The BRICS bloc, a group of countries including Iran, has not officially responded to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. With India's recent leadership of BRICS, the group has not issued statements, although individual members like Russia and South Africa have spoken out. The bloc, originally formed for economic cooperation, now also deals with security issues.
Key Facts
BRICS is a group formed in 2009 and includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with recent additions like Iran.
The current conflict involves U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, resulting in over 1,230 deaths in six days.
As of now, BRICS, led by India, has not made an official comment on the conflict.
South Africa and Russia have individually criticized the attacks, highlighting international law violations.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered to mediate to help stop the conflict.
The leadership of BRICS shifted to India in December 2025.
BRICS has recently expanded its focus from economic issues to include security matters.
BRICS has expanded to include Indonesia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE since 2024.
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The U.S. and Israel conducted a military strike against Iran on February 28, 2026, leading to the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This event has caused regional tensions, raising questions about whether the Houthi group in Yemen will become involved in the conflict. Although the Houthi leader has voiced support for Iran, no clear decision for military action has been made by the group so far.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel carried out a military strike against Iran on February 28, 2026.
The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was assassinated during this attack.
Following the attack, the Houthis in Yemen, closely linked with Iran, face decisions about involvement.
Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi has expressed support for Iran but hasn't announced military action.
The speeches from the Houthi leader have focused on political and emotional support.
Unlike other groups like Hezbollah, the Houthis have not escalated military action.
The Houthis operate in a unique political environment and are cautious about opening new conflict fronts.
Past actions show that the Houthis may choose pragmatism over immediate military involvement.
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The conflict involving Israel, the United States, Iran, and Hezbollah is escalating. Israel is striking Tehran and Beirut, while Iran is launching missiles and drones at Tel Aviv. Iraqi cleric Ayatollah Al‑Khalisi has urged a jihad against the U.S. and Israel.
Key Facts
Israel is attacking targets in Tehran, Iran, and Beirut, Lebanon.
The U.S. is leading military actions against Iranian targets, with plans to increase strikes.
Iranian cleric Ayatollah Al‑Khalisi has called for a jihad, or holy war, against the U.S. and Israel globally.
Iran has fired missiles and drones at Tel Aviv, Israel.
The U.S. claims Iran's missile supply is depleting.
A reported U.S. strike may have hit an Iranian girls' school.
Gulf states like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have intercepted missile threats from Iran.
Civilian casualties from the conflict are reported to be at 1,168.
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A centuries-old painting at Britain's National Portrait Gallery caught attention for its resemblance to actor Finn Wolfhard from "Stranger Things." A TikTok video highlighted this similarity, attracting significant online reactions, with many amused by the comparison.
Key Facts
A painting from 1634 resembles actor Finn Wolfhard.
The painting is of Cesare Alessandro Scaglia and was done by artist Anthony van Dyck.
It is displayed in the National Portrait Gallery in London, England.
A TikTok video about the resemblance received over 48,000 views and 12,000 likes.
Online comments ranged from disbelief to humor about the lookalike.
Van Dyck is known for lifelike depictions of notable figures in his paintings.
The occurrence spurred discussions on Twitter among viewers amused by the resemblance.
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A retired FBI agent has suggested a possible link between Nancy Guthrie's disappearance and a Chilean theft ring. The agent noted that a group linked to this ring has been charged with several high-profile burglaries, although it's not confirmed if the two incidents are connected.
Key Facts
A retired FBI agent spoke about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
The agent mentioned a possible link to a Chilean theft ring.
The same theft ring has been involved in high-profile burglaries.
The agent noted the ring targets affluent communities.
There is no confirmed connection between Guthrie's case and the theft ring.
The FBI is reportedly considering all possibilities in their investigation.
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The United States and Israel are engaged in a war with Iran, costing the U.S. $3.7 billion in the first 100 hours. The conflict has resulted in significant financial and human costs, with over 1,332 people killed in Iran. The U.S. government may need to request additional funds to cover the unexpected expenses of the war.
Key Facts
The war's cost to the U.S. is $3.7 billion in the first 100 hours, or about $900 million per day.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies conducted the cost analysis.
Only a small portion of these costs was pre-allocated in the budget.
Over 2,000 munitions have been used by the U.S. in the conflict.
Unbudgeted costs could make up a large part of the overall financial burden.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated a planned increase in military action against Iran.
More than 1,332 people have died in Iran due to the conflict, including at least 181 children.
The U.S. government might need to ask for extra funding to handle war expenses.
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Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera will headline the first day of BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Sunderland. The music festival will take place at Herrington Country Park from May 22 to May 24, offering a lineup of various DJs and music acts. Tickets for the event will be available with local residents getting the first opportunity to purchase them.
Key Facts
Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera will headline the first day of the festival.
The event will happen at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland from May 22 to May 24.
Tickets go on sale at 09:00 GMT, with priority for local residents.
