China ends war games, Taiwan details warplane, warship surge
China concluded two days of war games around Taiwan, simulating attacks with bombers and practicing boarding ships. Meanwhile, Taiwan's defense ministry detailed the surge of Chinese warplanes and warships involved.
Chinese state television's military channel reported late on Friday that the drills had concluded. A commentary in the official People's Liberation Army Daily stated that they had lasted for two days from Thursday to Friday, as previously announced.
China's defense ministry did not respond to calls seeking comment on Saturday.
Beijing stated that the exercises were in response to Lai's inauguration speech on Monday, in which he stated that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait were "not subordinate to each other," a declaration China interpreted as asserting separate countries.
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Israel has proposed recognizing the independence of the Spanish regions
Namely: Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic, and Canary Islands. Knesset member Sharen Haskel came up with such an initiative. In her opinion, this should be a fair response to Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state.
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An airline for dogs has conducted its inaugural flight from New York to Los Angeles (USA). During the journey, pets were permitted to relax on the seats and move freely around the cabin — Reuters
BARK Air's prices are staggering, with international flights costing $8000 one way and domestic flights priced at $6000. The carrier aimed to minimize pets' discomfort during the journey, branding their services as the "dog equivalent of first class."
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Mammoth bones, estimated to be 40,000 years old, were found in a wine cellar. Stone Age fossils were discovered by a winemaker in Austria
During the restoration of his wine cellar, a man from Austria made an extraordinary discovery: a rare collection of mammoth bones believed to be approximately 40,000 years old.
According to the Austrian Archaeological Institute, researchers believe that the prehistoric Stone Age bones belonged to at least three different mammoths, marking one of the most significant finds of mammoth fossils in Austria in more than a century.
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Orban says Hungary wants to develop a new concept of NATO membership
Budapest, he said, aims to maintain its membership in the Alliance but in a manner that does not involve it in NATO's actions outside its territory.
Speaking about Russia, he added that it is unlikely to attack any of the Alliance members, as it has already shown its limits in Ukraine.
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During a session of the Romanian Parliament, MP Dan Vulcan bit his colleague Florin Roman on the nose
The victim described the incident as a "cannibalistic bite" and stated his intention to pursue legal action.
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⚡️Dozens Killed in Landslide — Bild
More than 100 people have been killed in a landslide in Papua New Guinea, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. This was reported by the AP news agency. So far, Australian media have reported only more than 100 deaths.
According to ABC News and the Daily Times, the landslide struck the village of Kaokalam, located approximately 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Port Moresby, at about 3 a.m. local time. Apparently, the slope of a smaller mountain had collapsed.
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Spain updated the record for the number of foreign tourists in 2023
The number of foreign tourists visiting Spain in 2023 increased by 13 million, surpassing 85 million and renewing the historical maximum, reports the Financial Times, citing data from the World Tourism Organization.
The number of tourists is approximately twice the population of the country. By this measure, Spain is second only to France, where last year the number of tourists increased by 7 million, reaching 100 million.
Spain ranked second in the world in the number of foreign tourists in 2017, ahead of the United States.
Tourism accounts for 12-13% of Spanish GDP.
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In Italy, a sticker on the wall was given for a supposedly gorgeous view from the window. The hotel owners embellished everything beautifully for Booking, but the reality looks like this...
The ironic part is that the guest paid extra for a room with a sea view.
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⚡️ U.S. Introduces New Policy on Visa Restrictions on Georgia Due to Foreign Agents Law, Blinken Says
Washington announces a comprehensive review of cooperation with Georgia.
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Israel forced the ambassadors of Spain, Ireland, and Norway to watch videos of Hamas atrocities. The day before, these countries recognized Palestine as an independent state
During a meeting with the ambassadors of Ireland, Norway, and Spain, the Israeli Foreign Ministry showed the diplomats a video of the abduction of Israeli women by Hamas terrorists in October 2023 in response to the fact that these countries recognized Palestine. This was reported by Ynet.
"Your recognition of the Palestinian state does not bring peace; it strengthens Hamas and complicates efforts to free hostages," said Israeli Foreign Minister Director General Yaakov Blitstein.
He also warned of serious consequences for diplomatic relations between Israel and the three countries.
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⚡️Polish authorities are enhancing security measures around Rzeszów-Jasionka airport amid concerns regarding potential sabotage operations by Russia, stated Interior Minister Semoniak
It's worth noting that this airport facilitates up to 90% of military aid shipments to Ukraine.
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President Ebrahim Raisi's funeral has commenced in Iran
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China has commenced the Joint Sword 2024A exercises, encircling Taiwan from all directions, as reported by the BBC
Beijing declared the commencement of the exercises just three days after the inauguration of the Taiwanese president, labeling him as a "separatist" and a "troublemaker."
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Japan is introducing innovative smart spoons designed to enhance the perception of saltiness in food without actually using salt
The initial batch of 200 units will hit stores this month at a price of $127 each. The goal is ambitious: within five years, they aim to sell 1 million devices worldwide. International sales are slated to commence next year.
