Category: International News

Fatalities in Dhaka collapsed building increased into 412

Apr. 24 International News no comments

The number of casualties in the eight-story building that had collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh last week has increased into at least 400 people.Emergency rescuers are using heavy machinery to recover the dead bodies of the workers who are trapped inside the rubble.  Many of the bodies recovered are starting to decompose which were already difficult to recognize. On the other hand, a mass funeral for the 32 unidentified victims was held where dozens of mourners attended.

On a Mass held last Wednesday, Pope Francis criticized the exploitation and “slave labor” referring to the building that collapsed in Dhaka. He stated that the improper wage, lack of jobs, and personal profitable-thinking of the owners is against the law of God. Hundreds of fabric workers in Bangladesh are stating their protests and outrage about the dangerous conditions of their work. Violent encounters with the police has taken place in Dhaka and in the industrial districts near Dhaka since the tragedy happened.

Maj. Gen. Hassan Sarwardy specified that as the trucks carrying the debris leave the area, the relatives of the missing people were frantically searching, making sure that they are not removing the bodies of their family members. Authorities are waiting for the reports of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association on the exact number of  employees who are inside the five clothing factories in Rana Plaza before the catastrophe happened. According to the Bangladesh State News Agency at least 412 dead bodies were recovered whereas 2,443 people were saved

 

A mid-range ballistic missile was moved by North Korea

Apr. 03 International News no comments

North Korea has changed a missile with is now a long range ballistic missile considered to the east coast, according to South Korea’s foreign minister. Kim Kwan-jin made concerns that the missile might target US mainland, and North Korea’s intentions were not yet clear. North Korea’s capital, Pyong yang renewed threats of having a nuclear strike against US, though its missile is not carrying any nuclear warheads.

US make a response to North Korea by moving missile defense shields to Guam. Meanwhile, Russia said that the attempt of Pyongyang’s “violate decisions of the UN Security Council are unacceptable. The experts did not believe that North Korea has the capacity to launch a missile at the US. The US response has been a reassurance for its allies and defensive precautions, including warships deployment having anti-missile capabilities. Other anti-missile for defense in the region are also being used, which gives a message to Beijing that if Pyongyang remains to stay with this situation, anti-missile system will only be productive.

According to the foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich, “”This radically complicates, if it doesn’t in practice shut off, the prospects for resuming six-party talks,”. This involves North and South Korea, US, Russia, China, and Japan. Japan was said to cooperate with US and South Korea to monitor North Korea’s next move. North Korea conducted test-fired missiles and other nuclear weapons. The US Department of Defense said a deployment would occur on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System to the country of Guam. Because of the angered statements, North Korea also shut down phone lines between Seoul and Pyongyang.

Oscar Pistorius is now allowed to travel outside South Africa

Mar. 29 International News, Legal no comments

The famous South African Athlete Oscar Pistorius who was charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp is no allowed to travel abroad. The judge has lifted the athlete’s travel ban allowing him to fly to other countries outside South Africa. The judge said on a statement that they are allowing Oscar Pistorius’ lawyer to have his passport instead of the court taking it. This has also given the athlete his right to travel.

The Judge, Bert Bam did not find any reason of forbidding him to travel outside South Africa when the athlete will be asked to compete. The court has issued the athlete to give his itinerary details one week before he travels. He was also asked to give all his travel documents to his lawyer within the span of 24 hours when he will get back to South Africa. Aside from allowing Mr. Pistorius to travel, he can also drink alcohol and is allowed to go home to the place where his girlfriend died or the exact location where the crime occurred.

The Judge said that before the athlete was not allowed to go back to the scene of the crime and is asked to report to the police station twice in a week. This was indicated in a court order that was signed by the athlete. A new order that was released by the magistrate was considered to be good news for the legal team of the athlete. When the travel ban was lifted it also allows the famous Olympic athlete to join competitions outside the country even when he was still on trial.

North Korea’s propaganda video against the U.S.

Mar. 20 International News, Political World no comments

North Korea has been considering the United States to be its enemy ever since the news about the sanctions addressed to the North came along their way. It was recently reported that a propaganda video was released by North Korea. The said video contains the pictures missile attack of the North to the United States. To be more specific the video has shown how the attack would destroy government building in the U.S.

