Massive fire damages Tomorrowland's main stage ahead of festival in Belgium
A fire has badly damaged the main stage of Belgium’s iconic Tomorrowland festival, just two days before opening to an expected 100,000 attendees, Al Jazeera reported.
Organizers confirmed no injuries and said the festival will proceed as planned, with the campsite opening Thursday. Authorities believe the fire was accidental, and an investigation is underway.
Despite the loss of the main stage, performances by major artists including David Guetta and Armin van Buuren will continue, with events shifted to other stages.
Israel strikes Gaza and Syria amid ongoing conflict
At least 93 Palestinians, including 30 people waiting for food aid, were killed in the past 24 hours as Israeli attacks intensified across Gaza, medical sources say. The death toll has now surpassed 58,500, with over 139,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
In Syria, Israeli airstrikes hit several sites, including the Defense Ministry and areas near the presidential palace in Damascus, killing at least three and injuring dozens. Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, calling them an attempt to stir further chaos, according to Al Jazeera.
The violence follows Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which left over 1,100 dead and more than 200 taken captive.
UK and Germany to sign post-Brexit friendship treaty
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit London on Thursday to sign a “friendship treaty” with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed at renewing ties and strengthening defence cooperation post-Brexit.
The treaty will include a mutual defence pledge, emphasising joint action in the face of shared security threats. Though both are NATO members, the agreement signals deeper collaboration, including in weapons development and NATO operations, according to Firstpost.
The leaders will also discuss continued support for Ukraine and announce new defence export deals, including Boxer vehicles and Typhoon jets, alongside plans to deliver a jointly developed long-range missile system within the next decade.
Mining pit collapse in Ghana kills four, twenty trapped
A mining pit collapse in Akyem Wenchi, in Ghana’s Eastern Region, left four people dead and around twenty others trapped underground on Wednesday, according to Xinhua.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with residents assisting authorities. The cause of the collapse remains unknown.
Rocket attack on bus in Pakistan’s Balochistan kills three
At least three people were killed and 11 injured after militants targeted a passenger bus with a rocket-propelled grenade in Balochistan’s Kalat district on Wednesday, officials said.
The bus was en route from Karachi to Quetta when it came under attack. Several of the injured remain in critical condition at a local hospital.
Security forces have launched a search operation, but no group has claimed responsibility. The incident comes amid a rise in militant violence across the region, Xinhua reported.
Sirens and evacuations as Taipei rehearses to counter China invasion threat
Taipei will come to a standstill Thursday as Taiwan conducts one of its largest civil defence drills amid growing tensions with China. Air raid sirens will sound across the city, with residents required to shelter indoors and traffic and businesses temporarily halted. The exercise includes mass evacuations and emergency response rehearsals, according to BBC.
This drill is part of Taiwan’s expanded Han Kuang war games, involving over 22,000 troops practicing defence on land, sea, and air, as well as urban warfare and countering misinformation.
Despite fears of a Chinese invasion, many Taiwanese remain doubtful it will happen soon but recognize the importance of preparedness. Taiwan continues to strengthen its military and civil defence capabilities in response to ongoing threats, BBC reported.
Coca-Cola to use real cane sugar in US coke, Trump confirms
US President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola will return to using real cane sugar in its namesake soda sold in the US, following his discussions with the company.
“I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using real Cane Sugar in Coke… and they have agreed,” he posted on Truth Social, according to Xinhua.
Coca-Cola confirmed the decision, adding that more product updates will follow soon. The company switched to high-fructose corn syrup in the 1980s to cut costs.
The move comes amid rising health concerns over artificial sweeteners. Coca-Cola already sells a cane sugar version known as “Mexican Coke”, Xinhua reported.
Trump discussed firing Fed boss but 'highly unlikely' he will
US President Donald Trump has said it’s “highly unlikely” he’ll fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, despite raising the idea with Republicans. Trump has repeatedly slammed Powell over interest rates, calling him a “knucklehead” and accusing him of mismanaging a costly Fed renovation project, BBC reported.
Though Powell’s term ends next May, Trump allies suggest the White House is building a case for removal. Powell insists he’ll serve out his term, and legal experts say a president can only fire a Fed governor “for cause.”
Economists warn that interfering with the Fed could rattle markets and hurt investor confidence. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says a process to find a potential replacement is underway.
