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- 1Congo struggles to trace contacts as Ebola outbreak worsens▼Ebola outbreak deepens as Congo fails to trace most contacts | Daily Sabah
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are failing to trace the majority of contacts of confirmed Ebola cases, according to Daily Sabah, a gap that is allowing the outbreak to deepen. Contact tracing is a core tool for containing Ebola, and widespread missed contacts raises the risk of further spread within the region.
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The Federal Reserve's latest interest rate hike is drawing attention to its effects on household finances. Higher rates typically mean costlier mortgages, car loans and credit card debt, while savers can earn better returns on deposits. Commentators are advising consumers to review borrowing costs, pay down variable-rate debt, and compare savings accounts to make the most of the new rate environment.
- 3Former Sudanese minister urges Burhan to end the war▼Former cabinet member in Sudan says Burhan must end the war
A former member of Sudan's cabinet has publicly called on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to bring an end to the war gripping the country. The appeal adds to mounting pressure on Sudan's military leadership as the conflict, which began in April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, continues to devastate the country and displace millions.
- 4At least 27 dead after two mass shootings in South Africa▼At least 27 dead after two mass shootings in South Africa, police say
South African police say at least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings. The Guardian reports the death toll, but few details have emerged about the locations, victims or circumstances of the attacks, and no arrests have been confirmed. Authorities are investigating both incidents as the country confronts another episode of severe gun violence.
- 5EU prepares accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other candidates●EU prepares accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other candidates — Politico Europe
The European Union is preparing accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other candidate countries, according to Politico Europe. The plans would set out the steps each country must take to join the bloc, covering reforms, rule-of-law requirements and alignment with EU law. Enlargement has gained urgency since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the roadmaps signal Brussels is moving from promises toward concrete timetables, though actual membership will still require unanimous approval from all member states.
- 6Corals Face Existential Threat as Super El Niño Heats Oceans●Corals Face an Existential Threat as the Super El Niño Heats Up
Conservation groups warn that the strong El Niño event is pushing ocean temperatures to levels that threaten coral reefs worldwide, with warming waters causing mass bleaching that corals may not survive. Environmental commentators describe the situation as an existential threat to reef ecosystems, which support roughly a quarter of marine life and protect coastlines.
- 7Gaza Health Ministry says Palestinian deaths exceed 74,000●Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 74,000 Palestinian deaths — The Hindu
Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll in the Gaza war has surpassed 74,000, according to a report by The Hindu. The ministry's figures, compiled from hospitals and morgues across the territory, remain the most widely cited tally of casualties in the conflict, which has drawn sustained international attention and calls for a ceasefire.
- 8Zelensky says Russia aims to cut Ukrainians' internet and communications▼Zelensky: Russians want to cut off Ukrainians' internet and communications
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is seeking to sever Ukrainians' internet and communications networks. According to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, Zelensky framed the efforts as part of Moscow's broader campaign against Ukraine, raising concerns about connectivity and access to information for civilians during the ongoing war.
- 9'Super El Niño' deepens hunger crisis in South Sudan, UN says▼‘Super El Niño’ deepens hunger crisis in South Sudan says UN
The United Nations warns that a powerful 'Super El Niño' weather event is worsening an already severe hunger crisis in South Sudan. The climate pattern is disrupting rainfall and food production in a country where millions already face food insecurity, deepening concerns among aid agencies about the scale of humanitarian need in the months ahead.
- 10Iranian foreign minister says country ready for diplomacy and war▼Iranian FM: 'We are prepared for both diplomacy and war. They have tested us in both arenas. They have tested us twice through acts of aggression, and if they wish to test us again, we welcome it.They have also tested us in the realm of diplomacy...We have p
Iran's foreign minister declared that the country is prepared for both diplomacy and war, saying Iran has been tested twice through what he called acts of aggression and would welcome any further test. He added that Iran has also been tested in the diplomatic arena and has proven itself there, framing the country as ready on both fronts amid ongoing tensions.
- 11US warns Sudan's generals civilians bear the cost▼US warns Sudan’s generals: ‘The only people suffering are Sudanese’
The United States has issued a blunt warning to Sudan's rival generals, telling them that 'the only people suffering are Sudanese' as the country's conflict drags on. The message reflects growing frustration in Washington with the warring factions, whose fighting has devastated civilians, displaced millions, and pushed much of the population toward famine while negotiations remain stalled.
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Attention is turning to Ethiopia's conflict, with experts offering analysis of the fighting and its wider consequences for the Horn of Africa. Analysts are weighing the humanitarian toll, displacement, and the prospects for de-escalation or peace talks. The situation remains fluid, and observers say the lack of reliable on-the-ground reporting makes assessments difficult.
