Author: Anadolu Agency

The effects of human-induced climate change are being felt by one in five people worldwide, a new report revealed on Wednesday. The report published by Climate Central, an independent science organization, found that at least 1.8 billion people—22% of the global population—faced temperatures significantly influenced by climate change every day from December 2024 to February 2025. Over the past three months, human-induced climate change, primarily from burning coal, oil, and methane gas, caused widespread extreme heat across most regions. During this period, almost 394 million people faced 30 or more days of “risky heat” intensified by climate change, with 74%…

The World Meteorological Organization reported that in addition to 2024 setting a new heat record for hottest year, the past decade from 2015 to 2024 marked the warmest period on record. In its latest report, the organization highlighted that the effects of climate change have rapidly intensified over the past decade, with 2024 seeing global temperatures increase by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era from 1850-1900. “The annually averaged global mean near-surface temperature in 2024 was 1.55 °C ± 0.13 °C above the 1850-1900 average. This is the warmest year in the 175-year observational record, beating the…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lent his support to a partial ceasefire that prohibits the targeting of energy sites, two of President Donald Trump’s senior officials said Wednesday. Delegations are slated to meet in Saudi Arabia “in the coming days” to discuss efforts to widen the ceasefire to the Black Sea ahead of a full ceasefire, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement released by the White House. “They agreed this could be the first step toward the full end of the war and ensuring security. President Zelensky was grateful for the President’s…

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and head of state of the Vatican, is continuing his recovery after being hospitalized for more than a month for respiratory illnesses, the Vatican reported on Wednesday. The Vatican shared the latest health report of the 88-year-old pope, who has been at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for 33 days with a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia due to severe bronchitis he had in February. The report showed his clinical condition improving, with motor and respiratory physiotherapy continuing to make progress. Francis was unable to speak at two public events on Feb. 9 and 12,…

The annual inflation rate was down to 2.7% in the EU in February, from 2.8% in January, Eurostat announced on Wednesday. The rate was also down to 2.3% in the euro area last month from 2.5% in January, official figures showed. The lowest annual rates were registered in France (0.9%), Ireland (1.4%), and Finland (1.5%), with the highest annual rates recorded in Hungary (5.7%), Romania (5.2%), and Estonia (5.1%). Compared with January 2025, annual inflation fell in fourteen member states, remained stable in six, and rose in seven. In February 2025, the highest contribution to the annual euro area inflation…

A man accused of plotting to assassinate Colombian President Gustavo Petro was killed in a security operation, authorities announced Monday. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Santander Franco Jimenez, alias “Omar,” a member of Clan del Golfo, a right-wing paramilitary force turned trafficking gang, was neutralized in an operation in the rural area of El Dovio in the Valle del Cauca region. Jimenez was wanted for multiple crimes, including an alleged assassination plot against Petro. Sanchez said that security forces seized a significant cache of weapons and ammunition during the operation. “Our military forces and national police neutralized one of…

The Swiss Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged a return to the ceasefire in Gaza following the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians. “Switzerland calls for an immediate return to the ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid,” the ministry said on X. “It recalls the obligation to protect the civilian population,” it added. Within five hours after Israel reneged on ceasefire talks and resumed its genocidal campaign in the enclave, local authorities in Gaza said that at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed. Israel had agreed on a…

Indonesia on Tuesday called on the UN Security Council and the international community to take action against Israel’s renewed attacks on Gaza and to restore the ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties. In a statement on X, the Foreign Ministry said that Jakarta the attacks constitute “a series of Israeli’s continued provocations that threaten the ceasefire and undermine prospects for a peaceful negotiation toward a Two-State Solution.” This came after Israel launched a new wave of devastating airstrikes that have killed more than 400 Palestinians, including many women and children. Jakarta also said that stopping “Israel’s illegal occupation is the…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday announced that another enlargement meeting on Cyprus will be held at the end of July. Guterres’ remarks came in a media stakeout after the informal meeting of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, along with representatives from the three guarantor states-Türkiye, Greece, and the UK-under the auspices of the UN. He said that discussions were held in a “constructive atmosphere, with both sides showing clear commitment to making progress and continuing dialog.” He highlighted several trust-building initiatives agreed upon by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot administration…

The Venezuelan government has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to or through the US due to escalating risks and adverse conditions. In a statement released Monday, the Foreign Ministry highlighted the recent increase in arbitrary immigration measures and harassment targeting Venezuelans. The advisory detailed instances of unjustified detentions, deportations, property confiscations, and discriminatory treatment by US authorities. It also called on the international community to remain alert to practices that undermine human dignity and international law. US President Donald Trump had previously reactivated the wartime act to expedite the deportation of migrants linked…