Deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado region, a vast tropical savanna renowned for its rich biodiversity, increased sharply in 2023 and overtook that of the amazon.

Brazil: Deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado increased sharply in 2023

Cyclonic storm Remal has led to heavy rainfall in the Indian northeastern states, including Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland. Cyclone Remal claims at least 61 lives, including eight in Bengal and 17 in Bangladesh.

Cyclone 'Remal' claims at least 61 lives in India & Bangladesh

The Indian meteorological department has indicated that the southwest monsoon’s arrival over Kerala and its subsequent spread into specific northeastern states is becoming increasingly likely within the next three to four days. Watch in for more details!

India: Weather department predicts onset of southwest monsoon in 3-4 days

South African voters turned out for a landmark general election on Wednesday, with the ruling ANC's exclusive grip on power in doubt three decades after the advent of democracy.

Some 27 million voters are registered for the most uncertain poll since the African National Congress (ANC) led the nation out of apartheid rule, with opposition challenges from both the left and right.

In Soweto, the former black township that became the unofficial capital of the liberation struggle, elderly voters still loyal to the ANC turned out early, for a station that opened 15 minutes late.

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"I am very excited to be here. It is the reason I woke up so early. I have to vote for the party that I love, that made me who I am today," said 76-year-old Agnes Ngobeni, the first in the queue at one station.

Asked who she was supporting, she said: "Its a very old party that has has been with us all along. I don't like the new guys."

Danveries Mabasa, a 41-year-old unemployed Sowetan in a grey knee length coat and brown cap disagreed.&nbsp;

"I want change. Its been a long way coming. The least I can do myself is vote and keep waiting. We have no jobs, no water, nothing is working," he said.

In Nkandla, in the volatile eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, some of the first voters were confused by the complex voting system.

"I had to ask for help and explanation because it's the first time we've had three ballots," complained 70-year-old Cynthia Ntshangase, as she left the school house turned polling station.

In Wednesday's election, voters will choose the 400 members of the National Assembly and these MPs will then go on in the coming weeks to choose a president from among their number.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-temporarily-removes-gaza-aid-pier-for-repairs-following-structural-damage-726464">US temporarily removes Gaza aid pier for repairs after structure broke off</a>

Candidates for South Africa's nine provincial assemblies are also on the ballot.

For the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994, the ANC could be forced to negotiate a coalition in order to remain in government.&nbsp;

"South Africa's general election is a watershed moment in the political history of the country," said Aleix Montana, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.

Under the leadership of the late Nelson Mandela, the ANC won freedom for black South Africans after decades of apartheid, then lifted millions out of poverty by creating a broad social welfare system.

- Strong foundation -

But many in the country of 62 million are fed up with high unemployment, currently at 32.9 percent, rampant crime, corruption scandals, and regular power cuts and water shortages.&nbsp;

The economy grew a meagre 0.6 percent in 2023.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is seeking a second term, defended his record in a speech to the nation on Sunday, citing progress in fighting graft and fixing gaps in electricity production among other successes. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-attack-in-rafah-evacuation-area-that-killed-21-us-says-no-change-in-policy-726465">IDF says hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area</a>

"We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future growth," the 71-year-old said.&nbsp;

"We cannot afford to turn back. There is more work to be done."

He has also promised to usher in universal credit and push ahead with plans to provide health coverage.&nbsp;

But polls suggest the ANC could win as little as 40 percent of the vote, down from 57 percent in 2019.

- Instability ahead? -

If the ANC wins fewer than 201 seats, Ramaphosa would have to negotiate with opposition parties and independent MPs to secure a majority and return to government headquarters in Pretoria.&nbsp;

It could face stark choices.&nbsp;

On the right, it is beset by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has vowed to "Rescue South Africa" through clean governance, privatisation and deregulation.&nbsp;

Polls put its support below 25 percent.&nbsp;

On the left, it is bleeding support to former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which favour land redistribution and nationalisation.&nbsp;

Polls estimate the two parties are tied at around 10 percent.&nbsp;

Once an ANC stalwart, Zuma fell out with his old party after being forced out of office under a cloud of corruption allegations in 2018.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-warns-of-serious-consequences-if-western-weapons-hit-russian-soil-726476">Putin warns of 'serious consequences' if Western weapons hit Russian soil</a>

He has been barred from standing as an MP because of a conviction for contempt of court, but remains extremely popular in KwaZulu-Natal, his home province.&nbsp;

Were the ANC to come close to 50 percent, however, it could strike a potentially easier deal with some of the dozens of smaller groups in the running.

