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Residents of Aegina, a Greek island, have been without drinkable water for several days due to an alleged act of sabotage takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
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King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, though the specific type remains undisclosed. Discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate, the 75-year-old monarch has begun regular treatments and will pause public duties. He remains positive about his recovery. Charles informed his sons, with Prince Harry set to visit from the U.S. Despite his diagnosis, the King will continue his constitutional role, including meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Monday, 5 February, 2024
Residents of Aegina, a Greek island, have been without drinkable water for several days due to an alleged act of sabotage disabling an undersea pipeline from the mainland. An explosive charge likely severed the 12-kilometer pipeline, with repairs expected to take weeks. Coast guard divers have located the damage, and a judicial investigation is underway. The sabotage may be linked to competition among private water suppliers. Aegina is a popular destination near Athens with a population of about 13,000.
Tuesday, 6 February, 2024
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev secured a fifth consecutive term in Wednesday's elections, winning 92% of the vote amid a crackdown on independent media and absence of real opposition. The Central Election Commission confirmed Aliyev's victory with a 67.7% turnout. Aliyev gained popularity after recapturing Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian separatists last year. Major opposition parties boycotted the vote, calling it an "imitation of democracy," with other candidates praising Aliyev as a great leader.
Wednesday, 7 February, 2024
Iceland has declared a state of emergency after a volcanic eruption damaged key hot water pipes on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Thousands are urged to limit hot water and electricity use as repairs may take days. Concerns rise over other pipelines near the Svartsengi power station. This is the third eruption since December. The eruption has closed the Blue Lagoon and disrupted hot water supply for over 20,000 people. Schools are shut, and Keflavik Airport remains operational.
Thursday, 8 February, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to prepare for the evacuation of civilians from Rafah, Gaza, ahead of an expanded offensive against Hamas. About 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah. The US warned that an invasion would be disastrous, while the EU and UN expressed concerns. Aid groups say evacuation is impractical. Netanyahu emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas and instructed officials to plan for civilian evacuation and combat operations.
Friday, 9 February, 2024
A fire at the Chinon nuclear power plant in western France forced the shutdown of two reactors, EDF reported. The fire, in a non-nuclear sector of Unit 3, was quickly extinguished early February 10. Reactor 3 shut down automatically due to loss of main external power, and Reactor 4 was also shut down as a precaution. Chinon, operated by EDF, has four reactors, with no immediate timeline for their restart.
Saturday, 10 February, 2024
Myanmar's junta has mandated military service for all young men and women, state media reported Saturday, as it struggles against armed rebel forces. Men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 must serve up to two years, while specialists like doctors up to age 45 must serve three years. In the ongoing state of emergency, service can extend to five years. The military, or Tatmadaw, has faced significant personnel losses since October against ethnic insurgents and pro-democracy fighters.
Sunday, 11 February, 2024