The Global News Desk 115

Helsinki, Finland —    At least 5  people died after two helicopters collided and crashed in Finland, according to state media reports.  The police report confirmed that the deadly accident happened in the vicinity of Kauttua city, near Eura Airport in southwestern Finland.  "The National Bureau of Investigation reported that a helicopter accident on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 5 people." According to the flight plans, the law and order department reported that one helicopter had two people on board, while the other carried three. One helicopter was registered in Estonia, and the other in Austria. Both helicopters belonged to Estonian companies. Eleon owned one, and another belonged to NOBE. 

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the US is close to reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran, as Tehran agreed "in principle" to the terms outlined in the accord.   As reported by AFP, President Trump said, "We are engaged in highly significant negotiations with Iran aimed at achieving long-term peace."  This announcement was made during his 4-day visit to the Gulf states. The ongoing negotiations between Iranian and U.S. representatives, aimed at resolving differences concerning Tehran's nuclear program, concluded in Oman on Sunday. Further talks are expected as Tehran insisted on maintaining its peaceful uranium enrichment. Foreign media said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei informed the media on Wednesday that Tehran is willing to enrich uranium just for civilian purposes and let international inspectors monitor the process. Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Iran, asserted that uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes is an inal...

DHAKA, Bangladesh  —  Bangladesh's Election Commission suspended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, barring it from the next national elections. Bangladesh's Election Commission acted against Sheikh Hasina's Awami League following a request from the interim government. Under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the government amended a law to allow for the trial of an entire party for certain crimes, rather than just a few members. Last year, a student protest toppled Ms. Hasina's authoritarian government. She escaped to India, but the Awami League continued operating in Bangladesh. Ms. Hasina's party supporters were held accountable for last week's assault on Hasnat Abdullah, a significant figure in the previous year's uprising.  Students were angered by the incident and urged that the Awami League face heavy sanctions.

Saudi media reported that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a $142 billion defense deal on Tuesday. The White House report said that the US and Saudi Arabia have signed a $142 billion defense sales agreement.  This deal will provide Saudi Arabia with advanced equipment and services from American companies. The White House says that this defense deal is part of Saudi Arabia's promise to invest $600 billion in the US. The deal includes the export of $14.2 billion in GE gas turbines and energy solutions and $4.8 billion in Boeing 737 8 passenger jets.

The Gaza Government Media Office reports that 409 media activists and more than 210 journalists have been killed since Israel launched its bombardment on Gaza in October 2023. Since October 7, 2023, a total of 211 journalists, including 28 women, have died in Gaza.  This verified information highlights the severe risks media professionals face in conflict areas and the crisis's deep impact on truth-tellers.  This tragic toll underscores the dangerous conditions journalists endure to provide news globally. UNESCO says that at least 47 journalists have been killed while working. Meanwhile, the Palestinian authority's media office in Gaza reports that Israeli occupation forces have detained 48 journalists, with many experiencing torture while in custody.

GOA, India —  A chaotic stampede occurred on Saturday morning at the Lairai Devi Temple in Goa, resulting in the tragic deaths of six devotees and injuring 80 others, as reported by hospital authorities. Thousands of devotees packed the narrow streets leading to a sacred Hindu temple in Shirgao town, causing a stampede.  This town is about 40 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital, as reported by the police. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities launched an inquiry into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness over the tragic loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. Due to insufficient management, such stampedes are regrettably common in India.  On July 2, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, where more than 100 individuals, including women and children, lost their lives during a stampede at a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) organized by...

TEHRAN, Iran —  The explosion at Bandar Abbas port devastated the Shahid Rajaee section, resulting in hundreds of injuries and 25 fatalities.  The explosion was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time (2100 GMT/2:00 a.m. PKT) on Saturday. State media reported that an explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajaee port section after a fuel tanker blew up for unknown reasons.  The injured were quickly taken to different medical facilities across Hormozgan, leading local authorities to declare a state of emergency in the city.  This urgent measure ensured that medical staff and resources were ready and available to effectively manage the situation and provide the necessary care to those affected. The explosion was exceedingly violent, resulting in the shattering of windows and doors in nearby buildings and causing significant damage to vehicles, and  could be heard up to 55 kilometers away. The Bandar Abbas port is located in the Central District of Bandar Ab...