Full results are not expected before the weekend.

South African voters turned out for a landmark general election on Wednesday, with the ruling ANC's exclusive grip on power in doubt three decades after the advent of democracy.

South African voters turned out for a landmark general election on Wednesday, with the ruling ANC's exclusive grip on power in doubt three decades after the advent of democracy. Some 27 million voters are registered for the most uncertain poll since the African National Congress (ANC) led the nation out of apartheid rule, with opposition challenges from both the left and right. In Soweto, the former black township that became the unofficial capital of the liberation struggle, elderly voters still loyal to the ANC turned out early, for a station that opened 15 minutes late. Also read: Trump hush money trial day 21: Robert DeNiro heckled, Capitol Hill cops appear "I am very excited to be here. It is the reason I woke up so early. I have to vote for the party that I love, that made me who I am today," said 76-year-old Agnes Ngobeni, the first in the queue at one station. Asked who she was supporting, she said: "Its a very old party that has has been with us all along. I don't like the new guys." Danveries Mabasa, a 41-year-old unemployed Sowetan in a grey knee length coat and brown cap disagreed. "I want change. Its been a long way coming. The least I can do myself is vote and keep waiting. We have no jobs, no water, nothing is working," he said. In Nkandla, in the volatile eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, some of the first voters were confused by the complex voting system. "I had to ask for help and explanation because it's the first time we've had three ballots," complained 70-year-old Cynthia Ntshangase, as she left the school house turned polling station. In Wednesday's election, voters will choose the 400 members of the National Assembly and these MPs will then go on in the coming weeks to choose a president from among their number. Also read: US temporarily removes Gaza aid pier for repairs after structure broke off Candidates for South Africa's nine provincial assemblies are also on the ballot. For the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994, the ANC could be forced to negotiate a coalition in order to remain in government. "South Africa's general election is a watershed moment in the political history of the country," said Aleix Montana, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. Under the leadership of the late Nelson Mandela, the ANC won freedom for black South Africans after decades of apartheid, then lifted millions out of poverty by creating a broad social welfare system. - Strong foundation - But many in the country of 62 million are fed up with high unemployment, currently at 32.9 percent, rampant crime, corruption scandals, and regular power cuts and water shortages. The economy grew a meagre 0.6 percent in 2023. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is seeking a second term, defended his record in a speech to the nation on Sunday, citing progress in fighting graft and fixing gaps in electricity production among other successes. Also read: IDF says hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area "We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future growth," the 71-year-old said. "We cannot afford to turn back. There is more work to be done." He has also promised to usher in universal credit and push ahead with plans to provide health coverage. But polls suggest the ANC could win as little as 40 percent of the vote, down from 57 percent in 2019. - Instability ahead? - If the ANC wins fewer than 201 seats, Ramaphosa would have to negotiate with opposition parties and independent MPs to secure a majority and return to government headquarters in Pretoria. It could face stark choices. On the right, it is beset by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has vowed to "Rescue South Africa" through clean governance, privatisation and deregulation. Polls put its support below 25 percent. On the left, it is bleeding support to former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which favour land redistribution and nationalisation. Polls estimate the two parties are tied at around 10 percent. Once an ANC stalwart, Zuma fell out with his old party after being forced out of office under a cloud of corruption allegations in 2018. Also read: Putin warns of 'serious consequences' if Western weapons hit Russian soil He has been barred from standing as an MP because of a conviction for contempt of court, but remains extremely popular in KwaZulu-Natal, his home province. Were the ANC to come close to 50 percent, however, it could strike a potentially easier deal with some of the dozens of smaller groups in the running. Full results are not expected before the weekend.

