US judge blocks Pentagon’s ‘Chinese military’ label for WuXi AppTec
SCMP •

US judge blocks Pentagon’s ‘Chinese military’ label for WuXi AppTec

A US federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Pentagon from designating Chinese biotechnology group WuXi AppTec as a “Chinese military company”, finding that defence officials repeatedly misread the evidence used to justify the decision. US District Chief Judge James Boasberg granted WuXi a preliminary injunction barring the Department of Defence from enforcing or otherwise giving effect to...

Trump-pick Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general
SCMP •

Trump-pick Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general

The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, 52, as attorney general, elevating President Donald Trump’s one-time personal defence lawyer to lead the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said on Friday he would back Todd Blanche for attorney general, clearing a path for Trump’s nominee after weeks of scrutiny over the Justice Department’s independence from the ...

Trump pick Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general
SCMP •

Trump pick Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general

The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, 52, as attorney general, elevating President Donald Trump’s one-time personal defence lawyer to lead the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said on Friday he would back Todd Blanche for attorney general, clearing a path for Trump’s nominee after weeks of scrutiny over the Justice Department’s independence from the ...

Trump pick Todd Blanche clears major hurdle in bid to become US attorney general

Trump pick Todd Blanche clears major hurdle in bid to become US attorney general

SCMP •

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said on Friday he would back Todd Blanche for attorney general, clearing a path for Donald Trump’s nominee after weeks of scrutiny over the Justice Department’s independence from the White House. Cassidy emerged as the probable deciding vote after Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of ‌Alaska said she would oppose Blanche for the top US law enforcement job, leaving t...

US unveils critical minerals deals in latest push to counter China

US unveils critical minerals deals in latest push to counter China

SCMP •

The United States on Friday announced several critical minerals agreements with multiple mining companies, marking its latest push to curb China’s dominance over the production and processing of strategic materials. While attending a round table with global mining industry executives at the State Department, US President Donald Trump, without naming China, said that his administration would ensure...

Quote by Thomas Aquinas: 'Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others...'

Quote by Thomas Aquinas: 'Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others...'

Times of India •

Thomas Aquinas championed the notion of disseminating wisdom for the greater good of society. He drew a distinction between individual brilliance and the act of enlightening others. This thirteenth-century principle is still highly relevant in contemporary leadership practices, stressing the importance of making intricate knowledge understandable for all. True expertise is demonstrated through the...

Ebola cases surpasses 4000 cases

Ebola cases surpasses 4000 cases

France 24 •

In tonight's program, a grim new milestone in the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as cases surpass 4,000. Also low rainfall and failing pipes leave taps dry in the Gabon capital. Finally rising water levels at Lake Baringo in Kenya push communities into closer contact with crocodiles, leading to increased attacks.

Ukraine’s Zelensky makes first visit to Russia-friendly Serbia

Ukraine’s Zelensky makes first visit to Russia-friendly Serbia

SCMP •

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Friday for his first official visit to Serbia, one of the few European countries that have maintained friendly relations with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed the arrival on Friday on his official Telegram channel. The office of Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vucic had previously announced the visit late on Thursda...

UnionPay to plug Chinese payment apps into Brazil’s Pix after US tariffs over the system

UnionPay to plug Chinese payment apps into Brazil’s Pix after US tariffs over the system

SCMP •

China’s UnionPay International plans to connect Chinese payment apps to Pix, the Brazilian payment system at the centre of Washington’s trade case against Brasilia, allowing Chinese tourists to pay by scanning a code. Under the pilot, users of the UnionPay app and of Chinese bank apps linked to its platform would scan a merchant’s code and pay from the account they use at home. Chinese state media...

Exclusive: WFP to extend Palantir contract despite concerns raised in leaked audit

Exclusive: WFP to extend Palantir contract despite concerns raised in leaked audit

France 24 •

The UN's World Food Programme is finalizing a five-year renewal of its contract with US data software firm Palantir despite “key privacy concerns” raised in a leaked 2025 internal audit. The audit, seen by PassBlue and FRANCE 24, reveals UN misgivings about allowing Palantir to process data for the world’s largest humanitarian supply chain.

Spain imposes border checks on Italy amid Ceuta migration row

Spain imposes border checks on Italy amid Ceuta migration row

France 24 •

Spain announced Friday that it would introduce border controls for travellers arriving from Italy in retaliation for Rome imposing similar measures. The rare spat between the EU nations came after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco to Spain's North African territory Ceuta in an unprecedented, deadly rush.

At least one person dead in California wildfire allegedly sparked by chainsaw

At least one person dead in California wildfire allegedly sparked by chainsaw

The Guardian •

Police arrested Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, in connection with the Gann fire, which has burned more than 15 sq miles in Calaveras countyAt least one person has died in a wildfire burning in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range that officials believed was sparked by a man using a chainsaw.Police arrested Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, in connection with the Gann fire, which has destroy...

Thetford residents remain on edge after days of ‘mob rule’ over asylum plans

Thetford residents remain on edge after days of ‘mob rule’ over asylum plans

The Guardian •

People voice frustration with officials’ failure to engage with community over placement of asylum seekers in areaA smashed window pane and some broken eggshells on a footpath were some of the tell-tale signs of events that took place this week on a residential street at the edge of Thetford.On Friday afternoon it was not hard to find local people with a sense of foreboding after the latest disord...

Quote of the day by Blaise Pascal: 'All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to...'

Quote of the day by Blaise Pascal: 'All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to...'

Times of India •

In today's fast-paced world, the age-old human inclination to dodge self-reflection has intensified. Individuals often turn to myriad distractions to avoid confronting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. This constant quest for entertainment can lead to poor decision-making and decreased well-being. Modern psychological approaches emphasize the importance of fostering moments of stillness and ref...