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Explosions and fires on cargo ships off India's Kerala Coast
Officials said that on Monday multiple explosions and fires occurred on a cargo vessel bound for India's financial center Mumbai, causing forty containers to fall in the Arabian Sea. Shekhar Kuriakose is the secretary of Kerala's disaster management authority. The WAN HAI 503, a Singapore-flagged vessel, met with an incident about 144 km off the coast. According to preliminary information, there were 22 employees on the ship. 18 of them jumped in the water and are now in rescue boats. He said that efforts were underway to save them, and added that the ship was not "currently sunk". The Indian Coast Guard shared pictures and videos on X showing a plume of smoke rising from the vessel, with some containers lying in disarray and open near the point at which the smoke was escaping. A public relations officer for the defence ministry said that a vessel was currently on fire and drifting. The explosions and the contents of the containers were not disclosed by the officials. Another container ship sank last month in an accident near Kerala, releasing 100 containers of cargo into the Arabian Sea. According to the directorate general for shipping, there was no oil pollution reported as a result of this incident. Reporting by Jose Devasia. Sakshi Dayal is the writer. Mark Potter (editing)
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Argentina's Milei insults Spanish PM Sanchez again
Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, insulted Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez during an event in Madrid. This comes a year after another similar incident escalated into a diplomatic spat. Milei, at the Madrid Economic Forum on Sunday night, called for the "clobbering of the local bandit" without directly naming Sanchez. Sanchez's office refused to comment on the incident. Milei was elected in late 2023. A libertarian, Milei is a former TV pundit who has taken many maverick positions. She also made dramatic gestures such as smashing the pinata on live television. Milei called Begona Gómez, Sanchez's spouse at a Madrid event in May 2024 "corrupt". Milei's comment caused a diplomatic dispute, and the Spanish government recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires after Milei refused an apology. Milei then doubled down, calling Sanchez "arrogant", a "totalitarian", and a "coward", despite Argentina keeping its ambassador in Madrid. Gomez faces a preliminary investigation into possible corruption and influence peddling. Both she and her husband deny any wrongdoing. Reporting by Inti Infantes and Isabel Landauro; Editing by Sharon Singleton
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Boeing plane returns to China as tariff war eases
Flight tracking data revealed that a new Boeing 737 MAX landed in China again on Monday. This was a sign that the U.S. aircraft manufacturer would resume deliveries to Chinese clients as Beijing and Washington eased their tariff war. Boeing announced at the end May that deliveries will resume in June, after tariffs are temporarily reduced for 90 days. After leaving Seattle, the plane was painted in the livery for Xiamen Airlines. It refueled in Hawaii and Guam on its way across the Pacific. Flightradar24, a tracking app, shows that Boeing originally sent the aircraft to Zhoushan, China, in March. It then returned to the United States by mid-April when Chinese airlines ceased to accept new Boeing aircraft. Boeing, Xiamen Airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authority of China did not respond immediately to requests for comments. China is a growing and important aviation market, representing about 10% of Boeing’s commercial backlog. On Monday, representatives of China and the United States are meeting in London to discuss a possible trade agreement. Boeing brought back at least three 737 MAX jets to the United States from Zhoushan in April, where they would receive final touches prior to delivery to Chinese airlines. The first jet to return is the same plane that landed Monday. Boeing had previously stated that customers in China wouldn't take delivery of new aircraft due to tariffs. It was also looking to resell dozens of planes. The planemaker did not send the planes to another location, even though they wanted to reduce inventory. Beijing has not stated why Boeing deliveries have stopped but claimed that Chinese airlines and Boeing were severely affected by U.S. tariffs. Boeing announced in April that it planned to deliver 50 jets to Chinese carriers throughout the year. Of these, 41 were already built or under construction. (Reporting and additional reporting by Sohie Yo; editing by Clarence Fernandez).
