Amid a surge in human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases in the UK, health authorities are urging mask-wearing and other precautions. Hospitals are straining under the pressure, particularly with winter illnesses compounding the crisis. Enhanced monitoring and increased bed capacity are part of ongoing measures to manage the situation.
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Amid escalating conflict in eastern Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi urged young people to enlist against Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized key areas, including parts of Goma and South Kivu. A regional summit called for peace talks, but Tshisekedi was absent. Rwanda’s leader, Paul Kagame, threatened South Africa over its involvement after 13 peacekeepers were killed. Analysts warn of a prolonged crisis driven by control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
The most notable changes are new finance and transport ministers. The reshuffle comes as Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempts to shore up support for his government after mass protests over a 2023 train crash.
The White House claimed victory in its dispute with Colombia over the deportation of migrants, after President Trump threatened steep tariffs and sanctions. Tensions arose when Colombia's President Gustavo Petro rejected US military flights carrying deported migrants, citing mistreatment concerns. In response, Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Colombian imports, with a potential increase to 50 per cent. The situation highlighted the Trump administration's stance on immigration and its use of... Expand
At least 56 senior officials from USAID were placed on administrative leave following an internal probe into alleged attempts to undermine President Trump's executive orders. This action comes after Trump's directive to pause most foreign assistance for 90 days. The move has caused significant disruption in global aid programs, with many questioning how this might impact US foreign aid priorities in the future.
Ukraine is willing to exchange captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. President Zelenskyy announced this potential swap on X. Ukraine claims to have captured two North Korean soldiers and accuses Pyongyang of sending troops to support Russia. Kyiv expects to capture more troops amidst ongoing battles.
Britain's economic growth grew by 0.1 percent in November, less than expected. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and finance minister Rachel Reeves face challenges despite a slight drop in UK inflation in December. Reeves aims to drive economic growth amid criticism. Predictions indicate economic slowdown may continue amid higher taxes and potential trade conflicts.
Hamas's armed wing announced the release of four Israeli women hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement aims to release 33 hostages. Families of the hostages urged the Israeli Prime Minister to expedite the process for the remaining 94 captives.
The two main issues on which Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk clashed are: First, Elon Musk wanted DOGE to focus on expenditure cut while Vivek wanted to focus on cutting regulations and bureacracy; second, Elon wanted DOGE to become a part of the government which it became after Donald Trump signed the executive order, Vivek wanted it to remain outside the government.
Pope Francis's death on Easter has reverberated globally, with US Vice-President JD Vance among the last dignitaries to meet him. Vance's visit to the Vatican included a meeting with the Pope, where he expressed concern for his health and exchanged gifts. Following the Pope's passing, both Vance and President Trump issued statements honoring his legacy and contributions.
US President Donald Trump is receiving rare accolades from animal advocacy groups like PETA for federal agencies' plans to phase out animal testing. The FDA and EPA are shifting towards humane alternatives, with the FDA using lab-grown organoids and AI. The EPA is reinstating a Trump-era directive to eliminate animal testing by 2035.