Category: World

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Burgos, Surigao del Norte, at precisely 8:44 am on Friday, emerging from tectonic activity beneath Philippine waters. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the quake’s epicentre at a shallow depth of around 10 km, situated roughly 10 km northeast of Burgos. Shaking was felt across parts of the Visayas, with Hinunangan in Southern Leyte recording an intensity of III—typically perceived indoors and capable of causing slight swaying in hanging items or surface water. Residents in

Mozambique’s authorities have approved projects totalling more than US$4.2 billion during the first half of 2025, with investment concentrated in the industrial, agro-industrial and tourism sectors. Gil Biles, director-general of the Agency for Investment and Export Promotion, made the disclosure at the South Africa–Mozambique Business Forum, held alongside FACIM 2025. He identified the Dondo Industrial Park among the standout ventures, characterising it as one of the most substantial and consequential initiatives approved in that period. The government’s decisions underscore the rebounding

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a G20 taskforce led by Nobel Prize‑winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, aimed at scrutinising global wealth inequality and its consequences for economic growth, poverty and cooperation among nations. This pioneering effort marks the first time the G20 has deployed such a specialised group of independent experts, with findings due to be presented at the Johannesburg summit in November 2025. The six‑member panel comprises experts from Brazil, Uganda, India and South Africa, including Dr Adriana E. Abdenur, Ms Winnie Byanyima,

Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit in Washington’s federal district court challenging President Donald Trump’s bid to remove her from the Fed’s Board of Governors. The suit argues Trump lacked legal authority under the Federal Reserve Act to dismiss her “for cause,” citing mortgage‐fraud allegations tied to applications in 2021—claims she denies and which preceded her nomination and Senate confirmation in 2022. Cook also contends her constitutional right to due process was violated, as she received no advance

Global industrial suppliers RS South Africa have introduced the RS Export mobile application, granting exporters access to over 800,000 electronic, electrical, mechanical and PPE products directly from their smartphone. The app enables users to check stock levels and prices instantly, search products via keywords or part numbers, compare detailed technical descriptions and 3D schematics, and complete orders including delivery cost estimates based on destination and package dimensions. Built specifically for businesses exporting from South Africa and the UK into sub‑Saharan African

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured her place on the presidential ballot for the general election slated for 29 October 2025, following approval from the Independent National Electoral Commission alongside her running mate, Emmanuel Nchimbi. At the same time, key opposition contenders—including Luhaga Mpina of ACT‑Wazalendo and the CHADEMA party—have been excluded, drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups and advocates for democratic integrity. Electoral authorities barred Luhaga Mpina, nominee of the Alliance for Change and Transparency, citing procedural irregularities in the

A wave of innovations powered by artificial intelligence, wearable devices and data analytics is accelerating change in South Africa’s healthcare landscape. AI‑enabled mobile X‑ray units are now detecting tuberculosis signs—even in asymptomatic individuals—within high‑risk communities, enabling earlier diagnoses and reducing transmission. Controllers also report that healthcare providers are integrating AI more deeply than the global average, using it not only for in-hospital patient monitoring but also for treatment planning, medication management and preventive care. AI’s strength lies in streamlining clinical workflows:

Denmark’s foreign minister has summoned the most senior U. S. diplomat in Copenhagen after Danish intelligence reported covert influence operations by U. S. citizens in Greenland. The foreign ministry emphasised that any interference in the affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark is unacceptable. Public broadcaster DR claimed that at least three individuals with ties to former President Donald Trump were operating in Greenland, allegedly compiling lists of U. S.‑friendly locals, identifying critics of Trump, and cultivating connections with politicians, business figures,

Kenya Airways has reported a pretax loss of 12.17 billion Kenyan shillings in the first half of 2025, marking a sharp reversal from the 634 million shilling profit earned in the same period last year. The slump is largely attributed to grounded aircraft—three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners were sidelined for maintenance, constraining capacity and dragging down revenue to 74.5 billion shillings from 91.5 billion shillings previously. In response to the setback, the airline’s chief executive, Allan Kilavuka, announced an aggressive capital-raising

Djebba, a city in northwestern Tunisia, is in the spotlight as it hosts the annual Fig Festival, a vibrant celebration of the region's agricultural heritage. This year’s festival, held in the Beja Governorate, has once again drawn large crowds, with visitors from across Tunisia and abroad eager to partake in the festivities. Djebba has earned its reputation as the agricultural heart of Tunisia, particularly for its fig production. The region’s rich, fertile soil and temperate climate provide the perfect conditions for

