World

Authorities at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize reported a hijacking incident involving U.S. man Akinyela Taylor, who attacked two passengers and a pilot with a knife before being fatally shot by a licensed passenger. The plane, carrying 14 passengers and 2 crew members, circled for two hours before landing safely, with local police commissioner Chester Williams praising the passenger as a hero. U.S. officials are investigating the motive behind the hijacking and are collaborating with Belizean authorities to gather more information. Full Article

SummaryKevin Barry, a dedicated member of the Western Springs Speedway safety crew, tragically died in a workplace accident at a Whangārei location. In his 60s, Barry was celebrated for his generosity and had served in this role for decades, earning him great popularity among friends and colleagues. A Givealittle page has been established to assist with funeral expenses and support his family during this difficult time. Full Article

SummaryFormer Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam has announced his candidacy for president in Ivory Coast's upcoming election as the sole representative of the PDCI, the main opposition party. After living abroad for two decades, Thiam relinquished his French citizenship to participate in the election, having previously held high-ranking positions in international firms, including Aviva and Prudential. At the PDCI convention, he was selected without opposition, and while the current president, Alassane Ouattara, has expressed interest in running, it remains unclear who Thiam will face from the governing RHDP party. Full Article

SummaryTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin asserted that the state would never yield to the central government, challenging Union Minister Amit Shah's claim of forming a government in Tamil Nadu by 2026. At a rally in Tiruvallur, Stalin raised concerns about issues like the NEET examination and language imposition, questioning Shah's guarantees on these matters. He also initiated a campaign for greater autonomy, forming a committee to recommend ways to enhance the state's powers, which will report its findings by January 2026. Full Article

SummaryUNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized Israel's ban on international media in Gaza, stating it promotes disinformation and dehumanization amid ongoing conflict. Since the war's escalation 1.5 years ago, the ban has hindered independent reporting, with Lazzarini highlighting the importance of accurate information for accountability. He noted that at least 210 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, amidst a brutal Israeli assault that has claimed over 51,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children. Full Article

SINGAPORE: Billionaire tech entrepreneur Forrest Li, owner of Lion City Sailors, is set to become the president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) after his slate was the only one to qualify for the upcoming council election on April 28. Li aims to restore pride and unity in Singapore football, emphasizing the sport's role in community upliftment, and will be supported by a team including Tampines Rovers chairman Desmond Ong and national team captain Hariss Harun. The election will also feature individual votes for additional council members, including former footballers and the only female candidate, Yeong Sheau Shyan. Full...

During the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, most supermarkets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed on Easter Sunday due to laws restricting large stores from opening, while Scotland will have many stores open. Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's have varying hours, with Good Friday and Easter Monday generally open but Easter Sunday closed for large retailers in the aforementioned regions. Customers are encouraged to check local store hours using supermarket websites to avoid last-minute shopping issues. Full Article

A woman has died and a man is missing after being swept into the water at Punchbowl Rocks beach in Victoria, where a search is ongoing. In separate incidents, two men drowned in New South Wales, one at Wollongong harbour while fishing and another at Middle Head Point in Mosman. Authorities have issued a hazardous surf warning for coastal regions, urging caution during the long weekend, as Easter has historically seen a rise in drownings, with 118 Australians reported over the past 20 years. Full Article

The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with Harvard University by canceling $2.7 million in grants and threatening to halt the enrollment of international students due to alleged antisemitic actions by foreign visa holders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Harvard's leadership and demanded detailed records on foreign student activities, warning that non-compliance could lead to the loss of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. Harvard has rejected the administration's demands, asserting its commitment to independence and constitutional rights while complying with the law. Full Article

The US has introduced a new policy towards the Syrian government, easing sanctions under specific conditions, including the expulsion of Palestinian terrorists and addressing chemical weapons. The policy applies to President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration, although the US does not recognize it as the legitimate government of Syria. Additionally, reports suggest a planned reduction of US troops in Syria, alongside increased military support in the region, including the deployment of aircraft and naval assets. Full Article