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Kazakhstan President replaces Ministers of Defence and Transport
Kassym Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, replaced two ministers from his government on Sunday, including that of transport, whom he had previously criticised for delays in modernising infrastructure. According to the decrees posted on his website, he fired Defence Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov. He replaced him with Zhaksylykov’s deputy and Air Defence Forces Chief Dauren Kosanov. Tokayev, who met Kosanov Sunday, gave him several orders, including enhancing the army's readiness for combat, increasing the capabilities of Special Operations Forces and modernising its infrastructure. Zhaksylykov was previously the deputy interior minister and the head of the National Guard. He was appointed Defence Minister after civil unrest in 2022, which had been triggered by the removal a fuel price cap. The authorities were forced to call troops from an alliance led by Russia of former Soviet countries to quell a protest that grew into a widespread protest against economic hardship and corruption. Tokayev has also dismissed Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, whom he had reprimanded for transport and logistical problems in May. Karabayev's successor is still unknown. The reasons for the reshuffle were not revealed by the president. (Reporting and writing by Tamara Vaal, editing by Alexandra Hudson).
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After the presidential election, Poles march to demand equality for LGBTQ+ after fears are raised
On Saturday, thousands of Poles marched in Gdansk's northern port to show their support for the LGBTQ+ Community amid concerns for its future following the election of nationalist candidate Karol Nawarocki. Participants waved the rainbow flags as well as the blue, white, and pink banners that represent the transgender communities. Many participants carried placards with messages like "Love is Love" and "12 Years Together - When Civil Partnership?" Wroclaw, a western city, also hosted a parallel Pride event. Nawrocki's support by the conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), has caused alarm among LGBTQ+ activists. While in power between 2015 and 2023, PiS made opposition against what it called "LGBTQ+ ideologies" a key part of its program, framing them as a danger to traditional values in a predominantly Catholic country. Agata, a 23-year old student, said: "I was devastated. "I'm scared. "I don't know how our future will look." While LGBTQ+ issues were not as prominent in Nawrocki’s campaign as they were in the one of his PiS-backed successor Andrzej duda's in 2020, Nawrocki’s platform included promises to resist “ideology in school" and to oppose adopting same-sex couples. He stated that marriage is between a man a woman, and while rejecting civil partnership, he expressed his willingness to discuss the legal recognition of a "close" person, regardless of their sexual orientation. A pro-European coalition, which came to power in the year 2023, introduced a bill that would legalise civil partnership. The bill's fate is uncertain, however, as the presidency has veto powers. Agata expressed her hope that a civil partnership law could be implemented, but said it was unlikely to happen during Nawrocki’s presidency. She said, "I want to see more equality in society and in our country."
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Horse racing-Lambourn wins Epsom Derby for O'Brien
The front-running Lambourn won the Epsom Derby in its 246th edition on Saturday. It was Aidan O'Brien's 11th victory in this race, which is a new record. Lambourn was 13-2 when he entered the race. He set off at a blazing gallop, and under Wayne Lordan he broke away from the rest of the field to stay unchallenged until the finish line. The Epsom Derby, which is run over a horseshoe-shaped course, is the ultimate test of speed and stamina for thoroughbreds. The Lion in Winter and Delacroix were not the favourites of O'Brien. Delacroix was ridden by Ryan Moore. O'Brien dismissed claims that the colt had been overlooked during the preparation for the race. He said: "Wayne was aggressive right out of the gate, he gained a good position." "I knew that Wayne was not going to give back any of the inches he had gained, and it would be difficult to beat him." O'Brien, the Derby's most-successful trainer, won the Oaks and Derby double after Minnie Hauk, the fillies' Classic winner on Friday, beat the previously unbeaten favorite Desert Flower to third place. Lambourn’s win was also the first British Classic victory for jockey Wayne Lordan, who has been working at Ballydoyle since around eight years. He said, "I knew that he'd had a good run, and his ears were pricked, but he still had plenty of energy left. I knew anyone who got to me had to be in great shape, or it would be a tough time for them." It is the best race for a jockey who wants to get started. All you want to do in life is win the Derby." Lazy Griff (50-1), who had been tracking the leaders along the inside rail of the track, finished second. Charlie Johnston, the trainer of the colt, said before the race that he hoped more rain would fall on the colt. He said, "We were delighted to see him in Chester. His preparation was interrupted and we knew that he would be ready for anything he did on that day. And he also had a smoother transition into this." Tennessee Stud, the 28-1 long shot for trainer Joseph O'Brien's son Aidan, came in third. Ruling Court, 2,000 Guineas champion, withdrew from the race because of the predicted rain. However, the rain held off until the Derby.
