June Current Events 2024: World News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the World news events you need to know so far for June 2024.
- Robert Fico, Prime Minister Of Slovakia Discharged From Hospital
- Real Madrid Wins Record-Breaking 15th European Cup
- South Korea Confirms North Korea Sends 600 More Balloons Filled With Rubbish
- Claudia Sheinbaum Becomes First Female President Of Mexico
- Modi Wins India’s Election For The Third Time, But Falls Short Of Decisive Majority
- United Nations Shelter Hit By Israeli Strike, Kills At Least 27 People
- Man Attacks Denmark’s Prime Minister In Copenhagen
- Police And Activists Clash At French Motorway Protests, Resulting To Five Injuries
- Benny Gantz, Member Of Israeli War Cabinet Resigns
- Italy’s Prime Minister, Meloni Wins European Union Vote
- Plane Carrying Vice President Of Malawi And Nine Others Missing
- Several People Killed In Kuwait As Fire Engulfs House
- President Ramaphosa Re-Elected For A Second Term
- Officials Confirm Prisoner Exchange Between Iran And Sweden
- Two Shipwrecks In The Mediterranean Leaves 11 Dead And Several Others Missing
- Russian President, Putin Makes A Rare Visit To North Korea
- Minister Confirms Ecuador Was Hit By Nationwide Blackout Lasting Several Hours
- Court Rules Ban Against Gay Sex In Namibia Unconstitutional
- Israeli Airstrike On Gaza City Kills Dozens
- Gunmen Attack Places Of Worship In Russia Killing Police, Priests, And Civilians
- Explosion In Battery Factory In South Korea Kills 22
- Julian Assange To Return To Australia As A Free Man
- President Ruto Of Kenya Withdraws Bill To Raise Tax Following Protest That Killed 23
Robert Fico, Prime Minister Of Slovakia Discharged From Hospital
Friday, May 31, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has been discharged from hospital after surviving an assassination attempt. It was confirmed that he is recovering at home in Bratislava. Miriam Lapunikova, hospital director, praised Fico's disciplined patient behavior.
Fico sustained abdominal wounds during a public appearance on May 15 in Handlova. Surveillance footage shows him being shot by a man who was later arrested. Fico underwent two surgeries to treat the gunshot wounds. The suspect, charged with attempted murder, was ordered by the country’s specialized criminal court in the town of Pezinok to remain in jail.
The attack, which was initially believed to be politically motivated, officials now suspect a third party's involvement. Fico's policies, including changes to public broadcasting and the penal code, have sparked concerns about Slovakia's direction towards autocracy.
Source: The Guardian
Real Madrid Wins Record-Breaking 15th European Cup
Saturday, June 1, 2024 – Borussia Dortmund faced Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium with determination but conceded to Real's dominance. Real Madrid clinched their 15th European Cup with a 2-0 victory, thanks to late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior.
Despite Dortmund's defensive efforts, Real emerged victorious. Ian Maatsen's errors, conceding a corner and losing possession, contributed to Dortmund's downfall. After a very intense match between the two sides, it was Real Madrid who came out on top with their fans celebrating their team's triumph.
Real Madrid has not lost in the final since losing 1-0 to Liverpool in a European Cup final in 1981. They now extend their streak of Champions League final victories to nine. With 15 titles, Real Madrid maintains a significant lead over second-placed AC Milan.
Source: CNN
South Korea Confirms North Korea Sends 600 More Balloons Filled With Rubbish
Sunday, June 2, 2024 – North Korea resumed launching balloons filled with waste toward South Korea, with about 600 balloons identified by Sunday morning. The balloons, containing items from cigarette butts to plastic, were landing in South Korea's northern provinces, including the capital, Seoul, and the adjacent area of Gyenoggi.
This action follows a campaign initiated earlier in the week by North Korea, sending balloons with bags of rubbish and excrement as "gifts of sincerity." South Korea condemned the act as "petty and low-grade behavior," warning of countermeasures. Despite Pyongyang's defense, citing retaliation for anti-Kim Jong-un propaganda balloons, tensions persist.
