More than 1,300 people died on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage – with numerous cases due to heat stress and unauthorized trips accounting for more than four out of five of the fatalities. The Saudi government said that 83% of those who died were unauthorized to perform Hajj and walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort.
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Germany agreed to send additional 12 billion euros in military support for Ukraine
The German government has agreed to send an additional 12 billion euros ($13 billion) worth of military support to Ukraine. The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag gave the green light on March 29 for the unbudgeted expenditure. The additional funding includes 3.2 billion euros to be disbursed in 2023 and credit lines for the period between 2024 and 2032 amounting to some 8.8 billion euros. With the money, Ukraine can directly buy armaments with the support of the German government.
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ISIS claims responsibility for attack in Istanbul church
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul during a Sunday Mass that killed one person.
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More than 200 people killed and hundreds injured in India’s train crash
More than 200 people have been killed and hundreds injured in a collision involving two passenger trains and a goods train in the Indian city of Balasore, in one of the worst rail crashes in recent history. State chief secretary Pradeep Jena said the death toll is expected to rise as teams carry out a colossal rescue operation. Friday’s rescue effort included more than 115 ambulances and several fire service units. About 500 units of blood were collected overnight with 900 units currently in stock.
