The Liberal Party of Australia has replaced its first female leader, Sussan Ley, with Angus Taylor after a leadership vote. Ley's leadership faced challenges, including poor poll results and internal party conflicts. Angus Taylor, who is part of the party's conservative faction, won the election with 34 votes to 17.
Key Facts
Sussan Ley was the first woman to lead Australia's Liberal Party.
She was ousted after nine months through a leadership vote by Angus Taylor.
Angus Taylor served as a shadow defense minister and is from the conservative faction of the party.
Ley's leadership faced challenges due to low polling numbers and party disagreements.
Angus Taylor received 34 votes, while Ley got 17 in the secret ballot.
Ley plans to resign as a Member of Parliament and leave public life entirely.
The Liberal-National Coalition split twice during Ley's leadership.
The Coalition struggled to understand its election defeat, with energy and climate policy disagreements.
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, missed the chance to extend their lead after a 1-1 draw against Brentford. With 12 games left, Arsenal faces pressure from Manchester City, known for strong end-of-season performances. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta aims to keep his team focused on improving and winning each match.
Key Facts
Arsenal is four points ahead at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal's recent draw was against Brentford, with a score of 1-1.
Manchester City is close behind Arsenal in the title race.
Historically, Arsenal has struggled to win many of their final matches each season.
Mikel Arteta emphasizes keeping the team calm and focused amidst external pressures.
Arsenal was missing key player William Saliba due to illness, affecting their defense.
Arsenal has a higher win rate with Saliba playing compared to when he is absent.
BBC reporter's computer was hacked due to security issues in an AI coding platform called Orchids. The platform allows users without technical skills to create apps, but a flaw lets hackers access users' computers. Despite security concerns, the company has not provided a comment.
Key Facts
Orchids is an AI platform that lets non-experts create apps by typing prompts to a chatbot.
A cyber-security researcher showed that a hacker could access a BBC reporter's laptop using Orchids.
The hacker was able to change the computer's wallpaper and create files on it.
Orchids is used by many people, including major companies like Google, Uber, and Amazon.
The security flaw allows hackers to launch attacks without the victim doing anything.
The BBC has asked Orchids for a response, but the company has not replied.
The security expert found this flaw last December and has been trying to contact Orchids.
Orchids was founded in 2025 in San Francisco and has fewer than 10 employees.
The government in England is planning to ban vaping in cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds and near schools. These plans are part of a public consultation aiming to prevent smoking and vaping in specific areas to protect children and patients from second-hand smoke. The consultation will last 12 weeks and will help shape future regulations under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Key Facts
England’s government plans to ban vaping in cars with children, playgrounds, and outside schools.
A public consultation will last 12 weeks to gather opinions on the proposed bans.
The plans are part of a larger 10-year health initiative to focus on prevention and reduce NHS pressures.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized protecting children and sick people from second-hand smoke.
England’s chief medical officer mentioned risks like asthma and heart disease from second-hand smoke.
The ban would not apply to outdoor hospitality venues like pub gardens or smoking in private homes.
The findings of the consultation will inform future regulations under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Enforcement, if the ban is approved, would follow existing smoke-free laws, with a six-month period before coming into effect.
The U.S. Senate failed to pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) because of disagreements over immigration rules. Democrats want changes, like requiring body cameras for agents and ending the practice of masked agents. If the funding isn't secured, some DHS services may be interrupted, but immigration agencies will mostly continue operations.
Key Facts
The U.S. Senate couldn't pass the funding bill for DHS due to disagreements over immigration policies.
Democrats want ICE agents to wear body cameras and not wear masks.
If the funding gap continues, it may affect agencies like FEMA and TSA.
ICE will continue to receive funding because of prior legislation supporting mass deportation policies.
Democrats also want to stop immigration enforcement at certain places like schools and medical facilities.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted potential impacts on airport security and infrastructure protection.
Republicans are pushing for agreements that require local police to work with federal immigration officials.
President Donald Trump has revoked a key scientific finding that was the basis for U.S. climate change regulations. This action removes the legal foundation used to impose greenhouse gas emission standards on vehicles and power plants. The decision is likely to face legal challenges.
Key Facts
President Trump revoked a scientific finding known as the “endangerment finding.”
This finding was the basis for climate regulations under the Clean Air Act.
President Trump described the finding as a "scam" and celebrated its repeal.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the rule to rescind this finding.
The decision could lead to the removal of greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and trucks.
Experts believe this move will face legal challenges in the courts.
The EPA ended tax credits for vehicles with automatic start-stop ignition systems.
Former EPA administrator Gina McCarthy criticized the action as reckless.
African leaders are meeting in Ethiopia to discuss the continent's changing role in world politics. President Trump has shifted U.S. focus away from Africa, favoring deals with specific countries over widespread international cooperation. This has sparked discussions on how Africa should navigate global relationships.
