Worldwide
Australia: two beaches closed due to toxic foam
20 Mar 2025
Two beaches in South Australia have been closed after dead fish and an off-white foam appeared onshore, while surfers reported feeling unwell. Authorities suspect that a microalgal bloom, fuelled by unusual weather, has caused these problems.…
Peru: state of emergency declared
20 Mar 2025
A thirty-day state of emergency has been declared in Lima following a surge in violent crime. President Dina Boluarte’s government made the decree after the murder of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was killed in…
Open Doors has warned that false online reports about a Christian massacre in Syria could put Syrian believers at greater risk. While recent violence in Latakia and Tartus has killed over 1,500 people, including four Christians,…
The UN human rights office reports that at least 111 civilians, including entire families, were killed in recent violence in Syria’s coastal region, though the true toll is probably much higher. Predominantly Alawite towns (most Alawites…
Mark Carney, prime minister-designate, has expressed willingness to renegotiate a trade deal with Donald Trump, provided Canadian sovereignty is respected. His remarks came as Canada imposed C$29.8 billion (£16 billion) in retaliatory tariffs on US imports…
Bangladesh: priorities for interim leader
13 Mar 2025
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, admits he was ‘dazzled’ when unexpectedly asked to take charge after Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year. Yunus, who returned to lead the country following a student-led uprising, prioritises…