Category Archives: World

Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash

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Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian daredevil known globally for his historic 2012 skydive from the edge of space, has died in a tragic paragliding accident in Italy.

He was 56.

According to local reports, the accident occurred on Thursday in Porto Sant’Elpidio, a coastal city in central Italy. Firefighters responding to the scene discovered a paraglider had crashed into the side of a swimming pool.

The town’s mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, confirmed Baumgartner’s death in a heartfelt Facebook post, saying, “Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight.”

Record-Breaking Jump from the Edge of Space

Baumgartner etched his name in history on October 14, 2012, when he ascended into the stratosphere—approximately 24 miles (39 kilometers) above Earth—aboard a capsule lifted by a helium balloon. From there, he executed a freefall jump over New Mexico, becoming the first human to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance, reaching speeds of 843.6 mph during descent.

The groundbreaking feat, sponsored by Red Bull and known as the Stratos Project, took five years of preparation and shattered several world records, including:

  • Fastest free fall
  • Highest skydive
  • First person to break the sound barrier in freefall

Baumgartner trained under the guidance of legendary U.S. Air Force Captain Joe Kittinger, who previously held the high-altitude jump record from 1960.

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A Life of Daring Feats

Born in Austria, Baumgartner began skydiving at the age of 16 and later honed his skills in the Austrian military. By 1988, he had partnered with Red Bull, who went on to sponsor many of his extreme sports projects.

In 1999, he set two BASE jumping records—one from the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and another from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, considered the lowest-ever BASE jump at just 95 feet.

Outside of skydiving and BASE jumping, Baumgartner was also a licensed helicopter pilot and a member of Red Bull’s aerial stunt team.

In an interview, he once said, “I was only afraid of the things that were not on the list,” referring to the detailed risk planning that went into his high-stakes stunts.

A Controversial Figure

While widely admired for his fearless spirit and technical achievements, Baumgartner’s political views stirred controversy. He was openly critical of climate change activists and LGBTQ rights and had publicly praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his anti-immigration stance, even suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize.

A Legacy That Soared

Despite the controversy, Baumgartner’s accomplishments in extreme sports inspired millions across the globe. His legacy lives on through the record books, the adrenaline-fueled sports he helped popularize, and the boundary-pushing attitude he embodied.

He is remembered as a man who quite literally took flight into the unknown—and survived to tell the tale, until his final, tragic flight.

Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What you should know about the condition

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The White House has confirmed that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a circulatory condition where veins struggle to return blood from the legs back to the heart.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the diagnosis on Thursday while addressing recent concerns over swelling in Trump’s legs and visible bruising on his hand.

According to a medical memo released by the president’s physician, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the 79-year-old former president noticed mild swelling in his lower legs, prompting a full medical evaluation. Tests revealed the presence of CVI, which Dr. Barbabella described as “benign” and common in adults over the age of 70.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency affects 10% to 35% of U.S. adults and occurs when veins—usually in the legs—fail to efficiently transport blood back to the heart. The condition often leads to leg swelling, and in some cases, varicose veins, discomfort, or venous ulcers, which are sores that heal slowly.

Read Also: Trump signs order withdrawing US from UN bodies

Dr. Prakash Krishnan, director of endovascular services at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, explained that age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing are key risk factors. The veins in the legs work against gravity using one-way valves and muscle contractions to circulate blood. When valves weaken or leak, blood pools, leading to pressure and vein enlargement.

Common Treatments

Doctors usually begin treatment with non-invasive methods, such as:

  • Compression stockings to improve blood flow.
  • Leg elevation (30 minutes, 3 times a day).
  • Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and exercise.

In more severe cases, patients may undergo:

  • Sclerotherapy, a procedure that collapses faulty veins using a chemical injection.
  • Laser or heat treatments to seal the affected veins and reroute blood through healthier ones.

Additional Findings and Trump’s Health Status

The White House also addressed the bruising on Trump’s hand, which Dr. Barbabella attributed to frequent handshaking and the regular use of aspirin—a medication he takes for heart health.

As part of the full checkup, Trump underwent blood tests and an echocardiogram, all of which came back normal, showing no signs of cardiac, kidney, or systemic problems.

“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Dr. Barbabella concluded.

Eleven dead as Kenyan protests escalate over high costs, police brutality

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At least eleven people have been killed in Kenya after security forces clashed with demonstrators in the latest wave of nationwide anti-government protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said 29 others were injured in the unrest, which has gripped much of the country in recent weeks.