- 13Two overnight shootings kill 27 in South Africa▼South Africa reels from two shootings that kill 27 in one night
Two separate shootings in South Africa left 27 people dead in a single night, according to Reuters. The killings have shocked the country and drawn attention to its persistent problem with gun violence. Authorities have not been quoted in available reporting on suspects or motives, and further details about the locations and victims remain limited.
- 14UK gave citizenship to Hamas chief's guard, then he 'plotted terror'▼UK gave citizenship to Hamas chief’s guard, then he ‘plotted terror’
The Times reports that Britain granted citizenship to a bodyguard of a Hamas leader who was later accused of plotting a terrorist attack. The case is raising questions about how UK security services vet naturalisation applications and whether warnings about the man's Hamas links were ignored before the alleged plot emerged.
- 15Ebola outbreak in Congo spreads to two more health zones▼Ebola outbreak in Congo expands to two additional health zones: WHO
The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, broadening the affected area. The announcement raises concern about containment efforts and the risk of further spread between communities and across regional borders.
- 16Lula campaigns for final term in Brazil's pivotal election▼‘Viscerally dedicated to social issues’: behind Lula’s drive to win final term in Brazil’s crunch election
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a final presidential term in Brazil's closely watched election, with reporting highlighting his lifelong focus on social issues as the core of his appeal. The vote is seen as a defining moment for the country, with Lula's track record on poverty reduction and social programmes central to his campaign message.
- 17Iran says diplomacy is America's only option as Drumcree march proceeds▼World in Brief: Iran says diplomacy is America’s only option; Orange Order to march in Drumcree
Iranian officials have declared that diplomacy is the only path available to the United States in dealing with Tehran, a statement that comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Separately, the Orange Order is to march at Drumcree in Northern Ireland, a parade that has historically been a flashpoint between the loyalist community and residents of the nationalist Garvaghy Road area in Portadown.
- 18EU citizens in limbo as UK revokes post-Brexit residency status▼‘We’ve done everything by the book’: EU citizens left in limbo after UK government strips post-Brexit residency status
EU citizens who settled in the UK after Brexit are having their residency status withdrawn by the Home Office, leaving them unable to work, rent or access services while they appeal. Many say they followed the EU Settlement Scheme rules correctly and are now caught up in an opaque process, with lawyers and campaigners warning of wrongful cancellations.
- 19Iran's Pezeshkian says Tehran no longer trusts talks with Washington▼Pezeshkian says Iran ‘no longer trusts talks with Washington’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran no longer trusts negotiations with Washington, signalling a hardening of Tehran's stance toward the United States. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, comes amid heightened regional tensions and suggests diplomatic channels between the two countries have reached a new low, raising concerns about the prospects for renewed nuclear or de-escalation talks.
- 20India tells UN distant countries bear cost of others' wars▼Countries far from conflict paying the price for wars not their own, India tells UN
India has told the United Nations that countries far removed from conflict zones are paying the price for wars that are not their own, highlighting how the effects of distant conflicts spill over through food and energy price shocks, disrupted trade and humanitarian strain. The intervention underscores India's long-standing argument that global institutions should better reflect the concerns of developing nations affected by wars they did not start.
- 21Israeli minister urges West Bank war like Gaza campaign▼Israeli minister calls for war in West Bank, says Israel should 'do what it did in Gaza'
An Israeli government minister has publicly called for military action in the occupied West Bank on the scale of the war in Gaza, saying Israel should 'do what it did in Gaza'. The remarks have drawn attention amid ongoing operations and rising tensions in the territory, with critics warning the comments signal willingness to widen the conflict and deepen humanitarian consequences for Palestinians.
- 22Israeli forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani▼Israeli forces kill global jihadist terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7
Israeli forces have killed a global jihadist militant identified as one of the terrorists who kidnapped Noa Argamani during the October 7 attack. Argamani, who was later rescued from Gaza, became one of the most recognized hostages of the Hamas-led assault. The announcement is drawing attention as part of Israel's continuing campaign against those responsible for the abductions.
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The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns about the potential for wider transmission. Wire services including Reuters, The Hindu and South Africa's SABC are carrying the update, which health officials say underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in remote, densely connected communities. Response teams are working to trace contacts and curb further spread.
- 24Seven Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, ministry says▼Israeli attacks martyr 7 Palestinians in central, northern Gaza over 48 hours: Health Ministry
Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks killed seven Palestinians over a 48-hour period in central and northern Gaza. The casualties add to the territory's mounting death toll as strikes continue across the enclave despite ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a negotiated end to the conflict.