In 2018, both Koreas agreed to cease hostile acts, including leaflet distribution, but such activities continued. North Korea's actions have led to escalated tensions, including the destruction of an inter-Korean liaison office in 2020. Kim Jong-un’s sister however said North Koreans are simply exercising their freedom of expression.
Source: The Guardian
Claudia Sheinbaum Becomes First Female President Of Mexico
Monday, June 3, 2024 – Claudia Sheinbaum secures a decisive victory, becoming Mexico's first female president, inheriting López Obrador's platform. Sheinbaum, a leftist climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, captures between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote. Her Morena party's coalition eyes a two-thirds majority in Congress.
Opponent Xóchitl Gálvez concedes with 26.6% to 28.6% of votes. Sheinbaum pledges inclusive governance and marks a milestone in Mexico's traditionally macho culture. She'll also be the first of Jewish descent to lead. López Obrador congratulates her, citing her potential record-breaking victory.
Despite delays, the electoral process faces scrutiny. The election, marred by violence, highlights challenges in Mexico's political landscape. Sheinbaum's win signals a significant shift and sets a historic precedent. Aside from the presidency, there were more than 20,000 posts that were up for grabs in Mexico’s biggest election.
Source: The Guardian
Modi Wins India’s Election For The Third Time, But Falls Short Of Decisive Majority
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 – Narendra Modi celebrates victory in India's national elections but falls short of a decisive majority, which marks a setback for his BJP party's dominance. While Modi secures a third term, his BJP alone falls shy of the 272-seat threshold. The NDA alliance, led by Modi, won 292 seats. Modi spoke to the cheering supporters at his party’s headquarters in New Delhi, appreciating their support.
This outcome contrasts with Modi's ambitious goal of a 400-seat supermajority. Critics view the result as a rebuke to Modi's divisive governance style. Rahul Gandhi of the National Congress highlights dissatisfaction with Modi's leadership.
Despite retaining power, Modi faces challenges in implementing economic reforms amidst stock market downturns. The election signals a shift in India's political landscape, with opposition parties denting BJP's stronghold.
Source: CNN
United Nations Shelter Hit By Israeli Strike, Kills At Least 27 People
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – An Israeli airstrike hits a United Nations school packed with hundreds of displaced people in Gaza, killing at least 27 people, according to local officials. Israel claims it targeted a Hamas compound within the school, but Hamas denies this, calling it a "horrific massacre."
The attack sparks outrage, with footage showing destroyed classrooms and casualties. The Israeli military states it aimed to neutralize Hamas and Islamic Jihad members responsible for a previous attack. Amid escalating violence, MSF reports a dire situation in Gaza's central areas, with intense bombardment and a high number of casualties, predominantly women and children.
The Israeli military had earlier confirmed that they have taken operational control over eastern areas of the Bureij refugee camp and the town of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, with dozens of Palestinians reported killed.
Source: BBC
Man Attacks Denmark’s Prime Minister In Copenhagen
Friday, June 7, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, was assaulted in Copenhagen by a man who was subsequently arrested. Frederiksen's office confirmed the incident, stating she was struck on Kultorvet public square. While her condition remains unclear, she expressed shock over the attack.
Danish Minister of Environment, Magnus Heunicke, urged national unity, emphasizing the need to transcend political differences. European leaders, including Latvian Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the assault and wished Frederiksen a speedy recovery.
The attack occurred just before Denmark's European Union elections. Frederiksen, leader of Denmark's Socialist Democratic Party, has been prime minister since 2019. This incident comes weeks after the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, was shot and wounded, which highlights concerns over Europe's increasingly polarized political climate.
Source: CNN
Police And Activists Clash At French Motorway Protests, Resulting To Five Injuries
Saturday, June 8, 2024 – In southern France, clashes erupted between police and masked activists during a protest concerning a motorway project, resulting in five injuries. Despite a ban, thousands gathered between Castres and Toulouse at the A-69 motorway site. The clashes left a police officer, two paramilitary gendarmes, and two protesters injured.
Ecologists and left-wing activists oppose the motorway extension, citing its potential destruction of wetlands, farmland, trees, and water sources. The violence began when radicalized protesters attempted to reach a main road, prompting riot police to use tear gas. Some demonstrators launched fireworks and Molotov cocktails.
