Chornobyl remains radioactive 40 years after the nuclear accident. The area shows deserted cities, returning wildlife, and increased military risks due to recent conflicts.
Key Facts
The Chornobyl nuclear disaster happened 40 years ago.
The exclusion zone around Chornobyl still has dangerous radiation.
Many cities in the area are empty and abandoned.
Wildlife has started to come back in the zone.
The zone is affected by ongoing military conflicts, increasing risks.
The situation raises concerns about nuclear safety in the future.
The report is by journalist Nils Adler and produced by Al Jazeera teams.
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Madagascar has arrested a former French soldier, Guy Baret, accusing him of planning to upset the country’s peace. The government also declared a French embassy staff member unwelcome, linking them to the same investigation.
Key Facts
Guy Baret, a former French national serviceman, is held in pretrial detention in a maximum-security prison in Madagascar.
Authorities accuse Baret and others of spreading false information, planning to damage key infrastructure like power lines and plants, hiding wanted people, and crime conspiracy.
The plot was reportedly planned for April 18.
Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy, a Malagasy army officer, and other suspects are also involved.
Two other suspects are under judicial supervision but are not seen as leaders of the plot.
Madagascar’s current military ruler, President Michael Randrianirina, took power in October 2023 after protests ousted the previous leader, Andry Rajoelina.
France denies any involvement in destabilizing Madagascar and protested the expulsion of its embassy official.
Madagascar’s Foreign Ministry did not name the expelled French official or detail the reason for the decision.
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Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, traveled to Brussels to try to unlock billions of euros in funds blocked by the European Union during the previous government under Viktor Orban. He aims to pass important reforms before an August deadline to prevent losing the money permanently.
Key Facts
Hungary’s new Prime Minister is Peter Magyar.
The European Union blocked billions of euros in funds to Hungary under Orban’s leadership.
Magyar is visiting Brussels, the EU’s main city, to negotiate unfreezing the funds.
There is a deadline set for August to complete necessary reforms.
If Hungary does not meet the requirements by August, it may lose the funds permanently.
The blocked funds are important for Hungary’s economy and development projects.
These efforts come right after a change in Hungary’s government leadership.
The EU freezing the funds is related to concerns about Hungary’s previous government policies.
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Japan marked ten years of its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, which aims to promote development and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by supporting freedom, law, and open cooperation. Japan is now expanding this strategy to address new challenges like economic security and supply chain resilience, while also working with partners in the Middle East to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen regional stability.
Key Facts
FOIP was introduced by Prime Minister Abe ten years ago to enhance freedom and development in the Indo-Pacific.
Japan is updating FOIP to focus more on economic security and resilient supply chains.
Support for maritime security capacity building is a key part of Japan’s current strategy.
Japan joined a joint statement on March 19, 2026, to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Japan is cooperating with countries and organizations like the International Maritime Organization to secure sea lanes.
Japan’s security policy is based on three key documents revised in 2022 to address rapid changes in warfare technology and security threats.
Japan maintains a national defense policy focused on self-defense and limits the use of collective self-defense by domestic law.
Japan opposes any country using force to change international laws or the status quo.
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Two Jewish men were stabbed in London, and the police have called the attack a terrorist act. A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and the victims were taken to the hospital with knife wounds.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened in the Golders Green area of London.
Two Jewish men, aged 34 and 76, were injured.
Police treated the incident as terrorism linked to antisemitism.
A 45-year-old man was arrested by the Metropolitan Police.
The victims were hospitalized because of their injuries.
This attack is part of a series of antisemitic incidents in the city.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Firefighters have been working for four days to control wildfires in the Elan Valley area of mid-Wales. The fires have caused the closure of part of the Hafod Estate and prompted warnings for local residents due to thick smoke and dry weather increasing fire risks.
Key Facts
Wildfires have been burning near Elan Valley, Powys, since Sunday.
Fire crews and a water-dropping helicopter are fighting the fires.
The Hafod Estate has been closed to the public as a safety measure.
The area affected covers around 70 square miles, including farmland and reservoirs.
Shepherd Glyndwr Jones expressed concern for livestock and financial losses.
Natural Resources Wales said dry weather has greatly increased fire danger.
Rain is not expected until Friday in the area.
Residents near the fires are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
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Two men were stabbed in the Golders Green area of north London in an attack believed to be antisemitic. The victims are stable in hospital, and a suspect was arrested after trying to stab police officers. Local Jewish residents expressed fear for their safety and concern about rising antisemitism.
Key Facts
The stabbing attack happened shortly after 11 a.m. in Golders Green, north London.
Two men, aged about 30 and 70, were injured and are in stable condition in hospital.
The suspect, 45 years old, was arrested after trying to stab police and was stunned with a stun gun.
The attack is believed to be motivated by antisemitism, targeting Jewish people.
The Jewish community in Golders Green has seen an increase in antisemitic incidents in recent months.
Residents feel unsafe and are considering whether to move away from the area.
Police and Jewish emergency volunteers responded to the scene and helped maintain order.
Community members call for stronger action from politicians to address antisemitism and improve safety.
