A widespread power cut on 28 April disrupted millions across Spain and Portugal, prompting investigations and huge public concern. Portugal’s national grid operator, REN, attributed the blackout to a rare atmospheric phenomenon which caused extreme temperature shifts, leading to unusual oscillations in electrical lines. This explanation contrasts with speculation in Spain about a possible cyber attack, which their national security agency is still investigating. There is still no clear explanation of the disruption. It brought significant consequences: public transport stopped, mobile networks failed, and contactless payment systems were disabled. Panic buying swept through supermarkets, echoing scenes from the Covid pandemic. Three deaths have also been recorded in Spain. REN said recovery could take up to a week, though prime minister Luis Montenegro predicted that it would be quicker.
The recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake which struck Istanbul on 23 April is being seen as a serious warning rather than a release of seismic energy, according to Japanese earthquake expert Yoshinori Moriwaki. While the quake caused no fatalities, he warned that a larger quake, possibly over magnitude 7.0, is likely in the coming twelve to fifteen years. Istanbul lies near the North Anatolian Fault (NAF), a historically active fault line responsible for many major earthquakes across Türkiye. Moriwaki explained that the NAF, along with the South Marmara Fault, poses a continued risk to the Marmara region, with Istanbul particularly vulnerable due to soft ground in coastal districts. He urged residents not to panic but to be prepared, looking for ground stability and building regulations when choosing homes. The April quake triggered hundreds of aftershocks and follows patterns seen in destructive historical events. Despite the threat, Moriwaki remains hopeful that awareness and preparation can mitigate future damage and save lives.
Israel’s total blockade of Gaza, cutting off food, water, and medicine on 2 March, has reached sixty days. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with the UN warning of imminent famine and the World Food Programme reporting all bakeries shut down and food stocks exhausted. Displacement and ‘no-go’ zones enforced by the IDF prevent access to farmland and supplies. Soup kitchens are close to closure, families are resorting to unsafe food, and prices have risen over 500%. Aid trucks remain stuck at borders. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with deaths rising due to the lack of basic medical supplies. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is hearing arguments on Israel’s humanitarian obligations. The USA has defended Israel’s actions and its refusal to cooperate with UNRWA, citing security concerns. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent the total collapse of Gaza’s food and health systems. Meanwhile, opposition to Netanyahu’s determination to continue the war, especially from military reservists, is growing: see
Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has secured re-election in Canada, staging a dramatic comeback. Though the Liberals have not won a clear majority, their lead over the Conservatives is decisive. Carney credited the turnaround to a rise in Canadian nationalism sparked by Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and tariff threats, including calls for Canada to become America’s 51st state. These actions galvanised support for the Liberals after the slump which followed former PM Justin Trudeau’s resignation amid economic discontent. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who had echoed Trump’s anti-‘woke’ rhetoric, even lost his own parliamentary seat. Carney warned that hard decisions lie ahead: Canada must now prepare to reduce its economic dependence on the USA while navigating a tense bilateral relationship. The election took place hours after eleven people were killed by a vehicle attack at a Vancouver street fair: see
DRC: peacekeeping force decides to withdraw
01 May 2025
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has begun withdrawing its peacekeeping force from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Rwanda. The troops, from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania are exiting Goma in North Kivu and heading to Tanzania for repatriation, with all personnel expected to leave by 30 May. The withdrawal follows heavy casualties, including at least seventeen soldiers killed during clashes with M23 rebels, who have since taken Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda, accused by the UN and the DRC of backing M23, denies any involvement, though the rebels reportedly receive support from 4,000 Rwandan troops. The DRC government has called for a nationwide military mobilisation as the rebels threaten to march on Kinshasa, over a thousand miles away. The SADC mission, deployed in 2023, aimed to stabilise the mineral-rich region but struggled amid the worsening crisis. With over seven million displaced, eastern Congo is one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies.
In Brazil’s hottest region, the Maxakali indigenous people are restoring life to their ancestral land through an agroforestry project called Hāmhi Terra Viva. Amid soaring temperatures and rampant wildfires worsened by invasive guinea grass (introduced by cattle farmers) and widespread deforestation of the Atlantic Forest, the Maxakali are reviving traditional planting methods infused with ancestral songs. Once lush with biodiversity, the forest is now over 85% destroyed, leaving their territory dry, scorched, and vulnerable to climate extremes. In response, they have replanted over 215 hectares of fruit trees and native vegetation and formed fire brigades using traditional techniques. Music is central: songs, rich in ecological knowledge, guide daily work and honor the spiritual connections between people and nature. These songs contain forgotten names and behaviours of now-vanished species, serving as living archives of the forest’s past. By combining ritual, reforestation, and community effort, the Maxakali are resisting ecological collapse and calling on both nature and ancestors to help the land heal.
Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and resistance to foreign aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders highlighted expanding defence, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, especially amid increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Without naming China directly, both underscored maritime security as a shared concern. Marcos praised Japan's contributions, including coastal surveillance equipment, which have upgraded the Philippines' defence capabilities. He noted that amid growing international divisions, cooperation between the two countries was ‘more important than ever’ to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific. Japan has also supported the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through loans for large patrol vessels. These ships are actively deployed in Philippine waters to assert sovereignty and monitor Chinese activity. Both leaders described the alliance as grounded in shared values and mutual respect, marking a new chapter in their long-standing diplomatic relationship.
The death of Pope Francis has sparked reflection among church leaders in Argentina who knew him personally. Evangelical pastor Alejandro Rodríguez described him as 'a pastor with the smell of sheep’, deeply connected with the people. Legendary evangelist Luis Palau considered him a friend, despite theological differences, praising Francis’s humility and respect for the Bible. During his time as archbishop and pope, Francis built bridges with Evangelical leaders, supporting Bible engagement and championing unity. He collaborated on projects like the Community Bible Experience and encouraged Catholics to read Scripture. His personal gestures, such as serving others and breaking protocol, left a lasting impression. While not all Evangelicals agreed with his views or reforms, many respected his sincerity, humility, and service to the poor. Many church leaders have expressed sorrow and praised his legacy of service and openness to inter-church dialogue. His life invites reflection on the importance of unity without compromise and the shared mission of lifting high the name of Jesus. See