South Africans vote with ANC rule in balance

Today, South Africans head to the polls. After 30 years of dominance, the ANC faces its toughest election yet, needing 50 percent to maintain its majority. Watch in for more details!

South Africa Elections 2024: Polling begins, 28 million registered voters to cast their vote

South Africa Elections 2024: 70 political parties & 11 independent in the fray this time

Watch top headlines of the hour: - South Africans vote in crucial elections - Delhi records highest ever temp at 49.9°C - US consumer confidence recovers - Polling begins in South Africa - IDF: Hidden munitions may have caused Rafah blaze - North Korea drops trash balloons on the South - Putin: NATO members playing with fire

South Africans vote in crucial elections | US consumer confidence recovers | WION Headlines

Russia and Uzbekistan signed an accord Monday for Moscow to build a small nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country, as Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in the Uzbek capital with Uzbekistan leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Russia extends influence in Central Asia, to build nuclear plant in Uzbekistan

Let's shift our focus to India's demographic dividend. This has become a hot topic in an ageing world. Take a look at this report to understand the co-relation between investment decisions and demographic growth...

India Elections 2024 | India stands out for investors in ageing world

China continues to mark its presence around Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence spotted China operating near its territory. Around 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 naval vessels and four coast guard vessels were operating near Taiwan. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan-China tensions: 21 Chinese military aircraft & 15 navy vessels detected: Taipei

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Uzbekistan to get nuclear power plant - Sri Lanka holds rates to tame inflation - India heatwave: 3,622 heatstroke patients in Rajasthan - Strike on camp 'tragic': Netanyahu - Cyclone 'Remal' lashes Bangladesh - Papua New Guinea evacuates 7,900 amid new landslide fears

Uzbekistan to get nuclear power plant | Sri Lanka holds rates to tame inflation

A United Airlines flight was forced to abort takeoff at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Monday (May&nbsp;27) after an engine fire erupted, spewing smoke from the wing as captured in a chilling video.&nbsp;

United Flight 2091 was all set to fly to Seattle at around 2 pm when its engine burst into flames on the taxiway forcing 148 passengers and five crew members to evacuate&nbsp;Airbus 320, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines said in separate statements.

The video shot by a passenger from inside the plane showed thick smoke coming from one of the wings as the aircraft drove on the tarmac.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HAPPENING NOW — 
United Airlines plane catches fire before takeoff at Chicago airport‼️ 
 
The Seattle bound United Flight 2091 with 148 passengers and five crew members on board was halted around 2 p.m Monday, according to the FAA. 
Ground crews and emergency responders… <a href="https://t.co/UWslsLYvju">pic.twitter.com/UWslsLYvju</a>
— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelSCollura/status/1795307577393496467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ivan Paloalto, the passenger who shot the video, told Storyful that he heard a blast as the plane was about to take off.

The FAA&nbsp;momentarily halted arrivals at the Chicago airport on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year until regular operations started again at 2:45 pm, the agency said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-strange-russian-radio-signal-has-been-transmitting-beeps-and-buzzes-since-1982-nobody-knows-why-726119">This strange Russian radio signal has been transmitting beeps and buzzes since 1982. Nobody knows why</a>

United Airlines confirmed there were no injuries sustained during the event. First responders promptly addressed the engine malfunction, and passengers deplaned the aircraft in an orderly manner.

The airline in their statement said, “We are working to make alternative travel arrangements for customers.”

 
The Windy City fliers were not the only ones dealing with travel issues over the Memorial Day weekend.

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Fliers at JFK International Airport faced temporary delays on Monday afternoon as powerful thunderstorms rolled through the New York area, prompting a ground stop at the busy airport.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United Airlines flight was forced to abort takeoff at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Monday (May 27) after an engine fire erupted, spewing smoke from the wing as captured in a chilling video.