Key Facts
African leaders are meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss international relations.
President Donald Trump has changed U.S. policies to focus more on specific countries rather than global partnerships.
The U.S. under Trump has shown less attention to Africa, preferring bilateral deals involving resources.
Canada’s Prime Minister used an analogy that countries are either at the negotiating table or left out.
A former U.S. representative to Africa said America cannot focus on every global region equally.
African nations are reassessing their strategies with global powers amid these changes.
The U.S. strategy shift involves moving from aid to encouraging investment in Africa.
Scientists at the University of Zurich found that a small electrical current applied to specific brain areas can temporarily make people more generous. The study involved stimulating the frontal and parietal brain regions, resulting in participants sharing more money in an experiment. These findings might help treat brain disorders related to social behavior.
Key Facts
Researchers conducted the study at the University of Zurich.
44 volunteers participated in an experiment where they shared money after brain stimulation.
Electrical currents targeted the frontal and parietal areas of the brain.
Stimulating these areas increased generosity, but the effect was temporary.
The study suggests that altruism is linked to specific brain activities and areas.
This approach might help treat social behavior disorders.
The experiment was ethically cleared, with participants giving informed consent.
The study builds on prior research about brain activity during decision-making.
Travel agents report a 9% increase in February half-term holiday bookings compared to last year. The increase is partly due to persistent rainy weather and the political environment. However, travellers to Europe may face delays because of a new EU border system.
Key Facts
February half-term holiday bookings have risen by 9% compared to last year.
Rainy weather and political factors are prompting more people to book holidays.
Almost 50,000 passengers will travel from Manchester Airport this Friday, a record for February half-term.
Jet2, an airline and tour operator, has also seen an increase in bookings.
New EU border security system may cause delays for UK travellers to Europe.
UK experienced one of its wettest Januaries on record, which continued into February.
Popular travel destinations include Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris, Dubai, and Tenerife.
Domestic tourism in the UK is also expected to see a boost during the half-term break.
The U.S. economy is growing, but job creation has slowed down significantly. Despite a steady unemployment rate, the number of new jobs available is low, which worries some analysts about the long-term health of the job market.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy grew at a 4.4% annual rate recently.
Despite growth, the U.S. added only about 15,000 jobs a month last year.
The unemployment rate is stable at around 4.3%.
Some sectors, like tech, have experienced significant layoffs.
New technology, including AI, may be a reason for fewer jobs as companies can do more with fewer workers.
The situation has led to discussions about "jobless growth."
Job seekers like Jacob Trigg and James Richardson face challenges finding employment despite applying to many jobs.
Robotics companies face challenges in developing robotic hands that mimic human dexterity. While current robotic hands can perform some tasks, achieving the full range of human hand movements is still a complex and costly task. Robotics experts believe it may take up to a decade to reach human-like manual dexterity.
Key Facts
Shadow Robot is a company working on developing robotic hands with precise movements.
Their robotic hands use small motors and metal tendons to move fingers.
200 of Shadow Robot's hands are used in universities and tech firms for research.
The goal is to create a single robotic hand that can be used for various tasks.
Kinisi is another company that has developed a three-fingered robotic hand.
The cost of advanced robotic hands can be very high compared to simpler models.
Elon Musk has identified creating a hand as a major challenge in humanoid robotics.
Experts believe achieving full human-like dexterity in robots may take about 10 years.
The article explores the idea of soulmates and how it has evolved over time. It looks at historical concepts of love and recent scientific views on whether a perfect partner exists. The article also discusses how modern dating apps impact the search for a soulmate.
Key Facts
The concept of soulmates dates back to ancient Greece, with myths like Plato's story of Zeus splitting whole beings in two.
Medieval European stories, such as those about Lancelot and Guinevere, influenced modern ideas about romantic love and soulmates.
Professor Viren Swami mentions that the idea of choosing one life partner stems from medieval European culture.
The rise of industrialization led people to seek individual partners for connection, different from earlier communal lifestyles.
Dating apps are described as tools for "relation-shopping," which can make finding a soulmate feel unfulfilling.
Professor Jason Carroll distinguishes between the idea of a soulmate and a life partner, emphasizing relationships require effort.
A US Marine, Lance Cpl Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, fell overboard and died while participating in a military operation against drug boats in the Caribbean. The operation, named Operation Southern Spear, aims to combat drug trafficking and played a role in capturing Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. The incident involving Oforah is under investigation, and there are legal concerns about the operation's methods.
Key Facts
Lance Cpl Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, a US Marine, fell overboard from the USS Iwo Jima on February 7 and was pronounced dead on February 10.
Oforah's death is under investigation by the military.
He was part of Operation Southern Spear, targeting drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.
The operation has conducted 38 strikes since September, contributing to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
The USS Iwo Jima was used to transport Maduro after his capture.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation aims to remove "narco-terrorists."
Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes, suggesting they may violate international law.
There is an ongoing lawsuit by families of victims of previous strikes alleging "lawless killings."
President Donald Trump announced a major change to U.S. climate policy by revoking an Obama-era regulation that linked pollution to public health and environmental harm. This rollback is seen as one of the most significant actions on climate policy during his second term. The decision focused on reducing regulations and was framed as a move to benefit the economy, particularly the fossil fuel and auto industries.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the revocation of a 2009 regulation connecting pollution to public health and environmental damage.
The regulation had been the basis for U.S. policies that aimed to reduce emissions from vehicles and industries.
Trump described the rollback as a victory against the Democratic Party’s environmental agenda.
The change is expected to benefit the fossil fuel industry by focusing on boosting traditional energy sources.
Trump argued that the move would lower energy costs for Americans.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's administrator, Lee Zeldin, supported the decision and criticized previous climate policies for hindering economic growth.
Democrats and environmental groups opposed the rollback, fearing it would worsen climate change.
Previous to this rollback, Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord during his presidency.
Protesters in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, clashed over a proposed amnesty bill that could free political prisoners. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez's government and its opposition both held large demonstrations. The National Assembly is debating the bill, which has not yet been passed.
Key Facts
Protests occurred in Caracas over an amnesty bill for political prisoners.
It was the first major opposition demonstration against interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
The National Assembly is discussing a bill that may grant amnesty to political prisoners.
Rodriguez became interim president after the U.S. removed Nicolas Maduro in January.
Thousands attended both the government's and opposition's rallies.
The bill’s final vote has been delayed.
Reports say the bill does not cover crimes like murder or drug trafficking.
Human rights groups are concerned about the bill’s implementation and prisoner eligibility.
Amnesty International and B’Tselem have stated that genocide is still taking place in Gaza. Even after an agreement to stop the war four months ago, Israeli attacks and other dangers for Palestinians continue.
Key Facts
Amnesty International claims genocide is ongoing in Gaza.
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, also states that the situation in Gaza involves genocide.
There was an agreement to end the war four months ago.
Despite the agreement, Israeli attacks in Gaza continue.
Palestinians in Gaza face additional dangers beyond the attacks.
The article features insights from experts like Mansour Shouman and Michael Lynk.
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brentford in a Premier League soccer match. This result means Arsenal missed the chance to increase their lead at the top of the league.
Key Facts
Arsenal played Brentford in a Premier League match.
The final score was 1-1.
Arsenal could have restored a six-point lead in the league standings with a win.
The match was described as thrilling.
The information is primarily available to UK users.
Gail Slater, who led the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust division, has resigned amid disagreements with senior officials in the Trump administration. Her departure raises concerns about the government's commitment to enforcing anti-monopoly laws, as the division handles important cases involving major companies like Apple and Visa.
Key Facts
Gail Slater was the head of the DOJ's antitrust division, responsible for enforcing competition laws.
Slater announced her resignation, which adds to ongoing leadership changes in the division.
The DOJ is currently dealing with major cases involving companies like Live Nation, Visa, and Apple.
Some officials fear her exit signals a reduced focus on challenging illegal monopolies.
Reports have emerged of tension between the antitrust division and higher authorities in the DOJ.
Earlier decisions, such as the DOJ dropping a case against Hewlett-Packard Enterprise's takeover of Juniper Networks, faced criticism.
Former officials have mentioned internal battles over antitrust enforcement strategies.
Senator Elizabeth Warren commented on Slater's resignation, suggesting a need for congressional oversight.
Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal. Atletico scored all four goals in the first half and dominated the match, leaving Barcelona with a tough challenge for the return leg.
Key Facts
Atletico Madrid won 4-0 against Barcelona in the first match of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
All four goals were scored in the first half, putting Atletico in a strong position for the final.
Barcelona's goalkeeper made an early mistake, leading to the first goal.
Antoine Griezmann scored one of Atletico's goals.
Barcelona thought they scored in the second half, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a video review.
A player from Barcelona received a red card after a video review in the second half.
The winner of this semifinal will play against Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the final.
The US House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, which requires voters to show proof-of-citizenship documents like a passport or birth certificate when registering to vote. The bill faces a challenge in the Senate due to a lack of support.
Key Facts
The SAVE America Act requires proof-of-citizenship documents for voter registration.
Voters must show a valid photo ID before casting their ballots under the bill.
The legislation concerns those who have changed names, like married individuals, as they may need additional documents.
An estimated 21 million Americans lack citizenship documents, and 2.6 million lack photo IDs.
President Trump supports the bill and wants it signed into law, seeing it as a way to prevent alleged election fraud.
Republicans largely support the bill, while Democrats argue it may suppress eligible voters.
A Pew Research Center poll showed 83% support for requiring photo ID for voting.
The Senate has not scheduled a vote due to insufficient support to pass the bill.
