Orthodox celebrate Christmas in shadow of conflict
Moscow, Russia AP Orthodox Christians packed churches on Friday evening for Christmas Eve services, a holiday darkened for many by the conflict raging between Orthodox neighbours Russia and Ukraine. Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the world’s largest Orthodox denomination, led elaborate services at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral, with dozens of priests […]
At least 29 killed in Mexico capture of Chapo’s son; US extradition not guaranteed
Mexico City Reuters Nineteen suspected gang members and 10 military personnel were killed in a wave of violence surrounding the arrest of Mexican drug cartel boss Ovidio Guzman in the northern state of Sinaloa, Defence Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval said on Friday. Mexican security forces captured Guzman, the 32-year-old son of jailed kingpin Joaquin “El […]
“What ceasefire?”: shells fly at Ukraine front despite Putin’s truce
Near Kreminna, Ukraine Reuters Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged artillery fire at the front line in Ukraine on Friday, even after Moscow said it had ordered its troops to stop shooting for a unilateral truce that was firmly rejected by Kyiv. President Vladimir Putin ordered the 36-hour ceasefire from midday on Friday to observe Russian […]
Gazans turns to firewood as energy prices soar
Gaza Reuters In one of Gaza City’s oldest suburbs, Saadeya al-Malaha collects dry branches she finds by the side of the roads, then carefully balances the pile on her head and carries it home to light a fire and cook for her two children. With winters growing harsher, gas prices climbing and regular power cuts, […]
Snapshot: Cao Grande, São Tomé and Príncipe
See atosan’s image…
Peru’s tourism sector hurt by protests amid mass cancellations
Lima, Peru Reuters Weeks of deadly protests in Peru after the ouster and detention of President Pedro Castillo have taken a toll on the country’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, a minister and industry representatives said. Up to 60 per cent of travel bookings for the first half of the year have been cancelled since […]
Ethiopia sets out on long road to peace after two years of war
Nairobi, Kenya Reuters A year that began with no end in sight for one of the world’s deadliest conflicts finished on a note of cautious optimism in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray after a November ceasefire agreement. The two-year-long war has caused a dire humanitarian crisis, killing tens of thousands, leaving millions in severe need […]
Biden visits Vatican embassy to pay respects to Benedict XVI
Washington DC, US AP President Joe Biden on Thursday paid his respects to Benedict XVI, the first pope to resign in six centuries, following his burial during a ceremony at the Vatican. Benedict, who became Pope Emeritus after stepping down from his role as leader of the Roman Catholic church in 2013, died on 31st […]
Biden lays out new immigration curbs on US-Mexico border
Washington DC, US Reuters The United States will use Trump-era restrictions to rapidly expel Cuban, Nicaraguan and Haitian migrants caught illegally crossing the US-Mexico border, President Joe Biden said Thursday in his first major speech on border security. At the same time, the United States will allow up to 30,000 people from those three countries […]
Accessing finance: Microfinance turns India’s rural women into budding entrepreneurs
ANNIE BANERJI, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports on how, in the absence of banks, rural credit schemes are helping women access formal financing and reducing their reliance on loan sharks…