A United Airlines flight was forced to abort takeoff at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Monday (May 27) after an engine fire erupted, spewing smoke from the wing as captured in a chilling video. United Flight 2091 was all set to fly to Seattle at around 2 pm when its engine burst into flames on the taxiway forcing 148 passengers and five crew members to evacuate Airbus 320, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines said in separate statements. The video shot by a passenger from inside the plane showed thick smoke coming from one of the wings as the aircraft drove on the tarmac. HAPPENING NOW — United Airlines plane catches fire before takeoff at Chicago airport‼️ The Seattle bound United Flight 2091 with 148 passengers and five crew members on board was halted around 2 p.m Monday, according to the FAA. Ground crews and emergency responders… pic.twitter.com/UWslsLYvju — SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) May 28, 2024 × Ivan Paloalto, the passenger who shot the video, told Storyful that he heard a blast as the plane was about to take off. The FAA momentarily halted arrivals at the Chicago airport on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year until regular operations started again at 2:45 pm, the agency said. Also read: This strange Russian radio signal has been transmitting beeps and buzzes since 1982. Nobody knows why United Airlines confirmed there were no injuries sustained during the event. First responders promptly addressed the engine malfunction, and passengers deplaned the aircraft in an orderly manner. The airline in their statement said, “We are working to make alternative travel arrangements for customers.” The Windy City fliers were not the only ones dealing with travel issues over the Memorial Day weekend. Also read: Astronomers from China and Ukraine team up on asteroid defense Fliers at JFK International Airport faced temporary delays on Monday afternoon as powerful thunderstorms rolled through the New York area, prompting a ground stop at the busy airport. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Engine fire forces United Airlines flight to abort takeoff at Chicago airport

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a severe heatwave will continue in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh for several days. Red warning has been issued for New Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

India: IMD predicts heatwave days for June, National capital records 48°C

In WION's Poll Countdown we get you a roundup of all the latest updates in the realm of Indian politics. As part of his final campaigning for the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a mega road show in Kolkata. Watch in for more details!

India Elections: Rahul & Akhilesh to hold rally in Varanasi | PM Modi to hold roadshow in Kolkata

Amid Israel's Rafah offensive, Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah issued a big warning to Israel. The group's secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, warned Israel to be 'ready for surprises'. Is the group preparing for a surprise attack on Israel?

Gravitas: Is Hezbollah planning attack on Israel? Iran-backed group's big warning to Netanyahu govt

Strong gales and heavy rain brought by cyclone Remal lashed the coastlines of India and Bangladesh on Monday, with the storm killing at least 16 people and cutting electricity supply to millions before losing intensity.

Gravitas | Cyclone Remal: Death toll rises to 16 in India & Bangladesh, emergency services underway

Poland has revealed plans to build a line of minefields, bunkers, and anti-tank trenches along its borders with Russia and Belarus.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier this month announced plans to build a 10 billion zloty (£2 billion) defence barrier to render NATO's eastern flank "impassable to a potential enemy," but he did not offer many specifics.

A network of steel barriers, palisades, and concrete anti-tank "hedgehogs" interwoven with earthworks is visible along 434 miles of frontier, according to simulations shown on Monday.

Poland's defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, stated that the 'East Shield' deterrent and defence strategy is the greatest operation to secure Poland's eastern border and NATO's eastern flank since 1945. It will be a mix of contemporary technologies, fortifications, and topography.

He said that in addition, the government will request for financing for the border wall from the European Union. The project is scheduled to begin this year and be finished by 2028.

East Shield has been promoted as a deterrent to prevent an assault from Russia. Polish media have termed it the "Tusk line." Plans are purportedly being developed in cooperation with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

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It is not to be confused with a wall built along the border to prevent migrants from Belarus from crossing. A complex network of trenches, bunkers, and tank traps is depicted on the designs. Mines would only be set if it seemed like war might break out.

Poland borders Belarus, Russia's close ally, by 170-miles, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad by 130 miles. With thousands of migrants and refugees entering Europe across the border with Belarus—mostly from the Middle East—it has turned into a hotspot for security.

This has been called a "hybrid war of migration" by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is assisted by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

“Those are not refugees, those are less and less migrants, families, poor people needing help. In 80 per cent of the cases, these are organised groups of men, aged 18 to 30, very aggressive,” Tusk added. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Poland has revealed plans to build a line of minefields, bunkers, and anti-tank trenches along its borders with Russia and Belarus. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier this month announced plans to build a 10 billion zloty (£2 billion) defence barrier to render NATO's eastern flank "impassable to a potential enemy," but he did not offer many specifics.

