作者: admin

  • Peru’s Congress removes President Boluarte as a crime wave grips the country

    Peru’s Congress removes President Boluarte as a crime wave grips the country

    In a dramatic turn of events, Peru’s Congress voted early Friday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, citing her administration’s failure to address a surging crime wave that has gripped the nation. The 130-member unicameral legislature swiftly replaced Boluarte with 38-year-old lawyer José Jerí, the president of Congress, who was sworn in as interim leader shortly after the vote. The decision came just hours after a shooting at a concert in Lima further inflamed public anger over the country’s escalating violence. Lawmakers had convened a late-night debate and impeachment trial on Thursday, voting to accept four requests for Boluarte’s removal. Despite being summoned to defend herself, Boluarte did not appear before Congress, prompting lawmakers to vote unanimously—124 in favor, with no opposition—to impeach her. This marked the ninth attempt to remove Boluarte from office, but unlike previous efforts, it garnered widespread support across legislative factions. Boluarte, Peru’s first female president, assumed office in December 2022 after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her tenure was marred by over 500 protests in her first three months and an inability to curb rising crime rates. Official statistics reveal a record 6,041 homicides between January and mid-August, alongside a 28% spike in extortion cases. Boluarte partially attributed the crisis to illegal immigration, claiming past administrations had failed to secure borders. Despite Prime Minister Eduardo Arana’s defense of her during a parliamentary hearing, lawmakers remained resolute in their decision. Jerí, now interim president, pledged to uphold Peru’s sovereignty and oversee the transition to a new government following elections scheduled for April 2025.

  • Two powerful quakes strike off southern Philippines, killing at least 7 people

    Two powerful quakes strike off southern Philippines, killing at least 7 people

    The southern Philippines was struck by two powerful offshore earthquakes on Friday, causing significant damage, casualties, and widespread panic. The first earthquake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, occurred in the Philippine Trench, 43 kilometers east of Manay town in Davao Oriental province. It resulted in at least seven fatalities, including two hospital patients who succumbed to heart attacks and a resident killed by debris in Mati city. The quake also triggered landslides in a remote gold-mining village in Pantukan town, where three villagers died and several others were injured. Hundreds of residents in Davao city sustained injuries, and buildings, including an international airport, suffered structural damage. Hours later, a second earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck the same region, raising fears of further structural collapse. Both quakes prompted tsunami warnings, leading to evacuations in coastal areas. Small tsunami waves were detected in the Philippines and Indonesia, but the threat subsided without major incidents. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mobilized rescue and relief efforts as the nation grapples with the aftermath of these disasters, compounded by recent storms and a deadly earthquake in September.

  • India to upgrade Kabul mission to full embassy, signaling deeper ties with Taliban

    India to upgrade Kabul mission to full embassy, signaling deeper ties with Taliban

    In a significant diplomatic move, India has announced the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling a deepening engagement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made the announcement on Friday following a meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi. This marks the first high-level diplomatic interaction since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, ending two decades of U.S. military presence in the region. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, development, and stability, pledging support in trade, health, and education sectors. He stated that closer cooperation between the two nations would foster regional resilience and stability. Muttaqi, who arrived in India after receiving a temporary travel exemption from U.N. sanctions, expressed Kabul’s desire for strong relations with India. His visit follows participation in an international meeting on Afghanistan in Russia, which included representatives from China, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. India’s pragmatic outreach to the Taliban reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at countering regional rivals, particularly Pakistan and China, both of whom have significant influence in Afghanistan. Experts suggest that India’s engagement is driven by the need to avoid strategic isolation and to establish a foothold in a region where geopolitical rivalries are intensifying. Despite historical tensions and concerns over the Taliban’s governance, India has maintained steady contact with the group, focusing on humanitarian aid and development support. The move underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities and its bid to strengthen its position as a regional power.

