A devastating heatwave struck the holy city of Mecca during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, resulting in the loss of at least 1,301 lives, mostly unauthorized pilgrims who braved extreme temperatures without adequate shelter or official permits. Apexnewsgh reports The Saudi government reported that over 75% of the deceased lacked official permits and succumbed to the intense heat, which reached a scorching 51.8C (125.2F) in Mecca. Many of the victims were elderly or chronically ill, according to the official Saudi news agency SPA. Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel expressed condolences and acknowledged efforts to raise awareness about heat stress, but critics argue that Saudi Arabia must do more to ensure the safety of all pilgrims, particularly those without official permits. The tragedy has sparked a global response, with countries like Egypt, Indonesia, India, and Jordan reporting significant losses. The fallout has led to government actions, including the revocation of tourism licenses and the firing of officials. The Hajj pilgrimage is a sacred duty for Muslims, but the costs and quota system have led many to attempt the journey without permits, risking arrest and deportation. This year’s tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and more inclusive access to this sacred event. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day visit to Vietnam, a strategic move aimed at showcasing Russia’s influence in the East despite being ostracized by the West. Apexnewsgh reports The visit comes on the heels of a trip to North Korea, where Putin met with leader Kim Jong Un, and is seen as a calculated effort to demonstrate Russia’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships in the region. The timing of the visit is significant, coming as it does after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Moscow and Western nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine with a $50 billion loan. The Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland last weekend further highlights the geopolitical tensions at play. Vietnam, a rising economic power and key exporter of garments, has emerged as a crucial partner for major nations, including the United States, Western countries, and India. Its unique position in Southeast Asia, balancing economic ties with China while pushing back against perceived military threats, makes it an attractive destination for Putin. According to Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center, “Putin will hope his Vietnam visit signals that Russia is far from isolated in Asia amid its recent Ukraine war inroads.” Despite Moscow’s limited list of regional friends, the visit is seen as a significant gesture of Russia’s enduring influence in the East. As Putin navigates the complex geopolitical landscape, his visit to Vietnam is a clear indication of Russia’s determination to maintain its status as a major player on the world stage. Source:  Apexnewsgh reports

The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has claimed the lives of at least 108 journalists and media workers, according to preliminary investigations by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This number is part of the over 38,000 individuals who have lost their lives since the war began, making it the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ started gathering data in 1992. The CPJ reports that the majority of the journalists and media workers killed were Palestinians, with at least 103 confirmed deaths. Two Israeli and three Lebanese journalists and media workers have also lost their lives in the conflict. The Gaza Strip has been particularly dangerous for journalists, with many facing numerous challenges, including Israeli airstrikes, disrupted communications, supply shortages, and extensive power outages. Despite these risks, journalists continue to work, often without protection, equipment, or international support. The CPJ has called for an end to the impunity in cases of journalists killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The organization has also expressed concern over the deliberate targeting of journalists, which constitutes a war crime under international law. The International Criminal Court has announced that it is seeking arrest warrant applications for Hamas and Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The CPJ continues to investigate numerous unconfirmed reports of journalists being killed, missing, detained, hurt, or threatened, as well as damage to media offices and journalists’ homes. The ongoing conflict in Israel-Gaza has resulted in one of the highest numbers of journalist casualties in recent history, with many more still under investigation. The CPJ’s list of journalist casualties is regularly updated as more information becomes available.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his six-member war cabinet, just over a week after the departure of centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot. Israeli media report that sensitive issues about the war with Hamas in Gaza will now be discussed by a smaller forum. Mr Netanyahu had faced demands from far-right ministers in his governing coalition to join the war cabinet, which could have further strained ties with the US and other international allies. A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that, as far as it was concerned, it would not affect the chain of command. Mr Gantz and Mr Eisenkot quit over the prime minister’s leadership, including the lack of a plan for post-conflict Gaza. The two former military chiefs had joined a national unity government with Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition days after the start of the war in October. “The [war] cabinet was in the coalition agreement with Gantz at his request. As soon as Gantz left – there is no need for a cabinet anymore,” Mr Netanyahu told ministers on Sunday, according to the Jerusalem Post. Haaretz reported that some of the issues previously discussed by the war cabinet would be transferred for discussion in the security cabinet, which includes the far-right National Security and Finance Ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. It said sensitive decisions would be addressed in a “smaller consultation forum”, which was expected to include Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and the chairman of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, Aryeh Deri, who was an observer in the war cabinet. The IDF’s chief spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Monday that the move would not affect it. “Cabinet members are being changed and the method is being changed. We have the echelon, we know the chain of command. We’re working according to the chain of command. This is a democracy,” he told reporters. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. More than 37,330 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. BBC

In a remarkable display of solidarity and ingenuity, the Ghana flag has become a beacon of hope for pilgrims from Ghana and other African countries who got lost in Mina during the Hajj pilgrimage. Apexnewsgh reports  On the third day of Hajj and the first day of Jamarat, many pilgrims struggled to locate their tents after returning from the Stoning of the Devil ritual. Fortunately, Ghanaian pilgrims had the foresight to flag the Ghanaian flag at strategic points, guiding their fellow countrymen and women to their tents. The distinctive flag also caught the attention of pilgrims from other African nations, such as Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Togo, who sought directions from the Ghana flag bearers to find their own tents. The city of Mina, dubbed the “city of tents,” can be overwhelming, with millions of pilgrims and identical tents making it easy to get lost. Despite efforts to label tents and provide GPS directions, many pilgrims still find themselves disoriented. The Ghana flag has proven to be a valuable resource, serving as a visible landmark and a symbol of African solidarity. One of the Ghana flag bearers expressed pride in their national flag, stating, “Our flag is helping not only Ghanaian pilgrims but also our African brothers and sisters to find their way. We’re happy to be of service and proud that our flag is synonymous with hope and guidance in Mina.” As the Hajj pilgrimage continues until June 18, 2024, the Ghana flag will remain a trusted guide for pilgrims navigating the vast tent city of Mina. Source:  Apexnewsgh.com

