South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison for ordering military drones into North Korea. The court said he did this to create a crisis that would justify declaring martial law in 2024, which led to political turmoil.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol is South Korea’s ex-president.
He was sentenced to 30 years in jail for sending military drones into North Korea.
The court said this action aimed to increase military tensions and create a national crisis.
This crisis was used to justify his declaration of martial law in 2024.
Martial law was declared for about six hours before lawmakers stopped it.
Yoon is also appealing a life sentence for leading an insurrection linked to the martial law declaration.
His defense claimed the drone flights responded to North Korean balloon trash incidents.
South Korea and North Korea remain technically at war, with ongoing tensions over drone flights.
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A video showing a seven-year-old visually impaired Palestinian boy, Ayoub Junaid, crying after his glasses broke has gained international attention. Despite receiving a new pair of glasses through donor help, Ayoub still needs urgent eye surgery which is difficult to access due to the war and blockade in Gaza.
Key Facts
Ayoub Junaid is a seven-year-old boy from Gaza with severe nearsightedness.
His vision worsened after an illness at age two, and he requires special lenses not available in Gaza.
Ayoub’s glasses recently broke after he fell, causing him emotional distress because he relies heavily on them.
His family cannot access proper eye care or surgery due to Gaza’s war conditions and Israeli blockade.
Medical facilities in Gaza are missing key equipment and supplies for eye treatment.
Over 2,800 patients are waiting for cataract surgery, with total eye surgery backlogs exceeding 4,000 cases.
After the video went viral, donors provided Ayoub with new glasses, but they do not fully meet his prescription needs.
Ayoub now shows some improvement in mood and willingness to interact, offering hope to his family.
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Britain’s favourite butterfly is the peacock butterfly, chosen by over 20,000 votes in a poll run by the charity Butterfly Conservation. The survey shows that common butterflies often seen in gardens are more popular than rare or endangered species.
Key Facts
The peacock butterfly won first place with its bright colors and eye spots.
Over 20,000 people voted in the poll, which included 60 native butterfly species.
The orange-tip came second, and the red admiral was third.
All top five butterflies are commonly found in gardens, parks, and suburbs across the UK.
Rarer butterflies like the swallowtail and purple emperor ranked much lower.
The Big Butterfly Count starts on 17 July and is a large survey where people count butterflies in 15 minutes outdoors.
Peacock caterpillars are currently common on nettles, suggesting many peacocks will appear this summer.
Painted lady butterflies, migrants from Africa, are expected in large numbers and ranked 10th in the poll.
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Most asylum seekers entering Ireland over the past three years have come through the land border from Northern Ireland. The Irish and UK governments are working together to manage this issue, as the open border allows people to move freely, making it hard to track and control asylum claims.
Key Facts
Up to 90% of people seeking asylum in Ireland entered through the land border with Northern Ireland.
In the past year, the UK Home Office caught over 900 people crossing the border illegally for immigration reasons.
Between 2022 and 2024, asylum applications in Ireland rose to 18,500, much higher than before 2019.
Most asylum seekers (about 90%) apply in person at the International Protection Office in Dublin rather than at airports or ports.
Irish data shows many asylum seekers travel from Great Britain to Ireland before crossing into Northern Ireland.
A recent knife attack in Belfast involved a refugee who travelled via Paris and Dublin before claiming asylum in Northern Ireland.
Both governments are discussing ways to improve border checks and revive a post-Brexit agreement to return asylum seekers between Ireland and the UK.
Political leaders in Ireland and Northern Ireland agree that cross-border cooperation is important to protect the common travel area.
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The article discusses political efforts to calm violence in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It also mentions other political topics and lists candidates running in a local election in Makerfield, England.
Key Facts
There has been recent violence in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Politicians are working to bring peace to the area.
The article references coverage by reporters Rory Carroll and Hannah Al-Othman.
It includes information about Keir Starmer's political activities.
The article invites readers to send questions to specific reporters.
It provides a full list of candidates for the Makerfield byelection, including people from parties like Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservative, Green, and more unusual parties like the Official Monster Raving Loony party.
The Makerfield byelection is a local election in England.
A photograph by Peter Morrison from the Associated Press is included.
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A plan by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to build a luxury hotel on an island in Albania's protected wetlands is causing protests. The area is a valuable nature reserve home to many endangered species, and the project is moving forward without public consultation or full environmental approval.
Key Facts
The planned development is on an island in a wildlife-rich nature reserve in Albania.
Albania has experienced protests for almost two weeks due to this project.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are behind the tourism project.
The wetland is part of the Vjosa River delta, which is a protected area and home to many threatened animals, including flamingos.
The project has not received full planning permission or an environmental impact assessment.
The Albanian government supports the project but says current work is only technical surveys, not construction.
Environmental groups say the area’s natural habitats are being damaged by heavy machinery and fencing.