- 25Iran backs diplomacy as Saudi seeks Hormuz status quo▼Iran backs diplomacy as Saudi FM seeks return to pre-Feb. 28 status in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has expressed support for diplomatic efforts after Saudi Arabia's foreign minister called for a return to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as it stood before February 28. The statement signals continued regional engagement over tensions surrounding the key oil shipping route, with Riyadh pushing to restore earlier conditions in the strategic waterway.
- 26Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, US intelligence says▼Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons program, US intelligence assesses
US intelligence assesses that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, keeping open the possibility of a weapons program despite longstanding American nonproliferation efforts in the region. The assessment fuels renewed debate over Riyadh's nuclear ambitions and the wider risks of proliferation in the Middle East.
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Donald Trump has made claims about casualty figures in the Russia-Ukraine war, describing the numbers as stunning. Beyond the headline, no specific figures, dates or context are provided. The claim is likely to draw scrutiny given disputed casualty tolls throughout the conflict.
- 28Ethiopia accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing anti-Abiy alliance▼Ethiopia accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing alliance against Abiy
Ethiopia has publicly accused Egypt and Sudan of backing an alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, sharpening tensions between the three countries. The claim escalates an already strained dispute in the Nile region, where Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam and Sudan's internal conflict have long fueled mistrust between Addis Ababa, Cairo and Khartoum.
- 29EU Mission Says Russia Facing Manpower Shortages▼EU Mission Says Russia Facing Manpower Shortages Amid War
An EU mission reports that Russia is struggling with manpower shortages as its war in Ukraine continues. The assessment suggests Moscow's ability to sustain and reinforce its forces is under strain, adding to the debate over how long Russia can maintain the pace of its military campaign.
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The death toll from Israel's military campaign in Gaza has risen above 74,000, according to figures reported by regional news outlets. The number reflects the continuing humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has drawn sustained international attention and calls for a ceasefire. Casualty figures from Gaza are compiled by local health authorities, who say many victims remain under rubble.
- 31Bond Markets Edge Closer to Economic Alarm Signal●The Bond Market Is Getting Closer to Sounding Alarm on Economy
Bond markets are moving closer to flashing warning signs about the health of the US and global economy, according to Bloomberg reporting. Traders and analysts are watching yield signals, such as curve dynamics and repricing of rate expectations, for indications of slowing growth. Growing concern in fixed-income markets is feeding wider debate about recession risk and the outlook for interest rates.
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Iran is asserting that a religious decree, or fatwa, issued by its leadership forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The claim, reported by international outlets, is being cited in ongoing debates over Iran's nuclear programme, with Western governments and inspectors long questioning whether such a decree is binding or verifiable.
- 33Canada calls Iran principal threat to peace over nuclear weapons▼Canada calls Iran 'principal threat to peace,' says it must never acquire nuclear weapons
Canada has declared Iran the principal threat to peace, stating Tehran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The strong wording signals a hardening of Ottawa's position toward Iran's nuclear programme and is likely to resonate with allies pushing for tighter pressure on Tehran. It adds Canada's voice to ongoing international debate over how to prevent Iranian nuclearisation.
- 34Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves Against Ukrainian Drones▼Overwhelmed by Ukraine’s Drones, Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves
Russian authorities are instructing businesses to protect their own facilities from Ukrainian drone attacks, as strikes increasingly disrupt operations across the country. The move signals that Moscow's air defenses are struggling to intercept the growing number of drones targeting infrastructure and industry. The report, published by The Wall Street Journal, highlights the mounting economic strain the drone campaign is placing on Russia's war effort.
- 35Oil Prices Jump as Houthi Attacks Fuel US-Iran Tensions●Oil Prices Jump on Houthi Attacks, U.S.-Iran Escalation Fears
Oil prices rose sharply following renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement and growing fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. Traders are pricing in the risk that the confrontations could disrupt shipping and supply through the Middle East. Analysts warn that any direct US-Iran confrontation could push prices higher still, keeping energy markets on edge.
- 36Trump's UN Speech Falls Flat With Xi, Putin and Iran▼Trump’s UN Bluster Didn’t Impress Xi, Putin or Iran
Donald Trump delivered a hard-hitting address to the United Nations, but Bloomberg reports the rhetoric did little to move his main targets. China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Iran showed no sign of being swayed or deterred by the president's bluster, underscoring the limits of Trump's UN platform in shaping the behaviour of US adversaries.
- 37Zelensky Accuses Putin of Excuses as Russian Strikes Kill 10▼Zelensky Says Putin Finds ‘Lame Excuse’ to Avoid Peace as Russian Strikes Kill at Least 10 in 24 Hours
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of using what he called a 'lame excuse' to avoid peace negotiations, as Russian strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 people within 24 hours. The accusation highlights the continued deadlock in efforts to end the war, with civilian casualties mounting despite ongoing international pressure for a ceasefire and talks.
