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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
The U.S. Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students. This decision impacts over 6,700 international students at Harvard and is part of an ongoing dispute between the university and the government related to compliance with federal regulations.
Key Facts
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard's ability to enroll international students.
This decision affects students with F or J visas, commonly used by international students in the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the revocation on social media.
Harvard has criticized the move, calling it "unlawful" and harmful to the university's community and mission.
The dispute with the government involves demands related to hiring, admissions, and addressing antisemitism at Harvard.
Over 6,700 international students currently study at Harvard, making up 27% of the student body.
Harvard previously announced legal action against the government due to these regulations.
The revocation means international students cannot enroll for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year under the current status.
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Starbucks in South Korea has temporarily stopped allowing drinks to be ordered using the names of presidential candidates in their app. This measure, aimed at staying neutral during the election season, will be in place until the election concludes on June 3.
Key Facts
Starbucks has blocked customers from using the names of presidential candidates when ordering drinks on its app.
This decision is meant to keep the company neutral during South Korea's election season.
The names banned include all six candidates running for president.
The temporary ban will be lifted after the election on June 3.
South Korean businesses often aim to appear neutral, especially during political events.
Before this, some customers were using political phrases as nicknames on the app, causing issues for baristas.
Other companies, like Naver, have also made changes to avoid political bias, such as disabling search suggestions related to candidates.
In South Korea, public figures and companies are expected to be politically neutral, and even small things like clothing colors can be seen as political statements.
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Germany has sent troops to Lithuania in its first permanent foreign military deployment since World War Two. The German Chancellor and Defense Secretary attended a ceremony in Lithuania’s capital to mark this event, as part of efforts to address security concerns related to Russia.
Key Facts
Germany has deployed troops permanently to Lithuania.
This is Germany's first permanent foreign military deployment since World War Two.
The deployment is on Lithuania's eastern border.
The German Chancellor and Defense Secretary were present at the deployment ceremony.
Lithuania is near Russia and Belarus, creating strategic importance.
The move is related to security concerns involving Russia.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he is not trying to change the constitution to allow himself to run for president again after his term ends in 2028. Speculation has arisen because of Erdogan's comments and actions, while opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu remains in jail facing corruption charges, which he denies.
Key Facts
Erdogan's current term as president ends in 2028, and he cannot run again under the current constitutional rules.
To change the constitution, Erdogan would need support from 360 out of 600 MPs in parliament; he currently has support from 321 MPs.
Erdogan has been Turkey's leader for 22 years, first as prime minister and then as president.
A constitutional change in 2017 gave Erdogan more powers but still limits him to two presidential terms.
Opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, who trails Erdogan in polls, was arrested on corruption charges, which he denies.
Imamoglu's arrest has led to widespread protests and increased his popularity in opinion polls.
Erdogan argues that the current constitution, written after a military coup in 1980, is outdated.
Erdogan might seek support from pro-Kurdish MPs by ending conflict with the Kurdish PKK to help change the constitution.
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Denmark's parliament passed a law to raise the retirement age to 70 by 2040, giving it the highest retirement age in Europe. The change will affect people born after December 31, 1970, and continues Denmark's policy of adjusting the retirement age based on life expectancy.
Key Facts
The retirement age in Denmark will rise to 70 by the year 2040.
This change will affect those born after December 31, 1970.
Denmark has linked retirement age to life expectancy since 2006.
The current retirement age in Denmark is 67; it will rise to 68 in 2030 and to 69 in 2035.
The new law was passed with 81 votes in favor and 21 against.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed concerns about automatically increasing the retirement age.
There have been protests in Copenhagen against the retirement age increase, backed by trade unions.
Other European countries have also raised retirement ages due to longer life expectancy and budget concerns.
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The U.S. Supreme Court tied 4-4 in a case about public funding for a religious charter school in Oklahoma, which stops the state from giving money to this school. The school's request for funding was ruled to violate the U.S. Constitution by a lower court, and this decision remains in effect because of the Supreme Court's tie.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court was split 4-4, so a previous court decision against funding the religious charter school stands.
The school involved was run by Oklahoma's Catholic Archdiocese and Diocese.
The school would have received about $23.3 million in state funding over five years.
A charter school is a publicly-funded school but operates independently of the state education system.
The decision does not set a national rule, meaning similar future cases might still be heard.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate in the vote, leaving the court equally divided.
The case tested the U.S. Constitution's boundaries on religious funding, especially related to education.
Oklahoma's Attorney General opposed the school’s funding, arguing it could lead to forced taxpayer support of other religious schools.
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The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be more active than usual, with 13 to 19 named tropical storms expected, potentially producing six to ten hurricanes. Warmer sea temperatures and favorable weather conditions are driving this forecast, but there are concerns about reduced capacity to track these storms due to staffing cuts in U.S. research agencies.
Key Facts
The forecast is for 13 to 19 named tropical storms from June to November.
Out of these, six to ten could develop into hurricanes.
