Tropical Storm Gaemi Strengthens as It Approaches Taiwan

 Tropical Storm Gaemi Intensifies as It Heads Toward Taiwan: CWA

Tropical Storm Gaemi has slightly intensified and is moving toward Taiwan, with potential threats anticipated in the coming days, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

As of 8 a.m. on Sunday, Gaemi was located 800 kilometers southeast of Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost tip, and was moving at 9 kilometers per hour (kph) in a northwesterly direction. The storm currently has sustained winds of 23 meters per second (m/s), with gusts reaching up to 30 m/s. The CWA indicated that a sea warning could be issued as early as Monday night.

The third tropical storm of the 2024 typhoon season in the Pacific, Gaemi is expected to be closest to Taiwan between Wednesday and Thursday. However, according to forecasters, the exact impact on Taiwan remains uncertain and will depend on the storm's future direction, radius, and intensity.

Wu Der-rong, an adjunct associate professor of atmospheric sciences at National Central University, predicted that Gaemi will likely develop into a typhoon by Monday, potentially bringing significant threats to Taiwan. By that time, the storm is forecasted to have a radius of 220 kilometers and will approach waters east of Taiwan.

In preparation for Gaemi’s impact, ferry services between Taitung County and Orchid and Green Islands will be suspended on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to port authorities, the resumption of services on Thursday will depend on the storm’s development.

Israel Responds to Houthi Drone Strike with Air Raids on Yemen's Hodeidah

 Israel Strikes Houthis in Yemen After Drone Hits Tel Aviv

Israel launched air strikes on the Houthi-controlled Red Sea port of Hodeidah in Yemen, following a drone attack by the group that struck Tel Aviv. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated the operation aimed to send a clear message to the Houthi movement.

"The fire currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East, and the significance is clear," Gallant said.

Houthi-linked news outlets reported three fatalities and over 80 injuries from the strikes, which Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned as "brutal Israeli aggression against Yemen."

On Sunday morning, the Israeli military announced the interception of a missile fired from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace. Air sirens were activated in Israel's Red Sea port of Eilat due to potential falling shrapnel.

Abdulsalam claimed the Israeli strikes were intended to pressure the Houthis to cease supporting Palestinians in Gaza, asserting that such support would continue.

This marks Israel's first direct retaliation to what it claims have been hundreds of Yemeni drone and missile attacks targeting its territory in recent months. Footage from Hodeidah showed large fires burning on Saturday evening. The Houthi-run government in Sanaa reported that Israel struck oil storage facilities near the shore and a nearby power plant.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, "After nine months of continuous aerial attacks by the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel, IAF [Israeli Air Force] fighter jets conducted an extensive operational strike over 1,800km [1,118 miles] away against Houthi terrorist military targets" in the port area of Hodeidah. The operation was codenamed Outstretched Arm.

Gallant emphasized that Israeli jets targeted the group in response to harm caused to Israeli citizens. "The Houthis attacked us over 200 times. The first time they harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required," he said.

Following the attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would defend itself "by all means." He declared, "Anyone who harms us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression," alleging that the port served as an entry point for Iranian weapons and demonstrating that Israel could reach any adversary.

The drone attack on Friday hit a block of flats in Tel Aviv, killing a 50-year-old man who had recently moved from Belarus and injuring eight others. The Israeli military reported that the drone was an Iranian-made UAV modified for long-distance flight. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack and vowed to continue such actions.

The Houthi Supreme Political Council, the movement's executive body, promised an "effective response" to the Israeli airstrikes. While Israel has not previously struck the Houthis in Yemen, the US and UK have been conducting air strikes against the group for months to prevent attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The Houthis initially targeted ships linked to Israel, but have also attacked vessels connected to the UK and US.

South Africa's New Era of Political Maturity: Ramaphosa's Parliament Opening

 South Africa's Calm Opening of Parliament Heralds New Era

South Africa’s parliament has entered a new era of political maturity, marked by a calm and orderly opening session. President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out his plans for the first time since the coalition government took office, without interruptions or chaos.

This new atmosphere results from the African National Congress (ANC) failing to secure more than 50% of the vote for the first time in the democratic era. Former President Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, was barred from running as an MP and declined to attend the session. The MK, a party founded less than a year ago, is now the official opposition, with its house leader, disgraced former Justice John Hlophe, promising to avoid petty politics.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), known for disrupting parliament, pledged to change their ways, with leader Julius Malema committing to being a constructive opposition. Members of the Democratic Alliance (DA), formerly the official opposition and now part of the coalition government, supported Ramaphosa’s hour-long speech, which focused on rapid, inclusive economic growth, job creation, and reducing the cost of basic goods.

Ramaphosa's humbled ANC entered parliament with the fewest members since it came to power 30 years ago. After losing its majority, the ANC formed a coalition with nine other parties. Ramaphosa emphasized the coalition government’s determination to work together for all South Africans, blending ANC policies with concessions to the DA.