Protesters have taken to the streets to denounce rising living costs, poor governance, and repeated allegations of police brutality. They are also calling for the resignation of President William Ruto.

On Sunday, authorities imposed some of the strictest measures yet, blocking major roads into the capital, Nairobi, and sealing off much of the city centre. Police prevented vehicles and many pedestrians from entering unless they were deemed to be carrying out essential duties.

The confrontations turned violent as demonstrators lit bonfires, threw stones, and defied dispersal orders. Police responded by firing live ammunition and tear gas. A Reuters reporter witnessed one man lying motionless in a pool of blood in the Nairobi suburb of Kangemi after officers opened fire on protesters. Another young man, bleeding heavily, said he had been shot as he was carried away by fellow demonstrators.

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Protests were recorded across 17 of Kenya’s 47 counties, reflecting widespread anger over the cost of living and lack of accountability. The demonstrations coincided with Saba Saba Day—7 July—a date marking the anniversary of the landmark 1990 protests that demanded an end to the one-party state under then-President Daniel arap Moi, who was a mentor to Mr Ruto. Those demonstrations eventually led to the introduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya in the early 1990s.

Observers and historians say the current movement draws inspiration from that era. Macharia Munene, a professor of history and international relations at United States International University Africa, described the protests as evidence that “there is no reversing the Gen Z Saba Saba-like spirit.” He warned that government attempts to criminalise dissent would only deepen public frustration.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has insisted that the government will not tolerate violence, pledging that police will be fully deployed to restore order and protect property. Last month, Murkomen authorised officers to “shoot on sight” anyone attacking police stations after several were set ablaze.

The recent wave of unrest was sparked by the death of a blogger in police custody in June. Public anger intensified when a police officer was filmed shooting a civilian at close range during a protest on 17 June. Just days later, on 25 June, at least 19 people were killed during demonstrations marking the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests.

Kenya’s 2024 protests have become some of the deadliest in the country’s recent history, culminating last month in crowds storming parliament. More than 60 people were killed in that incident alone.

Despite the heavy police presence and harsh tactics, many Kenyans say they will continue to protest until their demands for reforms, accountability, and economic relief are met.

Ukraine receives bodies of 1,000 soldiers from Russia

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Ukraine has received the bodies of 1,212 of its fallen soldiers from Russia after days of dispute, the agency dealing with prisoners of war in Kiev said on Wednesday.

The soldiers died in battles in Russia’s Kursk region and the Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson, the agency said.

Russia has for days accused Ukraine of failing to accept the remains, and called on Kiev to comply with agreements reached between the warring parties in talks in Istanbul at the beginning of the month.

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Russia transported the bodies ready for handover over the weekend in what it termed a “humanitarian action,’’ while Ukraine said that no agreement on a handover date had been reached.

The Istanbul talks provided for the return of the remains of more than 6,000 fallen soldiers from Russia to Ukraine.

It was not clear whether Russia would also receive the remains of its soldiers killed in Ukraine.

(dpa/NAN)

Who will be the next Pope? Meet five top contending Cardinals

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The conclave to select the 267th Pope is set to begin on May 7th, following the Novemdiales Masses, a period of prayer for the late Pope Francis’s eternal rest.

The date was officially confirmed during the fifth General Congregation held on Monday, attended by around 180 cardinals, over a hundred of whom are eligible to vote. This highly secretive event will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during these pivotal days.

While predicting the outcome of the next conclave remains uncertain, approximately 15 cardinals are currently among the most discussed names to succeed Pope Francis. Whether the Catholic Church favors continuity or embraces change, these influential figures represent the global diversity, varying priorities, and theological debates that will define the future of the Church.

Read Also: 10 Cardinals who could become the next Pope after Francis

One of the leading contenders, Matteo Zuppi, is widely considered a frontrunner due to his pastoral approach, diplomatic skill, and alignment with Pope Francis’s vision. Zuppi is respected across ideological lines and is seen as a unifying figure, especially within Europe.

Here are five top contending Cardinals

1. Pietro Parolin (Italy)

Why: He’s the Vatican’s Secretary of State and the most experienced diplomat in the Curia.

Strengths: Deep understanding of Vatican politics, global diplomacy, and Church governance.

Challenge: Seen as more of a technocrat than a spiritual leader.

2. Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Why: Known for his pastoral outreach and work for peace, especially in Ukraine.

Strengths: Aligns with Francis’s progressive tone but has broad appeal.

Challenge: Could face resistance from conservatives.

3. Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Why: Charismatic, eloquent, media-savvy, and beloved across continents.

Strengths: Represents the growing Asian Church; strong continuity with Francis.

