Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa. The dam's construction has created regional tensions, particularly with Egypt, which fears that it could reduce its water supply from the Nile River.
Key Facts:
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz region.
The dam is the biggest hydroelectric dam in Africa, with a capacity of 5,000 megawatts of electricity.
It took 14 years to build the dam, costing about $5 billion, which Ethiopia financed without international aid.
The project aims to double Ethiopia's electricity capacity, benefiting its population, half of whom lack access to electricity.
Egypt relies on the Nile for 97% of its water and views the dam as a potential threat to its water supply.
Sudan, Ethiopia's other neighbor, is affected by both annual floods and electricity shortages, which the dam could help alleviate.
International attempts, including by former U.S. President Trump, failed to resolve the disputes over the dam.
Ethiopia and Egypt have not reached an agreement, and tensions remain high between the countries.
Prince Harry donated £1.1 million to a BBC Children in Need project in Nottingham aimed at helping young people affected by violence. During his UK visit, he met with youth workers and attended charity events, including a rap music performance. The donation aims to create safe spaces for young people and support their positive development.
Key Facts:
Prince Harry donated £1.1 million of his own money to a project supporting young people in Nottingham.
The donation is for a BBC Children in Need initiative focused on reducing youth violence.
Prince Harry visited the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham, where he interacted with young people and watched a rap performance.
He participated in discussions about reducing knife crime and creating better opportunities for youth.
BBC Children in Need is a major charity in the UK supporting independent youth workers.
The donation aims to help provide safe spaces and empower young people to have better futures.
Prince Harry's UK visit includes attending multiple charity events and previously donated £1.2 million from his book sales to another charity he co-founded.
The Israeli military reported that it targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, claiming responsibility for explosions in the city. Qatar condemned the attack, stating it violated international laws and posed a threat to its safety and security.
Key Facts:
The Israeli military confirmed explosions in Doha were due to an attack on Hamas leaders.
This was Israel's first attack targeting Hamas in Qatar.
Israel has been conducting military operations in several Middle Eastern countries, including Gaza and Syria.
The Israeli defense forces stated they used precision weapons to reduce harm to civilians.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and called it a violation of international norms.
Qatar announced it is investigating the incident at a high level.
The attack involved residential buildings in Doha where some Hamas officials reside.
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after protests erupted over government corruption and a temporary ban on social media. The protests, led by young people, turned violent with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in injuries and deaths.
Key Facts:
The protests began over government corruption and a social media ban.
Thousands of young people, identifying as Gen Z, led the protests.
Nepal's Prime Minister resigned to allow a constitutional resolution.
Clashes with police led to 21 deaths and nearly 200 injuries.
Police used tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets during the protests.
Demonstrators vandalized political figures' homes.
The social media ban involved 26 platforms but was later lifted.
Students from various cities joined the protests, carrying books to symbolize their demands.
The article discusses the idea of deploying a peacekeeping force in Gaza. Various international groups have debated this, with some pushing for action due to ongoing conflicts. However, the implementation would be challenging without cooperation from Israel and the United States.
Key Facts:
The United Nations has historically deployed peacekeeping forces in similar contexts, such as UNTSO, UNDOF, and UNIFIL.
In May 2024, the Arab League advocated for a peacekeeping force in Palestinian territories.
A July conference led by France and Saudi Arabia proposed an international mission in Gaza.
The idea faces obstacles without Israeli and U.S. approval, as past actions suggest that attempts to enter without consent would be resisted.
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been active, resulting in significant casualties, according to UN statements.
The Washington Post revealed a U.S. plan, called Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation (GREAT), involving a foreign force and private contractors.
Concerns exist that such a force could lead to more conflict rather than protection for Palestinians.
Nepali Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned after large protests erupted over corruption and inequality. The protests intensified following the deaths of 19 people by security forces during clashes. Despite his resignation, the situation remains tense with demonstrators continuing their calls for major political changes.
Key Facts:
Nepali Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned due to growing protests.
The protests started as a response to corruption and inequality in the country.
Demonstrations grew after 19 people were shot dead by security forces.
Authorities imposed a curfew in certain districts to manage the situation.
Despite the curfew, protests continued with youths gathering in the streets.
The term "nepo kids," referring to privileged children of the ruling elite, sparked anger among youth.
Videos and posts on social media highlighted the luxurious lifestyles of these "nepo kids."
Key government ministers, including the Home and Agriculture Ministers, also resigned.