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, has advised priests to keep their homilies concise, warning that lengthy sermons can put the congregation to sleep. Apexnewsgh reports The Pope suggested that homilies should last no more than eight minutes, emphasizing that brevity is key to maintaining the audience’s attention. During his weekly audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis stressed that homilies should be brief, focusing on a single image, thought, or feeling. He humorously acknowledged that prolonged sermons can lead to drowsiness, stating, “After that time, attention is lost, and people fall asleep, and they are right.” This is not the first time Pope Francis has encouraged priests to be concise in their sermons. However, his own language has recently come under scrutiny, particularly after he used a derogatory term to describe the LGBTQ+ community. Despite apologizing for the incident, the Pope reportedly repeated the offensive term during a meeting with Roman priests on Tuesday. By urging priests to keep their homilies brief, Pope Francis aims to promote engaging and effective communication, ensuring that the congregation remains attentive and receptive to the message. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started with the issuance of the mandatory Nusuk card to Ghanaian Pilgrims currently in Mecca for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Apexnewsgh reports According to the Saudi gazette, the Nusuk pilgrim card aims to raise the efficiency of operational procedures for the upcoming Hajj season to make the pilgrimage much easier and simplified as well as to bring down instances of performing Hajj in an illegal way. It is designed to be easy to read automatically. The card facilitates Hajj workers to identify and verify the identity of each pilgrim, and also helps prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the holy sites, and thus ensuring the safety and security of all pilgrims. The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Hajj Board Secretariate, Alhaji Farouk Hamza is also been reiterating the importance and the role the Nusuk card plays in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Hajj board pilgrims especially whenever they are ready to be airlifted from Ghana, considering the high number of other Visa holders like the tourist, visiting, Umrah Visas who intends to use these visas to perform Hajj thus, creating an comfortable situation to Hajj Visa holders. At one of the Ghanaian hotels housing legitimate pilgrims, officials from the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah with support of Ghana’s Hajj Board officials has started with the issuance of the Nusuk cards to pilgrims ahead of the start of Hajj less than two weeks from now. The cards when given to a pilgrim, is further verified digitally and facial recognition to authenticate the card into the data base pool. This process will continue until every legitimate Ghanaian Pilgrim gets his or her card. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Tanko Mohammed Rabiu/Contributor Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

Grammy-nominated singer Halsey has shared a candid update about her health struggles, revealing that she’s been dealing with several serious conditions. Apexnewsgh reports In an Instagram post, the 29-year-old singer hinted that she’s been diagnosed with lupus and leukemia, in addition to her previously disclosed health issues. Halsey posted a series of photos and videos showing her in the hospital, undergoing treatment, and expressing her gratitude to be alive. “Long story short, I’m lucky to be alive,” she wrote in the caption, announcing her new album and lead single, “The End.” The singer, known for her hit tracks like “Closer” with The Chainsmokers and her debut album “Badlands,” has been open about her health struggles in the past. She’s spoken about her experiences with endometriosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and mast cell activation syndrome. In her latest post, Halsey shared her determination to overcome her health challenges, saying, “I told myself I’m giving myself two more years to be sick… When I’m 30, I’m having a rebirth, and I’m not going to be sick. I’m going to look super hot and have lots of energy and get to redo my 20s in my 30s.” Halsey’s new song, “The End,” touches on her health struggles, with lyrics about “poison” in her blood and starting treatment. The singer’s courage in sharing her story has resonated with fans, who are sending her love and support. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

The Yobe State government has revealed that repentant Boko Haram members are actively assisting in counterinsurgency operations in the state. Apexnewsgh reports Retired Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Mai Mala Buni, disclosed this in a briefing with newsmen in Damaturu. Abdulsalam addressed concerns raised by residents about the involvement of repentant insurgents in security operations in Geidam town. He assured that the government’s decision to engage with repentant Boko Haram members is aimed at ending insurgency and restoring peace. These “hybrid forces” provide crucial assistance to security agencies, including: – Intelligence gathering on insurgents and their collaborators, Identifying suppliers and collaborators of Boko Haram and ISWAP In Geidam, repentant Boko Haram operatives have helped contain terrorist infiltration and identify individuals with links to the insurgency. Twelve arrests have been made, and suspects are being interrogated and transferred to Damaturu. Abdulsalam urged Geidam residents to cooperate with security agents to dislodge terrorists and disrupt their supply chains, emphasizing that Boko Haram relies on fuel, food, and medicine to sustain their operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

After a 23-year search, the remains of Kellie Ann Carmichael, a Victorian woman who went missing in the Blue Mountains, have been found. Apexnewsgh reports Carmichael, 24 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen leaving a hostel in Katoomba on April 29, 2001. NSW Police announced that human remains were discovered in bushland near Katoomba on April 30 and May 27 as part of an unrelated operation. The remains have been formally identified as those of Carmichael, and her family has been notified. Carmichael had traveled to Katoomba seeking help from friends for her schizophrenia. She was reported missing by her parents on May 5, 2001, after her belongings, including her personal ID and phone, were found untouched at the hostel reception. Initial suspicions of suicide were dismissed by her parents, who always believed she met with foul play. A tip-off years later suggested murder, leading to a $200,000 reward in 2011. Despite this, no arrests were made. The discovery of Carmichael’s remains brings closure to her family’s 23-year search. An investigation is ongoing, and evidence will be prepared for the coroner. In a previous plea, Carmichael’s mother, Margaret, urged for new information, saying, “Anything at all… we will be thankful because our life is never going to be the same.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.