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Iranian embassy social media accounts have started using memes and humor to reach wider audiences, especially on the platform “X.” This shift began after US attacks on Iran in early 2026, as younger Iranian diplomats took control of these accounts to challenge US messages online with viral and relatable content.
Key Facts
Iranian embassies in countries like South Africa, Thailand, and the UK have changed their social media approach from formal posts to memes and jokes.
The change started in March 2026, a few weeks after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
These embassies mock American leaders such as President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
One meme by Iran’s embassy in South Africa mocking President Trump received nearly 4 million views.
Iran’s embassy in Zimbabwe posted a humorous reply to Trump that got over 6 million views.
Younger Iranian diplomats with knowledge of social media and pop culture now manage these accounts.
The new strategy aims to reach international audiences better and counter US government narratives.
The memes reference popular films and shows, helping the posts go viral worldwide.
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President Donald Trump said he will keep a U.S. naval blockade on Iran until Iran agrees to a nuclear deal that addresses American concerns. The blockade stops Iran from exporting oil, and Trump said it is more effective than bombing. The U.S. military has plans for possible strikes but has not yet acted.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to maintain a naval blockade on Iran until a nuclear deal is reached.
Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade before nuclear talks, but Trump rejected this.
U.S. Central Command has created a plan for quick military strikes on Iran if needed.
Trump said the blockade "chokes" Iran’s economy and is more effective than bombing.
Iran’s oil storage and pipelines are said to be at risk due to the blockade, though some experts disagree.
Iran warned it will respond strongly if the blockade continues, but so far has shown restraint to allow for diplomacy.
Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself armed with a message warning Iran.
The U.S. has not yet carried out any military strikes and is focusing currently on the blockade for leverage.
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Iran and the United States remain in conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments. The U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, leading to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
Iran wants to control the Strait, an important route for oil transport.
The U.S. has set up a blockade on Iranian ports to restrict Iran's shipping.
This dispute has caused a standoff between Iran and the U.S.
The situation affects global oil supply and international trade.
CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata is reporting on the developments.
Both countries remain firm in their positions with no resolution yet.
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The UK expelled a Russian diplomat after Russia expelled a British embassy worker accused of spying. This exchange happened amid ongoing tensions between the two countries since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
The UK revoked the accreditation of an unnamed Russian diplomat.
Russia expelled a British embassy employee last month, accusing him of spying.
The UK government calls Russia’s accusations "unjustified."
Both countries have expelled multiple diplomats since 2019 due to rising tensions.
Russia’s security agency said the British official tried to gather economic information.
The UK denies these spying accusations.
The UK intercepted a Russian mission to monitor important undersea cables in the North Atlantic.
The UK depends on about 60 undersea cables for most of its internet traffic.
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British police conducted raids on facilities linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) group, arresting nine people on charges including modern slavery, forced marriage, and sexual assault. The arrests came after a woman previously in the group reported serious offenses that allegedly happened in 2023.
Key Facts
Around 500 police officers took part in the raids in northwest England, including at AROPL’s headquarters in Crewe.
Nine people were arrested: six men and three women from several countries including the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Egypt.
The investigation was based on allegations made by a woman formerly in the group about crimes in 2023.
Police clarified that the investigation targets the alleged crimes, not the religion itself.
AROPL is a religious group with beliefs that differ from mainstream Islam and is linked to messianic prophecies and conspiracy theories.
The group’s leader Abdullah Hashem claims to be a messianic figure and has made unusual religious claims.
Authorities in some countries like Malaysia, Egypt, and Algeria have taken legal actions against AROPL members.
The group moved its headquarters to the UK from Sweden in 2021 after members’ residency permits were revoked.
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At a Buffalo Sabres hockey game, nearly 20,000 mostly American fans sang the Canadian national anthem together when the singer’s microphone failed. This act of singing showed goodwill between the US and Canada despite ongoing political tensions caused by President Donald Trump’s policies.
Key Facts
Buffalo, New York, is close to Canada and known for friendly relations with Canadian neighbors.
The Buffalo Sabres hockey team has had a tradition of singing the Canadian anthem for over 50 years.
During a recent game, the singer’s microphone cut out, and the crowd sang the Canadian anthem loudly.
Political tensions have increased due to President Trump’s threats to annex Canada and impose tariffs on Canadian industries.
Canada responded with boycotts, including pulling American products from shelves and reducing travel to the US.
Despite political issues, border communities like Buffalo and southern Ontario maintain close personal and economic ties.
Many people cross the US-Canada border daily for activities like shopping, work, and education.
Fans and locals see singing the Canadian anthem as a sign of respect and friendship regardless of government conflicts.
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A United Nations-backed report says that over 1.2 million people in Lebanon will face severe hunger this year due to conflict, displacement, and economic problems linked to the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah. This number is higher than before the war started in March, showing that food security in Lebanon has gotten worse.
Key Facts
More than 1.24 million people in Lebanon are expected to face serious food shortages from April to August.
Before the war started in March, about 874,000 people (17% of the population) faced severe food insecurity.
The war between Israel and Hezbollah has caused violence, displacement, and rising costs that make food harder to buy.
