Tory government under pressure to back Biden’s global tax plan
The UK government is facing pressure to support a global minimum corporation tax proposed by US President Joe Biden, and to push for this at the upcoming G7 summit. The proposed tax would take on the big multinationals, and crack down on the shifting of profits to offshore havens.
Syria’s President Assad re-elected for fourth term
President al-Assad of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, won 95.19% of the vote, while the Socialist Unionists’ Abdallah Salluom Abdallah won 1.5% and the Democratic Arab Socialist Union’s Mahmud Ahmad Marei won 3.3%.
Guards to Epstein’s cell admit they falsified records
The pair tasked with guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he died have admitted to falsifying records, but will escape jail time under a deal with federal prosecutors. Tova Noel and Michael Thomas from the Bureau of Prisons were accused of sleeping and scrolling through the internet the night Epstein died, rather than following proper monitoring procedure.
China’s Zhurong rover lands on Mars with great success
China’s Zhurong rover successfully landed on Mars this Saturday. This is the first time a non-American Mars landing has succeeded without a crash or loss of contact.
Former Maldives President recovering after bombing
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has regained consciousness following a bomb attack outside his family home on Thursday. Nasheed is currently the parliamentary speaker and leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party.
DRC President announces “state of siege” in eastern provinces
A “state of siege” has been declared in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, made the decision following escalating violence in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.
Australian government vetoes Victoria-China agreements
Two deals between the state of Victoria and China’s National Development and Reform Commission have been vetoed by Australia’s Foreign Minister. The Chinese embassy criticised the move by Minister Marise Payne as “provocative”, further damaging relations with Australia.
Greenland set to block rare-earth mine following snap election
Following a snap election earlier this month, Greenland’s Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party has announced the formation of a new coalition government, vowing to block the mining of rare-earth minerals.
Greek journalist shot dead in Athens
Greek journalist Giorgos Karaivaz was shot dead outside his home in Athens this Friday, April 9. Karaivaz is known for his work as a crime reporter, running the news blog bloko.gr and working with private TV station Star.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte survives no-confidence vote, but not unscathed
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte narrowly survived a vote of no confidence on Friday (April 2), after his conduct during coalition talks was brought into question.