Challenge: Some see him as too “Francis-like” or soft for needed reforms.

4. Fridolin Ambongo (DR Congo)

Why: Africa is the fastest-growing region for Catholics.

Strengths: Strong leadership, outspoken on social issues, close to Francis.

Challenge: Conservative views may alienate progressives.

5. Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg)

Why: A reformist Jesuit with a global outlook.

Strengths: Open to Church adaptation, bridges East-West thinking.

Challenge: Reformist stance may face pushback.

Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S imports

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The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday that Canada would impose 25-per cent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars (about 107 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. goods.

According to Trudeau, this will happen if the United States proceeds with its proposed tariffs on Canadian products.

Trudeau made the remarks after the U.S. President, Donald Trump told reporters earlier on Monday that 25-per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports would start on Tuesday.

Canada would begin with a 25-per cent tariff on 30 billion Canadian dollars worth of U.S. goods, immediately effective on Tuesday.

This would follow by tariffs on the remaining 125 billion Canadian dollars of American products in 21 days’ time, Trudeau in said in a statement.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn,’’ he noted.

He added that the Canadian government was in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures.

On the same day, Canada’s Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that his province was ready to cut off electricity and critical mineral supply to the U.S. in response to the expected U.S. tariffs.

Ford, also the chair of the Council of the Federation of Canada’s premiers, said Ontario is a major electricity exporter to the U.S. states of New York, Michigan and Minnesota.

“If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything, including cutting off their energy, with a smile on my face,’’ he said.

Ford also threatened to halt exports of Ontario nickel during an interview with NBC News on Monday afternoon.

“We will respond strongly and we don’t want to.

“On the critical minerals I will stop shipments going into the U.S. for nickel.

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“I will shut down manufacturing because 50 percent of the nickel you use is coming from Ontario,’’ Ford said.

Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, at her morning news conference, called for temperance, serenity and patience as the tariffs loomed.

This was ahead of Trump’s announcement on Monday, as she reassured the public that her administration has multiple contingency plans in place.

Mexico has prepared “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D’’ the president noted, though she did not provide further details.

While she did not rule out direct communication with Trump, Sheinbaum emphasised that Mexico remains calm and prepared.

“Whatever his decision is, we will make our decisions, and there is a plan and unity in Mexico,’’ she said.

On Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order to impose a 25-per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, with a 10-per cent tariff increase specifically for Canadian energy products.

On Feb. 3, Trump said the announced tariffs would be deferred for one month, allowing more time for negotiations.

He has claimed that tariffs were intended to pressure the two U.S. neighbours to intensify their efforts against fentanyl trafficking and curb illegal immigration.

Both countries have taken steps to address his concerns.

Trudeau said in his statement that Canada has appointed “a Fentanyl Czar’’ among other measures, to combat drug trafficking.

Mexico has ordered the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to its shared border with the U.S. to curb drug trafficking and mass immigration.

(Xinhua/NAN)

Trump signs order banning all trans athletes from women’s events

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Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning all transgender athletes from competing in girl’s and women’s sports.

Trump’s order “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” aims to grant federal agencies the ability to review funding to high schools, universities and grassroot sporting events. “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over,” Trump said at the signing ceremony at the East Room of the White House.

He was surrounded by girls as well as lawmakers and female athletes who were supportive of the ban, including swimmer Riley Gaines. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the order “upholds the promise of Title IX” and will require “immediate action, including enforcement actions, against schools and athletic associations” that do not allow single-sex sports or single-sex locker rooms for women.

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programmes that receive federal funding. Trump added: “If you let men take over women’s sports teams or invade your locker rooms, you will be investigated for violations of Title IX and risk your federal funding.”

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He added the order would cover the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and would deny visas for transgender athletes hoping to take part in the games. White House officials have said the move is popular with Americans and argued the order would ensure “fairness” in women’s sports.

According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 69 per cent of respondents believe transgender athletes should be able to play on teams that match the gender they were assigned to at birth. Only 29 per cent of respondents said transgender athletes should be able to play on teams that match their gender identity.

Enforcing the order will be a priority for the Education Department as it works to penalise schools that allow transgender athletes to compete. The department has already opened an inquiry into public schools in Denver, Colorado, that replaced a girl’s bathroom with an all-gender one despite leaving another exclusive to boys.

But Human Rights Campaign, a US-based LGBTQ advocacy group, president Kelley Robinson said the order “exposes young people to harassment and discrimination.” She added the order would also result in “emboldening people to question the gender of kids who don’t fit a narrow view of how they’re supposed to dress or look.”

