World

In a striking move, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental advocate known for spreading dubious claims about vaccines, to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the preeminent health agency in the United States. Kennedy, who once pursued the presidency as an independent candidate earlier this year, withdrew from the race in August. He subsequently threw his support behind Trump, looking to secure a position within the Republican administration as part of the…

In a heartfelt turn of events, the team at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland has linked the tragic passing of a baby red panda to the disruptive impact of fireworks, igniting a call for more stringent regulations surrounding their use. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the organization that oversees the zoo, has reported that veterinarians attribute the untimely death of three-month-old Roxie to her distress caused by nearby fireworks. It’s worth noting that her demise coincided with Bonfire Night, a holiday…

At the UN-led COP29 climate summit taking place in Azerbaijan, global leaders are presenting contrasting visions to confront climate change, while a new report emphasizes the urgent need for the world to achieve carbon neutrality sooner than anticipated. As delegates convene to negotiate vital agreements for climate funding, the focus is on supporting developing nations in their efforts to adapt to climate-related challenges. This pivotal conference aims to secure an extensive climate financing framework to unlock trillions…

The much-anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump at the White House offered a fleeting glimpse into their interaction. A handful of sentences exchanged during the "room spray"—the brief moment when photographers and journalists are usually allowed into the Oval Office as a meeting kicks off—were all we got. Biden's most memorable remark? A warm, "Welcome back." As Trump departed, he slipped past reporters gathered at the West Wing portico, who had expected a few sound bites from one…

Human Rights Watch has raised alarm bells in its latest report, asserting that Israel's ongoing evacuation orders in Gaza constitute what can be classified as the "war crime of forcible transfer." The organization boldly characterizes some of these actions as "ethnic cleansing" within various parts of the Palestinian territories. This stark depiction is not merely a casual observation; it's grounded in extensive research and firsthand accounts. In the words of the report, “Human Rights Watch has gathered compelling evidence…

In an unexpected yet cordial meeting, President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, who have long been arch-rivals in the political arena, sat down to discuss pressing global issues like Ukraine and the Middle East. Their conversation took place in the iconic Oval Office of the White House, a setting that radiated peace despite the stark differences in their political views. As White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre reported, "They tackled significant national security matters and domestic policies affecting…

The Spanish meteorological service has raised the alert levels in various regions of Valencia, responding to the significant risk of heavy rainfall—an urgent note following devastating floods that resulted in over 200 fatalities just two weeks prior. AEMET, the national weather agency, has issued a red alert, particularly for the coastline of Valencia. This alert is set to remain in effect until noon tomorrow (11 AM Irish time). Forecasters are predicting an alarming 180mm of rain could fall within just 12 hours. Malaga…

In a chilling display of justice, authorities in eastern Afghanistan have carried out the execution of a convicted murderer by gunfire in a public sports stadium. This marks the sixth public execution since the Taliban reclaimed power. The condemned man met his fate at the hands of a member of the victim's family, all witnessed by a crowd of thousands gathered in Gardez, Paktia province's capital, as reported by a journalist on the scene. The evening leading up to the execution, the governor’s office made a social media…

Recently, Russia ramped up its offensive against Kyiv, unleashing a wave of drones and missiles, marking the capital's first combined aerial assault in over 70 days. According to officials, the situation poses significant concerns for residents and defenses alike. This latest aggression unfolds amidst increasing alarms from Washington and Seoul, echoing Ukraine’s distress signals regarding North Korean troops reportedly entering combat alongside Russian forces right at the border of their conflict. Ukrainian air defense…

Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has announced that both Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will take charge of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. In a statement, Mr. Trump declared, "Musk and Ramaswamy will spearhead efforts to trim government red tape, eliminate unnecessary regulations, and overhaul Federal Agencies." He believes their mission is crucial for streamlining government operations. Mr. Trump expects their initiatives to wrap up by July 4, 2026. He envisions a more…