- Published on
04-04-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Pro-Russian hacker group claims responsiblity for cyberattack on Finland's parliament following NATO membership
A pro-Russian hacker group known as NoName057 claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on the Finnish Parliament's website after Finland joined NATO. The attack caused the site to be hard to use and some functions to be unavailable for a time, but the claim could not be verified. Finland became the 31st member of NATO, with few outward signs of geopolitical shift aside from the Finnish and NATO flags being raised alongside national flags. Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said this was historically significant for Finland, which had never been militarily aligned before.
US forces kill ISIS senior leader responsible for Europe and Turkey attacks
Khalid 'Aydd Ahmad Al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior leader responsible for planning attacks in Europe and Turkey, was killed in a US strike in northwest Syria. CENTCOM stated that his death would temporarily disrupt the organization's ability to plot external attacks. Although the group remains able to operate in the region, the CENTCOM commander has stated that ISIS still poses a serious threat. The US currently has around 900 troops in Syria as part of its fight against ISIS. Since 2021 Iran-backed militants have attacked bases housing US forces in Syria at least 80 times.
Train Derails After Collision with Construction Crane in the Netherlands
A train derailed near Voorschoten after hitting a construction crane on the tracks. An investigation is underway and specialists are working to secure the train. Dozens of people were injured and were treated on scene or taken to a local hospital.
TikTok Receives a $15.9 Million Fine in the UK for Breaching Data Privacy Laws
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office imposed a $15.9 million fine on the short-video sharing app TikTok for failing to protect the privacy of its young users. The watchdog's investigation unraveled data breaches and allowed 1.4 million children aged under 13 to use TikTok, raising concerns in cybersecurity and data privacy. Although TikTok invested heavily to keep underage users off the site, the ICO was not persuaded by its defenses. TikTok plans to contest the decision and improve its sign-up system to detect age misrepresentation.
Swedish police arrest two in ‘Islamist extremism’ probe linked to Quran burning protests
Swedish authorities arrested two people with suspected ‘international links to violent Islamist extremism’ following intelligence and investigation into the burning of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm earlier this year. The arrest came as Finnish membership was ratified by all 30 NATO members, but Turkey continues to withhold ratification of Sweden’s membership, with fears the arrests could lead to attacks or undermine security.
London City Airport announces the end of the 100ml liquid rule
London City Airport has announced that it is ending the 100 ml liquid rule implemented in the UK since 2006, allowing passengers to keep laptops, electronics, make-up, and other items in their luggage during security checks. The airport has introduced a new generation of C3 scanners to allow thorough screening of luggage from all angles. The airport hopes to improve passengers' experience, streamline security procedures and process 30% more passengers per hour. In the next two years, major airports in the UK are expected to follow suit following a screening equipment overhaul, reducing queuing times and improving the travel experience for passengers.
Macron to challenge China on weapons sales to Russia, seeks peace efforts and climate talks
During his visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron will urge China to cease weapons sales to Russia to support peace talks in Ukraine. Additionally, he will urge China to join in global discussion on climate-related issues. The visit comes at a time of rising tensions between the U.S. and China, and Macron hopes to highlight European unity by bringing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to a trade-focused meeting with China's President Xi Jinping. Other topics planned for the trip include human rights concerns, trade, and investments, as well as meetings with Chinese investors and speeches to the French community in China.
Murder Suspects on the Run With Five Kids, Caught in Mexico by U.S. Marshals
Edgar Salvador Casian-Garcia and his girlfriend Araceli Medina, who were charged with murder and sexual abuse of a child, were caught by US Marshals Service in Mexico after fleeing with their five children. The Marshals elevated the couple to the 15 most wanted in the US list, which led authorities to Mexico. The couple remains in the custody of authorities in Mexico.
Tragedy in the Mountains: German Climber Dies in Fall in Switzerland
A 26-year-old German climber fell 500 meters down a rock face on a mountain pass near Zermatt, Switzerland. Rescuers found his body the next day. The climber was attempting to climb the Strahlhorn peak alone.
Jacinda Ardern appointed Special Envoy for Christchurch Call, joins Earthshot Prize board of trustees
New Zealand Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, has appointed former leader, Jacinda Ardern, as Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call, the initiative aimed at eliminating violent extremist content online. Ardern remains invested in the cause and will be working part-time on this project, without any pay. Alongside this new role, Ardern has also joined the board of trustees for The Earthshot Prize, a charity that honours environmental solutions by awarding five winners £1 million each year to scale up environmental solutions. The move was applauded by Prince Williams, the creator of the prize.