Portal:Current events/2014 June 12

Current events of June 12, 2014 (2014-06-12) (Thursday)

Armed conflicts and attacks Iraqi insurgency (post-U.S. withdrawal) The United Nations Security Council meets to discuss the rapid progress of an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant offensive towards Baghdad. (SBS) Iraqi Kurds take over control of the city of Kirkuk as the army flees. (BBC) The Parliament of Iraq postpones a vote on Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's call for a state of emergency due to a lack of quorum. (BBC) War in North-West Pakistan At least ten more militants are killed in a suspected United States drone attack in North Waziristan. (NBC News) 2014 pro-Russian conflict in Ukraine Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov claims that three Russian tanks crossed into eastern Ukraine and were attacked by the Ukrainian Army. (Belfast Telegraph) Three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped by Palestinian militants. The Israel Defense Forces and Shin-Bet deployed large forces through the West Bank in order to find and rescue them. (Jerusalem Post) Arts and culture For his exploration of Colombia's drug trade Juan Gabriel Vásquez wins the prestigious €100,000 International Dublin Literary Award, the first South American to win the prize. (Independent) Business and economics Tesla Motors announces it will allow competitors to use its patents without paying royalties. (CNBC) Disasters At least six people are killed and 29 injured in a methane gas leak at the Bhilai Steel Plant in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India. (NDTV) Politics and elections Ontario general election, 2014: The Liberal Party of Ontario wins a majority government; Kathleen Wynne will remain the Premier of the province. (CBC News) Antigua and Barbuda general election, 2014 Voters in Antigua and Barbuda went to the polls with the Opposition Antigua Labour Party led by Gaston Browne winning a 15 of 17 seats. (Near Shore America) Sports 2014 FIFA World Cup The opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup is held, followed by the first game in Group A between Brazil and Croatia in Arena de São Paulo with Brazil winning 3-1. (AP)