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Searches for Madeleine McCann continued for a third day near the area in Portugal where she went missing 18 years ago. German and Portuguese police are looking for evidence linked to the case, focusing on land near where a suspect named Christian Brückner stayed. No significant finds have been reported so far.
Key Facts
Madeleine McCann disappeared in May 2007 while on holiday in the Algarve, Portugal.
She went missing from a ground-floor apartment while her parents were at a nearby restaurant.
The search is now focused on a 21 square kilometer area between where Madeleine disappeared and where the suspect lived.
Christian Brückner, a suspect in the case, is currently serving a prison sentence in Germany for a different crime.
German police consider this a murder investigation, while British police treat it as a missing person case.
Brückner has denied involvement in Madeleine's disappearance and hasn't been charged in the case.
Portuguese prosecutors approved a European warrant for German teams to search private land in Portugal.
The search involves diggers and specialist equipment to examine scrubland and abandoned buildings.
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A well-known elephant named Plai Biang Lek from Khao Yai National Park in Thailand wandered into a local grocery store and ate various foods before being escorted out. He consumed sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and bananas.
Key Facts
Plai Biang Lek is an elephant from Khao Yai National Park in Thailand.
The elephant is known for going into homes in search of food.
He traveled about one kilometre from the park to a local grocery store.
In the store, Plai Biang Lek ate nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and some bananas.
Shopkeepers managed to guide him out of the store after his meal.
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Denmark has established strict immigration laws, led by center-left politicians, which is surprising since such policies are usually associated with far-right parties. Denmark's approach to managing asylum-seekers and economic migrants has attracted international attention, making it a leading example of tough migration policies in Europe.
Key Facts
Denmark is known for its strict immigration policies.
These policies are driven by center-left politicians, not the far-right.
Denmark gained attention for allowing authorities to take jewelry and valuables from asylum seekers to cover living costs.
Since 1985, the number of immigrants in Denmark has increased significantly.
In 2015, over a million migrants entered Europe, with many heading to Denmark.
Denmark is considering processing asylum seekers outside of Europe.
The Danish government has made over 50 amendments to tighten immigration laws in recent years.
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A 58-year-old woman named Shona Banu from Assam, India, says she was forced across the border into Bangladesh by Indian police. Her case is among several where people in Assam are reported to have been pushed into Bangladesh without official process.
Key Facts
Shona Banu lives in Assam, India, and claims she was sent to Bangladesh at gunpoint by Indian police on 25 May.
She spent two days in harsh conditions between the borders before being handed over to Bangladeshi officials.
Banu has lived in Assam all her life but has been trying to prove she is an Indian citizen, not an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh.
The BBC found at least six other cases of people being forced across the border in similar ways.
Indian Border Security Force and Assam police did not comment on these incidents.
India and Bangladesh share a long, porous border that is difficult to secure completely.
Allegations claim that over 1,200 people were pushed into Bangladesh in May, with some being later identified and returned as Indian citizens.
The issue of illegal immigration is a hot topic in Assam, affecting local politics and social tensions.
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The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution had support from all other members and included demands for the release of hostages and lifting aid restrictions. The US stated the resolution did not address concerns about Hamas, which it labels as a terrorist group.
Key Facts
The US blocked a UN resolution for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
All other 14 Security Council members voted for the resolution.
The US says the resolution could harm peace efforts and does not address Hamas as a terrorist group.
The UN, US, UK, and EU classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Over two million people in Gaza might face starvation, according to the UN.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) now distributes aid, replacing UN agencies.
Deadly incidents have occurred on routes to GHF's aid distribution sites.
Israel's military action in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, following attacks by Hamas.
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Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a significant operation called "Spider's Web" targeting Russian airbases. The attack involved drones and resulted in damage to Russian aircraft, with Ukraine claiming many planes were destroyed or severely damaged.
Key Facts
Ukraine's Security Service, known as the SBU, led an operation named "Spider's Web."
The operation targeted Russian strategic aviation at four airbases: Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya.
Ukrainian drones were used to damage or destroy Russian bombers and transport aircraft.
Ukraine claims that 41 Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed, with half being beyond repair.
The operation was reportedly planned for over a year and a half.
Satellite images and drone footage released by Ukraine show damaged Russian planes.
Drones targeted key parts of the aircraft, like fuel tanks, leading to fires and explosions.
The Kremlin has not provided much information about the attacks.
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Ukraine's drone attack on Russian airbases. Putin reportedly told Trump he would respond to the attack, while Russian officials have not confirmed this. Ukrainian and U.S. officials continue discussions on defense support and peace efforts.
Key Facts
Donald Trump had a phone call with Vladimir Putin about Ukraine's drone attack on Russian airbases.
Putin said he must respond to the drone attack, according to Trump.
Russian officials have not confirmed Putin's statement but mentioned military options are possible.
The call between Trump and Putin lasted over an hour and did not result in any immediate peace.
Ukraine attacked Russian airbases using drones on June 1, targeting aircraft thought to carry nuclear weapons.
