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In Nigeria, social media platforms Facebook and Instagram may lose accessibility because of significant fines and challenging regulations imposed by Nigerian authorities on Meta, their parent company. Meta faces legal penalties worth more than $290 million for allegedly breaking different rules, and if these issues persist, it might result in the company shutting down Facebook and Instagram services in the country.
Key Facts
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, faces fines totaling over $290 million from three Nigerian agencies.
The fines are for alleged violations of multiple laws and regulations.
Facebook and Instagram are very popular in Nigeria and are vital communication tools used by millions daily.
Meta might shut down the services of these platforms in Nigeria if the regulatory situation continues.
Meta was unsuccessful in contesting these decisions in the federal high court in Abuja.
WhatsApp, also owned by Meta, was not mentioned in the issue, suggesting it's not at risk.
The high court has given Meta until the end of June to pay the fines.
Some of the alleged violations include anti-competitive practices, unapproved advertising, and violations of data privacy laws.
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The son of Uganda's president, and also the country's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has confirmed that Edward Sebuufu, a bodyguard for an opposition leader, is being held in detention. The general's statement online has resulted in public anger, and calls for Sebuufu's release are being made using the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe.
Key Facts
Edward Sebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, the bodyguard for an opposition leader, went missing five days ago.
Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed that Sebuufu is in detention.
Sebuufu's detention sparked public anger, and people are demanding his release through the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe on social media.
General Kainerugaba has previously made controversial comments on social media and deleted his account multiple times.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has asked for a rally in the capital city of Kampala, arguing that his bodyguard is being unlawfully held and mistreated.
The Uganda Law Society called for Sebuufu's release, suggesting his detention is part of a larger pattern to silence political dissent.
There are no formal legal charges or precise location given for Sebuufu's detention.
Sebuufu's arrest has not been confirmed by any police station, according to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke.
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Germany's party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), has been named as a right-wing extremist group by the country's federal office for the protection of the constitution. This comes after the party won a record 152 seats in the parliament. The decision is likely to be challenged in court but could lead to stricter monitoring of the party's activities.
Key Facts
Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has been designated as a right-wing extremist by the country's intelligence agency.
The party won a record 152 out of 630 seats in Germany's parliament with 20.8% of the vote.
This decision might make it easier for German officials to use surveillance and informants to watch the party.
Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, AfD's joint leaders, have argued that their party's labeling as a right-wing extremist group is politically motivated.
The intelligence agency says the AfD does not view citizens from mainly Muslim, migratory backgrounds as equal members of the German population.
Some figures have suggested that this new label should result in a ban against the AfD.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has said that the decision to label AfD as a right-wing extremist was made independently, with no political influence.
If this new label sticks, the AfD might not get the same treatment as other political parties in parliament.
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The Hong Kong police have reportedly detained the father and brother of US-based activist Anna Kwok, who is known for her pro-democracy stance. The two men are suspected of aiding Kwok's financial matters, marking the first case of a family member of a person who has fled the territory being charged under Hong Kong's security law.
Key Facts
Anna Kwok, a pro-democracy activist based in the US, previously participated in protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
Kwok fled Hong Kong in 2020 and is currently the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington DC.
Kwok's father and brother, aged 68 and 35 respectively, have been detained by Hong Kong police.
The authorities suspect them of handling Anna Kwok's finances, which is a first under the existing security law.
Kwok's father has been accused of trying to access her life and accident insurance policy for her financial benefit.
Hong Kong's Safeguarding National Security Bill makes it unlawful to provide any funds or financial assets to a person who has left the territory, like Kwok.
In 2023, Hong Kong placed bounties on certain pro-democracy activists, including Anna Kwok, accusing them of colluding with foreign forces.
Hong Kong, a former British colony, became a special administrative region of China in 1997, but its freedoms are believed to be lessening.
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Because of a two-month blockade by Israel, community kitchens in Gaza are warning that they may run out of food soon. This is happening because Israel has stopped all goods, like food and fuel, from coming into Gaza. If the blockade continues, many people won't be able to get food.
Key Facts
American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), a humanitarian group from the US, runs community kitchens in Gaza that currently feed around 6,000 people each day.
Because the blockade prevents goods from coming in, the kitchens now lack meat and fresh vegetables.
Israel started the blockade two months ago to put pressure on Hamas, a political group, in relation to some hostages.
A United Nations agency that helps Palestinian refugees and the World Food Programme say they've run out of their food aid stock.
There's a lot of pressure from the global community on Israel to stop the blockade as it could lead to people starving.
If the blockade does not end, community kitchens may run out of food and the people they feed may not have enough to eat.
Israel says Hamas is taking and storing aid to use or sell, but humanitarian agencies with strict checking mechanisms dispute this claim.
Last week, there were five incidents of stealing at aid warehouses and an office of a United Nations agency in Gaza.
