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Singapore's ruling party, the People's Action Party (PAP), has been using social media extensively to connect with younger voters as its popularity has gone down in recent years. The PAP, which has been in power since 1959, has ministers engaging in various activities online, including filming with influencers, and even releasing merchandise to appeal to the youth.
Key Facts
Ong Ye Kung, Singapore's health minister, has been using TikTok for campaigning.
PAP has been governing Singapore since 1959.
PAP's popularity has witnessed a decline over the past two decades.
The party ministers have been using social media in an attempt to connect with younger voters.
The political campaign involves ministers filming with social media influencers and participating in podcasts.
Lawrence Wong, the current prime minister leading the PAP, showcases personal aspects on his social media channels.
In recent elections, PAP has hit two of its lowest popularity rates gaining just over 60% of the vote.
There have been no fraud or irregularity accusations in previous elections, but critics suggest there is gerrymandering and tightly controlled media.
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The United States has asked India and Pakistan to reduce their growing tensions due to a militant attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. After the attack, India closed its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft, and both countries have made reciprocal harsh measures.
Key Facts
A militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir led to the death of 26 civilians.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has met with the foreign minister of India and prime minister of Pakistan, urging for peace.
India accuses Pakistan of backing the militants behind the attack, a claim that Pakistan denies.
India has closed its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft.
Indian government has given its armed forces freedom to decide their response to the attack.
Both India and Pakistan have been trading small-arms fire across the border in recent times.
India has suspended most visas to Pakistani nationals and canceled a key water agreement with Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan has suspended a peace treaty from 1972 with India and also canceled visas.
Pakistani film actors and celebrities' Instagram accounts have been blocked in India.
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Charles Ong'ondo Were, a Kenyan politician, was killed in Nairobi by unidentified attackers riding a motorcycle. This incident, being investigated as a potential planned assassination, led to his death despite immediate hospitalization.
Key Facts
Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of the Kenyan parliament, was shot and killed by attackers believed to be on a motorcycle.
The attack happened on Ngong Road, a busy area often patrolled by traffic police and under surveillance of security cameras.
Police described the incident as 'targeted' and 'predetermined'. Investigations are ongoing.
Charles Ong'ondo Were had expressed concerns over threats to his life two months prior to the incident.
His driver and bodyguard, both uninjured, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
President William Ruto has called for a comprehensive investigation into the event.
Were represented the Kasipul region and belonged to the Orange Democratic Movement, a political party led by Raila Odinga.
Fellow members of parliament expressed shock and demanded a rapid investigation and justice.
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A former teacher in Uganda, Mustafa Gerima, is trying to save the shea trees, currently under threat due to deforestation. The shea butter, derived from these trees, is commonly used in beauty creams and is a crucial source of income for local communities who are now however, focusing more on tree chopping for charcoal production.
Key Facts
Mustafa Gerima, a former biology teacher in Uganda, is working to protect the shea trees.
Shea butter, commonly used in beauty products, is derived from these trees.
Locals have started chopping down shea trees more frequently for charcoal production as it's more profitable.
The shea tree population has significantly decreased in recent years, according to Uganda's environmental ministry.
Uganda loses about 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) of forest coverage yearly, a significant portion of which includes shea nut trees.
Mariam Chandiru, a shea butter producer from Koboko town, has seen her business suffer due to poor shea nut harvests.
Charcoal from shea trees is popular as it is deemed to burn longer than other types of charcoal.
Professor John Bosco Okullo blamed years of civil unrest and displacement of communities for the problems with deforestation.
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Several thousand Israeli military reservists are opposing the continued fighting in Gaza. They are asking for the government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to prioritize ending the conflict and securing the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas.
Key Facts
There is growing opposition in Israel to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Thousands of Israeli military reservists have written letters asking for an end to the conflict.
The reservists are urging the government to focus on freeing the 59 hostages still held by Hamas.
Former head of Israeli spy agency Mossad, Danny Yatom, is amongst the critics of the government's handling of the conflict.
More letters opposing the continued conflict are appearing from various military branches and a number of decorated commanders.
Reports suggest that only about 50-60% of reservists are showing up for service, a significant drop.
Public support in Israel for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal appears to be widespread, according to recent polls.
The situation is considered by some to be a looming crisis, the biggest since Israel's first Lebanon war in 1982.
