A talipot palm, imported from South Asia in the 1960s, has bloomed in Rio de Janeiro. This palm, one of the largest in the world, flowers only once in its lifetime, after which it naturally dies.
Massive floods and landslides caused by a tropical storm in Southeast Asia have killed over 600 people and affected more than 4 million. The highest number of casualties was recorded in Indonesia (435), Thailand (170), and Malaysia (3), as well as 153 deaths in Sri Lanka.
The death toll from floods on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has exceeded 300 people, with another 279 considered missing. Hundreds of flood victims have also been reported in neighboring Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Cyclone 'Ditwa' caused torrential rains and floods in Sri Lanka, claiming the lives of 123 people, with another 130 still missing. 43,995 people have been displaced to welfare centers, and India has provided humanitarian aid.
In Indonesia, 94 people have died and nearly 80,000 have been evacuated due to floods on the island of Sumatra. About 80 people are considered missing, and over 100 are trapped in their homes.
In Sri Lanka, at least 56 people have died and 21 are missing due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rains. The country is preparing for Cyclone Ditwa, which increases risks for low-lying areas, including the capital Colombo.
Kenyan police rescued 22 people from a group that fraudulently recruited them to work in Russia, but actually planned to send them to fight in Ukraine. One suspect has been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.
Russia is recruiting youth from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to produce attack drones in the Alabuga special economic zone. They are promised high salaries but are forced to assemble drones used for strikes against Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has maintained a basic tariff rate of 10% for countries with a positive trade balance. For 40 countries with a trade deficit with the US, a minimum tariff of 15% has been set, and for Canada, the tariff has increased to 35%.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three decrees, synchronizing EU sanctions against Russia and implementing packages of restrictions against Iran. The sanctions apply to individuals and legal entities from various countries, including the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Iran.
The wedding of the Israeli Prime Minister's son was canceled due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. This caused controversy and anger among protesters who condemned the Netanyahu family.
X users noticed a correlation between pizza orders near the Pentagon and international crises. Shortly before the explosions in Tehran, a surge in orders was recorded.
Thousands of Russians are unable to leave Dubai and Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations. Flights are being canceled due to the hostilities in Iran and Israel, and many people are stuck in airports.
A cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala. The Indian Navy rescued 18 crew members, the fate of four others remains unknown.
May 12 is International Nurses Day, World Melanoma Day, Vesak Day and other important events. This is a time for celebration, support and awareness.