Authorities condemned the attacks, describing the crowd as containing "1,200 radical individuals." Despite differing attendance estimates, the protest organizers aim to halt the project's progress, while authorities continue to support its implementation by the end of 2025.
Source: The Guardian
Benny Gantz, Member Of Israeli War Cabinet Resigns
Sunday, June 9, 2024 – A member of the Israeli war cabinet, Benny Gantz, has resigned from Benjamin Netanyahu's government, citing differences in strategy regarding the conflict in Gaza. Gantz, seen as Netanyahu's main political rival, accused him of prioritizing personal political interests over effective post-war planning. Despite Netanyahu's plea for unity, Gantz asserted that leaving the government was a necessary step.
Gantz's departure, following a postponement due to a successful hostage rescue operation, underscores tensions within the Israeli government. Netanyahu remains in power with a majority in the Knesset, but Gantz's resignation leaves the war cabinet solely representing Netanyahu's Likud party, potentially impacting decision-making in future conflicts.
Gantz's decision to leave the war cabinet fulfills an ultimatum that he gave the prime minister last month, calling him to make new plans for the war against Hamas by June 8.
Source: CNN
Italy’s Prime Minister, Meloni Wins European Union Vote
Monday, June 10, 2024 – Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni's arch-conservative Brothers of Italy party emerged victorious in the European parliamentary election, securing 28.8% of the vote, a significant increase from previous elections. Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, hailed this win as a milestone, emphasizing Italy's strong government representation in international forums.
The center-left Democratic Party followed with 24%, while the 5-Star Movement suffered its worst outcome at 9.9%. The ruling coalition, including right-wing factions, garnered over 47% support, marking a notable surge. Meloni interpreted the results as a mandate to advance their agenda with greater determination.
Notably, Forza Italia, led by Silvio Berlusconi, was in fourth place with 9.7% of the vote, outperforming the anti-immigrant League which had 9.1%. The result was a disappointment to Matteo Salvini's League, hinting at internal strife within the far-right faction.
Source: Reuters
Plane Carrying Vice President Of Malawi And Nine Others Missing
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Malawi's Vice President, Saulos Chilima, and nine others are missing after their aircraft failed to land as scheduled, according to the presidential office. The plane departed from Lilongwe and was supposed to land at Mzuzu International Airport but disappeared from radar.
President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has canceled his plans and ordered a search and rescue operation. Air traffic control advised against landing due to poor visibility and bad weather. Authorities lost contact after the advisory, prompting a search focused on a forest reserve where the plane's last signals were traced.
Chakwera assured all resources are being utilized, with neighboring countries and international allies helping. According to a statement from the United States embassy in Malawi, the United States has offered military support. Efforts continue as hopes for survivors persist amid growing concern.
Source: CNN
Several People Killed In Kuwait As Fire Engulfs House
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – A fire in a residential building in Kuwait has claimed at least 49 lives, with many more injured. The blaze quickly engulfed the six-story structure in the Mafreg area, where around 150 people resided. The cause remains unknown, though the presence of more than 20 cooking gas tanks and flammable materials in the overcrowded exacerbated the situation.
Most deaths result from suffocation, and the toll may rise. Indian nationals were among the victims, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolences and provide assistance. Kuwaiti authorities are investigating the building owner for negligence.
The incident sheds light on challenges faced by migrant workers in Kuwait, including legal, discriminatory, and safety concerns, as highlighted by rights groups and studies. Efforts continue to address the aftermath and support those affected.
Source: CNN
President Ramaphosa Re-Elected For A Second Term
Friday, June 14, 2024 – The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa secured a second term after winning a parliamentary vote against Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters, with 283 votes to Malema's 44. This followed a historic coalition agreement between Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) and the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), marking a significant departure from their past rivalry.
The DA, a pro-business party, agreed to support Ramaphosa in exchange for key parliamentary positions. The coalition, formed amidst the ANC's loss of its parliamentary majority in recent elections, aims to address economic challenges and improve governance amid criticisms and challenges from other parties such as the uMkhonto weSizwe party.