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Erin Patterson, a 50-year old woman, is on trial for allegedly poisoning three family members with a mushroom-laden lunch, and an attempt to poison another. While she pleads not guilty, saying she unknowingly served the poison, this case is being heard in court.
Key Facts
Erin Patterson is facing charges of murdering three relatives by poison and attempting murder on a fourth relative.
The alleged poisoning event happened during a beef wellington lunch at Erin's home in July 2023.
Three people died days after the meal, including Erin's former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70 years old, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66.
A man named Ian Wilkinson survived after spending weeks in the hospital due to poisoning.
Erin and her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, exchanged messages the day before the fatal lunch.
The couple had multiple periods of separation and reconciliation between their marriage in 2007 and separation in 2015.
Simon Patterson claims that their relationship changed significantly in 2022 when Erin was upset about him declaring himself separated in his tax return.
According to Simon, Erin received a large inheritance from her grandmother, estimated at A$2m ($1.3m; £964,000), which was paid out over time.
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The United States (US) and Ukraine have signed an agreement regarding the use of Ukraine's energy and mineral resources. The deal aims to help fuel Ukraine's economic recovery from its conflict with Russia, and is anticipated to allow the US access to elements like graphite, titanium and lithium, which are vital for renewable energy, military uses, and industrial settings.
Key Facts
The US and Ukraine have penned an agreement on the shared use of Ukrainian energy and mineral resources.
The deal comes after many months of tense negotiations between the two nations.
As part of the agreement, a 'Reconstruction Investment Fund' will be created to support Ukraine's economic recovery from its conflict with Russia.
Ukraine's resources, such as graphite, titanium and lithium, are highly sought after for renewable energy projects, military applications and industrial infrastructure.
This agreement is struck in the backdrop of a trade war between the US and China, where a large percentage of the world's current rare-earth metals are sourced from.
Under this deal, the US will provide new assistance, such as air defense systems, to Ukraine.
Despite some contentions during negotiations, the agreement was finalized and is expected to be ratified by lawmakers in Kyiv.
This deal is seen as crucial for Ukraine gaining access to US military aid.
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A US judge claims that tech giant Apple purposefully ignored a ruling made in favor of Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. The judge suggested a criminal investigation into whether Apple undermined competition and lied under oath, to which Apple has declared they disagree and intend to appeal.
Key Facts
A US judge states that Apple willfully disobeyed a court order in a case put forward by Epic Games.
The order aimed to prevent Apple from implementing anti-competitive practices, such as blocking third-party payment options on the App Store.
Epic Games claimed Apple's App Store demonstrated monopolistic characteristics, criticizing the 30% commission Apple takes on purchases.
The judge ruled in 2021 that Apple could not stop developers from linking to their own purchasing methods outside the App Store.
However, the judge found that Apple continued to interfere with competition despite this ruling.
The judge's investigation of internal documents suggested that Apple was intentionally disregarding the court order.
She also indicated that Apple's vice president of finance, Alex Roman, lied under oath.
In response to the ruling, Epic Games has proposed to bring Fortnite back to the US iOS App Store, asking Apple to extend its reduced commission framework globally in exchange for dropping all litigation.
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President Donald Trump has asked for patience as the US economy contracts for the first time in three years. Despite this setback, Trump insisted that significant foreign investment was due, which he believes will bolster American manufacturing.
Key Facts
The US economy has contracted (shrunk) at an annual rate of 0.3%.
Before the contraction, economic growth was at 2.4%.
President Trump said $8tn (£6tn) of foreign investment is coming, which will help American manufacturing.
Trump attributed the poor economic data to previous President Joe Biden, who he replaced in office on January 20th.
Trump initiated import taxes that have altered global trade and markets.
All countries importing to the US have been subjected to a 10% tariff, with exceptions to Mexico and Canada with 25% tariff.
The US and China are in an intense trade conflict following Trump's taxes on Chinese imports and retaliatory taxes from China.
Trump is also attempting to get his tax bill passed, which includes large tax and spending cuts.
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North Korea has begun constructing its first road bridge to Russia, marking a significant step in their relationship. The bridge, located near the Tumen river in North Korea's northeast, is expected to finish construction by mid-2026.
Key Facts
This is North Korea's first road bridge to Russia.
