Many treasures vulnerable to destruction in Notre Dame fire; Russia passes bill against fake news

French officials confirmed on April 16 that they had saved the main structure of Notre Dame Cathedral after a massive fire. Most of the relics kept at Notre Dame Cathedral, including Jesus' crown of thorns and a piece of the True Cross, were saved from the fire. But experts fear the combination of intense heat, smoke and flames will make it difficult for many artworks inside the cathedral to remain intact, especially the original medieval stained glass windows.

Firefighters also worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the two 13th-century stone bell towers on the west facade of the cathedral. The French culture minister shared some pictures of priceless works of art being "rescued" and loaded onto trucks, which can be seen as a small consolation in the midst of the tragedy for the people of Paris and people around the world.

Russia passes bill to fight fake news and increase internet sovereignty

Panorama of the State Duma (Lower House) meeting in Moscow. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

The Russian State Duma (lower house) on April 16 passed a draft law for the third time on strengthening Moscow's sovereignty over the Internet and preventing foreign interference. Previously, on March 6, the bill was passed by the lower house of the Russian parliament in the second debate, according to which the bill also allows the prosecutor's office to decide what is "fake news," and empowers the media watchdog to demand that media remove this information. Websites that do not comply will be blocked. Fines can be up to 1.5 million rubles (about 22,700 USD) if the violation leads to serious consequences such as death or violence.

The above anti-fake news bill still has to wait for approval from the Senate before being signed into law by President V. Putin.

US considers new military action in Venezuela

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Colombian President Ivan Duque in an area near the Venezuelan border. Photo: AFP

CNN on April 16 quoted a senior defense source as saying the Pentagon is drafting new military options in Venezuela to "deter Russia, China and Cuba from exerting influence in Venezuela." These options were considered after a meeting at the White House last week, when National Security Advisor John Bolton called on Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan to come up with ideas for the crisis in Venezuela.

Although Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said that “all options” are on the table, multiple Defense Department officials have said the agency has no intention of using military force against the Venezuelan government. Instead, deterrent measures could include U.S. Navy exercises in the region to emphasize the importance of humanitarian aid in Venezuela and military coordination with neighboring countries.

UK employment rate at record high despite Brexit uncertainty

British people in the area of ​​the British Parliament building in London. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on April 16 that the country's employment rate has reached a record high despite the uncertainties surrounding the country's exit from the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit. According to ONS, the number of employed people in the UK increased by 179,000 to a record 32.72 million in the three months from December 2018 to February. This is the highest level since 1971 when ONS began compiling employment data. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remained at 3.9%, the lowest level since 1975.

The UK jobs market remained buoyant in February, with rising employment and falling unemployment driving the fastest wage growth since the global financial crisis a decade ago, said Christopher Williamson, chief economist at IHS Markit.

Egyptian Parliament discusses extending presidential term

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Photo: Twitter

Egypt's parliament is holding its final debate on proposed constitutional amendments that could allow President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi to stay in power until 2030. The April 16 debate comes ahead of lawmakers' final vote on changes to the 2014 constitution, which will then be put to a referendum, expected in early May before Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan.

Although the proposal only extends the presidential term from four to six years, it includes a special provision for extending Mr. el-Sisi's current term, which is also his second term, to six years and allowing him to run for another six-year term in 2024.

At least 297 people died during the traditional Songkran festival in Thailand

People participate in the water-splashing ceremony to celebrate the traditional Songkran New Year in Bangkok, Thailand on April 13, 2019. Photo: THX/TTXVN

At least 297 people were killed and more than 2,800 injured in traffic accidents across the country during the five peak days of Songkran, from April 11 to 15, said Sukhum Kanchanaphimai, director of Thailand's Road Safety Monitoring Center, on April 16. According to Mr. Sukhum, a total of 2,702 road accidents occurred during this occasion, mainly in Chiang Mai province. Udon Thani province had the most deaths (14 people), while Chiang Mai had the most injuries with 104 cases.

Most road traffic accidents were caused by drunk driving, accounting for 40.68%, followed by speeding, at 27.54%. Motorcycles were the vehicle involved in most traffic accidents, accounting for 78.85%.