1. Slovak PM Critical After Assassination Attempt

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in intensive care, two days after an attempted assassination. Fico was shot multiple times while speaking to the public in Handlova. He underwent two surgeries and is in a “very serious” condition. The suspect, identified as 71-year-old writer Juraj Cintula, has been charged with premeditated attempted murder. The politically polarized nation is on edge, just weeks before European Parliament elections.

2. Sunak and Murty’s Wealth Soars in 2024 Rich List

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, have climbed the ranks in the 2024 ‘Sunday Times Rich List.’ Their estimated wealth of GBP 651 million places them at 245th, making them the “wealthiest people to call 10 Downing Street home.” Murty’s earnings far exceed Sunak’s, with her lucrative Infosys shareholding contributing significantly. Sunak made GBP 2.2 million in 2022-23, while Murty’s dividends totaled an estimated GBP 13 million over the past year.

3. ICJ Hears South Africa’s Request to Halt Israeli Military Operations in Rafah

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearings in response to South Africa’s request for emergency provisional measures. The request seeks an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Rafah, Gaza, where over one million Palestinians sought shelter during the seven-month-long war. South Africa alleges Israel’s violation of the Genocide Convention and calls for unimpeded access to Gaza for aid workers and journalists. Israel is expected to respond at the ICJ.

4. North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Off East Coast

North Korea launched suspected short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, according to South Korea’s military. The missiles traveled about 300 kilometers (185 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japan confirmed that one missile landed outside its exclusive economic zone. South Korea views this as a “clear provocation” and remains ready to repel potential aggressions in conjunction with the United States. North Korea has been conducting weapons tests amid stalled diplomacy with the U.S. and South Korea.

5. Putin Boosts Trade Ties in China’s Northeast

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Harbin in northeast China, emphasizing trade cooperation and infrastructure development in Russia’s Far East. Amid Western sanctions due to the Ukraine invasion, Putin seeks stronger ties with China. The two countries have seen record trade, reaching $240 billion in 2023. During his visit, Putin delivered the opening address at the Russia-China Expo, discussing energy collaboration and the “Power of Siberia 2” pipeline project to supply China with Russian natural gas.

6. Hezbollah Rockets Strike Northern Israel

Lebanon’s Hezbollah fired around 40 rockets at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) artillery positions in northern Israel’s Galilee Panhandle. Some rockets were intercepted, while others hit open areas or fell short in Lebanon. Additionally, two explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah were shot down over northern Israel. Earlier, the IDF struck Hezbollah buildings in southern Lebanon. Tensions remain high as Hezbollah continues cross-border attacks.

7. Global Economic Outlook Improves, but Challenges Persist

The United Nations has upgraded its economic growth projections for 2024. The world economy is now expected to grow by 2.7% this year (up from the January forecast), with the United States, Brazil, India, and Russia showing positive trends. China’s growth outlook has also improved, projected at 4.8%. However, challenges like debt sustainability, geopolitical tensions, and climate risks remain.

8. AstraZeneca Vaccine Linked to Rare Blood Clotting Disorder

New research reveals that AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine is associated with a rare blood clotting disorder called Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT). Scientists found that VITT, which emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, is caused by harmful autoantibodies targeting a protein called platelet factor 4 (PF4). Patients with VITT often develop blood clots in unusual places, such as the brain or abdomen. The study highlights the importance of monitoring vaccine safety.

9. Israel Scraps Free Trade Deal with Turkey

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel will abolish its free trade agreement with Turkey. Additionally, a 100% tariff will be imposed on other imports from Turkey. This decision comes in retaliation for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s halt of exports to Israel. The plan is pending cabinet approval.

10. Ancient Egyptian King’s Face Recreated After Millennia

Scientists have reconstructed the face of Amenhotep III, an ancient Egyptian king and one of history’s wealthiest individuals. Using data from his mummified skull, they revealed him as obese, bald, and ailing. Amenhotep III, who reigned during the 14th century BC, ascended to power during Egypt’s zenith, where he was revered as a living deity. His legacy endures through an abundance of surviving statues, surpassing that of any other ruler of ancient Egypt. Brazilian designer Cicero Moraes led the reconstruction, expressing satisfaction with its historical significance and remarkable completeness. This marks the first time in over three millennia that the likeness of this ruler has been brought back to life.

11. Houston Ravaged by Severe Storms

Emergency crews in southeast Texas are clearing debris and assessing flooding after powerful storms tore through the state. At least four people were killed, and over 800,000 customers lost power. The winds, reaching 100 mph and including tornadoes, caused damage reminiscent of 2008’s Hurricane Ike. Downtown Houston’s high-rise buildings had windows torn out, and streets were littered with debris. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized the significant debris impact, urging swift recovery efforts. Schools are closed, and essential employees are working from home. The storm now heads east toward New Orleans. 

12. US House Passes Bill Urging Weapons Shipment to Israel

The Republican-led US House of Representatives approved the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, compelling President Joe Biden to send weapons to Israel. While not expected to become law, the bill highlights the election-year divide over Israel policy. Biden had delayed bomb shipments to protect civilians during the conflict with Hamas. Sixteen Democrats joined Republicans in voting yes, while three Republicans opposed the measure. 

13. Border Clashes in Dand-e-Patan Leave Casualties

Recent clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani soldiers along the Durand Line in Dand-e-Patan district, Paktia province, have resulted in casualties. One Taliban border guard and a Pakistani soldier were killed, and several others were injured. The conflict escalated after Pakistan began repairing a barbed-wire fence erected in 2017 to demarcate the disputed border. Tensions persist between the two neighboring countries.

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