[QUICKREADS]
An Indian-origin former Changi Airport Group (CAG) support officer was sentenced to three years and two months in jail on Friday for accepting bribes to issue Airside Driving Permits (ADPs) to unqualified workers. Premkumar Jaya Kumar, 42, took SGD 4,400 from people, including a company director. An ADP allows the permit holder to drive selected vehicles on any part of an airside except for taxiways and runways.
Iran has accelerated its nuclear program since the 2015 deal with major powers eroded, reducing the time needed to build a nuclear bomb. Breaching all key restrictions, it now enriches uranium to 60% purity and has enough for two weapons. The IAEA can't fully monitor Iran's activities, sparking concerns about weaponization. Iran denies having a nuclear weapons program, but estimates suggest it could weaponize in months to a year.
A quarter of a million Afghan children face dire conditions after being forcibly returned from Pakistan, lacking education, food, and homes. Pakistan's crackdown on alleged illegal foreigners, including 1.7 million Afghans, has led to over 520,000 Afghans leaving since last October. Save the Children reports that many returnees lack food, children struggle to enroll in Afghan schools, and resources are strained. Afghanistan and Pakistan are grappling with the impact of these mass deportations.
Bernard Arnault's two sons have joined the board of LVMH, solidifying family control over the luxury goods giant. The Arnault family, the world's richest, now has four of five children on the board. LVMH announced a new board member and a sales slowdown in China, expressing hope for improved economic collaboration. An employee shareholding plan is also in the works.
Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, celebrated Baisakhi with Sikh pilgrims at Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. She emphasized her father Nawaz Sharif's message of peace with neighbors and highlighted efforts to promote religious harmony. Maryam also mentioned her family's Punjabi roots and initiatives to strengthen ties with the Sikh community, including the construction of the Kartarpur Corridor.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan denied Saudi Arabia's involvement in his ouster, contradicting a claim made by a party leader. Khan, currently in jail, clarified his stance amid tensions with the Kingdom. The party distanced itself from the leader's statement, emphasizing it did not reflect their position. The article highlights Khan's strained relations with Saudi Arabia.
Closing arguments are set in the trial of Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly, accused of killing an unarmed migrant near the U.S.-Mexico border. The victim, Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, was shot on Kelly's property. The case has sparked debate on border security and self-defense. Kelly maintains he fired warning shots, fearing for his safety. The victim had a history of illegal entry into the U.S. and deportation.
New Yorkers to receive federal rebates for climate-friendly appliances under the Inflation Reduction Act. New York approved for $158 million in rebates for heat pumps, water heaters, induction stoves, and more. Low and moderate-income households eligible for up to $14,000 in rebates. Other states applying for funding. Rebates issued at point of sale.
Jury selection in Donald Trump's hush money case faces setbacks as a juror was excused for impartiality concerns. A second juror's status is uncertain. Prosecutors seek sanctions over Trump's social media posts violating a gag order. Prospective jurors give generic answers after judge scolds media for reporting identifiable details. Over half of the latest jury pool excused. Trump arrives in court as trial resumes, with the jury selection phase crucial.
The opposition in Venezuela is facing turmoil as a banned candidate continues to campaign, her replacement is barred, and the contender seen as hand-picked by President Maduro is not trusted. This has left the opposition divided, playing into Maduro's hands. The coalition must decide whether to support the controversial contender or a little-known candidate. The situation is complicated by international criticism and sanctions, with Maduro likely to secure another term.
The original model of the USS Enterprise from "Star Trek" has been returned to Gene Roddenberry's son after going missing in the 1970s. The model, featured in the TV series' opening credits, was authenticated by Heritage Auctions and will be restored for public display. Rod Roddenberry plans to have it showcased in a museum. The model's disappearance had been a subject of lore, but its return has finally put rumors to rest.
Donald Trump is set to raise $5 million at a fundraiser in North Carolina, marking his return to the campaign trail after being sidelined by a trial. The event will be hosted by prominent figures and tickets range from $5,000 to $250,000. Trump's fundraising efforts have intensified as he faces legal challenges. Biden is also focusing on North Carolina, a key state for the upcoming election.
Russia downplays impact of fresh US aid for Ukraine as US House gears for crucial vote on $61 billion military funding. Kremlin says aid won't change battlefield dynamics. Ukraine, dependent on Western support, faces Russian offensive amid lack of funding. US Senate passed aid bill in Feb, House vote uncertain. Ukraine urges energy conservation as Russian strikes threaten blackouts. Both sides ramp up aerial attacks.
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation received a $50 million gift from the Pagidipati family of Tampa. The donation will support a new pediatric facility named "Pagidipati Children's Hospital at St. Joseph's." The family's generosity aims to enhance pediatric health care in the Tampa Bay community and honor their parents' legacy. The investment will help BayCare continue providing high-quality care for children.
Jeffrey Gibson's vibrant U.S. pavilion at the Venice Biennale celebrates color, pattern, and craft as the first Native American solo representative. His exhibition tackles U.S. history, calling for greater inclusion and highlighting broken promises of equity. Gibson's art, a mix of tradition and innovation, aims to spark reflection and action. The pavilion runs alongside the Biennale from April 20-Nov. 24.
A recent study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group found that the deadly heatwave in Africa's Sahel region in early April, which caused many deaths, was directly linked to human-induced climate change. The extreme temperatures in Mali and Burkina Faso, exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, were attributed to global warming. The heatwave would have been 1.4C cooler without human influence, and such events are expected to increase with future warming.