Trump previously criticized Putin for escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian officials are meeting with U.S. senators to discuss defense support and stopping the fighting.
Recent peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul did not achieve a major agreement but included prisoner swaps.
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Saudi Arabia is taking measures to prevent heat-related deaths as over 1.4 million Muslims begin the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Authorities have implemented safety actions like planting trees and installing cooling units, and they have restricted entry for those without official permits to reduce risk.
Key Facts
Over 1.4 million Muslims have started the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Saudi Arabia has increased safety measures due to high temperatures, which are expected to reach 44C (111F).
Thousands of trees have been planted, and hundreds of cooling units have been installed.
Children under 12 are not allowed on the pilgrimage, and unregistered pilgrims may face fines and entry bans.
Officials stopped more than 269,000 people from entering Mecca without permits.
Many pilgrims who died last year were unregistered and lacked access to proper cooling facilities.
The Hajj is a religious duty in Islam, requiring Muslims to make the journey at least once if they can afford it and are healthy.
Saudi authorities have expanded shaded areas and introduced cooled roads to reduce heat stress.
The cooling system at Mecca’s Grand Mosque is reportedly the largest in the world.
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A 200-year-old condom, made from a sheep's appendix and featuring an explicit design, is on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The condom was bought at an auction and is part of an exhibition on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality, showcasing items like prints, drawings, and photographs.
Key Facts
The condom dates back to around 1830.
It is made from a sheep's appendix.
The condom has an explicit print showing a nun and three clergymen.
It was purchased by the Rijksmuseum at an auction last year.
The condom is part of an exhibition about 19th-century prostitution and sexuality.
The curator Joyce Zelen mentioned it had not been used and is in excellent condition.
It was likely a luxury item from a high-end brothel in France.
The phrase "Voilà mon choix" is inscribed on the condom, meaning "There is my choice."
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Tanzania is restricting access to the social media platform X due to concerns about the sharing of pornographic content, as stated by the information minister. The government has previously shut down X, known as Twitter, and other platforms, like Clubhouse and Telegram, which led to criticism of digital repression. Human rights groups have highlighted the inconsistency in government actions as officials continue to use these platforms, and ongoing political tensions add to the concerns.
Key Facts
Tanzania is blocking access to X, citing the presence of pornographic content.
This move comes before upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in October.
The government previously restricted X during the 2020 elections.
Other platforms like Clubhouse and Telegram are also difficult to access without VPNs in Tanzania.
A rights group criticized the government for using X while blocking it for others.
X changed its policy last year to allow consensual adult content, which the Tanzanian government opposes.
Recent hacks of official accounts in Tanzania showed false information, adding to the controversy.
Human rights campaigners report being detained and abused in Tanzania amid political tensions.
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The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that the situation in Gaza is now "worse than hell on earth," urging world leaders to intervene. She stressed the need for both sides to respect international humanitarian laws, which aim to protect civilians during conflicts.
Key Facts
Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, described the Gaza conflict as worsening beyond previous conditions.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining humanity and dignity during war.
The ICRC is a global humanitarian organization that enforces the Geneva Conventions.
The Geneva Conventions are international laws designed to protect civilians during conflicts.
Spoljaric argued that no side in a conflict can ignore these rules, regardless of the situation.
The ICRC has a field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, which has been overwhelmed by casualties.
Israel restricts international journalists from entering Gaza, relying on reports from organizations like the ICRC.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has banned media coverage of former President Joseph Kabila and his political party. This decision follows Kabila's return to the country, amid accusations against him related to rebel groups and a loss of his legal protection.
Key Facts
DR Congo has stopped media from covering Joseph Kabila and his party.
Kabila returned to DR Congo in 2023 after leaving voluntarily.
The government accuses Kabila of treason and links to the M23 rebel group.
Kabila denies the accusations and has criticized the current government.
Breaking the media ban could lead to suspension of media outlets.
The M23 group controls parts of DR Congo and will not follow the ban.
Kabila's party has rejected the ban, calling it "arbitrary."
Rwanda, a neighbor of DR Congo, is accused of supporting the M23 rebels, but denies involvement.
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Eleven people died and many were hurt in a crowd crush outside a cricket stadium in Bengaluru during a victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who had just won the Indian Premier League final. The large number of fans who showed up surprised authorities, leading to a stampede as crowds tried to enter through a small gate.
Key Facts
Eleven people died in a crowd crush outside the stadium in Bengaluru.
The incident occurred during a victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after their IPL win.
More than 200,000 people attended the parade, which was twice the expected number.
The crush happened because people tried to push through a small gate at the stadium.
Indian Prime Minister Modi expressed his sadness over the event.
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was shocked by the loss of lives.
The parade included the team's arrival by a special flight and a procession to a hotel and then to a stadium reception.
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South African politician Floyd Shivambu was removed from his position as secretary-general of the MK party after visiting Shepherd Bushiri, a controversial pastor facing legal issues. Despite his removal, Shivambu remains a member of the party and will now serve in the National Assembly.
Key Facts
Floyd Shivambu was removed from his role in the MK party for visiting Shepherd Bushiri in April.