  • US clashes with Venezuela and allies at emergency UN meeting on US strikes in Caribbean

    US clashes with Venezuela and allies at emergency UN meeting on US strikes in Caribbean

    Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated dramatically during an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council on Friday. The Trump administration defended its recent military strikes against alleged drug cartels, vowing to use its “full might” to combat narcoterrorism. Meanwhile, Venezuela accused the U.S. of preparing for an armed attack, citing the deadly strikes on four boats that Washington claims were involved in drug trafficking. Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador, Samuel Moncada, warned that the U.S. actions threatened regional and international peace, security, and stability. The U.S. justified the strikes, which reportedly killed 21 people, as a necessary act of self-defense against well-armed and organized cartels. Venezuela’s request for the emergency meeting followed a significant buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean, a move described as unprecedented in recent years. While Venezuela received backing from allies Russia and China, other Security Council members urged de-escalation and adherence to the U.N. Charter, which emphasizes respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution. The U.S. delegation, led by Political Counselor John Kelley, reiterated President Trump’s stance that the military operations were consistent with international law. However, the council is unlikely to take action against the U.S. due to its veto power. France and Russia expressed concerns over unilateral military actions and the potential threat to international peace, with Russia describing the situation as increasingly acute. The meeting occurred just a day after U.S. Senate Republicans blocked legislation aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to use military force against drug traffickers.

  • The new AI arms race changing the war in Ukraine

    The new AI arms race changing the war in Ukraine

    The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has entered a new phase with the deployment of advanced AI-powered drones, reshaping the dynamics of modern warfare. Serhiy Beskrestnov, a consultant for Ukrainian defense forces, recently intercepted a Russian drone equipped with artificial intelligence, capable of autonomously identifying and attacking targets. Unlike conventional drones, this AI-driven model operates without transmitting or receiving signals, making it immune to jamming techniques.

    Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have been integrating AI into their military strategies, utilizing it for target identification, intelligence gathering, and de-mining operations. For Ukraine, AI has become a critical tool, processing over 50,000 video streams monthly from the front lines, as highlighted by Deputy Defense Minister Yuriy Myronenko. This technology enables rapid data analysis, target mapping, and strategic planning, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and saving lives.

    AI is also transforming unmanned weapons systems. Ukrainian troops now employ AI-based software that allows drones to autonomously lock onto targets and complete missions without human intervention. Yaroslav Azhnyuk, CEO of Ukrainian developer The Fourth Law, envisions a future where fully autonomous drones can execute missions with a simple smartphone command, eliminating the need for piloting skills.

    However, the rise of AI in warfare raises significant ethical and operational concerns. Vadym, a developer at DevDroid, warns of the risks of friendly fire, as AI systems may struggle to distinguish between Ukrainian and Russian soldiers in similar uniforms. Additionally, there are fears that automated systems could violate international humanitarian laws by failing to protect civilians or recognize surrendering combatants.

    Ukraine is also developing AI interceptor drones to counter Russian long-range attack drones like the Shaheds. While these systems promise greater precision and agility, their deployment remains cautious, with human oversight deemed essential for critical decisions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for global regulations on AI in weapons, likening the urgency to nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

    As the conflict continues, the integration of AI in warfare underscores the need for international cooperation to address the ethical and strategic challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology.

  • Protesters rally across Morocco in final push for reforms before king’s expected address

    Protesters rally across Morocco in final push for reforms before king’s expected address

    In a renewed surge of activism, Moroccan youth took to the streets of Casablanca and other cities on Thursday, reigniting their calls for sweeping governmental reforms. The protests, orchestrated by the ‘Gen Z 212’ movement, demand the dismissal of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and a crackdown on corruption, alongside improved public services in health and education. This latest wave of demonstrations follows a brief midweek hiatus, strategically timed to culminate in a powerful display of dissent ahead of King Mohammed VI’s anticipated parliamentary address on Friday.