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A ship, intended to deliver aid to Gaza, was reportedly hit by drones off the coast of Malta. Malta's authorities, who sent a tugboat to put out the fire on the ship, said everybody aboard is safe and the fire has been contained.
Key Facts
Activists planned to sail an aid ship, called The Conscience, to Gaza. The ship is said to have been hit by drones offshore Malta.
This incident happened at 00:23 local time on Friday, and the ship sent an SOS signal shortly after.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group behind the mission, accused Israel of the alleged attack.
There is confusion about the number of people aboard the ship; Malta's government mentions 16 people (12 crew and four activists), while the group claims there were 30 activists.
There was a fire on the ship rumored to be targeting the generator, leaving the ship at risk of sinking. A video of the fire was uploaded by the coalition.
Malta's authorities sent a tugboat and claimed the fire was under control by 01:28 local time.
The Israeli military is investigating reports of the attack.
The coalition is actively campaigning against Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Approximately two months ago, Israel closed all crossings with Gaza and resumed military action. Over 52,000 people have been reported dead in Gaza since this conflict erupted.
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Two Kashmiri shawl sellers were publicly attacked and their stall ransacked in Mussoorie, India following a deadly incident at a popular tourist spot in Kashmir. The tension in Kashmir has led to increased harassment of Kashmiris in various parts of India, forcing some to return home, despite feeling unsafe there due to intensified security measures and crackdowns.
Key Facts
Two Kashmiri shawl sellers, Shabir Ahmad Dar and an unnamed colleague, were attacked in Mussoorie following a deadly event in Kashmir.
The attackers were part of a Hindu right-wing group and blamed Dar and his colleague for the violence in Kashmir.
Following the incident, many Kashmiri shawl sellers, who have been living in Mussoorie for decades, reported feeling unsafe and many have left town.
There has been a surge of harassment and violence towards Kashmiri vendors and students across India.
The wife of a naval officer killed in the Kashmir incident pleaded with people not to target Muslims and Kashmiris.
Security forces in Kashmir have detained thousands, closed off tourist spots, and destroyed homes of suspected militants.
Many locals describe the security operations as "collective punishment".
Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have cautioned security forces to avoid harming innocent people in their operations.
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Israel reported that its military bombed an area near the Syrian president's palace in response to recent violence affecting the Druze, a religious group in Syria. The Israeli Prime Minister stated that this action was intended to communicate to Syria that Israel wouldn't tolerate threats to the Druze people.
Key Facts
Israel claims to have bombed an area near the presidential palace in Syria's capital, Damascus.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says this is to protect the Druze religious group in Syria.
The Syrian government has not yet responded to Israel's action.
The Druze community in Syria has recently been the target of violence. At least 102 people have been killed this week in areas with significant Druze populations.
Druze religious leaders are calling for the state to intensify security efforts in Suweida province, a Druze-majority region.
The Syrian government blames "outlaw groups" for instigating the clashes and has deployed security forces to Druze areas.
The Druze make up approximately 3% of the Syrian population. There are Druze communities in Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Golan Heights.
Syria's transitional President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged to protect religious and ethnic minorities since taking over after the civil war-period.
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Ten people died and over 30 were hurt in a road accident in northern Philippines after a bus crashed into multiple vehicles at a toll gate. According to local law enforcement, the bus driver who is now in police custody claimed he fell asleep while driving.
Key Facts
Ten people lost their lives and more than 30 people were injured in a road accident in northern Philippines.
The bus that caused the accident rammed into several vehicles at a toll gate on a main highway.
The bus driver, now detained by the police, said he dozed off at the wheel.
The Department of Transportation has suspended Solid North Bus, the company the bus belonged to.
The accident involved three sports utility vehicles and a truck, in addition to the bus.
The driver may face charges related to causing multiple deaths through careless driving.
The bus conductor is also under detention.
Other serious bus accidents have previously occurred in the Philippines.
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A large amount of metal spilled from a truck onto an Australian highway, causing flat tires in hundreds of cars. The damage forced road closures and a massive cleanup operation.
Key Facts
An amount of 750kg (1,653lb) of sharp metal shards spilled from a truck onto a highway in Australia.
The metal caused at least 300 cars to have flat tires.
The spill stayed unnoticed for 30km (18 miles) before it was detected and forced city-bound lanes to close for hours.
The highway where this happened is the M1 Pacific Motorway near Ourimbah, north of Sydney.
New South Wales state police and the Rural Fire Service helped with cleanup of the shards.
Magnetic devices were used to remove embedded metal from the highway.
NJ Ashton, the company who owns the truck, apologized and took responsibility for the incident.
The truck driver, a 46-year-old man, cooperated with police investigations.
