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The Israeli Prime Minister's office expressed condolences for Pope Francis four days after his death and plans to send only the country's Vatican ambassador to the Pope's funeral. This situation, including the previous removal of an online condolence message, is interpreted as a sign of the Israeli government's displeasure with Pope Francis's comments about the conflict in Gaza.
Key Facts
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister expressed condolences for Pope Francis's death four days after the event.
An earlier condolence message posted on the official state account of Israel was deleted, sparking controversy.
Only the Israeli ambassador to the Vatican will attend the Pope's funeral.
The Pope's statements on the Gaza conflict have stirred discontent in the Israeli government.
At Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005, Israel was represented by the then-president and the then-foreign minister.
The Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis but has not made plans to attend the funeral.
Pope Francis suggested last November that the international community should scrutinize whether Israel's military offense in Gaza could be classified as genocide.
Pope Francis regularly communicated with the Christian community in Gaza City during the war.
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Six police officers in Thailand died in a plane crash during a parachute training test flight. The incident occurred off the coast in the Cha-am district, and investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.
Key Facts
A plane crash in Thailand resulted in the death of six police officers.
The crash occurred during a test flight for parachute training.
The plane crashed into the sea in the Cha-am district, around 80 miles southwest of Bangkok.
Five of the officers died at the scene and reaming one died in hospital.
The deceased officers include three pilots, one engineer, and two mechanics.
Investigation of the plane's black box data recorder is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Following the crash, the aircraft was found part-submerged approximately 100 meters off the shore.
No additional casualties were reported as pilots steered the plane away from residential areas.
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Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced that university fees will be removed starting 2026. The funding for this education policy will come from existing subsidies for public universities and the student financial assistance fund.
Key Facts
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made the announcement of free university education during her state of the nation address.
The free university education scheme will be rolled out gradually from 2026 with students expected to pay only for accommodation and related expenses.
The funding for the free university education will not involve additional significant funds but will utilize existing subsidies given to public universities and the funding set aside for the student financial assistance fund.
Primary and secondary education in Namibia is already free in all public schools.
The Affirmative Repositioning Student Command (ARSC) criticized the announcement as confusing and unfeasible.
Some student organizations, however, welcomed the move for free university education.
The economic impact of removing university fees without providing extra funding was raised, such as potential student number caps and income-based tuition privileges.
The announcement relates to previous demands for lower tuition, referred to as 'the Fees have Fallen' campaign.
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Pope Francis' funeral is set to be simpler than those of previous popes, as instructed by the Pope himself. The funeral service will be attended by world leaders, famous personalities, and an expected 250,000 members of the public, as well as many members of the clergy.
Key Facts
Pope Francis' funeral was simpler than previous papal funerals, as per his instructions.
The funeral was attended by thousands of followers, famous figures, and politicians.
The funeral began at 10:00 local time with the Pope's coffin being laid in the square in front of St Peter's Basilica.
The service was led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Following the funeral, a nine-day mourning period called Novemdiales began.
At least 250,000 members of the public and around 170 heads of state or government were expected to attend the funeral.
Prince William represented King Charles III, with other attendees including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Pope Francis' body was to be transported from St Peter's to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for burial, marking the first time a Pope has been buried outside of Vatican since Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903.
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US former president Donald Trump issued an executive order for deep-sea mining within US and international waters, and this move was criticized by China as a violation of international law. The order aims to make the US a leader in seabed mineral exploration and targets the extensive quantities of polymetallic nodules, rich in major minerals like cobalt and rare earths, found in the deep sea.
Key Facts
Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at increasing deep-sea mining within US and international waters.
China condemns the move, stating that it violates international law.
The executive order aims to establish the US as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration.
Polymetallic nodules found in the deep sea, rich in essential minerals like cobalt and rare earths, are the primary target of this exploration.
The administration projects that deep-sea mining could enhance the country's GDP by $300bn over 10 years and create 100,000 jobs.
Environmentalists and scientists express concern about potential harm to marine species living in the deep sea due to the mining process.
The Metals Company (TMC) is currently in talks with the US government to obtain permits for deep-sea mining.
A recent study outlined the long-term impacts of deep-sea mining, suggesting that larger animals appear to not return to mining areas.
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The Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands accidentally disposed of 46 artworks, including a print by Andy Warhol of the former Dutch queen, during town hall renovations in 2020. Investigations indicated that a lack of guidelines for the storage and handling of the artworks may have contributed to their accidental disposal.