According to a 2022 Williams Institute study, only 1.6 million people (or 0.6 per cent) of people in the US aged 13 and over identify as transgender. This also includes 1.4 per cent of youth aged between 13 and 17.

The executive order is one of several signed by Trump since he took office last month. Many of his orders have been challenged in the courts.

Newsnow

Brussels metro service resumes after underground manhunt

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All of Brussels’ metro lines are back in operation after a manhunt for armed suspects in the tunnels of the city’s underground system brought public transport to a partial standstill.

The two metro lines and four tram lines that were partially suspended are gradually resuming their usual service, public transport company STIB-MIVB wrote on X platform on Wednesday.

Public broadcaster RTBF reported that two men carrying firearms were filmed by surveillance cameras inside a station in the district of Anderlecht shortly after shots were fired outside a station.

The suspects were believed to have fled into the underground tunnel system, news agency Belga quoted police spokeswomen Sarah Frederickx as saying.

Read Also: Trump signs order withdrawing US from UN bodies

The video footage published by RTBF showed two hooded men with what appear to be assault rifles at the entrance to Clémenceau metro station.

Several shell casings were found outside the Clémenceau metro station

No arrest has been made, but investigation has continued, the Belgian public prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

No one was injured in the shooting and currently there was no indication for a terrorist motive, the prosecutor’s office said.

Several Belgian media linked the incident to drug trafficking.

(dpa/NAN)

Trump signs order withdrawing US from UN bodies

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order withdrawing Washington from a number of United Nations bodies, including its Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and setting up a broader review of US funding for the multilateral organization.

The executive order said it withdrew Washington from UNHRC and the main UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA), and would review involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The moves were made in protest against what White House staff secretary Will Scharf described as “anti-American bias” at the UN agencies.

The 47 members of the UN Human Rights Council are elected by the General Assembly to three-year terms, with the United States ending its latest term on December 31. It currently has observer status at the body.

Tuesday’s order would appear to end all US participation in the council’s activities, which include reviews of countries’ human rights records and specific allegations of rights abuses.

“More generally, the executive order calls for review of American involvement and funding in the UN in light of the wild disparities and levels of funding among different countries,” said Scharf.

Trump highlighted the “tremendous potential” of the UN but said it is “not being well run.”

Read Also: ‘Trump plans large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday’

“It should be funded by everybody, but we’re disproportionate, as we always seem to be,” he said.

Trump has long railed against Washington’s levels of funding of multilateral bodies, calling for other countries to increase their contributions, notably at military alliance NATO.

UNRWA is the chief aid agency for Palestinians, with many of the 1.9 million people displaced by the war in Gaza dependent on its deliveries for survival.

Under Trump, Washington has backed a move by Israel to ban the agency, after the US ally accused UNRWA of spreading hate material.

US funding of UNRWA was halted in January 2024 by the administration of then-president Joe Biden after Israel accused 12 of its employees of involvement in Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.

A series of probes found some “neutrality related issues” at UNRWA, but found no evidence for Israel’s chief allegations, and most other donors that had similarly suspended funding resumed their financial support.

Earlier in his latest term, Trump also withdrew from the Paris climate accord and began withdrawing from the World Health Organization, of which it is the largest donor.

Each of the withdrawals has been a repeat of the Republican billionaire’s first term in office, which ended in 2021.

AFP

‘Trump plans large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday’

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…Administration to send 100 to 200 officers to city on day two of new presidency

The administration of united president elect Donald Trump’s is reportedly planning to launch a large immigration raid in Chicago the day after he takes office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing four people familiar with planning.

The raid, expected to start on Tuesday, would last all week, the newspaper said, adding that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) would send between 100 and 200 officers to carry out the operation.

Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. But a source with knowledge of the incoming administration’s plans said Ice would intensify enforcement across the country and there would not be a special focus on Chicago or surge of personnel there.

“We’re going to be doing operations all across the country,” the person said. “You’re going to see arrests in New York. You’re going to see arrests in Miami.”

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Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, told an event in Chicago that the administration was “going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois”, the Journal reported.

“And if the Chicago mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us, if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien, I will prosecute him,” he was quoted as saying.

Immigration was at the center of Trump’s campaign in the lead-up to the 5 November presidential election.

“Within moments of my inauguration, we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” Trump said in January 2024.

Trump is expected to mobilize agencies across the US government to help him deport record numbers of immigrants, Reuters has reported, building on efforts in his first term to tap all available resources and pressure so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions to cooperate.

Newsnow