South Korea has given this report saying that the North has been giving more threats to the country. The video that ran for 4 minutes was uploaded last Monday in the North Korean’s Youtube channel or their government’s website called Uriminzokkiri. The video was described to have shown clips on weapons like guns that were firing. Even before the video ends, the footage was showing the White House and the U.S. capitol exploding. With the posted threat of the North to its enemy, the United States, still analysts have predicted that North Korea is not that capable to launch and target missiles to their enemy.

The U.S. Defense Secretary already announced plans to protect the country by deploying interceptors in the West Coast. The U.S. officials also do not believe that North Korea can strike their country but despite this belief the U.S would not be complacent, according to the Defense Secretary. He added that the U.S. will be ready and will improve its ability to defend itself from any attacks. It was also reported that the recent video posted was not the 1st propaganda of North Korea against the U.S.

Pope Benedict Steps Down

Feb. 13 International News, Religion no comments

The Pope is one of the religious icons that are known in the world. A lot of people, mostly Roman Catholics were known who their Pope was. From the death of Pope John Paul II and the announcemnt of the new Pope, the world was watching. It came to the news that Pope Benedict steps down and leaves his duties as Pope. The Pope’s announcement came as a surprise to a lot of concerned people, especially the catholics. There were varied comments from the people who saw a lot of updates on the announcement of the Pope. Others were saddened and some wish the Pope well.

There were statements that said the Pope made one of the bravest decisions to admit that he could no longer fulfill his duties and will not be able to continue his task due to his retirement as Pope. There were also versions of the news that detailed the reason why the Pope was leaving the office. One of which was directed to the Pope’s health condition.

After the annoucnement of Pope Benedict, many were already speculating on the possible Cardinals that will replace the Pope. News articles giving off some list of possible prospects to be elected as Pope and will succeed Pop Benedict. There were predictions that the new Pope will be a non-European Pope. The College of Cardinals is yet to convene about the matter and is open to the said possibility. Whatever the result is they are also positive that the Pope’s legacy will continue. The announcement from the Vatican is one of the shocking and stunning news.

8.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Solomon Islands

Feb. 06 Environment, International News no comments

The shake was felt all over the Island and right after the 8.0 magnitude earthquake a wide tsunami alert was issued for the countries near the Pacific Ocean. Everyone were alerted especially in the near by Islands that there would be a big wave coming right after the tremendous shaking. Most of the affected residents were near the epicenter of the quake which was situated just close to an Island called Santa Cruz which can be seen in the Solomon. According to a figure released by the United States Geological Survey the earthquake took place at 1:12 GMT. It was also reported by the same agency that the quakes have been happening near the islands the past week. Strong aftershock then surfaced after the said 8.0 magnitude quake in the same area.

The earthquake was not that strong in the capital of Solomon Islands and the residents of the place did not felt the tremor. Much of the destruction only occurred in some small villages in Santa Cruz because it was reported to be the epicenter of the quake. Another agency, The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, who is responsible for issuing Tsunami alert levels, predicted that due to the strong magnitude of the quake there would be that big possibility that huge waves will destroy areas near the epicenter of the quake.

After the issued Tsunami warnings, the local residents in the island were vigilant and careful in monitoring the waves. Most of them stayed outside to see if there were any sign of the waves coming in. The alert level 1 warning also took effect for other neighboring countries like, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and other coast near the Pacific.

Riot in one of Venezuela’s Prison

Jan. 30 Crime, International News no comments

It is no longer a shocking news when riots do occur inside the prison cell. More often the case of fight can spark inside any prison. They say that it is dangerous to be inside a small prison cell where every criminal tries to fit in. Most of the countries’ guilty criminals who are convicted with various cases stay for a couple of years or even a lifetime in jail.

A typical scenario of chaos in the jail occurs when groups of prisoners have their own fights within other particular groups. Riot may also take place between the jail guards and the prisoners. In most situations like this, the jail guards are tasked to control every problem that can happen inside the cell. What’s worst is when the behavior of the prisoners is uncontrollable.

A country situated in the northern part of South America, known as Venezuela reported a bloody riot that have taken away fifty lives and a dozen more people injured during a chaos inside one of Venezuela’s notorious and violent jail. The prison was said to be described as a very crowded jail. The report coming from the officials of the said detention said that a fight between gangs occurred this week.

The incident cause was still investigated for it was hard to determine who started the riot inside the prison. The government of Venezuela was also criticized and labeled by the opposition as irresponsible for not being able to control the said incident. It was reported that families and relatives of the prisoners were worried when the news came out and started calling for help.