European Union invites Canada to become first ever ‘associate member’
The Guardian •

European Union invites Canada to become first ever ‘associate member’

Commission president says partnership will create ‘common prosperity’ based on shared democratic valuesEurope live – latest updatesCanada has been invited to become the first “associate member” of the EU by the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.In an unprecedented offer on Wednesday, von der Leyen said the EU and Canada “see the world with the same eyes” through shared democratic...

Datacenter rush will create ‘tsunami’ of discarded electronics, report says
The Guardian •

Datacenter rush will create ‘tsunami’ of discarded electronics, report says

Global push will triple toxic e-waste annually in 25 years, filling enough shipping containers to circle globe six timesThe ongoing campaign to build thousands of massive datacenters for AI will create a “tsunami” of discarded electronics, putting the world on a course to triple its annual generation of toxic e-waste in the next 25 years, a new report projects.The electronic trash AI generates in ...

As US slashes funding, UN peacekeeping head says global body can rely on China
SCMP •

As US slashes funding, UN peacekeeping head says global body can rely on China

The United Nations can count on China’s support, the UN’s peacekeeping chief said in Beijing as he flagged the body’s financial strains – due in large part to Washington’s funding squeeze. Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday, UN undersecretary general for peace operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said the international system was under severe strain and the UN urgently needed to ada...

US to bar some South Africans over claims of anti-white discrimination

US to bar some South Africans over claims of anti-white discrimination

The Guardian •

Announcement of visa restrictions comes after Trump alleges ‘white genocide’ taking place in South AfricaThe US has announced visa restrictions on some South Africans as Donald Trump’s administration continues to claim that South Africa’s government racially discriminates against white minority Afrikaners.The announcement did not specify individuals who were barred from the US. Trump has spent his...

How a backpack helped save a homeless former football star

How a backpack helped save a homeless former football star

Times of India •

A serendipitous encounter in Austin sparked a life-altering change for Sampson James, the former Indiana football star who found himself homeless. After noticing James's worn backpack, IU graduate Jasper Steinmetz rallied support, leading to a remarkable $17,000 in donations. This much-needed generosity has enabled James to secure a new apartment, providing him with a valuable opportunity for a fr...

At least 16 killed after building in Gaza City damaged by Israeli strikes collapses

At least 16 killed after building in Gaza City damaged by Israeli strikes collapses

The Guardian •

Rescue workers say search for dozens of people hampered by lack of heavy machineryA building housing displaced Palestinian families collapsed on Wednesday in Gaza City, killing at least 16 people, as rescuers searched the rubble for dozens of people including children believed to be trapped.A rescue team from Gaza’s civil defence said they had recovered the bodies of five children among the victim...

House votes for a third time to end Iran war in symbolic move as conflict drags on – US politics live

House votes for a third time to end Iran war in symbolic move as conflict drags on – US politics live

The Guardian •

The action is likely the last House vote on issue ahead of the midterm electionsSign up for the US Breaking News emailHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.For a third time, the US House has voted to end the war in Iran, approving a war powers resolution that would halt president Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action without congressional approval.As part of a $2.8bn package ...

Middle East: Iran war exposes limits of US power

Middle East: Iran war exposes limits of US power

France 24 •

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince sought backing Tuesday from the president of Egypt, his ally across the Red Sea, as the kingdom faces increased attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi shipping and infrastructure that have helped drive a surge in global oil prices. France 24's Rochelle Ferguson Bouyahi tells us more.

‘If you’re building Frankenstein, stop’: JD Vance dismisses calls for AI regulation

‘If you’re building Frankenstein, stop’: JD Vance dismisses calls for AI regulation

The Guardian •

US vice-president’s comments come as former Anthropic researcher revisits recent claim AI could destroy humanityThe US vice-president has dismissed calls for global regulation of AI safety risks, telling companies creating the most advanced models: “If you’re building Frankenstein, stop.”In remarks addressed towards Dario Amodei, the co-founder of Anthropic who has called on Washington DC to coord...

Hong Kong to invest in primary care to cut premature death risk to 6.9%

Hong Kong to invest in primary care to cut premature death risk to 6.9%

SCMP •

Hong Kong aims to reduce the risk of premature deaths from some major chronic diseases to 6.9 per cent by 2030 by investing heavily in primary healthcare and prevention, authorities have said. Delivering the annual policy address and first five-year plan, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday also unveiled plans to develop the city’s first integrated ambulatory care hospital at the Queen E...

How wildfires are threatening Indonesia’s economy and carbon market

How wildfires are threatening Indonesia’s economy and carbon market

SCMP •

Forest and peatland fires raging across Indonesia are threatening to become more than an environmental emergency, with analysts warning that the thickening haze could weigh on economic activity, strain public health and test confidence in the nation’s fledgling carbon market. Indonesia is no stranger to forest and peat fires, but this year’s super El Nino has helped make it the country’s most inte...

Gold mine collapses in Sudan: At least 82 workers killed, many more feared trapped

Gold mine collapses in Sudan: At least 82 workers killed, many more feared trapped

Times of India •

A catastrophic collapse at a gold mine in Sudan's West Kordofan region has resulted in the tragic loss of at least sixty lives, with many others still unaccounted for and feared trapped under debris. This incident underscores the severe risks faced by artisanal miners, exacerbated by inadequate safety measures and emergency resources. Moreover, the gold mining sector in Sudan is entangled with ong...

Forget robots: Scientists turn cockroaches into cyborg first responders that could save lives

Forget robots: Scientists turn cockroaches into cyborg first responders that could save lives

Times of India •

Innovative researchers have engineered cyborg cockroaches designed for use in disaster rescue missions. These remarkable insects possess the ability to locate victims and deliver crucial medical assistance. Outfitted with cameras and injection systems, they skillfully maneuver through debris. This cutting-edge advancement aims to elevate search and rescue efficiency in tough terrains, with hopes f...

EU – Canada: Standing ovation for Mark Carney

EU – Canada: Standing ovation for Mark Carney

France 24 •

Canadian Prime Minister was given a standing ovation at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on Wednesday as EU chief Ursula von der Leyen raised the prospect of Canada becoming the 27-nation bloc's first “associate member”. "We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible," von der Leyen said as she pitched closer cooperation on tech, defence and energy.

Burnham must show markets he’s not just ‘tax and spend socialist with better TikTok’, says top economist – UK politics live

Burnham must show markets he’s not just ‘tax and spend socialist with better TikTok’, says top economist – UK politics live

The Guardian •

Former Bank of England chief economist says Burnham needs to reassure the financial markets that he can cut spendingBritain’s investment in defence shows it is serious about security, and is an example of how Nato is becoming more European, the head of the alliance is expected to say as he meets with Andy Burnham later today.As the Press Association reports, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte will ...

In 2008, rats were removed from Hawadax Island; seabirds and kelp returned

In 2008, rats were removed from Hawadax Island; seabirds and kelp returned

Times of India •

For two centuries, invasive rats wreaked havoc on the seabird populations and overall food web of Hawadax Island. Thanks to a successful eradication initiative in 2008, rats were completely removed. This allowed seabirds to repopulate, restoring their ecological functions and fostering the revival of untouched kelp-rich intertidal ecosystems. The project's outcome stands as a vital success story f...