These cutting-edge utensils operate by emitting a mild electric current that alters the taste of food. In Japan, where the average resident consumes around 10 grams of salt per day—twice the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization—the introduction of such technology holds promise for promoting healthier eating habits.
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⚡️ Despite the authorities' best efforts, the German Armed Forces are experiencing a shortage not only of tanks, planes, and ships but even of camouflage combat uniforms and equipment, Bild quoted German Defense Minister Pistorius as saying
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⚡️UN Supreme Court orders Israel to immediately halt the offensive in Rafah
Israel is unlikely to comply with the order, as the International Court of Justice lacks the authority to enforce it. Nonetheless, this landmark ruling will increase pressure on the increasingly isolated US ally.
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Thunderstorms, heavy rains, and storms persist in Germany, with a particular focus on the central regions. A warning has been issued for Hesse and southern Lower Saxony
The Maxim low-pressure system, accompanied by storm fronts, is approaching. Severe weather events are anticipated, particularly in the administrative region of Kassel, Hesse. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), severe storms of level 3 are expected in the districts of Kassel, Fulda, Hersfeld-Rothenburg, and Waldeck-Frankenberg, as well as in the districts of Werra-Meissner and Schwalm-Eder, along with the cities of Kassel and Fulda throughout the day.
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⚡️ Georgia will not "trade in sovereignty and security," declared the country's ruling party in response to potential U.S. restrictions over the Foreign Agents Act
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The heist of the century: In the USA, a small boar stole the delivered food
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Engineers from Hacksmith Industries have recreated a suit from "Dune" that recycles sweat into drinking water
They crafted a waterproof suit equipped with a heat exchanger powered by a lithium-polymer battery. The interior of the suit generates a cold surface, causing moisture to condense and collect in the water catchment system.
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Turkey's airports will be implementing enhanced security measures, including more thorough screening of passengers at the entrances to airports — Hürriyet
"All passengers will undergo screening using a device at the airport entrance. In cases where the screening with the device is not sufficient, a physical inspection will be conducted. Any passenger who does not consent to a physical inspection of themselves or their belongings will not be permitted to board the plane," stated the Ministry of Transport.
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Nearly 300 Boeing 777 airplanes have been found to have a fatal defect that could lead to an airborne explosion, the Daily Mail reports, citing the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
Faulty electrical equipment causes fuel tanks on the wings to catch fire. The demand to correct the defect was sent to the company back in March.
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British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that neutral countries that are not members of NATO but benefit from its "umbrella of protection" should consider joining the military alliance — Politico
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Misfortune in Mallorca: Ballermann Restaurant Collapses — Three Dead!
On Thursday evening at around 8:00 PM, a building collapsed on Cartago Street near Balneario 1. According to the police, three people have died. Ambulance crews are actively involved, and a significant police presence has cordoned off a large area.
The fire brigade suspects that individuals may be trapped beneath the rubble, prompting the deployment of several ambulances and heavy equipment for potential rescue efforts.
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⚡️Pro-Palestinian activists have occupied the premises of Humboldt University of Berlin, as reported by Bild. The seizure occurred yesterday afternoon when a group of activists entered the educational institution and refused to vacate the premises
However, a spokesperson for the protesters has stated that they will remain at the university until their demands are met.
Students are seen throughout the university wearing Palestinian scarves, and a large banner has been hung near the Faculty of Social Sciences bearing the inscription "Jabalia Faculty," named after a location in the northern Gaza Strip. Additionally, other areas are adorned with the slogan "Free Palestine."
Members of the Berlin Student Coalition accuse Israel of "genocide" and "ongoing mass murder" while expressing "unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian people."
Their demands include that Berlin universities advocate for an immediate ceasefire and exert pressure on the German government to cease all forms of assistance to Israel.
Approximately 300 individuals participated in the seizure of the university premises. At least one police officer sustained injuries during the incident.
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❗️Taiwan has deployed aircraft and placed troops on high alert, according to the country's Ministry of Defense
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense stated that Beijing's provocations pose a threat to regional peace and stability. Additionally, the ministry emphasized that while the island nation does not seek conflict, it will not hesitate to respond if necessary.
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The White House opposes Spain, Norway, and Ireland's decision to recognize the Palestinian state
A spokesperson for the National Security Council told CNN that Biden believes 'a Palestinian state should be established through direct negotiations between the parties, not through unilateral recognition.'
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Hundreds of trillions of cicadas are expected to swarm the United States this year
In the eastern part of the country, experts anticipate a significant emergence of periodic cicadas. Typically, these insects spend the majority of their lives underground. However, in 2024, the cycles of two major populations are projected to coincide.
The sheer number of cicadas is staggering, reaching into the hundreds of trillions. Unlike locusts, cicadas pose minimal threat to agriculture and are harmless to humans. However, they can generate noise levels reaching around 110 decibels, akin to the sound of a helicopter engine, which may prove disruptive to residents in affected regions.
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⚡️ China has imposed sanctions on 12 U.S. companies for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan, and in retaliation for restrictions placed on Chinese firms due to their collaboration with the Russian Federation
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