Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Papua New Guinea – On Karkar Island in Papua New Guinea, coconut trees once used primarily for export are now being used for a different purpose. The island has shifted its focus to producing biodiesel from coconut oil extracted from copra, the dried meat of the fruit. This renewable fuel source is being used to power essential services like schools, hospitals, and cargo ships. Produced at the Kulili plantation, the facility makes around 600,000 litres of coconut-based biofuel a year.
Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to fight in spite of Joe Biden’s warning that the US might cut off some weapon supplies to Israel. Biden’s statement comes as a response to Israel should they launch a major offensive in Rafah, Gaza. The Israeli military believes it currently has enough weaponry for operations in Gaza, including any potential action in Rafah.
USA – Taylor Swift recently launched the European part of her Eras tour in Paris, France, featuring a refreshed lineup of songs. At the La Défense Arena, Swift’s setlist emphasised tracks from her new double album, The Tortured Poets Department, while omitting some fan favourites like “The Archer” and “The 1” to include newer songs such as “Fortnight” and “Down Bad”. She introduced a red sparkling bodysuit and a black dress with silver tassels. The concert, which lasted over three hours, was the first since the release of her latest album.
Iraq – Barzan Majeed, also known as Scorpion, is a fugitive wanted by multiple international law enforcement agencies, including those in the UK, for his involvement in people smuggling. During discussions both in public and at his office, Majeed admitted to transporting a large but unspecified number of migrants across the English Channel, estimating the figure to be between 1,000 and 10,000. The opportunity to speak with him was the result of an extensive effort by a journalist and Rob Lawrie, a former soldier turned refugee advocate, who wanted to confront the notorious smuggler. Majeed’s operations, primarily via boats and lorries, have dominated the smuggling trade across the English Channel for years.
Pictured above: Coconuts in Papua New Guinea.
Image source: Stock.
