Trump sends New York real estate expert to address global crises
Japan to Boost Nuclear Energy Use in Post-Fukushima Shift
Japan currently operates 14 commercial reactors, down from 54 before the Fukushima disaster. While the plan is motivated by the need for self-reliance on energy and carbon reduction, critics warn that nuclear energy is risky, costly, and reliant on expensive uranium imports. Concerns about potential accidents and opposition from local communities further complicate the situation.
Public opinion remains divided, with some, like Greenpeace, arguing against nuclear power due to the lasting impact of Fukushima and the risks involved. However, Japan faces increasing energy demands and limited resources, pushing the government to reconsider nuclear energy as a key part of its future strategy.
Child Maid Dies Over Alleged Chocolate Theft - Pakistan Outraged
A couple in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 13-year-old girl, Iqra, who worked as their maid. The girl died from multiple injuries last Wednesday after being accused of stealing chocolates. Preliminary investigations show signs of frequent torture and abuse, including fractures and head injuries. Iqra had worked as a maid since the age of eight to help her family with debt, earning around $28 a month. Her death has sparked widespread outrage in Pakistan, with calls for justice for Iqra and renewed discussions on child labor and domestic worker abuse. The girl's parents and activists are demanding justice, but cases like these are often settled without successful prosecutions.
Hamas announces it will return the bodies of four hostages, including the Bibas family
Hamas has announced that it will return the bodies of four hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her young children, Kfir and Ariel, on Thursday, February 20. The Bibas family was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack. Their father, Yarden, was released earlier this month.
In addition, Hamas will release six living hostages on Saturday, twice the number initially planned. In exchange, Israel will free all women and minors detained since last October and allow some rubble-clearing equipment into Gaza.
The Bibas family has not yet received official confirmation of the announcement but is aware of the reports. Hamas also confirmed the names of two Israeli hostages, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, to be released on Saturday. Talks about the second phase of the ceasefire deal, which includes the release of all remaining hostages, are expected to begin soon.
Argentina's President Milei Refutes Allegations of Crypto Fraud
Milei defended his actions, saying he shared the link in "good faith" without endorsing it and compared investors’ losses to gambling. He later deleted the post after realizing he lacked details about the project.
Opposition critics have accused him of involvement in a "rug pull" scam and are considering impeachment. A judge will decide if fraud charges against Milei will proceed. Despite the controversy, Milei remains defiant, insisting that investors knowingly took on the risks.
Everyone Must Go - New Zealand's Tourism Campaign Sparks Backlash
Critics, including opposition politicians, argue the slogan makes New Zealand sound like a clearance sale, reflecting locals' struggles with job cuts and economic uncertainty. Others have jokingly linked it to public restroom shortages in tourist areas.
The government defends the NZ$500,000 campaign, emphasizing its goal of boosting Australian visitor numbers. Despite the controversy, officials believe the publicity will help revive post-pandemic tourism.
Israeli troops remain in south Lebanon beyond withdrawal deadline
Israeli officials say the remaining troops are needed for security and will leave once Lebanon fulfills its obligations under the ceasefire. Lebanon insists on a full withdrawal, calling any Israeli presence an occupation.
UN officials described the delay as a violation of the ceasefire but acknowledged significant progress. Lebanese forces have begun securing vacated areas, while Hezbollah and Israel remain on high alert.
Activists report villagers executed in Sudan
The RSF, formerly allied with the army before a civil war erupted in April 2023, has not responded to the accusations. The conflict stems from a power struggle between army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo.
As the military regains key territories, the RSF is planning to form its own government in areas it controls, a move analysts say could deepen divisions. The war has displaced 12 million people and led to widespread atrocities.
All passengers survive as plane overturns during crash landing at Toronto airport
Authorities praised the emergency response, calling it "textbook." The cause of the crash is under investigation, though initial reports of high winds were later contradicted. The airport was temporarily closed, leading to delays and cancellations. Weather conditions had already been causing disruptions in the area.
UN: Bangladesh Protest Crackdown May Constitute Crimes Against Humanity
A UN report found that up to 1,400 people were killed, mostly by security forces, during mass protests last year. The violence was allegedly directed by political leaders and senior security officials. Hasina, who was in office for 15 years, fled to India before protesters stormed her residence in August.
The unrest began with student-led demonstrations against job quotas and escalated into a nationwide movement to remove Hasina’s Awami League government following a violent police crackdown. The UN documented extrajudicial killings, torture, and the targeting of children, with up to 13% of those killed being minors.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the response as a "calculated and well-coordinated strategy" to suppress opposition. The report, requested by Bangladesh's caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus, was based on over 230 interviews, medical records, and other evidence.
Former officials and witnesses claimed Hasina and her administration directed the violent crackdown. However, a former minister in Hasina’s government dismissed the report as unreliable and politically motivated. The UN also noted concerns about attacks on perceived government supporters and minority groups, urging further investigation.
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