Three to five hurricanes might be major, meaning they reach category three or higher.
Warmer sea temperatures and the lack of El Niño conditions are contributing to the above-average forecast.
El Niño is a climate pattern that typically reduces hurricane formation, and its absence increases chances of hurricanes.
Government staffing cuts have reduced the number of researchers monitoring hurricanes, raising concerns about tracking accuracy.
The National Weather Service, which forecasts weather and warns about hazards, is understaffed.
Last year's hurricane season saw 18 tropical storms, 11 of which became hurricanes.
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BBC Verify investigated a reported Israeli airstrike on the European Hospital in Gaza, which killed 28 people and injured many others. Experts believe 'bunker buster' bombs were used, and legal experts suggest that attacking a hospital without prior warning might be a war crime. The Israeli army claims it targeted a Hamas command center located beneath the hospital, but has not provided evidence for this claim.
Key Facts
An airstrike on Gaza's European Hospital resulted in 28 deaths and dozens of injuries.
Hamas-run civil defense in Gaza reported the casualties and damage.
BBC Verify analyzed footage, witness reports, and spoke with experts on the attack.
Experts identified the use of 'bunker buster' bombs in the hospital attack.
'Bunker busters' are designed to penetrate deep into the ground before exploding.
Legal experts indicate that targeting hospitals like this may be considered a war crime.
The Israeli army stated its target was a Hamas command center below the hospital.
The Israeli army has not shown evidence for the presence of a command center there.
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The US House of Representatives passed a major tax and spending bill, supported by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, with a close vote of 215 to 214. The bill extends tax cuts from 2017, increases defense spending, and includes spending cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Key Facts
The bill passed the House with 215 votes in favor and 214 against.
The bill extends tax cuts from Trump's 2017 administration and increases defense funding.
It includes temporary elimination of taxes on overtime pay and tips.
Significant spending cuts are included, affecting Medicaid and SNAP, which help low-income Americans.
The bill is estimated to increase US debt by $5.2 trillion and add $600 billion to the budget deficit in the next year.
Financial agency Moody's recently downgraded the US credit rating due to debt concerns.
The bill consists of over 1,000 pages, and its full details were released just before the House vote.
The Senate will review the bill next and may make changes before it can become law.
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Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had a meeting at the White House where Trump showed videos and articles about violence against white farmers in South Africa. Trump claimed the videos showed burial sites for white farmers, but it was actually a memorial protest for a couple who were killed. Official statistics and statements do not support the claim of a "genocide" of white farmers.
Key Facts
Donald Trump met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House.
Trump showed videos and claimed they were burial sites for murdered white farmers, but they were actually memorials.
The videos were connected to a protest for a white farming couple killed in 2020.
Official data showed 44 farm-related murders last year in South Africa, but not all involved white farmers.
A South African judge called the idea of a white genocide "clearly imagined."
The Transvaal Agricultural Union's data showed 23 white and 9 black people were killed in farm attacks last year.
Trump mentioned South African political rallies included controversial songs, implying calls for violence against white farmers.
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More than 90 truckloads of aid entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing after Israel eased a blockade that lasted 11 weeks. The aid, including food and medical supplies, was delayed due to safety concerns, and organizations say much more is needed to address the significant shortages faced by Gaza's population.
Key Facts
Over 90 truckloads of aid entered Gaza from the Kerem Shalom crossing after a three-day delay.
The aid included flour, baby food, and medical supplies, and was distributed to warehouses in Gaza.
An 11-week blockade by Israel had previously stopped aid deliveries.
The UN said the delays were because of safety issues along the access route approved by the Israeli military.
Israeli authorities allowed 100 more truckloads through, but the UN stated this was not enough for Gaza's needs.
There are severe food shortages and high prices in Gaza, affecting 2.1 million people.
The Palestinian Health Minister reported recent deaths linked to starvation in Gaza.
Aid organizations highlighted the need for a safe and continuous flow of aid to address urgent needs.
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Donald Trump displayed a video showing white crosses during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, claiming they marked graves of white farmers killed in South Africa. However, Rob Hoatson, who set up the crosses, clarified they were a temporary memorial for his neighbors killed in 2020, not a burial site. Ramaphosa acknowledged violence but denied systematic targeting of white farmers, stating most crime victims in South Africa are black.
Key Facts
Donald Trump showed a video of white crosses during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Trump claimed the crosses marked graves of white farmers.
Rob Hoatson, who erected the crosses, said they were a temporary memorial for a couple killed in 2020.
The memorial was set up for Glen and Vida Rafferty, who were murdered on their farm.
Two men were convicted for the Raffertys' murder in 2022.
Ramaphosa acknowledged violence in South Africa but denied that white farmers are systematically targeted.
The South African government does not release crime statistics by race.
Afrikaner activists noted Trump's comments brought attention to the issue internationally.
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A top Maoist leader, Nambala Keshava Rao, was killed in a clash with Indian security forces in Chhattisgarh. The Indian government aims to end the ongoing insurgency by March 2026.
