GERMANY: Flight cancellations at Hamburg Airport after a surprise strike by workers affected more than 40,000 passengers today, before a planned protest across the country tomorrow.

The surprise walkout, which reportedly took place with only a half-hour advance notice, came before a broader series of pre-announced strikes across 13 airports in Germany on Monday, organised by the ver.di union.

The union called for today’s strike by security control staff to put pressure on company representatives amid collective bargaining talks.

VATICAN: Pope Francis issued a message yesterday thanking volunteers for the “miracle of tenderness” they offer the sick, as he continued his recovery from double pneumonia.

After more than three weeks in the hospital, the 88-year-old has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days.

For the fourth Sunday in a row, Francis didn’t appear for his weekly noon blessing, but in a statement he thanked all those who were caring for him and others who are sick and experiencing a “night of pain.”

NEPAL: Thousands of monarchists greeted former king Gyanendra Shah on Sunday, demanding the reinstatement of his brutal reign and the return of Hinduism as the state religion.

An estimated 10,000 people flocked to the main entrance of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan international airport as he arrived from a tour of western Nepal.

“Vacate the royal palace for the king,” some chanted.

As king, Mr Shah disbanded the government and parliament, jailed politicians and journalists, cut off communications, declared a state of emergency and used the army to rule the country.

IRAN: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that he had rejected a US push for talks because they would be aimed at imposing restrictions on his country’s missile range.

Mr Khamenei did not identify the US by name but said a “bullying government” was being persistent in its push for talks.

Mr Khamenei’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump acknowledged sending a letter to him seeking to replace the nuclear deal he withdrew from during his first term in office.