Thailand’s king appoints his consort as queen

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who will have his official coronation on May 4, has appointed his consort as the country’s queen. An announcement on May 1 in the Royal Gazette said Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya is legally married to the 66-year-old king, and is now Queen Suthida. Although she has been in the public eye for about three years, there has been little official information released about her and the news was a surprise to many Thais.

Clashes between protesters and Armed Forces in Venezuela

An anti-government protester winds up to throw a rock at security forces during clashes between the two, in Caracas, Venezuela on May 1, 2019.   | Photo Credit: AP

 

Demonstrators clashed with police on the streets of the Venezuelan capital on Tuesday, spurred by Opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s call on the military to rise up against President Nicolás Maduro — who said he had defeated an attempted coup. An apparently carefully planned attempt by Mr. Guaidó to demonstrate growing military support disintegrated into rioting as palls of black smoke rose over eastern Caracas.

2019 Billboard Music Awards: Drake wins 12 awards

US rapper Drake poses in the press room during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada.   | Photo Credit: AFP

The 2019 Billboard Music Awards ceremony was held at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1. It was hosted by American singer-songwriter, Kelly Clarkson.  Cardi B was leading the nominees with 21 noms in 18 categories. Drake became the most-awarded artist in BBMAs history by winning 12 awards.

Champions League semifinal: Barcelona beats Liverpool

Barcelona players celebrate after Lionel Messi scored his side's third goal during the Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between FC Barcelona and Liverpool at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on May 1, 2019.   | Photo Credit: AP

Lionel Messi hit the 600-goal mark for Barcelona after scoring twice to lead the Spanish club to a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

Liverpool dominated long stretches of the match but failed to finish its chances when it had the hosts on their back foot, especially early in the second half. Mohamed Salah still almost grabbed a valuable away goal for Liverpool late when he hit the post.

(With inputs from agencies)