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Trump signs an order to boost US drone defenses and boost supersonic flights
The White House announced that President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Friday to strengthen U.S. defences against drones, and to promote electric air taxis as well as supersonic commercial planes. Trump's three executive orders sought to allow drones to be used routinely beyond the sight of the operator - an important step in enabling commercial drone delivery - reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese drone companies, and advance test electric vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The order will boost eVTOL companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Trump has established a federal taskforce to ensure U.S. sovereignty over the skies of America, to expand restrictions on sensitive sites, to expand federal technology to detect drones instantly, and to provide assistance to local and state law enforcement. Michael Kratsios is the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He said that Trump wants to deal with the "growing threats of criminal terrorists and the foreign misuse of drones" in U.S. Airspace. We are protecting our borders against national security threats in the air and with major public events like the Olympics and World Cup coming up. The National Football League said that the executive order was crucial to protect fans. Over the last few years, a growing number of drones has flown in restricted airspace at our games. The NFL stated that this executive order was the most important step taken to address this issue. Congress should also act. Sebastian Gorka is the senior director for counterterrorism in the National Security Council. He cited threats against major U.S. sports events and the use of drones by Russia in its war in Ukraine. Gorka stated that "we will increase our counter-drone capability and capacity." We will enforce the current laws more aggressively to deter evildoers as well as idiots. Last year, the issue of suspicious drones gained significant attention after a spate of sightings of drones in New Jersey. Each month, the Federal Aviation Administration receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports. Drone sightings can disrupt flights and sporting events. Trump has also ordered the FAA lift an old ban on supersonic flights over land, which was imposed in 1973. Environmentalists have criticized supersonic aircraft for burning more fuel than subsonic planes per passenger. Kratsios stated that "the reality is Americans should be able fly from New York City to Los Angeles in less than four hours." The advancements in material science, aerospace engineering and noise reduction have made supersonic overland flight possible. It is also safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. The order instructs FAA that supersonic speeds will be lifted as long as the aircraft does not create an audible boom on the ground. Boom Supersonic, a manufacturer of aircrafts, welcomed the decision. Blake Scholl said, "The race to supersonic speed is on, and a new age of commercial flights can begin." After 27 years, the Concorde was retired by Air France and British Airways in 2003, ending the era of commercial supersonic flight. Officials confirmed that the Trump orders did not ban any Chinese drone companies. Former President Joe Biden had signed legislation last year that would have banned DJI and Autel Robotics, both based in China, from selling drones to the U.S. DJI is the largest drone manufacturer in the United States, selling more than half of commercial drones. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis
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Sources: US considers giving millions of dollars to controversial Gaza Aid Foundation
According to two sources with knowledge and two former U.S. government officials, the State Department is considering giving $500 million to a new foundation that provides aid to Gaza after the war. This would further involve the U.S. in an aid effort that's been plagued by violence and chaos. Sources and former U.S. government officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue said that the money for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would come from USAID, which is now part of the U.S. State Department. Two sources claim that the plan was met with resistance by some U.S. officials who were concerned about the shootings of Palestinians in the vicinity of aid distribution sites, and the GHF's competence. GHF has been criticized for its alleged lack neutrality by many humanitarian organizations including the United Nations. Last week, they began to distribute aid amid warnings from UN agencies that Gaza's population of 2.3 million is at risk of starvation after an 11-week Israeli blockade. This was lifted on 19 May when limited deliveries could resume. After crowds flooded its distribution hubs, the foundation had to stop handing out food twice in a week. GHF and the State Department did not respond immediately to comments. It has not been possible to determine who currently funds the GHF's operations in Gaza, which began last week. The GHF relies on private U.S. logistics and security companies to transport the aid into Gaza, where it is distributed at so-called secure sites. On Thursday, it was reported that McNally Capital, a Chicago-based firm of private equity, had an "economic stake" in a for-profit U.S. contractor who oversees the logistics and