Key Facts
The artworks, which included an Andy Warhol print of Queen Beatrix, were reportedly thrown away during building renovations.
The Warhol print was created in 1980s and is worth approximately €15,000 (£12,800).
The artworks were stored in a basement during renovations, and it is suggested that lack of guidelines for storing artworks led to their disposal.
The 46 artworks together are estimated to be worth around €22,000 (£18,800).
The incident took place in a town hall in Uden, which is part of the recently formed Maashorst municipality.
A report concluded that ownership was not properly established, no policies and procedures regarding the renovation were set, and insufficient action was taken when the artworks turned out missing.
Some artworks were stored in wheelie bins and were "not handled with care".
According to the municipality, it is unlikely that the lost artworks will ever be found.
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India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) which covers the sharing of six rivers between India and Pakistan, in the wake of an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The move has escalated tensions between the two nations, with Pakistan stating that it will view any attempt to stop water flow as an act of war.
Key Facts
India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.
The IWT survived two wars between the two nations and is an important example of trans-boundary water management.
According to the treaty, three eastern rivers of the Indus basin belong to India, while 80% of three western ones are allocated to Pakistan.
The suspension is a part of series of measures that India has taken against Pakistan after Tuesday’s attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Pakistan has countered these measures with reciprocal ones against Delhi and has denied India’s accusation of backing cross-border terrorism.
India’s infrastructure is mostly comprised of run-of-the-river hydropower plants, which do not require extensive storage.
With the suspension of the treaty, India may modify existing infrastructure or build new ones to hold back or divert more water without informing Pakistan.
India, the upstream country, has geographic advantage over Pakistan.
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If elected next month, Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, intends to invest AUD 1.2 billion in a strategic reserve for critical minerals including rare earths. This announcement follows China's imposition of export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, which are crucial for advanced technologies like electric vehicles and robots.
Key Facts
Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has promised to invest AUD 1.2 billion into a strategic reserve for critical minerals if he wins the upcoming election.
China recently imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements.
Rare earth elements are essential in the production of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, fighter jets, and robots.
Australia intends to prioritize minerals crucial to its security, involving rare earths.
While both China and Australia have rare earth reserves, 90% of their refinement, which makes them technology-useable, occurs in China, giving it considerable control over supply.
Beijing claimed its rare earth restrictions were in response to Trump's broad tariffs on Chinese imports to the US, currently standing at 145%.
The pause in China's rare earth exports has affected Tesla's ability to develop humanoid robots, as indicated by Elon Musk.
The strategic reserve in Australia under Albanese's proposal will be accessible to domestic industry and international partners.
Australia extract 33% of the global lithium but only refines and exports a small portion, while China mines only 23% but refines 57%.
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This article discusses various recent events, including the funeral of Pope Francis, a climbing record in the Swiss Alps, a missile strike in Ukraine, and President Trump's expected announcement of new tariffs.
Key Facts
The funeral for Pope Francis will be watched by millions of people worldwide both physically in Vatican city and on their home screens.
Mountain climbers have set a new speed record in the Swiss Alps.
A Russian missile strike in Ukraine resulted in at least 34 casualties.
U.S. President Donald Trump anticipates announcing a new round of tariffs, which are taxes that make goods from other countries more expensive.
The article also mentions a variety of other stories, such as a fire in Paris, flooding in Greece, and a rebounding democracy movement in Istanbul, Turkey.
The BBC is utilizing its archives to look back at old footage of past Pope funerals from as far back as Pope Pius XII in 1958 to Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.
A rocket in Norway crashed back to Earth after just a 30-second flight, but researchers are optimistic that they will still be able to collect useful data.
Protests are ongoing in Istanbul, Turkey, for six nights with a focus on bringing back democracy.
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There was a deadly attack on tourists in a place called Kashmir. Some people thought the loud sounds were from tiger hunting, but it was really gunfire. Twenty-six people died, and India's leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promised to punish the people who did this.
Key Facts
The attack happened in a place called Kashmir.
Some people thought the sounds were from hunting tigers.
However, it was an attack with guns.
Twenty-six people died from this attack.
One person who was there said three people from his group didn't survive.
The attack was near Pahalgam, a popular vacation place.
The leader of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said he'll punish the attackers and those supporting them.
People who were visiting Kashmir when the attack happened are now going back to their own homes.