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sending military drones into North Korea. Prosecutors said the drone missions were meant to create a false excuse to declare martial law in 2024, which caused increased tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
Yoon was sentenced for sending drones over North Korea that reportedly dropped propaganda leaflets.
Prosecutors claimed this action was meant to justify martial law declared by Yoon in 2024.
The drone flights increased military tensions between South Korea and North Korea in October 2024.
Yoon denies ordering or approving the drone missions and says they were a response to North Korean balloon launches.
Yoon was already sentenced to life in prison earlier for leading an insurrection linked to the martial law attempt.
He was removed from office after the Constitutional Court approved his impeachment last year.
The current South Korean president, Lee Jae Myung, took office following a snap election after Yoon’s removal.
Relations between the two Koreas remain tense, with North Korea calling South Korea its “most hostile” enemy.
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Amnesty International and Oxfam reported an increase in violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank over the past three years. This violence is said to be supported by the Israeli government, leading to more people being forced to leave their homes.
Key Facts
Amnesty International and Oxfam both published reports on settler violence in the West Bank.
The reports show that violence has increased over the last three years.
The violence is described as supported or backed by the Israeli government.
This rise in violence is causing more displacement of people living in the West Bank.
The occupied West Bank is a territory where Israel has control but is recognized internationally as Palestinian land.
Human rights groups are raising concerns about the impact on local communities.
The situation contributes to ongoing tensions in the region.
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A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 more years in prison for ordering drone missions into North Korea in 2024. The court said Yoon aimed to provoke North Korea to justify imposing martial law, which failed and led to mass protests and his impeachment.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol ordered drones to fly into North Korea in October 2024.
The drones scattered propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
Prosecutors said this was meant to provoke North Korea and create a reason for martial law.
Yoon declared martial law in December 2024 but withdrew it after large protests.
Yoon was impeached and previously sentenced to life in prison for insurrection related to the martial law attempt.
Other officials involved received prison sentences: the defense minister got 30 years, another official 15 years, and a drone commander 3 years with a suspended sentence.
Yoon’s lawyers argued the drone actions were a response to North Korea’s use of balloons carrying trash into South Korea.
The court found Yoon responsible for increasing tensions and risking military conflict between the two Koreas.
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President Donald Trump says he is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and providing sanctions relief if Iran follows the rules. The agreement aims to extend a ceasefire for 60 days and sets a framework for future nuclear talks, although a detailed nuclear deal is still needed.
Key Facts
The MOU calls for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen immediately without tolls.
Iran would receive sanctions relief based on how well it follows the agreement.
The deal would extend a ceasefire, including in Lebanon, for 60 days.
Future nuclear negotiations are planned, but any action depends on a second, more detailed deal.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has not yet approved the deal, and Iran’s foreign ministry says no final decision is made.
The agreement includes limits on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and a commitment not to get nuclear weapons.
U.S. Air Force planes moved equipment to support a signing ceremony in Geneva, possibly involving Vice President Vance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly not informed before President Trump announced the deal.
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US forces recently shot down two Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz as Iran seemed to target commercial ships in the area. Meanwhile, President Trump stated that a deal to end the Middle East war might happen soon, though Iran has not confirmed any final agreement yet.
Key Facts
US forces intercepted and destroyed two Iranian one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz.
The drones appeared to be targeting commercial ships passing through this key waterway.
President Donald Trump announced a possible "great settlement" to end the ongoing Middle East war.
Iran’s government said it has not finalized any deal due to new demands from the US side.
President Trump canceled planned military strikes on Iran after announcing the potential deal.
Israeli and Palestinian groups met in France to promote a two-state solution to their conflict.
Egypt called on the US and Iran to take advantage of the current chance to reach a peace deal.
Oil prices dropped following the cancellation of US strikes on Iran, easing fears of conflict escalation.
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Riots took place in west Belfast, affecting residents including two care workers and students from Uganda who live there. Neighbouring houses were set on fire, and people were told to stay indoors for safety. The violence has caused fear among local residents, including refugees.
Key Facts
Riots occurred in west Belfast, spreading to residential streets.
Houses nearby were set on fire during the riots.
Residents were advised by emergency services to stay inside their homes.
Two housemates from Uganda, both care workers and students, were directly affected.
One resident, Sumayah, fainted due to fear during the violence.
A Sudanese refugee and father of four is thinking about leaving the city because of the rioting.
The Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman interviewed locals about their experiences and fears.
The events highlight tensions and safety concerns in the community during the riots.
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Severe storms, including tornadoes, hit parts of the U.S. Midwest, especially Illinois, causing power outages, property damage, and one confirmed death in Iowa. The storms brought very strong winds and led to flight delays and emergency warnings across several states.
Key Facts
Tornadoes touched down in about 11 cities in Illinois and Wisconsin on Thursday.
Wind speeds reached up to 75 miles per hour in Mason City, Illinois.
Over 243,000 power customers were without electricity in Illinois as of Thursday evening.