Ramaphosa's leadership style emphasizing centrism and collaboration appears pivotal in navigating South Africa's complex political landscape and economic issues.
Source: The Guardian
Officials Confirm Prisoner Exchange Between Iran And Sweden
Saturday, June 15, 2024 – Sweden and Iran conducted a prisoner exchange mediated by Oman, resulting in the release of two Swedes detained in Iran and the freeing of Hamid Noury, a former Iranian official convicted in Sweden for war crimes related to mass executions in the 1980s.
Noury, who denied the charges, was exchanged for Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi, Swedish citizens held in Iran. Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson confirmed the swap, expressing concern that Iran used the detainees as bargaining tools.
The exchange stirred controversy, with critics, including the National Council of Resistance of Iran, condemning Sweden for yielding to what they described as Tehran's hostage-taking tactics. Despite the swap, another Swedish-Iranian dual national, Ahmadreza Djalali, remains imprisoned in Iran, highlighting ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two countries.
Source: CNN
Two Shipwrecks In The Mediterranean Leaves 11 Dead And Several Others Missing
Monday, June 17, 2024 – Two tragic shipwrecks off the Italian coast have resulted in at least 11 deaths and left dozens missing, according to recent reports. The first incident occurred in the central Mediterranean, where rescuers from the German charity ResQship found ten bodies aboard a wooden boat carrying migrants believed to have departed from Tunisia.
Despite saving 51 individuals, rescuers arrived too late for those who perished. Also, in the Ionian Sea, 66 people, including 26 children, were reported missing after their sailing boat, originating from Turkey, encountered trouble. Twelve survivors, one of whom later died, were rescued by a merchant ship near Calabria.
The tragic events underscore the perilous conditions faced by migrants seeking to cross into Europe, prompting calls for increased international attention and support for rescue efforts in the Mediterranean.
Source: The Guardian
Russian President, Putin Makes A Rare Visit To North Korea
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 – The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, made a significant visit to North Korea, underlining the deepening ties between the two nations and Russia's interest in acquiring weapons from Pyongyang amid its conflict with Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warmly received Putin upon his arrival in Pyongyang, where they engaged in animated discussions and later traveled together to the Kumsusan State Guest House.
This visit, Putin's first to North Korea since 2000, is notable given his limited international travel since the start of the Ukrainian conflict. The visit also marks a rare diplomatic engagement for Kim, who has not hosted another world leader since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The streets of Pyongyang were adorned with Russian flags and images of Putin in anticipation of his arrival, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic event.
Source: CNN
Minister Confirms Ecuador Was Hit By Nationwide Blackout Lasting Several Hours
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – Ecuador experienced a nationwide blackout on Wednesday, affecting approximately 18 million people and causing significant disruptions in Quito and other cities. The outage halted the capital's subway system and disabled traffic lights, lasting several hours before power was restored.
Public Works Minister, Roberto Luque attributed the blackout to a lack of investment in the country's electrical infrastructure, highlighting it as evidence of an ongoing energy crisis. This incident follows earlier planned blackouts due to a drought in April, which also strained Ecuador's power supply.
The outage left residents frustrated, with interruptions to water access reported in some areas. Despite the challenges, Minister Luque later confirmed that 95% of the country's electricity had been restored, with initial blame placed on a transmission line failure. Ecuador primarily sources its energy from neighboring Colombia, underscoring its dependence on external providers amidst internal infrastructure challenges.
Source: BBC
Court Rules Ban Against Gay Sex In Namibia Unconstitutional
Friday, June 21, 2024 – In a significant decision for gay rights in Namibia, the High Court in Windhoek has declared unconstitutional laws that ban same-sex acts between men. These outdated colonial-era laws, targeting "sodomy" and "unnatural sexual offenses," were rarely enforced but perpetuated discrimination and fear among gay men.
Namibia does not have laws against same-sex relations between women, but marrying someone of the same sex remains illegal within the country. However, the court ruling allows recognition of marriages between same-sex couples if conducted abroad, under certain conditions.
After the judgment, LGBTQ advocates from Equal Namibia celebrated, describing it as a milestone towards a more inclusive society. They used the term "born-free" to echo South Africa's post-apartheid era, symbolizing newfound freedoms in Namibia. The ruling marks a progressive step towards equality and human rights for the LGBTQ community in the southern African nation.