security at GHF's distribution hubs. Both the U.S. administration of Donald Trump and Israel, which denies funding the GHF operation and the international aid groups have pressed the United Nations to assist it. Israel and the U.S. claim that Hamas received aid from a U.N. network with a long history. Hamas denies that. USAID is all but gone. About 80 percent of USAID's programs have been cancelled and its staff faces termination in President Donald Trump’s effort to align U.S. Foreign Policy with his “America First” agenda. According to a source familiar with the matter, and a former senior official who helped oversee USAID's dismemberment, Ken Jackson has championed the idea of giving $500 million to GHF. Sources said Israel had requested funds to cover GHF's operation for 180 days. The Israeli government didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Two sources claim that the U.S. government is concerned about the plan due to the violence and overcrowding at the GHF contractor's aid distribution hubs. Sources said that if State Department approves funds for GHF they also want established non-governmental organisations experienced in running aid missions in Gaza and other places to be included in the operation. Israel will likely oppose this position, according to the sources. Gaza Hospital officials reported that more than 80 people were killed and hundreds injured near GHF distribution points between June 3 and 6. The GHF opened three hubs since it began its operation. However, in the last two days, two of these hubs have been operational. Israeli soldiers were blamed by witnesses for the deaths. On two days the Israeli military claimed that it had fired warning shots, but on Tuesday they said that soldiers fired at Palestinian'suspects' advancing toward their positions. (Reporting and editing by Don Durfee, Alistair Bell, Michelle Nichols)
No, no, yes: shifting red lines in West's assistance for Ukraine
Given that Russia's fullscale intrusion more than 30 months back, Ukraine has relied heavily on materials of weapons from its Western allies to beat back its much larger enemy.
Kyiv's allies have sometimes hesitated to provide it the weapons it has requested for, since of worries the war will intensify.
Nevertheless, as the war has actually gone on, one weapons system after another has actually been given to Ukraine after initial hesitation.
At present, Kyiv is seeking permission from the United States and its partners to use longer-range missiles they have given Ukraine to strike much deeper inside Russia. Kyiv says this could decrease the threat that Russia presents.
Some NATO nations have actually supported Kyiv's plea, but Washington is weighing this versus issues about Moscow's. reaction to the relocation, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has. said would be seen as equivalent to direct Western participation. in the war.
Below is a list of some of the weapons systems Western. nations were at first hesitant to provide Ukraine however which were. ultimately handed over.
ATACMS
Throughout the war, Ukraine has asked its allies to provide it. the capability to strike much deeper behind Russian lines, an important. part of disrupting opponent logistics and command chains.
The United States held off on supplying Army Tactical. Missile Systems (ATACMS) - since of concerns that Russia would. see this as escalatory - up until October 2023, when they provided. a short-range version with an optimal series of 165 km (100. miles).
This was followed up by deliveries in early 2024 of a. longer-range version of the ATACMS rocket which has a series of. as much as 300 km (165 miles). A U.S. official told Reuters at the. time that the first usage of this variation of the rocket was an. April 17 strike on an air base in the Russian-occupied peninsula. of Crimea.
F-16s
Ukraine asked for F-16 fighter jets from right after start of. the intrusion to boost its long-range strike capability as well as. to use the jets to shoot down the volleys of cruise rockets. fired deep into Ukraine by Moscow.
Ukrainian pilots started to be trained on the jets only in. August 2023, after prolonged negotiations between the union of. allies who would provide airplanes or training.
Ukraine was keen to complete the training process as quickly as. possible, and the confirmation that Ukraine had actually received the. initially planes came on July 31 this year.
Ever since, one of the aircrafts has actually crashed while trying. to engage Russian missiles fired at land targets in Ukraine.
WESTERN TANKS
Although Ukraine's eastern European allies offered it with. Soviet-era tanks at the start of the intrusion, Kyiv coveted. Western-built tanks, such as Britain's Challenger 2 and the. German-built Leopard 2, till their transfer was approved after. a lengthy negotiation in January 2023.
The agreement on a coalition of nations to provide the. tanks was delayed by concerns in Germany that the move could be. viewed as escalatory by Russia. Berlin eventually approved the. transfer of Leopard 2 tanks from other countries' stockpiles as. well as its own.
STRIKES ON RUSSIA
For over two years, the United States did not enable Ukraine. to strike Russia with any of its weapons systems.
After a Russian assault in May 2024 near the northwestern. city of Kharkiv, Washington changed its stance under pressure. from Kyiv.
Ukraine was secretly authorised by President Joe Biden to. fire U.S.-supplied weapons at military targets inside Russia. that were supporting the Kharkiv offensive.
(source: Reuters)