The construction of the bridge started recently.
The bridge will span the Tumen river in the northeast part of North Korea.
The bridge's completion is planned for mid-2026.
The new bridge is being built nearby the only other land connection between Russia and North Korea—a railway bridge from the Soviet era known as the 'Friendship Bridge.'
North Korea recently confirmed that it has sent its soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine.
The plan for the new bridge was decided when Russian president Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang last year, signing a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with North Korea.
On the day construction began, South Korean lawmakers reported more than 600 North Korean soldiers were killed while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
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Israel is facing a significant wildfire situation outside of Jerusalem, leading to a national emergency. The fires, driven by high temperatures and strong winds, resulted in evacuations, chaos on roads, and cancellation of some national events.
Key Facts
Israel declared a national emergency due to wildfires outside of Jerusalem.
The wildfires are caused by strong winds and high temperatures.
People have been evacuated from the area because of the fires.
The fires have caused issues on the roads as people tried to leave the area.
Some train routes have been cancelled, adding to the chaos.
A number of events that were organized for the country's Independence Day have been cancelled.
Fire crews are trying to control the fires.
Some individuals have reported injuries such as burns and smoke inhalation.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is setting up a legal investigation into alleged political interference in the prosecution of crimes committed during the apartheid era. This decision came after multiple survivors and relatives of victims sued the government due to perceived lack of justice for these crimes.
Key Facts
South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called for a legal investigation into claims of political involvement in the prosecution of crimes from the apartheid period.
This decision comes thirty years after the ending of apartheid, a system where the white minority ruled over the non-white majority and led to widespread discrimination and violence.
A group of survivors and relatives of victims sued the South African government, accusing them of not providing justice for these past crimes.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, created in 1996, discovered many crimes committed during apartheid, such as murder and torture, but few cases moved forward to trial.
This new inquiry is a result of a court case started by 25 families and survivors, who say that crimes during apartheid era have not been properly investigated.
For many years, there have been claims that the African National Congress, the ruling party after apartheid, made a secret agreement with the old government to prevent old crimes from being prosecuted.
The presidency has admitted that there have been ongoing allegations about inappropriate influence delaying or obstructing the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
Details about the leader of the investigation and when it will start will be announced.
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At least three people have died in Spain as a result of a large-scale power outage that took place on Monday, as stated by the Civil Guard. The cause of the power cut, which created chaos across Spain and Portugal, is still being determined.
Key Facts
At least three people from the same family died in the municipality of Taboadela, Spain, due to a power cut.
The power cut caused major disruption throughout Spain and Portugal on Monday, affecting traffic lights, metro systems, businesses, and mobile phone networks.
Investigation is underway to determine whether carbon monoxide from a faulty electricity generator contributed to the three deaths.
Additionally, a woman in Madrid died in a fire that might have been triggered by a candle used during the blackout.
There is an unconfirmed report of another death in Valencia, possibly due to a ventilator losing power during the outage.
Beside Spain and Portugal, the blackout also affected Andorra and parts of France.
Many Spanish and Portuguese residents had to wait in long lines at cash machines, as the ability to make card payments was disrupted by the power cut.
Mobile phone networks were initially disabled as well, which made it hard for people to access updates or information.
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The bodies of three South African police officers, missing for six days, were found in the Hennops river. The circumstances of their deaths are currently being investigated, with no definitive reason given yet.
Key Facts
The bodies of three missing police officers were found in a river in South Africa.
The three officers were named Boipelo Senoge, Cebekhulu Linda, and Keamogetswe Buys.
The police also found the bodies of two other people in the river, one of whom was a police clerk.
The officers were last seen at a petrol station near Johannesburg.
Their vehicle tracking device and mobile phones were off from the time they disappeared.
The officers' vehicle, a white VW Polo, still hasn't been located.
A search team combed the areas of Gauteng, Free State, and Limpopo before discovering parts of a car believed to be a VW Polo.
The South African public has been closely following the search for the missing officers.
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Somalia has banned travelers with Taiwanese passports from entering its territory or passing through. Taiwan's government is protesting the move, which comes as Taiwan strengthens its relationship with Somaliland, a region that split from Somalia but isn't recognized internationally.
Key Facts
Taiwan confirmed that Somalia has banned travellers with Taiwanese passports from entering the East African nation.