Shepherd Bushiri is a pastor who fled South Africa after being charged with fraud.
South Africa is seeking to extradite Bushiri back to the country.
Shivambu had praised Bushiri's work on social media.
The MK party was founded by former President Jacob Zuma.
Shivambu will now represent the MK party in South Africa's parliament.
Shivambu accepted the party's decision and will take on a new role.
Shivambu had been in the position for only six months before his removal.
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The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, called on world leaders to quickly help save lives in Gaza, describing the situation there as extremely dire. The ICRC, which operates in war zones, has over 300 staff members in Gaza, most of whom are local Palestinians.
Key Facts
Mirjana Spoljaric is the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
She described the situation in Gaza as worse than hell.
Spoljaric urged world leaders to take immediate action to save lives in Gaza.
The ICRC is an international organization that works in war zones.
The ICRC has over 300 staff members working in Gaza.
Most of the ICRC staff members in Gaza are Palestinians.
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The BBC rejected claims made by the White House that it retracted a story about a shooting near an aid site in Gaza. The BBC clarified that it constantly updates stories with new information as it becomes available, and it has not removed any reports.
Key Facts
The White House said the BBC took down a story about a shooting in Gaza, which the BBC denies.
BBC stated it updates its news stories as new information comes in, which is normal for fast-moving stories.
There were different reports about a shooting near an aid site in Rafah; some said civilians were shot, while Israel said these reports were false.
International news groups, including the BBC, are not allowed into Gaza, making it hard to confirm reports.
A separate incident was reported where at least 27 people were said to be shot while trying to get aid.
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) stated they fired shots when people moved off the designated paths.
The BBC mentioned a viral video, unrelated to its reports, which was mistakenly connected to their news stories.
The current conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
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Portuguese and German police are searching for Madeleine McCann in an area near Praia da Luz, Portugal. Their search is focused on a 21 square kilometer area where Christian Brückner, a suspect in the case, once stayed. The suspect is currently serving time in Germany for a different crime.
Key Facts
Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 when she was three years old while on vacation in Portugal.
Police are searching a 21 sq km area near Praia da Luz for clues about her disappearance.
Christian Brückner is the main suspect in the case.
Brückner lived in the area where police are searching at the time of Madeleine's disappearance.
He is serving time in Germany for a 2005 crime involving the assault of an American tourist.
Brückner could be released from prison as early as September.
The investigators have a limited time to conduct their search, which ends on Friday.
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The city of Cologne is moving about 20,500 people from the city center to safely defuse three large bombs from World War Two. The evacuation affects homes, businesses, a hospital, and a train station, and is considered the largest operation of its kind since the war ended.
Key Facts
Cologne is evacuating about 20,500 people to defuse three unexploded World War Two bombs.
The bombs were found in Deutz, a neighborhood in Cologne, within a shipyard.
A 1,000-meter radius is sealed off around the bombs for safety.
Homes, businesses, schools, a hospital, and a major train station are evacuated.
People refusing to leave can be escorted by police or fined.
Bomb disposal is set for Wednesday, but only after everyone leaves the area.
Transport is highly disrupted, with road closures and train cancellations.
Two centers are available for evacuees without a place to go.
Scheduled events, like weddings, have moved to new locations due to evacuation.
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Searches for Madeleine McCann have resumed in Portugal, focusing on abandoned buildings near where she disappeared in 2007. Portuguese and German authorities are conducting searches across a large area, concentrating on locations connected to the prime suspect, Christian Brückner.
Key Facts
Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Authorities from Portugal and Germany are searching abandoned buildings and wells near where she vanished.
The search area covers about 21 square kilometers (13 square miles) near Lagos.
Christian Brückner is the prime suspect, as identified by the German police in 2020.
Brückner is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated crime.
The search site is approximately 3.5 miles from the resort where Madeleine's family stayed.
Roads around the search area have been closed, and a well has been drained as part of the search efforts.
This is the first search in two years, with the last focused on a reservoir in the region.
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An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, is on trial for murder after serving a meal with toxic mushrooms that killed three people, including her relatives. She pleads not guilty, insisting that the incident was an accident and that she also became ill after consuming some of the meal. The trial has attracted widespread attention, with numerous witnesses and details about the meal preparation discussed in court.
Key Facts
Erin Patterson is accused of murder and attempted murder after a meal with toxic mushrooms killed three people.
She denies the charges, claiming the toxic meal was an accident and made her sick as well.
The victims included Ms. Patterson's former in-laws and another family member, while one guest survived after hospital treatment.
Ms. Patterson admitted in court to lying about having cancer to encourage her guests to visit, instead of admitting she planned weight-loss surgery.
She told the court that she added dried mushrooms bought from a store, and thinks there might have been wild ones mixed in.
After the incident, she disposed of a food dehydrator and wiped her phone, fearing being blamed.
The ongoing trial at the Victorian Supreme Court began nearly six weeks ago, featuring testimony from over 50 witnesses.
Erin mentioned her love for fungi and her history of mushroom hunting, highlighting her potential exposure to wild varieties.
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