Facing stresses, Russia scrambles to mobilize more forces
Moscow’s decision this week to expand its military capabilities is a sign of the stress that its military is facing in the third year of its slow-moving, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Analysts say the mobilization’s unpopularity and other factors are…
Biden says Fed made ‘declaration of progress’ with interest rate cut
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Thursday the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates was “an important signal” that inflation has eased as he characterized Donald Trump’s economic policies as a failure in the past and sure to “fail…
Debate churns over mining Pacific seabed for green-energy minerals
People from across the globe are convening on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City for Climate Week. On the agenda: the environmental impact of seabed mining. The discussion comes as tech companies seek ways to…
Security Council: Middle East envoy warns against escalation, highlights continued Israeli settlement activity
“The series of explosions across Lebanon and rockets fired toward Israel in recent days adds to the volatility,” said Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. He urged all sides “to refrain from steps that will further…
Russian attacks on Ukraine energy set to push 500,000 people out of country
The alert from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine follows significant destruction to power plants and the worsening energy crisis that has affected access to electricity, clean water and heating, while also pushing up prices for consumers. The…
UNAIDS: Rising debt in sub-Saharan Africa costing lives
The report details how this debt crisis is jeopardising progress aimed at ending AIDS in Sub-Saharan African countries, which account for a significant majority of people living with HIV globally – 25.9 million people of the nearly 40 million total….
UN chief strongly condemns Mali terrorist attack
Scores of people were reportedly killed in the capital, Bamako, on Tuesday when Islamic militants attacked several locations, including a military police academy, according to international media reports. The violence forced the authorities to temporarily close the international airport. The…
Whole generation of children ‘lost’ amid ongoing Gaza war, UNICEF warns
Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action, stressed the urgent need for an immediate end to the hostilities and a negotiated political settlement that prioritises the rights and well-being of both Israeli and Palestinian children, now and in…
Baby hippo Moo Deng becomes internet sensation
CHONBURI, Thailand — Only a month after Thailand’s adorable baby hippo Moo Deng was unveiled on Facebook, her fame became unstoppable both domestically and internationally. Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee has been posting cute moments of the animals in his care for…
California laws target deepfake political ads, disinformation
In a step that could have broad implications for future elections in the U.S., California Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed three pieces of legislation restricting the role that artificial intelligence, specifically deepfake audio and video recordings, can play in…