The United States government is considering reallocating up to $2 billion originally designated for semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS Act to fund initiatives related to mineral production. This potential move reflects a growing focus on securing critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements, that are vital to numerous industries, including technology and defence. The proposal has been met with mixed reactions from industry experts and lawmakers. On one hand, it highlights an urgent push to reduce reliance on foreign sources for materials

Google has made a significant move in the public sector AI landscape by offering its suite of artificial intelligence tools to US government agencies at a remarkably low price of $0.47 per user per year. This initiative, part of Google's broader strategy to integrate AI into government operations, is poised to make advanced technology more accessible to public sector organisations and accelerate the adoption of AI within government frameworks. The AI suite provided by Google includes a range of cutting-edge tools

Sloth fever, a rare and mysterious virus first identified in 1955, has resurfaced in the Amazon, raising concerns among health experts as it spreads through local populations. The virus is transmitted primarily by the biting midge, Culicoides paraensis, a small insect found in the region's humid forests. Although the virus has long been on the radar of researchers, its increasing prevalence among humans has prompted renewed investigations. The virus was initially discovered in sloths, from which it derived its name. However,

The American Heart Association has made significant changes to its blood pressure guidelines, sparking discussions among health experts about the implications for treatment and prevention. Under the revised norms, a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg is now considered optimal. Previously, figures above this threshold were seen as the standard for healthy adults. This revision is expected to influence how blood pressure is monitored and managed across healthcare systems worldwide. The AHA's new guidelines are part of

Wall Street surged on Friday as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s address at the Jackson Hole symposium signposted a shift in policy direction, lifting the Dow to its highest closing level of 2025. The Dow climbed by around 1.9 per cent, the S&P 500 rose 1.5 per cent, and the Nasdaq jumped by roughly 1.9 per cent. This rally reversed a recent downturn and came amid rising expectations for an interest-rate cut in September. Investor sentiment pivoted sharply as Powell acknowledged

Labour unrest at the CHEP plant in Boksburg, South Africa, escalated on Thursday when approximately 110 workers initiated a strike following two months of failed negotiations. The dispute centres around unresolved wage issues and conditions that employees claim have been neglected by management. The workforce, employed at the CHEP site in Jet Park, halted operations after talks between the unions and management reached an impasse, with no compromise on the table. CHEP, a subsidiary of the Sydney-based Brambles group, operates globally

Royal Caribbean’s latest cruise ship, the Star of the Seas, has embarked on its maiden voyage, claiming the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. Set to join its sister vessel, Icon of the Seas, this groundbreaking debut signals the cruise line's commitment to pushing the limits of luxury and innovation at sea. At a staggering 1,200 feet in length and capable of carrying over 9,000 passengers and crew, the Star of the Seas towers over other ships in the fleet

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Cote d'Ivoire in a massive show of defiance against President Alassane Ouattara’s push for a fourth consecutive term. The protests, which began in the nation’s largest cities, have sparked intense debates over the future of democracy in a country that has long been a political bellwether in West Africa. The protests erupted after Ouattara, 83, announced his decision to seek another term, effectively sidelining his two main political rivals. The move comes

The U. S. has unveiled its largest immigrant detention centre, a facility designed to accommodate thousands of individuals awaiting deportation or asylum hearings. Located in the state of Texas, the new centre has sparked debates over the country’s immigration policies and its handling of detainees, especially amid ongoing concerns about the conditions of such facilities. Spanning over 1,500 acres, the facility is part of the U. S. government's increased efforts to manage the surge in immigration at the southern border. The

Hurricane Erin has intensified into a Category 2 storm as it pounds the Outer Banks in North Carolina, generating life-threatening conditions along the East Coast. With maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, the storm is unleashing dangerous surf and rip currents, urging authorities to issue urgent warnings for residents and tourists in the affected areas. As Erin continues to churn across the Atlantic, meteorologists have predicted further deterioration in conditions, with hazardous effects expected to extend well beyond the initial

North Korea has established a covert long-range missile base near its border with China, reportedly housing some of the regime's most advanced strategic weapons. The existence of this facility was uncovered through a combination of satellite imagery and intelligence reports, marking another step in the regime's ambitious missile development programme. The base, located in a remote area of North Korea’s northeast, is believed to be operational and fully stocked with missile systems capable of reaching distant targets, including South Korea, Japan,