The German Cabinet has approved stricter asylum laws, aiming to streamline the deportation process by easing the designation of "safe countries of origin." This move, spearheaded by interior minister Dobrindt, seeks to bypass parliamentary approval for such designations. The cabinet also approved the abolition of a rule calling for people in pre-deportation custody to be automatically be assigned a lawyer by the state.
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Amid pressure from the Trump administration to increase deportations, ICE is undergoing another leadership shake-up, with several senior officials stepping down or being reassigned. This follows the administration's ambitious goal of 3,000 daily arrests, a significant increase from current rates. Despite internal uncertainty, ICE leadership is urging staff to stay focused on fulfilling their mandate.
The Trump administration has withdrawn $766 million in funding from Moderna, impacting the development of vaccines against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including H5N1 bird flu. This decision raises concerns despite evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of Moderna's vaccines. Simultaneously, a new, highly contagious Covid-19 variant, NB.1.81, has emerged in the US, adding to public health challenges.
Flash flooding in north-central Nigeria last week killed more than 200 people, the Niger state humanitarian commissioner said Tuesday, while hundreds more remain missing and are feared dead. Given the number of people still missing nearly a week later, the toll from a single morning of flooding in Mokwa could be worse than all of 2024 combined, which saw 321 deaths from flooding across the country.
Iran on Sunday warned it would retaliate if European powers that have threatened to reimpose nuclear sanctions "exploit" a UN report showing Tehran has stepped up production of highly enriched uranium. The European trio have warned they could reimpose sanctions if they deemed Iran's nuclear programme a threat to the continent's security.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Indo-Pacific allies of unwavering support against China's military and economic pressures, highlighting Beijing's aggressive stance on Taiwan and military advancements. He urged regional nations to increase defence spending, cautioning against the risks of balancing relations between the U.S. and China. Hegseth emphasized the U.S. commitment to bolstering its presence in the region.
Israel will not cooperate with a planned visit by Arab foreign ministers to the occupied West Bank, an Israeli official announced, after a Saudi source said the kingdom's top diplomat was heading to Ramallah.that Prince Faisal bin Farhan would become the first Saudi foreign minister to visit the West Bank on Sunday.
In anticipation of Eid-ul-Adha, the Bangladesh central bank has released new currency notes of Taka 1,000, Taka 50, and Taka 20. These notes replace the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with depictions of nationally significant establishments and scenic locations. The new notes are available in limited quantities at the Motijheel office and will be distributed more widely soon.
Driven by the Ukraine war and global instability, a growing number of young Germans are reconsidering careers in the defence sector, marking a shift from post-war pacifism. Arms manufacturers are actively recruiting, attracting students with perks and scholarships. While some still hold ethical reservations, economic factors and changing perceptions of national security are fueling interest in the industry.
Top security officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted the interconnectedness of global security, citing China and North Korea's support for Russia as evidence of blurred regional lines. Concerns were raised that Russia's success in Ukraine could embolden China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding Taiwan. A unified global approach is needed to address the coordinated authoritarian axis of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
The UN warns of a high probability that average global warming will surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius benchmark between 2025 and 2029, following record-breaking temperatures in recent years. The report highlights the increasing negative impacts on economies, daily lives, and ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need to cut fossil fuel emissions and transition to clean energy to mitigate dangerous levels of warming.