Poland has revealed plans to build a line of minefields, bunkers, and anti-tank trenches along its borders with Russia and Belarus. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier this month announced plans to build a 10 billion zloty (£2 billion) defence barrier to render NATO's eastern flank "impassable to a potential enemy," but he did not offer many specifics. A network of steel barriers, palisades, and concrete anti-tank "hedgehogs" interwoven with earthworks is visible along 434 miles of frontier, according to simulations shown on Monday. Poland's defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, stated that the 'East Shield' deterrent and defence strategy is the greatest operation to secure Poland's eastern border and NATO's eastern flank since 1945. It will be a mix of contemporary technologies, fortifications, and topography. He said that in addition, the government will request for financing for the border wall from the European Union. The project is scheduled to begin this year and be finished by 2028. East Shield has been promoted as a deterrent to prevent an assault from Russia. Polish media have termed it the "Tusk line." Plans are purportedly being developed in cooperation with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Also read: Georgian parliament overrides presidential veto, adopts ‘foreign agents’ law amid protests It is not to be confused with a wall built along the border to prevent migrants from Belarus from crossing. A complex network of trenches, bunkers, and tank traps is depicted on the designs. Mines would only be set if it seemed like war might break out. Poland borders Belarus, Russia's close ally, by 170-miles, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad by 130 miles. With thousands of migrants and refugees entering Europe across the border with Belarus—mostly from the Middle East—it has turned into a hotspot for security. This has been called a "hybrid war of migration" by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is assisted by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. “Those are not refugees, those are less and less migrants, families, poor people needing help. In 80 per cent of the cases, these are organised groups of men, aged 18 to 30, very aggressive,” Tusk added. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland unveils ‘East Shield’: Massive defence barrier to fortify borders with Russia and Belarus

Finland has been experiencing unusually warm weather this May, prompting the Meteorological Institute to issue a heat warning on Monday.

Temperatures across large parts of the Nordic nation, the north of which lies above the Arctic Circle, are due to surge above 27C (81 F) starting on Tuesday (May 28), the institute said.

"This is probably the first time ever we have issued a heatwave warning in May", Iiris Viljamaa from the Finnish Meteorological Institute told AFP, adding that such alerts were normally issued in June at the earliest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-strange-russian-radio-signal-has-been-transmitting-beeps-and-buzzes-since-1982-nobody-knows-why-726119">This strange Russian radio signal has been transmitting beeps and buzzes since 1982. Nobody knows why</a>

Scientists say that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming and that these heatwaves are set to become more frequent, longer and more intense.

"The Finnish climate has always seen changes in weather but now climate change is enhancing these kinds of weather phenomena," meteorologist Leena Laakso told AFP.

Research shows "extreme weather events will increase due to climate change," she said.

According to Laakso, the current temperatures were around 10C above average temperatures for May.&nbsp;

The Finnish warning is aimed at alerting people about increased health risks associated with daytime temperatures reaching 27C.&nbsp;

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Especially the elderly, people with long-term illnesses and disabilities, babies and young children are advised to take shelter from the heat, the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare said in a statement.&nbsp;

"In Finland we are used to cool weather and people start to have some health issues in this kind of weather already", said Viljamaa.

On Monday, temperatures between 24 and 28C were recorded, due to a high pressure system over the country, combined with a warm, dry air mass flowing from the south.&nbsp;

Twelve days in May had already exceeded 25 degrees, Viljamaa said.&nbsp;

The town of Salo in southwestern Finland on Saturday registered the country's highest temperature of the year so far, at 28.8C.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-from-china-and-ukraine-team-up-on-asteroid-defense-726127">Astronomers from China and Ukraine team up on asteroid defense</a>

"Now it seems the really, really hot weather will remain in Finland until the end of the month," Viljamaa said.&nbsp;

After Sunday the weather is expected to start cooling down, bringing much needed rain for nature and fields grappling with drought, Viljamaa added.