Ramaphosa stressed that economic growth must empower black South Africans, women, and those marginalized in the past. The government plans massive infrastructure investments and will exempt more essential food items from VAT to tackle high living costs, a DA initiative to combat poverty.

The ANC’s plan for universal healthcare will proceed with stakeholder consultations, despite opposition from the DA and private medical groups. DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed Ramaphosa’s speech, expressing willingness to negotiate rather than resorting to court.

New sports minister Gayton McKenzie praised Ramaphosa’s speech, while John Trollip from Action SA criticized it for lacking credibility. Malema also doubted Ramaphosa’s plans to transform South Africa, but senior researcher TK Pooe from the Wits School of Governance saw it as a realistic approach to addressing the country’s choke points: energy, infrastructure, and local government.

Pooe and Hlophe noted the absence of foreign policy issues in Ramaphosa’s speech, suggesting that the coalition might influence South Africa's stance on Israel and Russia. Hlophe criticized the omission of land reform without compensation, a key MK policy and national issue.

The opening of parliament coincided with Nelson Mandela's birthday, symbolizing hope and renewal. Ramaphosa acknowledged the need for hard work to build consensus within the unity government, aiming to address South Africa’s critical issues collaboratively.

Bangladesh Imposes 'Shoot-on-Sight' Orders Amid Deadly Protests

 Bangladesh Police Given ‘Shoot-on-Sight’ Orders Amid National Curfew

Bangladesh is facing severe unrest as student-led protests have prompted authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and grant police “shoot-on-sight” orders. The turmoil has resulted in over 100 fatalities, with more than a thousand injured.

The curfew, enforced from midnight on Friday until Sunday morning, aims to control the escalating violence, with military personnel patrolling Dhaka’s streets. Briefly lifted on Saturday afternoon for essential errands, the curfew otherwise mandates that citizens remain indoors, with all gatherings and demonstrations banned. Additionally, a communications blackout has been in place since Thursday night, cutting off internet and social media access.

Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the ruling Awami League party, confirmed that police have been authorized to open fire on curfew violators. The unrest began as university students protested against the reintroduction of civil service job quotas, which they claim are discriminatory and favor the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The protests have since evolved into a broader movement against Hasina's government, which has been accused of authoritarianism, police brutality, and corruption. Hasina’s re-election in January was boycotted by the opposition and widely regarded as rigged. The economic downturn since the Covid outbreak has exacerbated public discontent, with millions facing unemployment and record inflation.

Shafkat Mahmud, a 28-year-old student protester from Dhaka, described the situation as akin to “civil war.” He recounted the escalation from rubber bullets to live ammunition and attacks by pro-government supporters wielding machetes and guns. “Our fight initially was about quotas, but after witnessing the police brutality, it’s now about change,” he stated.

Friday was reported as the deadliest day of the protests, with at least 40 people killed. Protesters stormed the state-run broadcaster, set it ablaze, and broke into a central prison, freeing hundreds of prisoners. Late-night talks between representatives of both sides aimed at reaching a resolution, with student leaders demanding complete reform of the quota system and the reopening of universities. Law and Justice Minister Anisul Huq indicated the government’s willingness to discuss their demands.

The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the government struggles to restore order and address the protesters' grievances.

Trump Returns to Campaign Trail with Strong Attacks on Biden and Harris Post-Assassination Attempt

 Trump Attacks Biden and Harris in First Rally Since Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a week after surviving an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Joined by his new running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump addressed supporters with a smaller ear bandage, referring to the assassination attempt as a “horrific event” and expressing gratitude for his survival.

Trump credited his escape to a momentary distraction, saying he turned his head toward a chart about border crossings just before the bullet grazed his ear. “I hope I never have to go through that again,” he remarked, emphasizing that he “took a bullet for democracy” in the face of criticism from his opponents.

In his speech, Trump criticized the Democratic party's leadership turmoil, targeting President Joe Biden's age and mental acuity and mocking the uncertainty over their candidate. He expressed his preference for running against Biden, receiving cheers from the crowd, while boos followed his mention of Vice-President Kamala Harris.

The rally was marked by heightened security measures following the assassination attempt, with increased Secret Service and police presence. Despite the recent threat, thousands of supporters lined up outside the 12,000-capacity Van Andel Arena, eager to hear Trump's message.

Trump's rally touched on familiar themes, including attacks on electric vehicles, China, and immigration. He dismissed concerns about the influence of the extremist manifesto Project 2025 on a potential second Trump presidency.

JD Vance, preceding Trump on stage, criticized both parties for failing to protect manufacturing jobs and praised Trump's impact on American politics. The crowd's enthusiasm highlighted their unwavering support for Trump, undeterred by the recent assassination attempt.

With Michigan being a crucial battleground state, Trump holds a 4% lead over Biden in recent polls, reflecting his growing support in key states. Supporters expressed their admiration for Trump's resilience and dedication, with many arriving hours in advance to secure their spot at the rally.

The rally underscored Trump's continued influence and the fervent loyalty of his base, setting the stage for a contentious election campaign.