The UN groups involved in the report include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Over 2,500 people have died, and more than 1 million have been displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict.
A ceasefire began on April 17, reducing fighting but not ending all hostilities.
Humanitarian aid and support for farmers are urgently needed to prevent the food situation from getting worse.
Israeli forces remain active near Lebanon’s southern border, where residents are told not to return.
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Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he ordered an investigation into Prince Andrew’s high travel costs as a trade envoy in 2008. Brown asked police to expand their inquiry to include how public money was spent and any connections between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities.
Key Facts
Gordon Brown was UK Prime Minister from 2008 to 2010.
Brown requested a colleague to question Prince Andrew about expensive travel costs when he was a trade envoy.
Prince Andrew frequently used Royal Air Force (RAF) flights instead of commercial flights during his trips.
In 2008, Prince Andrew wanted the government to fund a separate fleet of planes for the royal family, but Brown refused and told the queen.
Prince Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct related to Jeffrey Epstein but denies wrongdoing.
Police are investigating if Prince Andrew shared secret information with Epstein and if public funds were used improperly.
There are allegations that Epstein trafficked women into the UK, possibly involving locations linked to the royal family.
Six UK police forces are reviewing flights connected to Epstein to see if they involve trafficking crimes.
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Iran’s national currency, the rial, has fallen sharply against the US dollar amid a naval blockade enforced by the United States and related sanctions. This economic pressure, alongside military actions and restricted trade routes, has caused Iran’s non-oil trade and exports to drop significantly.
Key Facts
The Iranian rial reached over 1.81 million to the US dollar recently, down from about 811,000 a year ago.
The US is enforcing a naval blockade on Iran’s southern waters, aiming to cut off economic trade.
Inflation in Iran has worsened due to sanctions, poor management, and disruptions from conflict.
Iran has allocated $1 billion to buy food and eased import rules in border provinces to ease shortages.
Non-oil trade in the Iranian calendar year ending March 20 was about $110 billion, a 16% drop from the previous year.
Trade volume dropped around 29% in the last months due to disrupted shipping, especially through the Strait of Hormuz.
US and Israeli forces have targeted Iranian ports, infrastructure, and industrial facilities with strikes.
Iran has temporarily limited exports of steel, petrochemicals, and chemicals to preserve domestic supply.
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The article says that U.S. policies are causing problems with energy supplies in Washington. This situation will make Russia stronger financially, as it will benefit from the current energy crisis.
Key Facts
U.S. actions have led to energy supply issues in Washington.
These energy problems create more opportunities for Russia to gain money.
Russia’s financial resources for its war efforts are increasing faster due to the crisis.
The article links U.S. energy policies directly to Russia’s growing war funds.
Moscow may become the main energy provider as a result of these changes.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City during their trip to the United States. This is the first time a reigning British king has visited New York since Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial on a Wednesday afternoon.
Their visit is part of a tour through the United States.
This is the first visit to New York by a reigning British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
The 9/11 Memorial honors the victims of the terrorist attacks from September 11, 2001.
King Charles III also met with President Donald Trump during the visit.
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy returned to court to answer questions about documents involving Claude Guéant, his former close aide. They are involved in a case about illegal money from Libya for Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign, which Sarkozy denies.
Key Facts
Nicolas Sarkozy appeared in court on April 7, 2026, in Paris.
His former aide Claude Guéant, now 81, gave written statements but did not attend court due to health reasons.
Guéant was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the Libyan funding affair.
Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy charges linked to illegal Libyan campaign funds and sentenced to five years in prison; he faces up to 10 years if convicted on appeal.
The case involves alleged political payments from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors and help with the legal case of Abdallah Senoussi, a French convicted terrorist connected to Gaddafi’s regime.
Sarkozy denies that Libyan leader Gaddafi ever asked him to help Senoussi or that he ordered Guéant to investigate the case.
Guéant claims he only followed orders from Sarkozy and disputes allegations against him.
The trial is expected to end in late May, with a verdict due in November 2026.
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French prosecutors are investigating new websites that look very similar to Coco.gg, a platform linked to serious crimes including child abuse and rape. The original Coco.gg was shut down in 2024 after being connected to many criminal reports, and its creator is facing charges but denies them. Authorities are concerned that these new sites allow access to harmful content for minors.
Key Facts
Coco.gg was an unmoderated chat platform linked to child abuse, drug crimes, rape, and murder.
The original website was closed in 2024 after over 23,000 criminal reports.
Isaac Steidl, founder of Coco.gg, was charged with child pornography crimes in January 2025 and denies the allegations.
Since April 2025, websites with names and designs similar to Coco.gg have reappeared online.
French prosecutors opened a new investigation into these sites for sharing violent and pornographic content accessible to minors.
Journalists quickly signed into one of the new sites, receiving explicit messages even after revealing they were underage.
Sarah El Haïry, France’s childhood commissioner, called the situation a failure to protect children from sexual abuse and said complaints were filed against other similar sites.
Dominique Pelicot was found guilty in 2024 of drugging and raping his wife and recruiting men through Coco.gg to abuse her; 49 men were also convicted.
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