter or medical care to LGBTQ+ people with up to 10 years in prison. The bill has sparked outrage from human rights groups, who say it violates Ghana's constitution and international obligations. They have urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to veto the bill and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Ghana. Akufo-Addo has not yet commented on the bill, but he has previously said that homosexuality is not part of Ghanaian culture and that he will not legalize it.  [4]



tuesday

March 12, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot


Middle East Tensions and Hope for Peace

In the Middle East, discussions are underway for a new ceasefire in Gaza, with hopes rising after a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo. The region has seen a flurry of activity, including humanitarian aid drops and escalating conflicts that have affected countless lives.  [1]


Political Developments: Elections and Diplomacy

From Iran's elections to political shifts in the UK, the global political landscape continues to evolve. Leaders are making strategic decisions that not only affect their nations but also have international repercussions.  [2]


Humanitarian Crises and Responses

Humanitarian efforts are being tested as crises unfold in various parts of the world. The need for effective aid distribution and support for those in dire situations remains a pressing concern for the international community.  [3]


Celebrating Lives and Mourning Losses

The world mourns the loss of influential figures like US fashion designer Iris Apfel while celebrating the legacies they leave behind. These moments remind us of the rich tapestry of human achievement and the inevitable cycle of life.  [4]


weDnesday

March 13, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot


European Defense Dialogue

The leaked German military meeting discussing Ukraine has sparked a political debate on European defense policies. This story highlights the ongoing political tensions and strategic considerations within Europe. [1]


Humanitarian Crisis as Political Lever

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is being used as a political lever, with crowdfunding for escapes underscoring the complex relationship between politics and human rights. [2]


Tensions rise as Singapore faces criticism for subsidizing Taylor Swift's tour, stirring regional politics. 

In a melodic twist that reverberates across Southeast Asia, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has become more than just a symphony of music—it’s a political overture. [3]



Thursday

March 14, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot



Hungary's PM Viktor Orban claims after meeting that he will not fund Ukraine, potentially signaling an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has asserted that if former US President Donald Trump is re-elected, he will not provide any financial support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. According to Orban, Trump’s refusal to allocate funds will lead to the war’s conclusion. [1]


Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch announces the death of leader Khalid Batarfi.

Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch has officially announced the death of its leader, Khalid Batarfi. A video released by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) shows Batarfi’s body wrapped in a funeral shroud, with the group’s banner displayed [2]


Israel reveals its rewritten Eurovision song after initial rejection due to perceived political overtones.

Israel has unveiled its revised entry for the Eurovision Song Contest after the original version was rejected for its perceived political overtones. The initial song, titled “October Rain,” was thought to reference the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel. However, the new version, called “Hurricane,” has undergone significant changes to avoid any sensitive references. [3]


At least 287 school children are kidnapped by armed gunmen in northwest Nigeria.

At least 287 school children, some as young as eight years old, are being held by gunmen who raided their school in Nigeria’s northwestern Kaduna State early Thursday. The armed bandits on motorcycles stormed the LEA Primary and Secondary School in the Kuriga village of Kaduna’s Chikun district. [4]



monday

March 18, 2024

Generated by Microsoft Copilot


Russian arrests as ballot boxes targeted in Putin vote. At least eight people are held for a series of attacks including green dye being poured into ballot boxes.  

Most of the incidents were reported at polling stations in Moscow, Voronezh in south Russia, and the region of Karachay-Cherkessia in the north Caucasus, according to state news agency Tass. [1]


Australian farm grows world's biggest blueberry. The monster fruit is the size of a ping-pong ball and weighs 20.4g, about 10 times the average blueberry.  

After 12 weeks, the berry was certified by Guinness World Records as the heaviest ever documented. As for the taste of this world-record-breaking blueberry, [2]


How NASA and Google Earth are helping save tigers. Efforts to conserve wildlife and habitats continue with the help of technology.

At one time, tigers lived across the Eurasian continent, from the Caspian Sea to the Russian Far East, south to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and Bali. Today, though, they live in just 10 nations, occupying a fraction of their former range. Habitat loss remains a constant threat.  [3]


India’s ‘Silicon Valley’ is running dry as residents urged to take fewer showers and use disposable cutlery.  

India’s Silicon Valley, also known as Bengaluru, is facing a water crisis that has serious implications for its residents and the city’s future. The situation has escalated due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change. Here are some key points about the water scarcity in Bengaluru  [4]



(Beta) World News Generated by AI

(Beta) World News Generated by AI

(Beta) World News Generated by AI