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During World War Two, an undercover mission named the 'Shetland Bus' was employed to aid the resistance in Nazi-occupied Norway. Small fishing boats carried cargo, special agents, and fleeing refugees from Scotland's most northerly islands to the coast of Norway. To mark the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, six historic ships from the operation will replicate their journey from Bergen, Norway, back to Shetland.
Key Facts
The 'Shetland Bus' was a secret operation during World War Two that supported the Norway's resistance against Nazi occupation.
Small fishing boats were used to transport cargo, special agents, and refugees from Scotland to Norway's coast.
The boats would travel in winter, under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by German patrols.
Between 1940 and 1945, the 'Shetland Bus' made 200 trips across the North Sea.
The mission succeeded in transporting hundreds of resistance agents, tonnes of weapons, supplies and over 300 Norwegian refugees.
To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, six boats from the original mission will replicate their journey from Bergen, Norway, to Shetland.
Norway was invaded by Nazi Germany on 8 April 1940, forcing the Norwegian government and thousands of citizens to seek refuge in the UK.
The 'Shetland Bus' operations were, at times, treacherous due to heavy North Sea conditions and the risk of being discovered by German aircraft or patrol boats.
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Jill Sobule, a recognized US songwriter known for her openly-gay themed song 'I Kissed a Girl', has died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was also known for her song 'Supermodel' which was in the 1995 movie 'Clueless'.
Key Facts
Jill Sobule, a US songwriter famous for her songs 'I Kissed a Girl' and 'Supermodel', died in a house fire.
'I Kissed a Girl' is deemed the first openly-gay themed song to reach the Billboard Top 20.
Her song 'Supermodel' was featured in the 1995 movie 'Clueless'.
Sobule was supposed to perform on Friday in her hometown Denver, Colorado.
Her music often addressed topics like LGBTQ+ rights, the death penalty, and anorexia.
In 2008, Katy Perry released a different single also titled 'I Kissed a Girl' which drew attention back to Sobule's song.
Sobule was a pioneer in using crowdfunding to release her music albums.
She also composed music for theatre and television shows, including the theme for the TV show 'Unfabulous'.
Police are investigating the cause of the house fire where Jill Sobule was found.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated in a Fox News interview that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia doesn't seem likely to end soon. Recently, Washington and Kyiv agreed to a deal for the U.S. to help with security issues and share in the profits from Ukraine's valuable rare earth minerals.
Key Facts
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in a Fox News interview that the Ukraine-Russia conflict likely won't end soon.
Vance suggested the U.S. could help Russia and Ukraine find a solution to the ongoing conflict.
Washington has recently made a deal with Kyiv to share in the profits of Ukraine's rare earth minerals in exchange for future U.S. security assistance.
Ukraine was invaded by Russia in 2014, leading to ongoing conflict.
A temporary three-day ceasefire was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin set to start on May 8.
Despite the ceasefire, conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists.
A Russian drone attack injured 14 people in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia city.
Russia accuses Ukraine of using drones to target a market in Russian-controlled southern Ukraine, killing seven and injuring over 20. Ukraine denies these accusations.
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Over 100 children in Mokama, India, fell sick after eating a school meal where a dead snake was reportedly found. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is looking into this case.
Key Facts
India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is investigating an incident where more than 100 children got sick.
The incident happened after a dead snake was allegedly found in the school meal.
Despite the snake, the meal was still served to approximately 500 children in Mokama, Bihar state, eastern India.
When the children began to get sick, local people protested by blocking a road.
NHRC is demanding a detailed report within two weeks from top state officials, which must include the health condition of the affected children.
In 1925, India started serving free school meals, known as Mid-Day Meal, to support children from poor families.
This scheme has been beneficial in fighting hunger and increasing school attendance, however, complaints about poor food hygiene have been raised.
In 2013, in Bihar state, 23 schoolchildren died because of poisoned food. This food had high levels of toxic pesticides.
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Fires in central Israel that began last Wednesday have largely been put out. Even though the fires are currently under control, a senior official warned they could start again due to the hot, dry conditions and strong winds in the area.
Key Facts
Fires in central Israel have mostly been extinguished.
The fire wrecked about 20 square kilometers of land in the Latrun area, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
At least 12 people were treated for breathing in smoke, but nobody died.
Seventeen firefighters were hurt while fighting the fire.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, called a national emergency because of the fires.
Hundreds of people had to leave their homes and an evacuation order was set for 12 towns near Jerusalem. This has now been lifted.
Videos posted on the internet showed people leaving their cars because of the smoke and flames.
Benjamin Netanyahu claims that the fire was started on purpose and said that 18 people have been arrested, but police later reported that only three suspects were in jail and none of them are believed to be connected to the fires.
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China is considering discussions with the US about high tariffs, following a statement from a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce. This news comes as the two largest economies in the world face serious trade challenges, with high tariffs present on several Chinese items being exported to the US.