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California's economy has become the fourth largest in the world, surpassing Japan according to data from the International Monetary Fund and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. The state's gross domestic product (GDP) hit $4.10 trillion in 2024, which is more than the GDP of Japan, recorded at $4.01 trillion.
Key Facts
California has surpassed Japan to become the fourth largest economy in the world.
The state's GDP was recorded at $4.10 trillion in 2024, while Japan's GDP was at $4.01 trillion.
Governor Gavin Newsom reported these figures, based on data from the International Monetary Fund and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis.
California now only trails Germany, China and the US as a whole economically.
California houses a significant part of the US's manufacturing and agricultural production sector, along with a major part of technological innovation.
The state also includes the center of the world's entertainment industry and the country's two largest seaports.
The introduction of tariffs by President Donald Trump has led Governor Newsom to express concern about the future of the state's economy.
The International Monetary Fund had lowered its economic growth predictions for Japan, foreseeing a slower rate of interest rate hikes due to the higher tariffs.
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Israel's military campaign in Gaza has led to a release of asbestos, a toxic mineral found primarily in the roofing of many refugee camps in the territory. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimated in 2024 that up to 2.3 million tons of rubble in Gaza could be laced with asbestos, causing a long-term health risk for residents exposed to its dangerous fibers.
Key Facts
Israel's military operations disturbed asbestos in Gaza's buildings.
Asbestos is a toxic mineral found mostly in roofing materials of refugee camps in Gaza.
The United Nations Environment Programme estimated up to 2.3 million tons of rubble in Gaza may be contaminated with asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious lung conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma, decades after initial exposure.
Asbestos fibers, released upon disturbance, can be easily inhaled and attach to the lungs.
Gaza is densely populated, housing approximately 2.1 million people within 141 square miles.
Following a 2009 conflict in Gaza, a UN survey found asbestos in debris from older buildings and infrastructure.
Awareness and management of asbestos risks are challenging among occupants due to ongoing and immediate dangers.
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Chinese firm, Unitree, showcased the capabilities of its humanoid robot, the G1, at the Hannover Messe in Germany. Although smaller than some other humanoid robots, the G1 has a high degree of motion and dexterity, causing videos of it performing activities such as dance and martial arts to go viral.
Key Facts
The G1 humanoid robot was developed by the Chinese company, Unitree.
The G1 robot was exhibited by Unitree at the Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest industrial trade shows.
The G1 is approximately 4'3" (130cm) tall.
It offers a highly fluid range of motion and dexterity.
The G1 robot is marketed towards research institutions and tech companies.
Customers are required to program each G1 for autonomous functions.
The development of humanoid robots is also being pursued by a number of other companies around the world.
Tesla is developing a humanoid robot called Optimus and BMW has recently introduced humanoid robots to a US factory.
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A CBS News program explores the murder of Aaron Friar, who was killed by Gavin MacFarlane, the boyfriend of Aaron's daughter, Ellie. The show discusses police suspicions that Ellie planned the murder, evidence found in Gavin’s home, and a video of Gavin’s friend taunting police.
Key Facts
Aaron Friar was murdered by Gavin MacFarlane.
Gavin MacFarlane was dating Aaron’s 15-year-old daughter, Ellie.
Police suspected Ellie may have planned the murder.
Investigators found handwritten murder plans in Gavin’s house.
A video shows Gavin’s friend, Russell, taunting police while they questioned Gavin.
CBS News aired a program called "First Love, Then Murder" followed by a discussion called "Post Mortem".
The show features host Anne-Marie Green and correspondent Natalie Morales.
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Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro's health has deteriorated following an intestinal surgery, as per medical reports. Bolsonaro has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly attempting a right-wing coup after losing the 2022 presidential election.
Key Facts
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's health has worsened following an intestinal surgery.
Bolsonaro is currently in intensive care and will be undergoing additional tests.
A court official visited him in the hospital to hand over a summons linked to coup charges.
Bolsonaro is facing trial for allegedly initiating a right-wing coup attempt following his loss in the 2022 presidential election.
Bolsonaro, who was stabbed during his 2018 campaign, had his recent intestinal surgery to deal with ongoing health problems from the 2018 incident.
The former president has denied the coup allegations and asserts they are part of a political witch-hunt.
Bolsonaro may face a 40-year prison sentence if found guilty of initiating a coup.
Despite a current ban, Bolsonaro had plans to run again in the 2026 presidential elections.
