US, China to hold AI talks in Switzerland
U.S. and Chinese officials plan to meet in Switzerland on Tuesday to discuss artificial intelligence security concerns. U.S. officials said the Geneva talks will not open the door for China to influence technology policy. Representatives from both countries will discuss…
Dazzling auroras fade from skies as sunspot turns away
Washington — The spectacular auroras that danced across the sky in many parts of the world over the weekend are fading, scientists said Monday, as the massive sunspot that caused them turns its ferocious gaze away from Earth. Since Friday,…
Ukrainian pastor serves as front-line chaplain
Fifty-year-old Yevhen Savchenko has been serving as an official chaplain for Ukraine’s Armed Forces since late 2023, often performing his duties on the front line. Savchenko is also the father of eight children and pastor of an evangelical Baptist church…
Nearly 2,000 children killed in Ukraine war: UNICEF
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office and its Regional Director, Regina De Dominicis, released a joint statement saying, “At least 1,993 children in Ukraine have been killed or injured since the escalation of war more than two years ago,…
Countless lives at stake in Sudan’s El Fasher, warn UN aid teams
According to UN emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths, a “strike” damaged the roof of the intensive care unit at Southern Hospital in El Fasher Town – the only working hospital in North Darfur state – where medical supplies are running…
Rafah exodus reaches 360,000 as UN underscores $2.8 billion aid appeal for Gaza, West Bank
“Nearly 360,000 people have fled Rafah since the first evacuation order a week ago,” the UN agency said in a post on X, referencing leafleting by the Israeli military ordering those in eastern Rafah to leave their shelters. In another alert,…
Calls for sustained peace efforts in Yemen as cholera outbreak worsens
Martin Griffiths, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, stressed the critical need for sustained peace efforts during a briefing to Security Council ambassadors. “The conflict in Yemen has been the key driver of humanitarian needs. It has deeply undercut the country’s economy,…
UN security staff killed in Gaza; Guterres calls for probe
Condemning all attacks on UN personnel, Secretary-General António Guterres called for a full investigation, his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told journalists in New York. “With the conflict in Gaza continuing to take a heavy toll – not only on civilians,…
UN report: Illegal wildlife trafficking is stubbornly prevalent
Illegal trafficking of plant and animal wildlife remains stubbornly prevalent, according to a U.N. report on Monday, and it is critical governments focus on more than just “iconic” species like elephants, where progress had been made. While seizures reported in…
Russia reports destroying 47 drones and missiles from Ukrainian attacks
Russia’s defense ministry said Monday the country’s air defenses destroyed 31 drones and 16 missiles launched by Ukraine in overnight attacks. The ministry said seven drones and four guided missiles were shot down over Russia-occupied Crimea, eight drones were destroyed…