Former UN chief and Nobel peace laureate Kofi Annan dies aged 80

13 Sept 05:53 Key points summarised by AI

Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away at 80 in Switzerland after a short illness.
A Ghanaian national, Annan served two terms as U.N. chief from 1997-2006, dedicated to resolving conflicts and promoting good governance globally.

Italy sends troops, toughens security laws after Milan clashes

Today 07:58 Key points summarised by AI

Italy deployed 500 troops to Milan and enacted stricter security laws, including easier detention for minors and new penalties for violent protest participation, following weekend riots and looting.
Nationwide fuel price protests, particularly in southern Italy, severely disrupted vital supply chains, forcing major pasta producers like Garofalo and Rummo to halt or scale back production.
The protests led to food shortages in southern supermarkets, prompting Transport Minister Salvini to pledge €480 million to address the fuel crisis, though some unions continue blockades.
Prime Minister Meloni condemned the violence, emphasizing that "destroying and stealing is not protest, it is crime," as the government faces upcoming elections dominated by economic, security, and immigration concerns.