The travel ban started due to an order from Somali aviation authorities.
The ban happened as Taiwan is trying to improve its relationship with Somaliland, a region that separated from Somalia 34 years ago but isn't recognized worldwide.
In 2020, both Somaliland and Taiwan built embassies in each other's capitals. This upset both China and Somalia.
Somali's civil aviation authority issued a notice to airlines that Taiwanese passports aren't valid for entry or transit through Somalia from April 30.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested the travel restriction and asked the Somali government to cancel the notice.
Neither Somaliland nor Somalia has spoken out about the ban.
China expresses its approval of the ban. It appreciates Somalia's firm adherence to the "one-China principle," where China insists Taiwan is part of its territory.
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Prominent Palestinian journalist, Ali al-Samoudi, was arrested by Israeli forces during a raid in the West Bank. The Israeli military accused him of being associated with a terrorist group and suspected him of transferring funds to it, but no proof has been provided. Following his arrest, his health deteriorated, and he is currently in an Israeli hospital.
Key Facts
Ali al-Samoudi is a well-known Palestinian journalist who was arrested by Israeli forces in the West Bank.
The Israeli military said Samoudi was linked to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization and suspected him of sending money to it, but did not provide any evidence.
Al-Samoudi's health worsened after his arrest, and he was moved to an Israeli hospital.
His family denies his involvement in any terrorist activities.
Israeli authorities have not informed the family about which hospital he is in or any other details about his condition.
Al-Samoudi is scheduled to appear before a military court next Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced that it had detained 24 individuals, including three from Jenin, who they claim were involved in transferring funds to terrorist organizations.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since October 2023, Israeli forces have arrested at least 79 journalists in the West Bank and Gaza, while Palestinian authorities have arrested five others.
The same organization says 176 journalists, nearly all of them Palestinian, have been killed in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon during the war.
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A landslide in Huaraz, Ancash, Peru, which caused two deaths, was triggered by a flooded glacial lagoon. Authorities say that there are 160 lagoons in this region at risk of overflowing.
Key Facts
A landslide caused by an overflowing glacial lagoon hit Huaraz, Ancash, Peru.
Two people died as a result of the landslide.
The landslide was discovered through drone footage.
The National Institute for Research on Glaciers and Mountain Ecosystems (INAIGEM) identified the cause of the landslide.
According to INAIGEM, 160 lagoons in the Ancash region are at risk of overflowing.
Local residents and security personnel are working to clear the debris and mud caused by the landslide.
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Katy Perry, a popular singer, recently received criticism for her participation in the Blue Origin space trip. Despite the backlash, Perry reassures her fans that she is fine and appreciates their ongoing support.
Key Facts
Katy Perry was part of the all-female Blue Origin space voyage.
The flight lasted 11 minutes and received notable criticisms from the public.
Some fans showed their support for Perry by funding a billboard in New York City.
Perry's recent album and music video for the single, "Woman's World," did not receive positive responses.
Some critics saw the space journey, particularly its high cost, as insensitive during economically challenging times.
In response to the backlash, Perry stresses that she is okay and is thankful for the support of her fans.
Perry has kicked off a world tour that will continue until December.
The tour includes stops in the US, Canada, South America, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Erin Patterson, an Australian woman, is currently on trial for allegedly poisoning three relatives and attempting to poison another with a lunch that included toxic mushrooms. While Ms. Patterson admits to picking the wild mushrooms, lying to police, and disposing of evidence, she maintains it was a tragic accident and not a deliberate act of murder.
Key Facts
Erin Patterson is facing three charges of murder and one charge for attempted murder in Australia.
The incident happened during a beef wellington lunch at her house in July 2023.
Death cap mushrooms, which are poisonous, were admitted to being used in the meal.
Three family members, Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, died, while a fourth person, local pastor Ian Wilkinson, survived after hospital treatment.
Ms. Patterson admits she picked the mushrooms, lied to investigators, and disposed of evidence, but insists she didn't mean to harm anyone.
The trial began on Wednesday in the small Victorian town of Morwell and is expected to last six weeks.
Ms. Patterson's defense team argues she acted out of panic, not with murderous intent.
Prosecution alleges Ms. Patterson poisoned her guests deliberately, while defense maintains it was a terrible accident.
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