Key Facts
Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, was a senior leader in the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
Rao was among 27 Maoist rebels killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh.
A police officer also died during the confrontation.
This is the first time in 30 years a Maoist leader of Rao's rank has been killed by Indian forces.
The Maoist insurgency has been active since the late 1960s, inspired by Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The Indian government's operation against the Maoists has led to 54 arrests and 84 surrenders.
The recent military action follows the Maoists' offer for talks if the government stopped its attacks.
The Maoists have a strong presence in a region known as the "red corridor" across several Indian states.
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An activist named Boniface Mwangi was detained in Tanzania and has been released after the Kenyan government requested it. He was back in Kenya soon after, with officials and his family expressing concern about his safety while he was in detention.
Key Facts
Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan activist, was arrested in Tanzania for three days.
The Kenyan government demanded his release, which occurred soon afterward.
Tanzanian authorities have not explained why he was detained or deported.
The incident happened after Mwangi attended a court case for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Kenya’s foreign ministry expressed concern about not having access to Mwangi and his well-being while detained.
Mwangi was returned to Kenya at the border and is now in Kwale county.
There is concern over recent actions by Tanzanian authorities against activists and political opposition.
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A court order has halted the UK government's plans to finalize a deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands. The court action came from two Chagossian women who want to return to live on the islands, which currently house a US military base.
Key Facts
A High Court judge issued an order stopping the UK from finalizing a deal to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The legal action was brought by two Chagossian women seeking to return to the islands.
The proposal allows the UK and US to continue using the military base on Diego Garcia for up to 99 years.
The financial details of the deal, which may include payments from the UK to Mauritius, have not been disclosed.
The court is set to hear the case again on Thursday.
Representatives from the Chagossian community are meeting with UK government officials to discuss the islands' future.
The Chagos Islands were separated from Mauritius in 1965, while Mauritius was still under British colonial rule.
In the late 1960s, thousands of islanders were removed from the Chagos Islands to make way for the US military base.
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A man shot and killed two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was arrested after the incident and reportedly shouted "free, free Palestine." The FBI is investigating possible motives, including terrorism or hate crime.
Key Facts
The victims were Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who worked for the Israeli Embassy.
The shooting happened on Wednesday at 21:08 local time outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
Elias Rodriguez, the suspect from Chicago, is in police custody and being questioned.
Police found the couple unconscious at the scene; they later died of their injuries.
Rodriguez was seen pacing outside before the shooting and allegedly shouted "free, free Palestine."
The event at the museum was for Jewish young professionals and the diplomatic community.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential terrorist or hate crime.
Former President Donald Trump condemned the attack and labeled it antisemitic.
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A suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting at the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. Two staff members from the Israeli embassy were killed in the incident. The police identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago.
Key Facts
A shooting took place at the Jewish Museum in Washington DC.
Two Israeli embassy staff members died in the shooting.
The suspect is Elias Rodriguez, aged 30, from Chicago.
Witnesses recorded the arrest of the suspect.
The shooting happened on a Wednesday evening.
The investigation and updates are ongoing.
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Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was detained by police after the incident. The shooting has led to increased security at Israeli embassies globally, and there is concern that it was motivated by antisemitism.
Key Facts
Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC.
The shooting took place at 21:05 local time near many tourist sites and government buildings.
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, is from Chicago and was detained by police after the incident.
Police did not have prior interactions with the suspect and found no previous concerning background.
Security measures at Israeli embassies worldwide are being increased after the shooting.
Israeli and US officials have condemned the attack and linked it to antisemitism.
The incident caused a large police response and led to street closures in the city.
The victims were a young couple who were planning to get engaged soon.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized a "serious accident" during the launch of a new warship, which damaged the ship's bottom and affected its balance. Kim ordered the ship to be fixed and blamed the incident on carelessness and unscientific methods, insisting those responsible be held accountable.
Key Facts
North Korea experienced an accident during the launch of a 5,000-ton warship.
The accident affected the bottom of the ship, causing a balance issue.
Kim Jong Un called the incident a "criminal act" and a blow to national pride.
He ordered the ship to be repaired before a party meeting in June.
No casualties or injuries were reported in state media.
The accident occurred in the eastern port city of Chongjin.
Kim attributed the accident to carelessness and lack of scientific methods.
The country rarely discloses local accidents publicly, but it has made exceptions before.
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A natural disaster has been declared in New South Wales, Australia, because of major flooding. Nearly 50,000 people have had to leave their homes, and some cattle have been found on beaches. So far, one person has died, and three are missing.
Key Facts
A natural disaster has been declared in New South Wales due to flooding.
Nearly 50,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
Cattle have been displaced onto beaches by the floods.
One person has died from the flooding, and three others are missing.
Authorities are concerned as heavy rain continues in the region.
Some residents have been rescued by helicopter.
The Mid North Coast of New South Wales is one of the affected areas.
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