Demonstrators in Kathmandu, Nepal, defied a curfew and set fire to the parliament building as they protested against the government. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following violent clashes and unrest related to a social media ban. The protests, which were the largest in years, led to 19 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
Key Facts:
Protesters in Kathmandu set fire to Nepal's parliament building.
They also targeted the office of the Nepali Congress party and homes of politicians.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid the protests.
The unrest followed a day of clashes where security forces killed 19 people.
The protests were sparked by a ban on social media, which was later lifted.
More than 100 people were injured during the demonstrations.
Despite the resignation, some protesters continue to demand a full government dissolution.
This unrest is the largest in Nepal since 2006, when 18 people died during an uprising.
At least 60 people died in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to ISIL, at a funeral in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The attack happened in the region of North Kivu, known for ongoing conflict. The ADF has been active in the area, conducting multiple assaults this year.
Key Facts:
The attack occurred at a funeral in the North Kivu region of the DRC.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out the attack, linked to ISIL.
Officials reported that victims were mostly killed with machetes or shot.
The Kivu region is rich in minerals and has seen ongoing conflict.
The ADF has conducted several deadly attacks in the area this year.
The group formed in Uganda in the 1990s and later moved into the DRC.
The United States labeled the ADF a terror group in 2021.
Uganda has deployed troops to the DRC to combat the ADF.
The director Rob Reiner discusses the return of Spinal Tap in a new sequel called "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues." The original film was a mockumentary that humorously portrayed a fictional heavy metal band and gained a cult following. The sequel features the same actors and revisits the band as they prepare for a reunion concert.
Key Facts:
"Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" is the sequel to the 1984 mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap."
The original film satirized heavy metal bands and documentary films.
Rob Reiner directed both the original and the sequel.
The band members are played by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer.
In the sequel, the band characters have not changed over the years.
The phrase "goes to 11" from the original film is now part of common English language usage.
Rob Reiner describes the collaboration with his longtime colleagues as a natural process.
A report by think tank Ember highlights China's significant role in both clean energy investment and carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution globally. China's investments in solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles have made it a leader in clean energy, reducing costs worldwide. However, China continues to face challenges in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Facts:
China is a major player in clean energy, producing 60% of the world's wind turbines and 80% of solar panels.
The cost of solar technology has dropped more than 90% since 2010, with China playing a major role in this reduction.
China has invested significantly in renewable energy, contributing nearly a third of the global total with $625 billion last year.
The Chinese clean energy sector, including solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, is expanding rapidly, adding $1.9 trillion to the economy.
China has financed electric technology markets abroad, investing $80 billion in emerging markets.
Despite advancements in clean energy, China still contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions.
The country's energy technology patent applications rose from 5% to 75% of the global total.
China's economy benefits from its energy investments, but its state-subsidized industries have drawn concern from other nations.
Intelligence services from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania have dismantled a spy network allegedly built by Belarus across Europe. The team found spies linked to Belarus' KGB in different European countries, and a former Moldovan intelligence officer has been arrested on treason charges. The investigation is ongoing and coordinated by Eurojust, the EU’s judicial cooperation agency.
Key Facts:
Czech, Hungarian, and Romanian intelligence agencies stopped a Belarusian spy network in Europe.
The Czech Republic’s BIS agency reported finding Belarusian KGB agents in multiple countries.
A former Moldovan intelligence official is accused of giving classified information to Belarus.
This official was arrested by Romania for treason and is suspected of meeting with Belarusian spies.
The Czech Republic expelled a Belarusian agent who was acting as a diplomat.
Calls have been made to limit the travel of Russian and Belarusian diplomats in Europe.
The investigation is overseen by Eurojust, the EU's agency for judicial cooperation.
Belarus is led by President Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Scientists have found a powerful gamma ray explosion outside our galaxy. This explosion is unusual because it lasted a long time. Telescopes on Earth and in space are studying it.
Key Facts:
The gamma ray explosion happened outside our galaxy.
It is both powerful and long-lasting.
Telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, are involved in studying it.
The explosion was first noticed in July.
Scientists say this event is different from anything they've seen before.
A white horse carved into a hillside in Westbury, England was temporarily covered with a St George's flag. English Heritage is checking if the landmark was damaged by the fabric and pegs used. The flag has been removed, and there is no investigation by police since no crime is thought to have occurred.
Key Facts:
The Westbury White Horse is a large landmark carved into a hillside.
