Tuesday, April 28
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers in 1944, has passed away at 81. His wife, Latifa, announced his death was due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. Cliff was a highly influential figure in reggae, known for hits like "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and his iconic cover of "I Can See Clearly Now."
Chaos erupted along San Antonio's iconic River Walk when a woman, enraged by the boat operator's request to turn down her loud phone, sprayed a boat full of unsuspecting passengers with pepper spray. This shocking outburst, which occurred on November 15, impacted at least eight individuals, including an Indian family with a toddler.
The UN rights chief lamented Monday the "meagre results" at the COP30 climate summit, warning that the "fatal inaction" of leaders might one day be considered a crime against humanity. In an address to the UN's business and human rights forum in Geneva, UN rights chief Volker Turk warned that the "meagre results of COP30 in Belem" illustrated how "corporate power imbalances ... play out in the climate emergency".
ISIS-linked militants recently seized a mosque in northern Mozambique, unfurling an ISIS banner and signaling a renewed presence. This resurgence follows the significant rollback of US aid, which previously supported efforts to counter extremist influence and strengthen local governance in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado region.
Kuwait has revamped its residency rules, introducing tiered long-term permits of up to 15 years for investors, property owners, and children of Kuwaiti women. This strategic move aims to boost the economy by attracting and retaining global talent and wealth, offering unprecedented stability to eligible expatriates. Standard residency remains at five years.
The UAE’s formation and rapid transformation owe much to its founding rulers. Visionaries like Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and their fellow leaders united seven emirates, laying foundations for governance, infrastructure, and social development. Beyond their leadership, countless workers and citizens turned ambition into reality. Their combined efforts created the modern UAE, a nation defined by foresight, unity, and enduring legacy.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro danced to a remix of his "No War, Yes Peace" chant, urging dialogue and peace with American youth. The performance, seen as a symbol of unity and defiance, occurs amid rising US-Venezuela tensions and reports of covert operations and expanded military presence by the US.
A vast, mostly submerged landmass in the South Pacific, Zealandia, is now recognized as Earth's eighth continent. Recent mapping confirms its continental crust, scale, and ancient origins, challenging previous definitions. Once part of Gondwana, Zealandia thinned and sank due to tectonic forces, offering new insights into continental evolution and hazards.
Iran's intelligence ministry has warned of alleged foreign attempts, including by the US and Israel, to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and destabilize the Islamic Republic. Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib stated that "the enemy seeks to target the supreme leader," a rare direct accusation. These warnings come amid heightened tensions and past military actions between Iran and Israel.
Canadian authorities apprehended Indian-origin Nicholas Singh, a high-risk fugitive, in Toronto. Singh, wanted for parole violations and previously convicted of robbery and firearm offenses, was found with a firearm and ammunition. He was at No 15 on Canada's list of 25 most wanted fugitives.