Key Facts
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said Beijing is thinking about talking to the United States about tariffs.
The US and China are having problems around trade because both countries have placed high tariffs on each other's goods. Tariffs are extra charges or taxes on imported goods.
Lots of people across the world have been waiting for these talks to happen because the trade problems could cause a worldwide recession. A recession is when the economy of a country (or the world) slows down for a long period.
The US has already said it's willing to negotiate with China about the tariffs.
Negotiations have not started yet because neither the US nor China want to make the first move and seem weak.
There are two main ways to resolve this situation: either a third party intervenes to help the two countries come to an agreement, or one side reaches out first but both sides agree not to see this as a sign of weakness.
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Australian candidates campaigning for the forthcoming election are seeking support from the Chinese Australian community through Chinese social media apps. This major push on platforms such as WeChat and RedNote is aimed at influencing the votes of this crucial demographic, which had previously been instrumental to the Labor Party's victory in the 2022 election.
Key Facts
Australian opposition candidates are reaching out to Chinese Australian voters through Chinese social media apps like WeChat and RedNote.
Close to six out of every ten Chinese Australians use WeChat daily, as cited by a Lowy Institute poll in 2022.
In the previous election of 2022, Chinese Australians played a crucial role in the Labor party's victory.
Chinese Australians make up only 5.5% of Australia's population.
Liberal candidates have been intensifying their campaign efforts in constituencies with significant Chinese Australian populations.
Grange Chung, contesting the seat of Reid (New South Wales), started using WeChat for his campaign in February.
More than 220 Liberal ads have appeared on WeChat since January, supported by a study by the University of Melbourne researcher Fan Yang.
Even politicians who are not of Chinese ethnicity have been expressing their presence on these apps, trying to connect with the Chinese-speaking community.
The Chinese Australian electorate is becoming more politically aware and discerning.
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The 2024 film "Conclave" tells the story of a papal election and offers insight into the private process the Roman Catholic Church follows to choose its leaders. On May 7th, this cinematic depiction will parallel real life as 134 cardinals begin the selection of a successor to Pope Francis behind the doors of the Sistine Chapel.
Key Facts
"Conclave" is a film from 2024, which provides a depiction of how the Roman Catholic Church selects its leaders.
In the film, Ralph Fiennes plays the role of Cardinal Lawrence.
On May 7th, a real papal election will begin with 134 cardinals picking a successor to Pope Francis.
The real-life election process, like the one in the film, will take place behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel.
The film is based on the bestselling novel by Robert Harris.
The outcome of the real-life election will be signaled to the outside world with white smoke from the Vatican's chimney.
The avoidance of external communication during the election traces back hundreds of years and aims to prevent influence from outside factors.
There's a belief that the election process involves political maneuvering between cardinals, much like what was depicted in the film.
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The BBC identified a man named Fadi Gujjar who allegedly plays a role in smuggling people from North Africa to Europe. Gujjar has been implicated in a tragic boat journey, where 50 people died after being promised a safe passage to Europe.
Key Facts
A boat carrying migrants from North Africa to Europe was rescued in January after being lost at sea for 14 days, resulting in 50 deaths.
BBC identified Fadi Gujjar (also known as Khawar Hassan) as a people smuggler behind this journey.
Gujjar is from Jaurah, Pakistan, and his current online location is Istanbul, Turkey.
The survivors of the boat tragedy claimed they each paid Gujjar approximately $13,000 (£10,000) for the journey.
Gujjar allegedly sells and advertises his services through word of mouth, not online.
The route for many migrants leads from Mauritania to the Canary Islands, a part of Spain and the European Union.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that Mauritania has become a main location for people smuggling since 2023.
IOM data indicates that this year, 170 people, including 14 children, have died or gone missing on the journey from Mauritania to Europe.
Many Pakistani migrants risk the journey for better economic opportunities in Europe.
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President Donald Trump is ending a tax exemption for low-value packages entering the U.S., which may lead to increased prices for customers of Chinese online retailers like Shein and Temu. The exemption, known as "de minimis," previously allowed items valued under $800 to be sold and shipped to the U.S. without import duties or taxes.
Key Facts
The "de minimis" exemption meant packages under $800 in value weren't taxed upon entering the U.S.
Shipping companies like Shein and Temu have been using this rule to sell goods cheaply to U.S. customers
More than 90% of all items entering the U.S. use this exemption, according to the country's Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)
President Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, think this exemption is harmful to American businesses and is being used to smuggle illegal goods into the country
The exemption was briefly stopped in February, then resumed due to complications from the sudden change
Import duties will be applied to packages from mainland China and Hong Kong starting 2 May
A decade ago, about 140 million packages entered the U.S. under this rule, but last year that number rose to over one billion
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has imposed high taxes on Chinese imports.
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