SpaceX launches 3 visitors to the space station for $55M each
SpaceX launched three wealthy businessmen to the International Space Station on a private mission, paying $55 million per person for a week-long stay. The flight includes an American, Canadian, and Israeli entrepreneur, marking SpaceX's first private charter to the orbiting lab.
Food prices soar to record levels on Ukraine war disruptions
UN report reveals record-breaking food price index, with grains and vegetable oils experiencing significant increases. Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupts global food supply, raising concerns about potential widespread malnourishment.
Europe agrees to ban Russian coal but struggles with oil, gas
The European Union has agreed to ban Russian coal, marking a significant step in economic pressure over the Ukraine conflict. The €4 billion sanctions target Russia's energy exports while highlighting the complex challenge of reducing dependency on Russian oil and natural gas without triggering economic recession.
UN assembly suspends Russia from top human rights body
The United Nations General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from its top human rights council, citing alleged war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the vote a "historic moment" to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Congress votes to suspend Russia’s trade status, enact an oil ban
The US Congress voted unanimously to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and ban its oil imports. The legislation follows President Biden's executive actions and supports Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Both Senate and House overwhelmingly approved the measures.
Germany seeks to boost renewable energy and cut Russian imports.
Germany's government has approved a 600-page "Easter package" aimed at dramatically increasing renewable energy production. The plan seeks to generate almost all electricity from wind and solar sources by 2035, more than doubling current rates while streamlining bureaucratic processes for faster implementation.
UN to vote on suspending Russia from the rights council.
The United Nations will vote on potentially removing Russia from the Human Rights Council following discovery of civilian casualties in Bucha, with U.S. Ambassador calling for accountability amid global outcry.
Mariupol’s dead put at 5,000 as Ukraine braces in the east.
Ukrainian authorities continue investigating civilian killings near Kyiv after Russian forces retreated. The mayor of Mariupol estimates over 5,000 civilians have died during the siege, while Western allies prepare new sanctions against Russia for alleged war crimes.
The US hits Russia with ‘war crimes’ sanctions, Europe following.
The United States has launched a new wave of financial sanctions against Russia, focusing on President Vladimir Putin's family and two major banks. The UK and EU are set to follow, escalating economic pressure over the Ukraine invasion and alleged war crimes.
Asia’s US$350bil gas projects intensify the clean energy debate.
Asia is investing over US$350 billion in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, aiming to reduce coal consumption while triggering debates about long-term fossil fuel dependence and renewable energy adoption across China, Philippines, and Vietnam.
