1. Dubai’s Record Rainfall: Cloud Seeding Controversy and Cat’s Survival
Dubai recently experienced its heaviest rain in history, resulting in widespread flooding. Some speculated that cloud seeding, a weather modification technique, played a role. However, experts dismissed this claim, emphasizing that cloud seeding alone couldn’t cause such extreme downpours. Meanwhile, a heartwarming video emerged, showing a cat clinging to a car door during the flood. Rescuers managed to save the frightened feline, highlighting the survival instincts of animals in crisis.
2. Volcano Eruption Sparks Tsunami Alert in Indonesia
Indonesia faced a volcanic crisis as the Ruang volcano erupted repeatedly in northern Sulawesi. With at least five large eruptions within 24 hours, authorities raised the volcano alert to its highest level. Over 11,000 people were urgently evacuated from the danger zone. The airport was shut down due to the volcanic ash, and a tsunami alert was issued. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Indonesia’s vulnerability to volcanic activity stems from its location along the ‘Ring of Fire’, a seismic hotspot encircling the Pacific Ocean.
3. Iran’s ‘Red Alert’: Israel Contemplates Retaliation Amidst Global Calls for Restraint
Israel faces a critical decision as it considers retaliation against Iran. Following an Iranian attack that sent hundreds of drones and missiles toward Israel, tensions escalated. While Germany and the UK urge restraint, Israel’s war cabinet weighs military options. A direct Israeli strike on Iranian soil could have far-reaching consequences, with the UN watchdog for nuclear sites expressing concern. Meanwhile, Iran has temporarily shut down its nuclear facilities due to security fears.
4. Nestlé’s Sugar Controversy: Infant Products in Poorer Nations
A recent report by Swiss investigative organization Public Eye reveals that Nestlé adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases, samples of Nido (a follow-up milk formula for infants aged one and above) and Cerelac (a cereal for children aged between six months and two years) contained added sugar. In Nestlé’s main European markets, there is no added sugar in formulas for young children. The disparity raises concerns about dangerous double standards and the need for consistent practices worldwide.
5. Hezbollah Strikes Israeli Military Facility
Lebanese-based militant group Hezbollah launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting a military facility in northern Israel on Wednesday, April 17. The attack resulted in the injury of 14 Israeli soldiers, with six of them in serious condition. The Israeli military confirmed the incident12. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was carried out in retaliation for Israeli strikes that killed three of its members in southern Lebanon the previous day. Since October 8, Hezbollah has consistently targeted Israeli communities and military posts along the border using rockets, drones, and anti-tank missiles.
6. Maldives President Faces Allegations: Opposition Calls for Impeachment
A leaked report accuses Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu of corruption dating back to 2018. The report, which surfaced ahead of parliamentary elections, claims irregularities in money transfers to Muizzu’s personal bank account. Opposition parties demand an investigation and impeachment, while Muizzu dismisses the charges.
7. UN’s China Controversy: Whistleblower Exposes ‘Dangerous Favors’ and Covid-19 Report Edits
Former UN employee Emma Reilly has accused the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of granting “dangerous favors” to China. These alleged favors are part of China’s broader strategy to manipulate the UN for its national interests. Reilly’s evidence includes claims that China bribed two successive Presidents of the UN General Assembly during the Sustainable Development Goals negotiations. Additionally, reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on COVID-19 origins were allegedly edited to downplay the possibility of a laboratory leak.
8. Gaza Aid Surge: Trucks Enter Amid $2.8 Billion UN Appeal
US President Joe Biden urges Israel to increase deliveries of food and supplies to Gaza civilians amid the ongoing conflict. For the first time, food trucks entered the blockaded Gaza Strip from Ashdod Port, carrying eight World Food Program (WFP) trucks of flour. The situation is dire, with 3.1 million people in Gaza and the West Bank requiring urgent assistance. Imminent famine looms in the north, where more than six months of intense Israeli bombardment have left markets lacking basic food items.
9. Ukraine’s Prime Minister Warns of Third World War Amid Aid Vote
Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, issued a stark warning: if Ukraine loses its conflict with Russia, it could trigger a Third World War. Urgently seeking US support, Shmyhal urged Congress to pass a long-stalled foreign aid bill, which includes $61 billion earmarked for Kyiv. The House of Representatives is set to vote on this critical package, which also covers funding for Israel and the Indo-Pacific.
10. NASA’s Dragonfly Mission: Rotorcraft to Explore Titan
NASA has officially greenlit its Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn’s organic-rich moon, Titan. The mission, managed by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, will send an eight-rotor drone to Titan, marking the first time NASA will fly a vehicle for science on another planetary body. The launch, originally planned for 2026, has been delayed to July 2028, with an expected arrival at Titan in 2034. Dragonfly aims to investigate prebiotic chemical processes shared by Titan and early Earth before life developed.