WORLD
Russian missile strike on Odesa kills four, hits cargo ship amid ceasefire talks
A Russian missile strike on Odesa killed four and damaged a cargo ship amid Ukraine's endorsement of a US-backed ceasefire proposal. The ship was loading grain bound for Algeria during the attack.
WORLD
Vivian Jenna Wilson accuses Elon Musk of using sex-selective IVF for male heirs
Vivian Jenna Wilson alleges Elon Musk used sex-selective IVF to ensure male heirs. She says she spent years resisting imposed masculinity, only to later realise it resulted from a deliberate choice.
WORLD
Pakistan train siege: Security forces free 155 hostages as Balochistan crisis continues
Pakistan security forces rescued 155 hostages and killed 27 militants in Balochistan’s train siege. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, which began after militants bombed a railway track in Sibi district.
WORLD
China rejects Dalai Lama’s succession Claim, asserts authority over selection
China rejected the Dalai Lama’s claim that his successor would be born outside China, insisting he must “abide by the laws.” Beijing asserts its authority over the selection, escalating tensions over Tibet.
WORLD
Elon Musk claims Ukraine connection to X cyberattack
Elon Musk claims a massive cyberattack on X originated from Ukraine, causing widespread outages. He suggests a nation-state or organised group was involved, but experts warn against attributing attacks based on IP addresses alone.
WORLD
China expands influence throughout Asia via 'grey-zone' means
Beijing's South China Sea supremacy has been built over the last decade through island-building, militarisation, and frequent patrols. China's coast guard and maritime militia, backed by military bases like Mischief Reef, have asserted control over disputed waters, vastly outnumbering regional forces.
WORLD
Trump’s digital war room: How the White House controls the media narrative
The approach favours direct communication using memes, podcasts, and social media influencers over mainstream news organisations and the establishment of an autonomous media environment.
BUSINESS
US considers exemptions from Canada and Mexico tariffs amid market jitters
The US is considering granting exemptions to certain sectors from its newly imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as political tensions rise and auto industry stocks rebound amid trade uncertainty.
WORLD
UK's Labour party plans major overhaul of special educational needs system amid council budget crisis
The UK government is planning major reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system to address soaring council deficits, which could push multiple local authorities toward insolvency.
WORLD
Small businesses struggle as Trump's tariffs on China take effect
Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports are forcing small businesses to grapple with rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and uncertain futures as they struggle to absorb or pass on the financial burden.
WORLD
How Trump administration’s foreign aid cuts can spark global health crisis
The Trump administration's foreign aid cuts and dismantling of USAID are expected to cause a global health crisis, leading to millions of preventable deaths and economic disruption.
WORLD
Europe faces dilemma as US takes a step back on Ukraine
European leaders are struggling to understand the sudden shift in US policy toward Ukraine, following US President Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to CNN.
WORLD
Conspiracy theories fuel political unrest in South Korea as Yoon's supporters fear communist takeover
Conspiracy theories about a communist takeover are gaining traction in South Korea, fuelled by President Yoon Suk Yeol's rhetoric and fears of North Korean influence.
WORLD
China's concerns grow as Trump shifts diplomatic focus toward Russia
China is concerned that Trump's shift toward Russia in efforts to end the Ukraine war could undermine its strategic relationship with Moscow and complicate its own position in global diplomacy.
WORLD
Trump and Zelensky trade insults as tensions rise over Ukraine war
Trump and Zelensky exchanged harsh words, with Trump accusing Zelensky of starting the war and labelling him a "dictator," while Zelensky fired back, calling Trump’s remarks disinformation, amid growing concerns over a shift in US foreign policy toward Russia.
WORLD
GOP senators split on Trump’s attacks on Zelensky, reversals on Ukraine
Trump’s attacks on Zelensky, along with his shift in policy on the war, have highlighted the evolving dynamics within the GOP regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to The Washington Post.
WORLD
Delta offering $30,000 to passengers who were on plane that crash-landed in Toronto
The airline's offer has sparked attention, though it remains unclear how passengers can claim the money, as reported by NBC News.
WORLD
Peter Navarro's return to the White House cements his trade influence
His comeback follows a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress, but his loyalty to Trump and strong protectionist stance have cemented his influence in the new administration, according to the Financial Times.
WORLD
Steve Witkoff expands role to lead US negotiations with Russia on Ukraine
Steve Witkoff, a longtime Trump ally and real estate magnate, has been tasked with leading US negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, despite his lack of formal diplomatic experience, marking a major shift in the administration's approach to foreign policy.
WORLD
Why Saudi Arabia is the venue of choice for Trump's Ukraine talks
The Trump administration’s selection of Saudi Arabia for key Ukraine peace talks highlights the Kingdom’s rising global diplomatic influence, marking a shift from its near-pariah status after the 2018 Khashoggi murder.
WORLD
Trump officials struggled to reinstate nuclear weapons staff after firing hundreds
Trump administration officials faced chaos after firing over 300 nuclear weapons staff, scrambling to reinstate most amid national security concerns.
WORLD
Social Security commissioner exits after Musk’s DOGE team seeks access to sensitive records
The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration resigned after refusing to grant Elon Musk’s DOGE team access to sensitive government records, raising concerns over political interference and data security.
WORLD
Ukraine peace talks: European leaders strategize as US-Russia negotiations begin
European leaders scramble to respond as the US initiates Ukraine peace talks without their direct involvement, raising concerns over security guarantees and military commitments.
WORLD
UK calls for US security guarantee in Ukraine peace deal
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged a US security guarantee in any Ukraine peace deal, emphasizing Europe's need to strengthen its defence amid concerns over Trump's unilateral peace talks with Russia