Fatboy Slim is known for hits like "Praise You" and "Right Here, Right Now."
Other artists performing include FISHER, Clementine Douglas, MK, Arielle Free, and Danny Howard.
Around 100 acts are expected over the three-day event.
Last year's event in Liverpool attracted about 100,000 fans.
Friday tickets cost £34.50, and VIP tickets cost £86.00, available to those over 18.
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Tens of thousands of people are trying to leave the Middle East due to a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Many flights are canceled or delayed, making it difficult for people to find ways out. Countries are organizing special flights to help their citizens return home.
Key Facts
A conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran is causing travel chaos in the Middle East.
Airspace in the region is mostly closed, with only a few flights operating from places like Dubai, Riyadh, and Muscat.
Over 23,000 flights have been canceled since the conflict began.
The US, UK, France, and Germany are organizing special flights to evacuate their citizens.
The US has brought back nearly 20,000 of its citizens since the conflict started.
A French government-chartered flight had to turn back due to missile activity near Dubai.
Over 138,000 British nationals in the UAE have asked for assistance.
The cost of flights out of the region has become very expensive, with some people paying high prices for tickets or chartering private jets.
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Police in London have arrested four people on suspicion of helping Iran's intelligence service. The investigation is linked to suspected surveillance activities targeting Jewish communities in London.
Key Facts
Four individuals were arrested over suspected ties to Iran's intelligence service.
The arrests involved one Iranian and three individuals with both British and Iranian citizenship.
The investigation focuses on suspected surveillance concerning Jewish communities in London.
Arrests and searches took place in Watford, Barnet, and Wembley.
Ten men, including these four, were taken into custody for their involvement.
The Police operation is ongoing, led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Commander Helen Flanagan emphasized public vigilance and communication with police.
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Sam Battle, also known as Look Mum No Computer, will represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May. He was chosen by the BBC despite his entry being unconventional, with a song that blends quirky musical elements and lyrics partially in German.
Key Facts
Sam Battle, performing as Look Mum No Computer, will be the UK's entrant in the Eurovision Song Contest.
His song, "Eins, Zwei, Drei," mixes different styles and includes both German and English lyrics.
The BBC's choice to pick this non-traditional song marks a shift from their usual selections.
The UK's recent history in Eurovision includes both successful and low-scoring performances.
Battle's song includes references to English food and his personal experiences touring in Germany.
The performance will be choreographed by Fredrik Rydman, who has Eurovision experience.
Sam Battle was previously in a band called Zibra before becoming a solo artist.
He is also known for his YouTube channel where he creates unique musical instruments.
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People in Cyprus are protesting against the presence of UK military bases on the island's south coast. The protests intensified after a drone strike hit a British base in Cyprus, linked to a conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Many Cypriots feel that the bases are remnants of colonial rule and believe they put the island at risk.
Key Facts
Protests have taken place in Limassol calling for the removal of UK military bases in Cyprus.
The protests began after a suspected Iranian-made drone hit RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus.
The incident occurred shortly after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
UK retained two military bases in Cyprus since the island's independence in 1960.
Many locals view these bases as leftovers of British colonial control.
UK bases in Cyprus have been used for military operations in the Middle East.
Some Cypriots claim the bases are used for intelligence-gathering rather than local protection.
The presence of these bases has sparked debate over the sovereignty and safety of Cyprus.
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Australia's defense ministry says a Chinese military helicopter acted unsafely near an Australian helicopter during a UN operation. The incident happened on March 4 in international waters of the Yellow Sea. China has previously disputed similar claims by Australia.
Key Facts
The incident involved the Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) helicopter and an Australian Defense Force (ADF) helicopter on March 4.
It occurred during Operation Argos, which monitors UN sanctions on North Korea.
Australia's MH-60R helicopter had taken off from the HMAS Toowoomba.
Australia claims the Chinese helicopter flew too close and in an unsafe manner.
The Australian ministry described the maneuver as "unsafe and unprofessional."
China has previously denied such accusations and claimed sovereignty issues.
The event took place in international waters of the Yellow Sea.
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Thousands of people in Beirut are displaced because of evacuation orders and bombings in the city's southern suburbs. This area is known to be a stronghold for the group Hezbollah.
Key Facts
An evacuation order from Israel has caused many people to leave their homes in southern Beirut.
Bombings have targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The southern suburbs are recognized as a Hezbollah stronghold.
Many displaced individuals are now sleeping on the streets in Beirut.
Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reports on the situation from Beirut.
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A report suggests that the mass stranding of over 50 pilot whales in Lewis during July 2023 might have been triggered by a difficult birth experienced by one female whale. This event highlighted the strong social bonds within the whale pod, as the entire group followed the distressed whale into shallow waters where they became stranded.
Key Facts
More than 50 long-finned pilot whales died in Tolsta Bay, Lewis in July 2023.
