CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip BRICS Summit in Brazil: Report
President Xi Jinping is reportedly skipping the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro next month, marking his first absence since assuming office. Premier Li Qiang will attend instead, while speculation arises over Brazil's reluctance to endorse the Belt and Road Initiative. This absence raises questions about future Xi-Modi meetings and potential strains in China-Brazil relations.
New York votes in mayoral primary as Cuomo tries a comeback. Zohran Mamdani stands in his way
New York City Democrats are poised to select their mayoral nominee, choosing between Andrew Cuomo, seeking a comeback after his resignation, and progressive Zohran Mamdani. The primary, complicated by ranked-choice voting, reflects the party's ideological divisions. The winner will face incumbent Eric Adams, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election.
Katy Perry-Orlando Bloom have broken up? Shocking report claims couple had explosive fight over 'cringeworthy' space flight
Have Katy Pery and Orlando Bloom broken up? A bombshell report claimed that the couple had an extensive fight over the singer's 'cringeworthy and ridiculous' space flight she took in April on a Blue Origin rocket with Lauren Sanchez and other high-profile celebrities. Now, this has kept the fans wondering whether the couple will attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice or not.
Israel-Iran conflict: Israeli strikes killed 585 people in Iran, human rights group says
Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran, causing casualties and prompting residents to flee. A human rights group reports hundreds dead in Iran. Tensions escalate as Iran and the US trade threats. Donald Trump demands Iran's surrender. Iran vows retaliation for the attacks. Missiles were fired by both sides. The US Embassy in Jerusalem remains closed.
Tom Cruise is finally getting an Oscar - as will Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas
Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar at this year's Governors Awards, marking his first Academy Award trophy, 25 years after his first nomination. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also announced that choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive honorary Oscars, while singer Dolly Parton will be honoured with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her charitable work in literacy and education.
Albertans to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccines under new provincial plan
Alberta is implementing a four-phase COVID-19 immunization program, shifting vaccine costs to residents except for vulnerable groups. This transition, prompted by a move from federal to provincial responsibility, aims to reduce waste and manage costs after significant dose wastage last season.
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Innovation takes a backseat at small companies as tariffs become a full-time preoccupation
Trump’s unpredictable tariffs have stalled innovation for small US businesses, forcing founders to delay product launches, cut staff, and shift focus from R&D to navigating trade costs. From educational toys to eco-friendly home goods and U.S.-made sneakers, companies are struggling with uncertainty, limited resources, and disrupted global supply chains.
Beware! Period‑tracking apps present major privacy threats, new report warns
A University of Cambridge‑led report highlights that period‑tracking apps, downloaded over 250 million times, turn menstrual data into valuable commodities. These apps harvest sensitive health information, pose privacy and security dangers, and are often inaccurate, prompting calls for stronger regulation, public‑sector alternatives, and better consent options
Auto companies 'in full panic' over rare-earths bottleneck
Global automakers are alarmed by China's rare-earth export restrictions, fearing a new supply chain crisis. With limited alternative magnet sources, companies are stockpiling and seeking workarounds to avoid factory shutdowns. The industry's reliance on China for critical raw materials raises concerns about future leverage and potential disruptions.
No reason to panic about COVID situation in West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reassured citizens on Monday that there's no need to panic about the state's COVID-19 situation, following a review meeting on preparedness. While urging alertness, she emphasized that the current situation resembles a common influenza, with coughs and colds being typical during monsoon and winter.
Just a small mutation away? New China-linked virus could be next big threat
American scientists warn that a new coronavirus found in China poses a pandemic threat. The virus, HKU5-CoV-2, is related to MERS. Slight mutations could allow it to infect human cells via ACE2 receptors. If HKU5 jumps to an intermediate host, it might acquire these mutations. Scientists emphasize the urgent need for surveillance and preparedness.
IIT Guwahati harnesses clay sedimentation to identify and measure coronavirus
IIT Guwahati researchers have introduced a novel, cost-effective virus detection method using clay sedimentation. This innovative approach offers a faster and more affordable alternative to PCR and antigen testing. By observing how clay settles in a solution, the presence and quantity of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can be determined, paving the way for improved disease monitoring, especially in resource-limited settings.
EU asks China to address ‘alarming’ rare earth disruptions
Automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are preparing for possible supply crunches, drawing parallels to the semiconductor crisis.
Social Security checks could shrink for 450,000 Americans in June. Check when will your payment arrive
Many Americans may see smaller Social Security payments due to student loan defaults. The government can deduct up to 15%. For June 2025, Supplemental Security Income payments were issued early on May 30. Regular Social Security payments will be disbursed based on birth dates. Those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 will get paid on June 3.
Deportation fears rise for 5 lakh migrants after Trump policy wins Supreme Court backing
The Supreme Court permits the Trump administration to end a Biden program. This program gave temporary residency to 500,000 immigrants. The court's order allows deportations to proceed. This affects migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti. Lower courts had blocked the administration. The ruling signals that Supreme court may side with Trump.