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Tundu Lissu, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, is being charged with treason. He says he wants the government to change its ways before the elections in October. Lissu's party is not allowed to participate in the upcoming elections, and Lissu himself has been kept in jail for the past two weeks.
Key Facts
Tundu Lissu is the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema.
He has been charged with treason, which is a very serious crime.
Lissu wants the government to change the way they do things.
His party, Chadema, is not allowed to in the elections happening in October.
Lissu has been in jail for the last two weeks.
Lissu says that the current system favors the current ruling party, CCM.
Other Chadema party officials were also arrested.
Chadema party was not allowed to compete in the elections because they didn't sign a special document meant to ensure peace and good behavior during the elections.
The ruling party, CCM, has won all elections since Tanzania's independence.
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There have been many public protests against Hamas in Gaza recently. People are unhappy because they blame Hamas for causing difficult times in Gaza for nearly 20 years.
Key Facts
Hamas is a group that has been in charge of Gaza for almost 20 years.
Many people in Gaza are becoming more brave in speaking against Hamas.
They blame Hamas for causing Gaza's worst crisis in 70 years.
A man named Moumen al-Natour, who once organized a protest against Hamas, said that speaking out is risky but necessary.
Since Hamas took control in 2007, there have been multiple wars with Israel.
People are also angry with Hamas because they think Hamas has hurt or killed those who criticize them.
One man, Oday al-Rubai, spoke against Hamas and was later found dead. Many people believe Hamas was responsible.
Some people who have spoken out against Hamas have been forced to leave Gaza for safety.
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There is currently a trade war between China and the US. This means both countries are charging each other extra money to bring goods into their country - these are called tariffs. China is using different methods to deal with the US tariffs.
Key Facts
China and the US, the world's two biggest economies, are in a trade war.
China's goods going to the US have up to 245% extra cost (tariffs), and the US's goods going to China have a 125% extra cost.
China's government, led by President Xi Jinping, says it's ready to talk but will keep fighting if needed.
China can deal with the costs because it's the world's second-largest economy and has over a billion people who can buy things within the country.
To help its people spend more money, China is giving them benefits like cheaper household appliances and special trains for retired people.
China is not worried about what its people think in the short-term because it doesn't have elections like the US.
China is spending a lot of money to improve industries like electric vehicles and artificial intelligence.
Chinese companies are a big part of the manufacturing process, which makes it hard for US companies to move their business elsewhere.
China has been preparing for this trade war since the time of the previous US President, Donald Trump.
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The Catholic Church is preparing to choose the next pope, a decision that will affect its 1.4 billion baptized members worldwide. The College of Cardinals, made up in large part by those chosen by Pope Francis, will meet and vote until a new pope is selected.
Key Facts
The next pope will be chosen by a group called the College of Cardinals.
This group will meet in a room called the Sistine Chapel to vote.
Many of the people in the College of Cardinals were picked by Pope Francis.
This time, less than half of the people who are voting come from Europe.
It's hard to guess who the next pope will be.
Some people think the next pope could come from Africa or Asia.
Two people being talked about as possible next popes are cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy and cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle from the Philippines.
The last pope, Pope Francis, was known for caring about social issues and people who had to leave their homes.
The church has a big influence in the Philippines, where Tagle comes from, and about 80% of the people living there are Catholic.
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The Catholic Church is growing fastest in Africa, which has resulted in more discussions about the possibility of the next Pope being from there. This would be a change, as the last African Pope, Pope Gelasius I, died more than 1,500 years ago.
Key Facts
Africa is growing the Catholic population faster than any other place in the world.
The last Pope from Africa died more than 1,500 years ago.
The people who get to choose the Pope are known as the cardinal-electors. They get together at the Vatican to make their decision.
Right now, there aren't any church leaders from Africa in high positions at the Vatican.
Even so, some African cardinals like Cardinal Sarah of Guinea and Cardinal Ambongo of DR Congo have become more well-known in the last two years.
Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson has worked in different jobs at the Vatican and many people know who he is. Some people consider him a strong candidate for the next Pope.
From 2013 to 2023, Pope Francis increased the number of cardinals from sub-Saharan Africa from 8% to 12%.
The number of Catholics in Africa grew significantly during Pope Francis's time as Pope, reaching 281 million in 2023. This made up 20% of the worldwide Catholic population.
Some people think the focus on the Pope's origin doesn't matter. They believe the Pope should be chosen based on their skill rather than where they're from.
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