Groundbreaking Africa-led HIV Vaccine Trial Launches in South Africa

Cape Town — An African-led effort to develop an HIV vaccine has launched a clinical trial at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town, organizers announced, with the first participant already enrolled. The study, called BRILLIANT 011 and led by The BRILLIANT Consortium, is being conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and is designed to target the strains of HIV that are circulating in Southern Africa. "The trial is...marking a major milestone in African-led HIV vaccine research. BRILLIANT…

Dutch authorities return 3,500-year-old looted sculpture to Egypt

The Netherlands has returned a 3,500-year-old Egyptian sculpture to Cairo after Dutch authorities concluded the antiquity had been looted, resurfacing at an art fair in Maastricht in 2022 before being seized. A joint investigation by Dutch police and the cultural heritage inspectorate determined in 2025 that the stone head, originally part of a block statue, had been plundered and unlawfully removed from Egypt, most likely amid the unrest of the 2011 Arab Spring, before entering the international art market. Experts believe…

Election Accord Among Elites Could Legitimize Somalia’s Fragile State

In Mogadishu’s Dec. 25 municipal vote, the promise of direct democracy met the reality of centralized power. Marketed as a landmark step toward universal suffrage and a prelude to Somalia’s 2026 presidential contest, the election in the Banadir region looked—by design and outcome—like a nomination process dressed up as a popular mandate. That tension goes to the core of Somalia’s electoral dilemma: in a fragile state without a census, credible registries or impartial institutions, the rush to “one person, one vote” can…

Irish students partner to draft plans for Kharkiv’s postwar revival

In a studio at Warsaw University of Technology, Irish and European architecture students are sketching a future for Kharkiv—Ukraine’s battered second city—one street, shelter and skyline at a time. Architecture students from the University of Limerick and University College Dublin have joined peers from Poland, the Czech Republic and Ukraine for a two-week “Building Back Better” workshop focused on post-war designs for Kharkiv’s recovery. Organized with the Kharkiv School of Architecture, the program has drawn more than 100…

3 Expert Tips for Effective Weight Loss from a Nutritionist

The source text predominantly focuses on practical guidance for effective weight loss, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability. Given that it provides actionable tips from a registered dietitian, along with insights about human behavior regarding dieting, the most suitable format is Healthy Eating. This aligns with the themes of science-informed nutrition, practical tips, and culturally diverse examples related to wellness trends. Embracing Simplicity: The Key Rules for Effective Weight Loss Feeling overwhelmed by various…

Russian general shot several times in Moscow, officials report

Russian Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev shot and wounded in Moscow apartment building, investigators say A senior Russian general was shot and injured inside a Moscow apartment building, officials said, in the latest apparent assassination attempt targeting the country’s military leadership. Russia’s Investigative Committee said in a statement that “an unidentified individual fired several shots” at Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev before fleeing the scene. “The victim has been hospitalised,” the agency added, without providing…

UK Government Found Responsible for 1949 Nigerian Mine Tragedy

Court Rules: British Government Must Compensate Families of Iva Valley Mine Massacre Victims In a landmark ruling, Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court has ordered the British government to pay U.S.$27 million in compensation to each of the families affected by the 1949 Iva Valley Mine massacre. This tragedy saw colonial forces open fire on protesting coal miners, killing 21 and injuring 51 amidst demands for better working conditions and fair wages. The civil lawsuit, spearheaded by activist Greg Onoh, sought…

Rwanda’s Kagame Denies Responsibility for Congolese Turmoil

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame firmly stated that his country should not be held accountable for the internal issues plaguing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a recent address at the National Umushyikirano Council in Kigali, Kagame underscored the principle that each nation must confront and resolve its own challenges. Highlighting the significance of national security, Kagame asserted that Rwanda remains committed to safeguarding its citizens, particularly against threats posed by the Democratic Forces for…

U.S. and Iran poised to open nuclear talks in Oman

Iran and the United States will open talks in Oman as early as this week, with Washington signaling it will test the chances for progress on Iran’s nuclear program while refusing to rule out military action. Both capitals confirmed late Wednesday that delegations would meet in Muscat, the first such encounter since June, when the United States joined Israel’s war against Iran with strikes on nuclear sites. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are due to lead…

Saudi Arabia Backs Somalia’s Unity, Opposes Moves Undermining Its Sovereignty

Saudi Arabia backs Somalia’s unity as region pushes back against Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any attempts to undermine the country’s unity or create parallel entities — a stance that underscores growing regional opposition to Israel’s recent recognition of North Western State of Somalia. In a Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman, the Kingdom voiced support for the outcome of an…