Explore

Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests

Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests

By Abdi Sheikh MOGADISHU, June 4 (Reuters) - Government troops and militias allied with the opposition exchanged fire overnight and on Thursday morning in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, damaging property and forcing some civilians to flee, residents told Reuters.

Global Impacts Expected as El Niño Conditions Likely to Develop by Summer 2026

Global Impacts Expected as El Niño Conditions Likely to Develop by Summer 2026

El Niño conditions are anticipated to return in the coming months, with an 80% likelihood of forming between June and August 2026 and a 90% chance before November, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This weather phenomenon, characterized by warming Pacific Ocean waters, is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle, which significantly influences global weather patterns. The WMO forecasts widespread impacts, including above-average temperatures across most regions and shifts in rainfall patterns. Wetter conditions are expected in the southern United States, southern South America, and parts of Africa and Asia, while drier conditions are likely in Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, Australia, and parts of southern Asia. The event may also suppress Atlantic hurricane activity while increasing cyclone potential in the Pacific. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called this an urgent climate warning, emphasizing the need for global climate action.

UN Warns of Impending El Niño with Global Weather Impacts

UN Warns of Impending El Niño with Global Weather Impacts

The United Nations has issued a warning about the expected return of El Niño conditions, which are anticipated to influence global temperatures and rainfall patterns, including in the United States. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is an 80% chance of El Niño forming between June and August this year, with a 90% likelihood before November. The last El Niño cycle, in 2023-24, was among the strongest on record, contributing to record global temperatures in 2024. Forecast models suggest the upcoming El Niño could be moderate to strong, potentially exacerbating climate-related challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that El Niño could intensify global warming effects.

Trump Administration Advances Civil Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Amid Proliferation Concerns

Trump Administration Advances Civil Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Amid Proliferation Concerns

The Trump Administration is advancing a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, which is currently undergoing final review before submission to Congress. This deal has raised concerns due to its departure from long-held U.S. proliferation safeguards. Unlike previous agreements, the deal does not require Saudi Arabia to adhere to the 'gold standard' of no domestic uranium enrichment and no reprocessing of nuclear waste, nor does it mandate signing the Additional Protocol for snap U.N. inspections. The State Department has indicated that a bilateral safeguards agreement will be established, which may be less stringent than existing standards. Critics argue that this could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the region, as Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously expressed interest in nuclear weapons.

Portugal and Austria defeat Germany for seats on the UN Security Council

Portugal and Austria defeat Germany for seats on the UN Security Council

Portugal and Austria have defeated Germany for seats on the powerful but deeply divided U.N. Security Council in a hotly contested race after intense campaigning

How Cubans keep going, despite US pressure and fuel blockade

How Cubans keep going, despite US pressure and fuel blockade

By Dave Sherwood HAVANA, June 3 (Reuters) - Felicia de la Caridad Alvarez, a resident of Old Havana, knows a thing or two about survival. The 64-year-old former hospital custodian, blind in one eye, suffers from hypertension and diabetes. She rarely enjoys running water or electricity.

Bangladesh's foreign minister defeats Cyprus' ambassador to be UN General Assembly president

Bangladesh's foreign minister defeats Cyprus' ambassador to be UN General Assembly president

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has won a hotly contested race to be the next president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly

Five countries elected to UN Security Council; Germany misses out

Five countries elected to UN Security Council; Germany misses out

June 3 (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe to the 15-member U.N. Security Council for two-year terms starting on January 1, 2027.

Trump Administration's Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Raises Proliferation Concerns

Trump Administration's Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Raises Proliferation Concerns

The Trump Administration is advancing a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, which is currently undergoing a 'final review' before being submitted to Congress. This deal has raised concerns because it does not require Saudi Arabia to adhere to the 'gold standard' of nuclear non-proliferation, which includes no domestic uranium enrichment and no reprocessing of nuclear waste. The deal also does not mandate Saudi Arabia to sign the Additional Protocol for snap U.N. inspections. Critics argue that this could lead to a weakening of safeguards against nuclear weapons proliferation, as the deal would allow Saudi Arabia to bypass restrictions that have been a part of U.S. policy to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Portugal and Austria Secure U.N. Security Council Seats, Defeating Germany

Portugal and Austria Secure U.N. Security Council Seats, Defeating Germany

Portugal and Austria have successfully secured seats on the United Nations Security Council, defeating Germany in a competitive election. The election involved intense campaigning for the 10 rotating seats on the 15-member council, which are designated for different global regions. The General Assembly elects five countries annually to serve two-year terms alongside the council's five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. In another contested race, Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines to join the council for the first time. Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago were elected unopposed. The Security Council is tasked with ensuring international peace and security, but has faced challenges due to veto powers held by permanent members, particularly in conflicts involving Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. Efforts to reform the council to better reflect current geopolitical realities have been ongoing but unsuccessful.

UN warns funding cuts could worsen Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh

UN warns funding cuts could worsen Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh

DHAKA, June 2 (Reuters) - The U.N. refugee agency warned on Tuesday that declining humanitarian funding could significantly worsen conditions for around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, nearly nine years after they fled Myanmar, as aid groups struggle to sustain essential services.

UN urges the world to ready for extreme heat risk from El Nino

UN urges the world to ready for extreme heat risk from El Nino

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, June 2 (Reuters) - The United Nations weather agency forecast on Tuesday a moderate or possibly a strong El Nino that could drive up global temperatures and increase the risk of extreme weather over the coming months.