Global context news

Magnitude 5.5 earthquake rattles Mexico

A Magnitude 5.5 earthquake has hit the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake struck at a depth of about 70 miles (110 kilometers). The epicenter was 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of the city of Palomares, and residents in the state capital reported feeling it, according to AP. There have been no reports of damage or injuries.

​Over 150 people rescued from burning ferry in Mediterranean

All 156 passengers and crew were rescued by the emergency services on Tuesday from a burning ferry, that headed from the island of Mallorca to the Spanish port of Valencia, the ferry operator and government officials said, according to Reuters. The Sorrento ferry sent out distress signals, Spain’s Ministry of Public Works said in a statement. The Italian operator reported that the cause of the fire remained unknown, as well as the state of the vessel itself.

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Indonesia executes 8 drug convicts, 2 Australians among them – local media

Eight drug convicts, including two Australians, have been executed by firing squad in Indonesia early on Wednesday. However a woman from the Philippines, who was also on death row, along with citizens from Australia, Nigeria, Brazil and Indonesia was not among them, according to local media reports.

Palestinians protesting in Tel Aviv against home demolitions

Hundreds of people protested against demolitions targeting Palestinian-owned houses in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, AP said. Protests by Israel’s Palestinians are seldom in Tel Aviv. The protesters demanded that Israel cease home demolitions and provide housing solutions for the Palestinian minority. Palestinians make up one fifth of Israel’s population of 8 million.

Roadside bomb targets Pakistan security forces, kills 1 person in Peshawar

A roadside bomb targeting security forces killed at least one person in Pakistan Tuesday, AFP reported. This was the first deadly attack in the restive northwestern city of Peshawar in two months. The bomb targeted a convoy of security personnel that passed by shortly before the blast. A passer-by was wounded in the blast in the upmarket Hayatabad neighborhood near the Khyber tribal district, where the army is battling Taliban-linked militants.

Nepal quake death toll rises to 5,006

The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal four days ago now stands at 5,006, CNN reported, citing officials. Nepal’s National Emergency Coordination Center also said that 10,194 people had been injured. Another 72 people died as a result of the quake in India, and China has reported 25 deaths. Isolated villages in Nepal are lacking food and drinking water, hospitals desperately need medical supplies, and many roads have been cut off by landslides.

Saudi Arabia crown prince dismissed, new FM appointed

In a sudden reshuffle of top posts Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has removed his half-brother, Moqren bin Abdul Aziz bin Saud from the post of crown prince and deputy prime minister and named Mohammed bin Nayef, grandson of the kingdom’s founder, the country’s interior minister and crown prince, instead. Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, who also appears to be a close friend of the US, could be the country’s first king from the third generation of its ruling dynasty. He is now next-in-line to rule the world’s top oil exporter. The king’s son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is believed to be around 30 years old, has been appointed deputy crown prince. He’s also the country’s defense minister and is seen as being second in line to the throne. King Salman has also appointed Adel Al Jubeir, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington, as the country’s new foreign minister, Al Reuters reported citing state television.

​Russian planes evacuate 128 people from Nepal

Russia has evacuated 128 people from Nepal aboard two Il-76 planes, following last weekend’s devastating earthquake. Those rescued include nationals of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Latvia, Ukraine and Israel. Prior to the rescues, Russia’s Ministry of Emergencies delivered more than 2 tonnes of humanitarian aid. A team of rescuers and medical experts have also arrived in Nepal to help it cope with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people.

​Indonesia confirms executing 7 foreigners on drug smuggling charges

Indonesian authorities have confirmed the execution of eight drug traffickers, including two Australian prisoners, four Nigerians, a Brazilian and an Indonesian man. The convicts were shot in an isolated field. Austalians Myuran Sukumaran, 34, and Andrew Chan, 31, from the Bali 9 were convicted of attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin from Indonesia to Australia in 2006. Prime Minister Tony Abbott who worked endlessly to get his countryman freed said Australia “deeply, deeply regrets these executions in Indonesia.” A Filipino woman was granted a stay of execution.

​US Senate will not require Iranian nuclear deal to acquire 2/3 approval

The US Senate turned away an amendment Tuesday that would have required any potential deal with Iran over its nuclear program to gain Senate approval before going into effect, Reuters reported. The amendment would have categorized a deal with Iran as an international treaty, meaning it would have needed to earn support from two-thirds of the chamber. The proposal failed in a 57-39 vote against, but lawmakers continue to work on legislation that would give Congress a chance to weigh in on a deal with Tehran.

Media agencies