- 38Heavy Fighting and Internet Disruption Grip Ethiopia●Heavy Fighting, Internet Disruption as Ethiopia Conflict Rages
Heavy fighting is under way in Ethiopia, accompanied by a widespread internet disruption as the conflict intensifies. The blackout is cutting off communications and making it harder to verify the situation on the ground. Observers are watching closely given the country's history of devastating wars and the potential for regional spillover.
- 39Venezuelans rally demanding opposition leader's return and elections●Venezuelans rally to demand opposition leader's safe return and presidential elections
Venezuelans have taken to the streets to demand the safe return of an opposition leader and to press for presidential elections. Demonstrators are calling on authorities to guarantee the leader's freedom and safety, while renewing demands that the country hold the presidential vote the opposition says has been denied. The rallies add to ongoing political tension in Venezuela.
- 40Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz●Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and other Middle East news
President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for global oil supplies. The refusal comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Persian Gulf. Attention now turns to how Iran responds and whether the dispute will escalate further, with broader Middle East developments also drawing international focus.
- 41Seven Killed, 40 Wounded in Strike on Taiz Market in Yemen▼Seven People Killed, 40 Wounded in Strike on Market in Yemen's Taiz, Houthis Say
A strike hit a market in Yemen's southwestern city of Taiz, killing seven people and wounding 40 others, according to the Houthi-run authorities. The attack adds to the civilian toll of Yemen's long-running conflict, and casualty figures from Houthi sources may be difficult to verify independently. Details on who carried out the strike and whether the area was hit by an airstrike or shelling have not yet been confirmed.
- 42US and China agree to lower tariffs on $30 billion in goods▼US, China strike deal to lower tariffs on $30B in goods after Trump-Xi Washington summit
The United States and China have reached an agreement to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, following a summit in Washington between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The deal marks a step toward easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, though details of which products will be affected have not yet been fully outlined.
- 43US ambassador to NATO: Ukraine war won't be won on battlefield▼Russia-Ukraine conflict won’t be resolved on the battlefield, US amb to NATO says
The US ambassador to NATO says the Russia-Ukraine conflict will not be resolved through fighting alone, arguing the war cannot be settled by military means on the battlefield. The remark fuels ongoing debate in Washington and among allies about how the conflict might ultimately end, and what role diplomacy and negotiations should play.
- 44Ethiopia slides back into war: who is involved and why▼Ethiopia slides back into war. Who is involved and why?
Reporting indicates Ethiopia is sliding back into war, renewing concern about renewed large-scale conflict in the country. Observers are asking which armed and political actors are involved and what is driving the escalation. Details on the parties, causes and scale of the fighting remain unclear from current coverage.
- 45Russians strike Kyiv data centre twice in morning attack, Zelenskyy says▼Zelenskyy: Russians strike Kyiv data centre twice in morning attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces hit a data centre in Kyiv twice during a morning attack, according to a Ukrainian news report. The strike targeted critical digital infrastructure in the capital amid ongoing Russian air assaults on Ukrainian cities, though details on damage or casualties were not immediately provided.
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Belarus has announced that it is ready to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. The statement from Minsk positions the country, a close Russian ally, as a potential mediator in the ongoing war. The announcement comes as international pressure builds for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
- 47Five men arrested near UK air base used in Iran operations●5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
British police arrested five men near a UK air base used by US forces in the war against Iran on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The arrests come amid heightened security concerns around American military facilities in Britain following US strikes on Iranian targets, with authorities investigating the men's alleged intentions.
- 48Trump says he rejected Iranian offer to reopen Strait of Hormuz▼Trump says he has rejected Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump said he has turned down an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping waterway between Iran and the Gulf states. The announcement has drawn attention because the strait carries a large share of the world's oil, and any closure or reopening carries major implications for energy prices and regional security.
- 49Smotrich calls for war in West Bank, annexation plans●Israel's Smotrich calls for ‘war’ in West Bank, seeks annexation of parts of Gaza, southern Lebanon
Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for war in the West Bank and advocated annexing parts of both Gaza and southern Lebanon. The comments drew wide attention given his senior role in the Israeli government and their implications for regional escalation, territorial policy and already strained relations with Palestinians and Lebanon.
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Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in new protests against Donald Trump's immigration order. The demonstrations add to a wave of public opposition to the policy, with crowds gathering in multiple locations to voice their objections to the restrictions. The protests have drawn widespread media coverage as the immigration debate continues to grip the United States.