Global debt hits record of over $324 trillion, says IIF
Global debt rose by around $7.5 trillion in the first three months of the year to hit a record high of over $324 trillion, data from a banking trade group showed on Tuesday.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Paris' iconic Notre-Dame cathedral on Friday, marking his final visit before the landmark reopens to the public next week, following more than five years of intensive reconstruction.
The cathedral was severely damaged by a devastating fire on the evening of April 15, 2019, which destroyed much of the roof and caused the spire to collapse. The fire, which shocked viewers worldwide, also threatened the cathedral’s bell towers, although they and the façade survived. The blaze was an international tragedy, with the sight of the medieval structure in flames drawing global sympathy.
Since the fire, a massive reconstruction effort has been underway to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory. On Friday, drone footage revealed the completed spire, while scaffolding remained in place around parts of the façade as workers rushed to finalise the restoration ahead of the official reopening on December 7.
Whilst the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, French authorities have speculated that an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette may have been to blame.
Macron’s visit comes at a time when the world-famous cathedral is on the verge of returning to its role as a symbol of French heritage, following years of painstaking restoration.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
Moscow is currently holding a Victory Day parade to mark 80 years since the end of the Great Patriotic War, with foreign delegations and military units participating.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
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