Guinea-Bissau voters approve new constitution expanding presidential powers

Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution that significantly expands presidential powers ahead of elections scheduled for December. Provisional results indicate that 70% of voters supported the changes during a referendum held on Sunday, with a turnout exceeding 55%, equating to approximately 544,060 participants. The new constitution reduces parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. It also mandates that presidential candidates must have resided in the country for at least five years prior to the election, targeting politicians from the diaspora. The referendum's outcome is anticipated to stabilize the country's political landscape, which has been marked by instability since its independence from Portugal in 1974, including numerous coup attempts.

Putin criticizes Germany's attribution of Leipzig drone incident to Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Germany’s decision to blame Russia for a recent drone attack in Leipzig, calling it a “grave mistake.” He questioned the evidence behind the claim and suggested that Germany was using this as a distraction from its internal issues. Dmitry Medvedev, former president and current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, criticized Germany's government, labeling it as "neo-Nazi" and advocating for strikes against German military facilities. NATO leaders, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, expressed solidarity with Germany, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending and readiness against perceived Russian threats.

David Bowie featured in immersive documentary at Venice Immersive festival

David Bowie is highlighted in a new 3D documentary titled "David Bowie: Unseen Unheard," which premiered at the Venice Immersive festival. This documentary features previously unseen images and is part of a larger showcase of 69 extended reality pieces. The installation, created by Denis O’Regan, includes 12 Bowie songs and nearly 800 photographs, presented across eight screens and 84 hidden speakers. The festival aims to bridge new technology with traditional storytelling methods, emphasizing the evolution of art forms and the impact of emerging technologies on narrative cinema.

Zelenskyy warns of unsafe Russian airspace for commercial flights

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly unsafe for commercial airlines, as Vladimir Putin announced plans to intensify strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy warned airlines and insurers about the risks associated with flying over Russian territory, citing the rise in Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukraine has been capable of launching hundreds of drone attacks daily, targeting locations deep within Russia. The safety of civilian aviation remains a concern, particularly following the downing of a Malaysian Airlines flight in 2014.

Spanish wartime recipes highlight creativity amid scarcity

Chef Berta Álvarez Acal has published a book titled "Recetas de Guerra," which explores recipes from Spain's post-Civil War hunger years. The book provides creative alternatives for traditional dishes, such as using moistened bread to substitute for eggs and potatoes in tortilla de patatas. The historical context reveals that between 1939 and 1942, approximately 200,000 people died from starvation, particularly in urban areas. Álvarez's research highlights the resilience and ingenuity of people during dire times, showcasing how they adapted recipes to survive.

Ryanair warns of potential fare increases due to high oil prices

Ryanair has cautioned that airfares in Europe could rise next year if oil prices remain elevated, potentially leading to the collapse of some airlines. The budget airline has adjusted its passenger target for the fiscal year, anticipating a flat growth in passenger numbers during the winter months. Currently, jet fuel prices are around $140 per barrel, and Ryanair has hedged 80% of its fuel costs at $67 per barrel, expecting to remain profitable despite a reduction in winter capacity.

BDS co-founder calls for UK to end all trade with Israel

Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, urged the UK to halt all trade with Israel to comply with international law regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. Barghouti criticized partial sanctions against specific groups as insufficient, emphasizing the need for a complete cessation of support for Israel's occupation. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced plans to review and potentially revise the UK's policy toward Israel, particularly concerning illegal settlements in the West Bank.

US-Iran tensions escalate with airstrikes and counterattacks

The US has conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran on American interests in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed missile strikes targeting a US Marine Corps base in Jordan, which were intercepted by the Jordanian army. The exchange of attacks has raised fears of a broader conflict, with oil prices increasing amid the escalating hostilities. The US has stated that its strikes are a response to threats against its forces and commercial shipping in the region.

Ed Miliband outlines plans for a comprehensive reset of UK-Israel policy

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced intentions to reset Britain's approach to Israel, focusing on preventing British companies from participating in illegal settlements in the West Bank. Miliband criticized the controversial E1 settlement project, stating it undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state. His remarks come amid increasing pressure on the UK government to impose stricter sanctions on Israel, particularly regarding its settlement expansion policies. Miliband vowed to present a comprehensive set of measures in the coming weeks to address these issues.


Photo provided by : The Guardian


@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team