Indian aviation market outlook bullish; in talks with IndiGo for possible membership: AAPA
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has expressed a positive outlook on the Indian aviation market, highlighting its significant potential and strong rebound in air traffic post-pandemic. While acknowledging global supply chain challenges faced by airlines, AAPA is engaging with IndiGo for potential membership. The association also advocates for regulatory harmonization and cost-effective regulations across the Asia Pacific region.
We can be VAXit Bharat: Public sector alone can’t make India biotech-ready; firms, startups must jump in
While India grapples with rising Covid cases and prepares for potential biological threats, the government's neglect of its scientists' success in developing a lumpy skin disease vaccine raises concerns about biotech readiness.
A 84-year-old-man with severe comorbidities, infected with Covid, dies: Health officials
A senior citizen passed away in Bengaluru. He had other health issues. His Covid-19 test result came back positive. The Karnataka Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, urged people not to panic. He said the government is taking precautions. He mentioned a possible new sub-variant of the virus. He added that there are no restrictions on movement.
Karnataka Health Minister urges people not to panic amid spike in COVID cases
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged the public to remain calm despite a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, with 35 cases reported statewide, including 32 in Bengaluru. He assured that the government is prepared and following central guidelines, emphasizing that no restrictions are in place and daily life can continue normally.
UK’s 2024 net migration halves as study & work visas dry up
Official figures reveal a significant drop in UK net migration in 2024. The decline is attributed to fewer work and study visas issued. This marks the largest percentage decrease since the pandemic. Immigration has become a politically sensitive issue, impacting Brexit and recent elections. The Labour government aims to further reduce net migration.
WHO members adopt a 'pandemic agreement' born out of the disjointed global COVID response
WHO member countries have approved a pandemic agreement aimed at improving global prevention, preparedness, and response efforts. The treaty ensures access to tests, medicines, and vaccines for countries sharing virus samples, with up to 20% allocated to the WHO for equitable distribution. While hailed as historic, its effectiveness is questioned due to the U.S.
Lakshmi Mittal buys luxury mansion in Dubai's Emirates Hills
India-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal has purchased one of Dubai’s most expensive homes in the upscale Emirates Hills community, often called the “Beverly Hills of Dubai.” The Baroque-style mansion, once listed for $200 million, sold for about half that amount earlier this year. The acquisition ranks among the priciest residential deals in the city’s booming property market.
'We're starting to move everything': Trump's China deal frees up shipping
While ports appear capable of handling increased volumes, importers face tight deadlines to capitalize on the 90-day tariff reduction window.
Donald Trump to get a new Air Force luxury jet from Qatar? Here's all we know about the 'flying palace'
Donald Trump is facing scrutiny for planning to accept a luxury Boeing jet from Qatar as a gift. This raises ethical and legal questions. The US Constitution prohibits gifts from foreign states. Trump claims the plane is a temporary gift for the Defence Department. Qatar downplays the reports. Democrats criticize the move as corruption.
'Scientist walked with the girlfriend...': Trump halts virus research funding to China, blaming Covid on lab leak
President Donald Trump has halted biological research funding to adversaries such as China and Iran because of concerns COVID-19 originated in a Chinese lab. His executive order dealing with a type of biomedical research comes at a time of heightened tensions with China over tariffs. Trump's order names China as a 'country of concern'.
YouTube turns 20: From 'Lazy Sunday' to 'Hot Ones'
From a grainy zoo clip to global pop culture dominance, YouTube has transformed how we watch, share, and create. Over two decades, it's launched careers, sparked controversies, and redefined entertainment—from "Gangnam Style" and MrBeast to viral cat filters and ASMR. Here's a journey through YouTube’s most noted moments.
Pope Francis’ most powerful quotes: 10+ moments that touched hearts around the globe
Pope Francis, known for his compassion and wit, left behind memorable quotes. From his initial greeting, "Brothers and sisters, good evening!" to his plea to remember the poor, his words resonated globally. He advocated for mercy, welcomed LGBTQ+ Catholics with "Who am I to judge?", and addressed the pandemic, stating, "We are on the same boat.
Donald Trump raised $239 million for inauguration, more than doubling his own record
President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration raised a record-breaking $239 million, surpassing all previous amounts. Major corporations and wealthy individuals, including allies of Elon Musk, contributed heavily. The unprecedented sum has reignited concerns over transparency and influence, with little clarity on how much was spent or where leftover funds will go.
On new website, White House declares lab leak as 'true origins' of Covid amid tariff war with China
The White House’s newly revamped Covid-19 website has placed the controversial lab-leak theory at the forefront of its discussion on the origins of the virus. The website criticizes Joe Biden and Dr Anthony Fauci and has also called out masks and social distancing. US agencies have been split on how the coronavirus began as most Americans blame lab accident in China.
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