World News: 18 February 2023

Brazil's glitzy Carnival is back in full form after pandemic
This year shares some of the spirit of the 1919 edition, which took place right after Spanish influenza killed tens of thousands of Brazilians, but was no longer a significant threat. WWI had just ended, too, and people were eager to unburden themselves, said David Butter, the author of a book about that year’s celebration.

Read more...


Russia attempts to justify illegal invasion of Ukraine
The Minsk agreement was put in place to de-escalate the conflict in Donbas in eastern Ukraine but has been effectively dead since Russia invaded.
Although diplomacy continues, avenues are being exhausted. Moscow has just expelled four Austrian diplomats in retaliation for the expulsion of four Russian diplomats accused of espionage.

Read more...


Earthquake death toll passes 45,000; many still missing in flattened apartments
Turkey has promised to investigate anyone suspected of responsibility for the collapse of buildings and has ordered the detention of more than 100 suspects, including developers.
The United Nations on Thursday appealed for more than $1 billion in funds for the Turkish relief operation, and has launched a $400 million appeal for Syrians.

Read more...



A world-first solar system in Wales is halving renters’ energy bills
Australian manufacturer Allume Energy claims that its ‘SolShare’ model is the only technology that enables solar energy from a single rooftop system to be shared by multiple homes in the same building.

Read more...


Mozambique pastor dies attempting to emulate Jesus' 40-day fast
Francisco Barajah, the founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church and a French teacher in the town of Messica bordering Zimbabwe had fasted for 25 days before he was rushed to hospital by his relatives and followers owing to his deteriorating health.

Read more...


Hugh Jackman: Inevitable that Australia will become a republic
The Hollywood actor and singer said he had “absolutely no ill will” against Britain's King Charles III, but that breaking away from the UK monarchy seemed like a “natural part of an evolution of a country”.
Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he revealed he held dual-British and Australian citizenship and that he had grown up in a household that celebrated the British royals.

Read more...



Comments