Recently, red fabric was used to turn the landmark into a St George's flag.
English Heritage plans to check for any damage from pegs holding the fabric.
The flag has now been removed from the white horse.
The Westbury White Horse is considered the oldest in Wiltshire.
Similar incidents happened before, like in 2018 during the football World Cup.
St George's flags have increased around England recently due to football events.
Wiltshire Police stated that no crime was involved, so there is no investigation.
The 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is starting in New York City. World leaders are gathering to discuss global issues, including peace, development, and human rights. The meeting occurs amid debates about the UN's role and financial challenges, and discussions involving Israel and Palestine are expected.
Key Facts:
The UNGA begins in New York, bringing together leaders from around the world.
The theme for this year is "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights."
The first week is mostly procedural, with a high-level event starting on September 22.
The General Debate with speeches from various leaders runs from September 23 to September 29.
The U.S. decided to withhold visas for Palestinian officials for this gathering.
France and Saudi Arabia plan to host a conference on Israel and Palestine.
The UNGA is the main body where all 193 UN member countries have a voice.
Its responsibilities include discussing global peace, security, human rights, and approving the UN's annual budget.
A Russian bomb struck a village in eastern Ukraine as people were waiting to collect their pensions, killing at least 24 people. The attack occurred in Yarova, near the front line, during ongoing aerial strikes by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to impose more sanctions on Russia.
Key Facts:
A Russian glide bomb hit the village of Yarova in eastern Ukraine.
The attack killed at least 24 people, most of whom were pensioners.
19 people were injured in the blast.
The bombing occurred near the front line in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more international sanctions on Russia.
The strike was part of an increase in Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine.
Over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have died since the war began, according to the United Nations.
Many residents remain in their homes due to lack of means to relocate or responsibilities to care for elderly relatives.
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will choose a new leader to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after electoral losses. The new leader, to be selected on October 4, could become Japan's prime minister if they gain enough parliamentary support. Ishiba cited passing leadership to the next generation as a reason for his resignation.
Key Facts:
The LDP plans to select a new leader on October 4 after Ishiba's resignation.
Ishiba resigned following significant electoral defeats.
The LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955.
Ishiba became LDP leader in October 2024, taking over from Fumio Kishida.
Several candidates are likely to run for the leadership, including previous contenders.
Ishiba attempted to solidify his tenure by calling a snap election shortly after becoming leader.
The party struggles with issues like rising rice prices, low birth rates, and immigration concerns.
The next LDP leader could become Japan's fourth prime minister in five years.
The Israeli military has instructed all residents of Gaza City to evacuate the area as it prepares for a large ground assault aimed at defeating Hamas. The military's warning emphasizes the danger to civilians remaining in the city, while humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns over the potential humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts:
Israel's military has ordered Gaza City residents to leave ahead of a ground assault.
As many as one million Palestinians live in Gaza City, which is a major urban center.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated recent airstrikes were just the start of a larger operation against Hamas.
The United Nations has warned that the offensive could worsen an existing humanitarian crisis in the area.
Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to conquer Gaza after ceasefire talks with Hamas failed in July.
Israeli military actions have intensified, with air and ground attacks targeting buildings used by Hamas.
Photographs show people moving south from Gaza City by various means, but not in large numbers.
Local residents face challenges finding safe places to go and report lack of transportation options.
Ukraine is trying to take back control of the Donbas region from Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes making Donbas a part of Russia is essential for peace. The conflict over this region is a major issue in the Ukraine war.
Key Facts:
Ukraine has been trying to regain Donbas for over ten years.
The Donbas region is located within Ukraine's borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants Donbas to become part of Russia.
Putin claims this would help achieve peace.
The status of Donbas is a central issue in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
A public inquiry in Southport is examining a stabbing attack at a dance workshop where a girl was severely injured while protecting her sister. Three children died, and several others, including two adults, were injured. The inquiry is focusing on the attacker's history and whether authorities missed chances to prevent the event.
Key Facts:
A girl shielding her sister was stabbed six times in a Southport attack.
The attack happened at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on July 29, 2024.
Three children were killed, and several others, including two adults, were seriously injured.
The public inquiry is being held at Liverpool Town Hall.
The inquiry's first phase looks into the attacker's history and interactions with authorities.
Families of survivors shared their experiences of the attack and its aftermath.
The attacked girl's father found her gravely injured, leading to him fainting from shock.
Families hope the inquiry will find answers and highlight any system failures that allowed the attack.
