Armenian Christians in Jerusalem’s Old City feel the walls closing in

The death of Pope Francis is deeply mourned by millions of African Catholics, as he was a champion for the marginalized and the poor, visiting 10 African countries during his papacy. His efforts included addressing modern colonialism in Kenya, fostering peace in the Central African Republic, supporting the Coptic community in Egypt, and advocating for environmental protection in Mozambique and Madagascar. His leadership solidified Africa's significance within the Catholic Church, which now has a substantial...

Early Voting Centres Open in Australia Ahead of Federal ElectionEarly voting for Australia's federal election on May 3 has begun, with reduced days due to public holidays. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) expects about half of voters to participate early, utilizing in-person, mobile, and postal voting options. Voters are encouraged to plan ahead as long lines are anticipated, and eligibility for early voting includes those outside their electorate, unable to travel to polling places, or...

Lithos Carbon, a Seattle-based carbon removal company, is utilizing enhanced rock weathering by repurposing mining waste like basalt and limestone dust to capture carbon dioxide and improve agricultural efficiency. This innovative process accelerates the natural carbon absorption that typically takes thousands of years, allowing farmers to apply the dust over their fields to enhance soil health and crop yields while removing up to 1 billion tons of CO2 annually. By integrating sustainable practices, Lithos aims...

SINGAPORE: A three-cornered fight is set for Ang Mo Kio GRC, with the incumbent PAP team led by Lee Hsien Loong facing the PPP and the debutant SUP. Candidates filed their nomination papers on April 23, with Mr. Lee addressing supporters about the challenges ahead and urging trust in his team. Ang Mo Kio GRC has 161,235 registered voters, with PAP previously securing 71.91% of votes in 2020. Full Article

As Israel maintains its blockade of Gaza, Palestinians are engaged in repairing water tanks damaged by tank shells and bombs, with significant impact noted by plumber Ihab Abdel Bari, who highlights the vulnerability of these tanks on rooftops. The scarcity of water makes these tanks crucial for storage, yet the lack of available repair equipment due to the blockade raises costs, with a 500-litre tank's price skyrocketing from $20 to over $140. Rights groups assert...

For three generations, the Liebig family has built double-decker railcars in Görlitz, Germany, but the factory will soon produce components for military vehicles after defense contractor KNDS took over from Alstom, which shut down operations to cut costs. While KNDS plans to retain about 350 employees, Carsten Liebig, a retired train maker, laments the shift towards arms production amid Germany's deindustrialization, as the country experiences a surge in defense spending and a shift in skilled...