  • Oman: 8 killed, 2 injured in major traffic accident

    Oman: 8 killed, 2 injured in major traffic accident

    A devastating traffic accident in Oman’s Wilayat of Duqm has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and left two others injured, according to a statement released by Oman’s Ministry of Health on Thursday. The collision involved two vehicles, marking one of the most severe road incidents in the region this year. In a related development, Oman Police announced the arrest of an individual of Asian nationality for recording a video of the crash. Authorities stated that the video depicted the bodies of the victims, prompting legal action against the individual. The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the ethical implications of recording such tragic events. The police have not disclosed further details about the accident’s cause or the identities of those involved, but investigations are ongoing.

  • Has the clock stopped on Swiss US trade?

    Has the clock stopped on Swiss US trade?

    The Swiss economy, renowned for its competitiveness and innovation, faces unprecedented challenges as US-imposed tariffs of 39% on Swiss goods take a heavy toll. Despite Switzerland’s significant contributions to the US economy, including creating 400,000 jobs through investments, President Trump’s trade policies have left the Alpine nation grappling with economic setbacks. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter’s efforts to negotiate a reduction in tariffs have so far proven futile, leaving Swiss exporters in a precarious position. Approximately 17% of Swiss exports, valued at billions, are destined for the US market, making the tariffs a severe blow to key industries. While pharmaceuticals, Switzerland’s most lucrative export to the US, remain unaffected for now, the threat of a 100% tariff on imported medicines looms large. The medical technology sector, a global leader in precision engineering, is also at risk. Companies like MPS, which produce advanced medical devices, face immense pressure as the tariffs erode already slim profit margins. Swiss business leaders argue that the tariffs are not only unjustified but also counterproductive, potentially driving up costs for US patients and taxpayers. Despite the challenges, Switzerland is actively diversifying its trade partnerships, securing agreements with India, Mercosur, and China, while maintaining its strong ties with the EU. The long-term impact of the tariffs extends beyond economics, straining the historically robust business relations between Switzerland and the US. While Swiss entrepreneurs remain hopeful for a resolution, the current administration’s approach has left many disillusioned. As Switzerland navigates this trade storm, its resilience and adaptability will be put to the test.

  • Japanese fans leave a lasting impression at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile

    Japanese fans leave a lasting impression at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile

    SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The men’s Under-20 World Cup in Chile has lost one of its most vibrant fanbases as Japan’s team was eliminated following a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in the round of 16. Despite the loss, the Japanese supporters left an indelible mark on the tournament with their passionate and disciplined presence. From drums and banners to heartfelt cheers, they transformed stadiums in Santiago and Valparaíso into lively hubs of energy. Their unwavering support for their team, which had a flawless group-stage run, resonated deeply with both players and local fans. Toshi Yoshizawa, a 43-year-old fan who recently moved to Mexico to open a ramen restaurant, shared how the tournament inspired him to cross the ocean. “This World Cup and this national team made it easy for me to make the journey,” he told The Associated Press. Yoshizawa was part of a small but spirited group of fans who had formed connections during the Asian qualifying rounds in China last February. Their camaraderie and enthusiasm were on full display during Wednesday’s match at Santiago’s National Stadium, where players expressed gratitude to Chilean fans through a heartfelt message in their locker room: “Thank you very much, Chile! We are very proud of your culture!” Even after the match, the Japanese fans stayed behind to clean their seats and aisles, adhering to a tradition of leaving a place cleaner than they found it. “It’s one of our teachings growing up,” Yoshizawa explained. Their departure marks the end of a memorable chapter in Chile’s World Cup, but their legacy of sportsmanship and respect will linger.

  • Israel approves Trump’s plan for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release

    Israel approves Trump’s plan for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release

    A multinational force comprising approximately 200 troops, supervised by the US military, has been tasked with overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, as confirmed by a senior US official. The contingent is expected to include personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. Their primary responsibility will be to monitor, observe, and ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement, preventing any violations or incursions in Gaza.