A report indicated a female whale's difficult birth might have caused the group to enter shallow waters.
The report came from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS).
Experts believe the whales' strong social connections led them to follow the distressed whale.
Once stranded, the whales could not return to deeper water due to onshore winds and soft sand.
Volunteers, including the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team, tried to save the whales.
Long-finned pilot whales are a type of large dolphin with strong social bonds.
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Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in at least 123 deaths, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. The violence has led to a large number of people fleeing their homes, especially from Beirut's southern suburbs. The conflict involves Israeli forces and Hezbollah, with ongoing strikes and warnings for residents to evacuate certain areas.
Key Facts
At least 123 people have been killed due to Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported 683 injuries from the attacks.
Hezbollah warned Israeli residents to evacuate areas within 5 kilometers of the border.
Israeli planes attacked several towns in southern and eastern Lebanon.
A mass exodus occurred in Beirut’s southern suburbs after threats from Israel.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces, including in the Golan Heights.
Israel increased military presence in border areas but stated it will not evacuate its towns.
Many residents in Lebanon are fleeing to find shelter, causing a humanitarian crisis.
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The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil sales to India to keep oil supplies moving despite a conflict with Iran. The waiver allows India to buy Russian oil that is currently stranded at sea. The move comes amidst fears of an energy crisis as a large portion of India's oil imports move through the Strait of Hormuz, threatened by the conflict.
Key Facts
The US temporarily eased sanctions to let India buy Russian oil stranded at sea.
This decision was made to keep oil flowing during tensions with Iran.
Nearly half of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has threatened vessels in the Strait due to a US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
President Trump warned the war against Iran might last four to five weeks or more.
India imports 90% of its crude, with half of it through the threatened strait.
The waiver applies to approximately 145 million barrels of Russian crude.
Russia is a major oil supplier to India, contributing to 20% of its imports.
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The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regained control of the city of Bara in North Kordofan from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a military operation. The army used air attacks followed by ground assaults to expel the RSF and destroy their equipment. The long-standing conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
Key Facts
The Sudanese army retook the city of Bara in North Kordofan from the RSF.
The military operation involved airstrikes followed by ground attacks.
The SAF destroyed 32 RSF combat vehicles and captured 10 others.
Dozens of RSF fighters were killed in clashes and drone strikes.
The RSF had previously taken control of el-Fasher in North Darfur.
The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes by both groups.
The UN reported that around 41% of Sudan's population faces severe food shortages due to the ongoing conflict.
The conflict has caused the displacement of millions and is considered a major humanitarian crisis.
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Intense airstrikes hit Tehran and other Iranian cities as part of a US-Israel conflict with Iran, now in its seventh day. The US used B-2 bombers to target missile sites, and significant civilian casualties have been reported, particularly in Tehran. The US is investigating a school bombing in Iran that killed many children, possibly involving US forces.
Key Facts
US and Israeli forces conducted heavy airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.
The US used B-2 bombers to target deeply buried missile sites in Iran.
Explosions occurred in Tehran, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Isfahan.
At least 1,230 people have died in the conflict, with 181 reported as children.
A girls’ school in Minab, Iran, was hit, killing at least 175 children.
The US military is investigating the school attack to determine if US forces were involved.
Israel's military claimed to have destroyed most of Iran's air defenses and missile launchers.
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Dr. Nick Thomas, a doctor in Oxfordshire, UK, collapsed during a football game in August 2023 due to cardiac arrest. His teammates, including a policeman, firefighter, and flight attendant, performed CPR for 15 minutes, saving his life. The British Heart Foundation has dedicated a red bench in his honor as a living tribute.
Key Facts
Dr. Nick Thomas is a GP in Oxfordshire, UK.
He collapsed and had a cardiac arrest during a football game in August 2023.
Three of his teammates performed CPR for 15 minutes to save him.
He recovered fully and continues to live an active life.
The British Heart Foundation dedicated a red bench to him as a tribute.
The tribute is intended to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and the importance of CPR.
Nick Thomas expressed gratitude for being alive and able to enjoy time with his family.
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A charity warns that rising heating oil prices, linked to conflict in the Middle East, are affecting people in rural parts of the UK who already struggle with energy costs. Many homes in areas like Cumbria and Northumberland do not have access to mains gas, so they rely on heating oil, which has doubled in price recently. This increase poses a financial challenge for residents, especially those with limited incomes.
Key Facts
A Middle East conflict is causing heating oil prices to rise sharply.
Around 30% of homes in Cumbria and Northumberland rely on heating oil instead of gas.
Heating oil prices have doubled in one week, from about 60p to £1 per litre.
Residents often buy heating oil in bulk, leading to high costs with recent price hikes.
The UK government has been asked for a comment on the situation.
The price increase affects people in poorly insulated homes, raising heating costs.
The situation highlights challenges faced by those without mains gas access in rural areas.
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