Source: BBC
Israeli Airstrike On Gaza City Kills Dozens
Saturday, June 22, 2024 – Israeli airstrikes targeted densely populated areas in Gaza City, resulting in dozens of Palestinian deaths—the bombings aimed at assassinating a senior Hamas commander, hitting neighborhoods like al-Shati and al-Tuffah. Initial reports suggested casualties, with conflicting numbers ranging from 38 to 42 deaths.
Emergency services responded to the scene of devastation, with images showing destroyed homes and debris-filled streets. Israel Defence Forces claimed the strikes targeted Hamas military infrastructure, while Hamas condemned the attacks as targeting civilians. The situation prompted calls for an independent investigation into the airstrikes, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in the region.
Footage shows several Palestinians rushing out to search for victims amid the destroyed houses. The footage also shows wrecked homes, blasted walls, and debris filling the street in the al-Shati refugee camp.
Source: The Guardian
Gunmen Attack Places Of Worship In Russia Killing Police, Priests, And Civilians
Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Gunmen launched coordinated attacks on places of worship and police posts in Dagestan, Russia's southernmost province. The assaults targeted churches, synagogues, and police in cities like Derbent and Makhachkala, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 police officers and four civilians, including an Orthodox priest.
Authorities reported that six militants were also killed in the clashes. The region, known for its history of separatist and militant violence, saw significant fires and smoke during the attacks. No group has claimed responsibility yet, but Russian officials identified the gunmen as adherents of an international terrorist organization.
Investigations and security operations continue following the deadly assaults. Following the fatal shooting, three days of mourning have been declared in Dagestan with state flags lowered to half-staff. Financial assistance will also be given to the families of the victims.
Source: CNN
Explosion In Battery Factory In South Korea Kills 22
Monday, June 24, 2024 – A massive fire at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong City, South Korea, resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people after several lithium batteries exploded. The fire, which started on Monday morning, created large smoke clouds and small explosions as firefighters struggled to contain it.
The blaze caused a section of the factory’s roof to collapse. South Korea is a major producer of lithium batteries, utilized in products ranging from electric vehicles to laptops. Fire official, Kim Jin-young confirmed the identities of 21 of the victims, including 18 Chinese workers, one Laotian, and two South Koreans.
Out of the 100 workers present during the incident, eight sustained injuries, with two in serious condition. The fire was initiated on the second floor, where around 35,000 battery cells were inspected and packaged. It remains unclear what triggered the initial battery explosions.
Source: BBC
Julian Assange To Return To Australia As A Free Man
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – The founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange has pled guilty to a single espionage charge, ending his 12-year battle against extradition to the United States. Assange, who has spent the last five years in a high-security British prison and nearly seven years at the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid arrest, was released from prison on Monday.
He will return to his home country, Australia, later in the week. Assange, 52, admitted to a felony charge related to his involvement in publishing nearly half a million classified United States military documents on WikiLeaks, which exposed details of the United States wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His guilty plea was entered in a United States court located in a remote Pacific territory on Wednesday, leading to his sentencing of time already served. This plea deal marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal struggle, allowing Assange to avoid further imprisonment in the US and return to Australia as a free man.
Source: CNN
President Ruto Of Kenya Withdraws Bill To Raise Tax Following Protest That Killed 23
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – The President of Kenya, William Ruto has withdrawn a controversial finance bill aimed at raising taxes after violent protests erupted nationwide following its approval by parliament. Ruto's unexpected decision came after clashes between police and protesters resulted in at least 23 deaths and numerous injuries.
While speaking in a press briefing in Nairobi, Ruto stated he would not sign the 2024 finance bill, acknowledging the strong opposition from the public. This reversal marks a significant setback for Ruto, who had promised to help Kenyans cope with rising costs but faced united opposition from the youth and other groups.
Ruto proposed engaging in dialogue with young people, civil society, religious organizations, and professional bodies regarding the bill to further calm the situation. He also announced austerity measures to reduce government expenditure in various branches to align with the public's demands.
Source: The Guardian
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