Finland has been experiencing unusually warm weather this May, prompting the Meteorological Institute to issue a heat warning on Monday. Temperatures across large parts of the Nordic nation, the north of which lies above the Arctic Circle, are due to surge above 27C (81 F) starting on Tuesday (May 28), the institute said.

Finland has been experiencing unusually warm weather this May, prompting the Meteorological Institute to issue a heat warning on Monday. Temperatures across large parts of the Nordic nation, the north of which lies above the Arctic Circle, are due to surge above 27C (81 F) starting on Tuesday (May 28), the institute said. "This is probably the first time ever we have issued a heatwave warning in May", Iiris Viljamaa from the Finnish Meteorological Institute told AFP, adding that such alerts were normally issued in June at the earliest. Also read: This strange Russian radio signal has been transmitting beeps and buzzes since 1982. Nobody knows why Scientists say that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming and that these heatwaves are set to become more frequent, longer and more intense. "The Finnish climate has always seen changes in weather but now climate change is enhancing these kinds of weather phenomena," meteorologist Leena Laakso told AFP. Research shows "extreme weather events will increase due to climate change," she said. According to Laakso, the current temperatures were around 10C above average temperatures for May. The Finnish warning is aimed at alerting people about increased health risks associated with daytime temperatures reaching 27C. Also read: Here's how NASA is planning to reach Mars from Earth in months Especially the elderly, people with long-term illnesses and disabilities, babies and young children are advised to take shelter from the heat, the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare said in a statement. "In Finland we are used to cool weather and people start to have some health issues in this kind of weather already", said Viljamaa. On Monday, temperatures between 24 and 28C were recorded, due to a high pressure system over the country, combined with a warm, dry air mass flowing from the south. Twelve days in May had already exceeded 25 degrees, Viljamaa said. The town of Salo in southwestern Finland on Saturday registered the country's highest temperature of the year so far, at 28.8C. Also read: Astronomers from China and Ukraine team up on asteroid defense "Now it seems the really, really hot weather will remain in Finland until the end of the month," Viljamaa said. After Sunday the weather is expected to start cooling down, bringing much needed rain for nature and fields grappling with drought, Viljamaa added.

Exceptionally early heatwave hits Finland

A day after facing massive international censure over Sunday's strike in Rafah, Netanyahu has taken accountability. Delivering a speech in parliament, Netanyahu admitted that the strike went tragically wrong. Considering how he continues to defy international dictates as well as his closest ally, the U.S., what explains the change of heart? Was his regret genuine, or was it a result of international pressure finally getting to him?

Gravitas: Netanyahu regrets Rafah Strike | Is Israeli PM feeling the heat of international pressure?

A recent surge in exports has propelled Brazil to the top market for Chinese new energy vehicles, surpassing established European markets. Data shows a 13-fold increase in n-e-v exports to brazil in April 2024, signifying a clear pivot by Chinese automakers in response to the EU's anti-subsidy probe.

Brazil surpasses Belgium as top market for Chinese EVs

Amidst public outcry, Pope Francis, who was widely quoted as having used a highly derogatory word to describe the LGBT community, issued a rare apology on Tuesday. The Vatican released a statement saying that the Pope did not intend to use homophobic language and apologized to anyone offended by it.

Gravitas: Pope Francis apologizes after homophobic slur

Pakistan's new government is looking to revive its economy with the help of China's belt and road initiative. B-R-I is a massive development project involving infrastructure investments in many countries.

Pakistan pushes for China-Pakistan projects

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made a significant revelation. She stated that a foreign power offered her an easy path to re-election in the January 7 polls on the condition that she allowed the said foreign country to construct an airbase within Bangladeshi territory. Although she did not name the foreign power that made the offer, the Bangladeshi prime minister described the individual as a "white man."

Gravitas: Sheikh Hasina's big revelation, 'Was offered re-election for airbase in Bangladesh'

There has been a surge in social media accounts advertising children for sale in the form of illegal adoptions. Molly Gambhir telling you more.

Gravitas: Surge in social media accounts advertising kids for sale in form of illegal adoptions

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