The Chicago area was rated level 4 out of 5 for severe weather risk, indicating widespread severe storms likely.
A confirmed tornado damaged homes in Streator, Illinois, but no deaths were reported there as of Thursday evening.
A 54-year-old man died in Des Moines, Iowa, after a tree fell on him during the storms.
Strong storms also caused flight delays or cancellations in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Newark airports.
The tornado destroyed a mobile home in Unionville, Missouri, forcing residents to evacuate to safety.
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Africa’s population is growing rapidly and is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. This growth offers economic opportunities but also challenges, especially related to governance, infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.
Key Facts
Africa currently has 1.6 billion people, expected to double by 2061.
By 2040, Africa’s working-age population will be larger than India’s and China’s combined.
Urban population in Africa is about 44% now and expected to rise above 60% by 2050.
Growth in population creates bigger markets and workforce but requires effective government planning.
Governance has worsened in about half of African countries over the past decade.
Agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa is low compared to other regions.
Some countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda show progress with focused reforms.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to connect 1.4 billion people in a single market but faces challenges in implementation.
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Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is facing new challenges after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, criticizing the defence spending plan as insufficient. The resignations and internal disagreements come as Starmer prepares to attend the G7 summit, highlighting tensions within his party and questions about his leadership.
Key Facts
John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary, saying military spending is too low to protect the country.
Starmer’s new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis will represent the UK at an upcoming NATO defence meeting.
Armed forces minister Al Carns also resigned shortly after stating he aimed to "steady the ship."
The Defence Investment Plan was meant to show Starmer’s government delivering results but instead revealed internal conflicts.
There are leadership challengers within the Labour Party, including Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Al Carns.
The government is balancing requests for high defence spending with economic pressures like a slow economy and high taxes.
Other government departments face budget cuts to fund the defence budget increase.
The defence spending debates are putting Starmer’s leadership under renewed scrutiny ahead of the G7 summit.
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Israel carried out multiple airstrikes across the Gaza Strip overnight. One of the blasts reportedly hit farmland in the Deir al-Balah area in central Gaza.
Key Facts
Israeli airstrikes took place throughout the Gaza Strip during the night.
Videos from Palestinian activists captured powerful explosions.
The agricultural land in Deir al-Balah, a central part of Gaza, was targeted.
Palestinian media reported on the specific location of some strikes.
The strikes represent ongoing military actions in the region.
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Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died at age 47 after being in a coma for almost four years. She had been seriously ill since December 2022, suffering from heart problems and multiple infections.
Key Facts
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was hospitalized in December 2022 after heart problems occurred while training her dogs.
Her health worsened due to infections in several organs, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure caused by a stomach infection.
She was supported by medical equipment for kidney function and breathing.
Born in 1978, she held several degrees including a doctorate from Cornell University.
She worked as an ambassador, attorney general’s office official, royal security command member, and UN goodwill ambassador.
The princess campaigned for the rights of female prisoners.
Her death may bring up questions about royal succession, which is a sensitive and restricted topic in Thailand.
King Vajiralongkorn has seven children but only three carry royal titles; Bajrakitiyabha was seen as a possible heir.
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Meteorologists confirmed that El Nino has returned in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to become one of the strongest events on record. This natural warming cycle can increase global heat and cause extreme weather like floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms in many regions around the world.
Key Facts
El Nino is a natural cycle of Pacific Ocean warming near the equator that affects weather worldwide.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed a 63% chance that this El Nino will be among the strongest since 1950.
Strong El Ninos bring extra heat to the ocean surface, leading to extreme weather events globally.
This event may rival or exceed the powerful El Nino of 1997, which caused massive damage from floods, heatwaves, and fires.
El Nino tends to reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic but increase storms in the Pacific, affecting places like Hawaii more severely.
Some regions, like western South America and India, may see heavy rains and heatwaves, while others, like the Middle East, might experience drought improvements.
In the US, El Nino can cause stronger storms with heavy rain in the South and generally helps agriculture.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called El Nino an urgent climate warning that worsens global warming effects.
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Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, has died after being in a coma for more than three years following a heart condition. She was known for her legal work, diplomatic career, and efforts to reform Thailand’s criminal justice system.
Key Facts
Princess Bajrakitiyabha collapsed in December 2022 due to a severe irregular heartbeat caused by a heart infection.
She died at 19:48 local time on the day before the announcement, in Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok.
She was born on December 7, 1978, and was King Vajiralongkorn's oldest child from his first wife.
She studied law and earned two advanced degrees from Cornell University in the United States.
She worked at the Thai mission to the United Nations and later in Thailand’s Attorney-General’s office.
Between 2012 and 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria and worked with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
She focused on penal reform, especially improving conditions for women in prison in Thailand.
Her death raises questions about Thailand’s royal succession, as the King has not named an heir, and she was considered a leading candidate.
Thai law restricts public discussion of royal succession due to strict lese majeste rules.
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