Parts of Africa are experiencing severe weather due to climate change. In Kenya, there is a serious drought affecting people's lives and livestock. Meanwhile, Mozambique and South Africa have been hit by heavy rains causing floods.
Key Facts
Kenya is facing a severe drought, particularly in areas like Mandera County by the Kenya-Somalia border.
Livestock in Kenya are dying due to lack of water and food caused by the drought.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is helping by bringing water to affected communities.
Some areas in Kenya receive water deliveries only once or twice a week.
Mozambique and South Africa are experiencing heavy rain and floods.
Floodwaters in Mozambique have submerged homes, impacting residents' lives.
There has been little international media coverage on the floods in Mozambique compared to South Africa.
Indian officials announced that they have contained a recent Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal by confirming two cases and monitoring contacts. Neighboring countries have increased health screenings for travelers from India to prevent further spread. The Nipah virus is deadly and spread through animals and close human contact.
Key Facts
India confirmed two cases of the Nipah virus in West Bengal and stated the outbreak is contained.
The Indian health ministry tracked and tested 196 people connected to these cases, all tested negative.
The Nipah virus is transmitted through fruit bats, pigs, and close human contact and has a high death rate.
Neighboring Asian countries introduced health checks at airports and borders for travelers arriving from India.
Key actions by these countries include temperature checks and health declarations at entry points.
The virus was first noted in humans in 1998 in Malaysia and Singapore from infected pigs, causing over 100 deaths.
Nipah has caused outbreaks in countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, and India, especially in Kerala since 2018.
Israeli settlers set fire to three villages in Masafer Yatta, a region in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations reports that attacks against Palestinians and their property in this area are happening more than ever before.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers targeted three villages in Masafer Yatta.
These villages are located in the occupied West Bank.
The United Nations is monitoring the situation.
It reports that violence against Palestinians and their property is at very high levels.
The context is part of a larger conflict in the region between Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
South Sudan's army has launched a major military operation against opposition forces after losing territory. The operation, called Operation Enduring Peace, urges civilians and aid groups to evacuate certain areas. The situation in South Sudan has raised fears of increased violence and civilian harm.
Key Facts
South Sudan's army announced Operation Enduring Peace against opposition forces.
Civilians in three counties in Jonglei state were told to leave immediately.
Aid groups were given 48 hours to evacuate.
The army aims to recapture towns taken by opposition forces.
The government said the country is not at war, but rather stopping opposition advances.
A senior army commander encouraged violence against civilians, causing international criticism.
Opposition forces, including those loyal to Riek Machar, have taken government positions.
There are claims that charges against Machar are politically driven, conflicting with a peace agreement.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to announce ways to strengthen the country's nuclear forces at an upcoming party meeting. This news follows a recent missile test that was conducted under his supervision. Kim has called for the expansion and modernization of missile production to enhance North Korea's strategic deterrent.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un will present plans to improve North Korea's nuclear capabilities at a party meeting.
This announcement comes after a missile test that aimed to enhance North Korea's defense strategy.
The planned meeting is the first of its kind since 2021, where a five-year defense and economic plan will be revealed.
Kim described the recent missile test as a significant step in advancing their strategic deterrence.
The launched missiles successfully hit a target over 358.5 kilometers (222.7 miles) away in the Sea of Japan.
Japan reported that two missiles landed outside North Korea’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
South Korea detected several short-range ballistic missiles launched from North Korea.
Analysts suggest that the missiles may use a new system to avoid interference with their navigation during flight.
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned against a US attack on Iran and proposed that the US and Iran resolve their issues through diplomacy. He pointed out that Iran is open to negotiating its nuclear program again and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation. President Donald Trump has shown military strength in the region while indicating a willingness for diplomatic talks.
Key Facts
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advised against a US attack on Iran, suggesting diplomatic solutions.
Fidan mentioned that Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear program again.
The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.
President Trump has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf and acknowledged military strength.
Trump indicated support for Iranian antigovernment protesters and suggested help might come.
Fidan recommends dealing with Iran's nuclear issues separately from other topics like missiles or regional influence.
Regional cooperation and understanding are emphasized by Fidan as vital for stability.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Andy Burnham about Labour's decision to block Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Burnham was not informed earlier that he would be blocked. The Labour Party's panel blocked Burnham due to the potential costs of a subsequent mayoral election.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the issue with Andy Burnham after Labour blocked him from the by-election.
Labour's decision was based on concerns about the cost of finding a new mayor if Burnham left his current position.
Starmer denied claims that Burnham was told beforehand about being blocked.
Labour's National Executive Committee, including Starmer, voted to bar Burnham from candidacy.
The decision has led to 50 Labour MPs signing a letter asking for a reconsideration.
Reform UK has selected Matt Goodwin as their candidate for the by-election.
The by-election became necessary after MP Andrew Gwynne resigned for health reasons.
Labour had a significant lead in the previous election in the Gorton and Denton area.
Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for accepting bribes from the Unification Church. The court cleared her of other charges, including stock price manipulation. Kim denied the charges but apologized for her actions.
Key Facts
Kim Keon Hee was a former First Lady of South Korea.
She was found guilty of taking bribes from the Unification Church.
The bribes included luxury items, such as Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace.
A South Korean court sentenced her to one year and eight months in jail.
She was cleared of charges related to stock manipulation and political funds.
Her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, is serving a five-year prison sentence.
Kim denied the bribery charges but later apologized for causing trouble.
The Dior bag scandal involved footage of her receiving a $2,200 luxury handbag.
South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, received a 20-month jail sentence for taking bribes from the Unification Church. The court also demanded she return a diamond necklace and repay a sum of money. This is the first time a former South Korean presidential couple has faced convictions at the same time.
Key Facts
Kim Keon Hee is the wife of a former South Korean president.
She was sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting bribes.
The Unification Church gave her gifts, including a diamond necklace.
Kim was cleared of stock price manipulation charges.
The court ordered her to return the necklace and repay some money.
Her husband, a former president, is already serving jail time.
This is the first time both a former president and first lady in South Korea were convicted together.
A model of Claudia Winkleman has been displayed on artist Sharon Kulesa's garden fence in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Kulesa creates life-sized models of celebrities and characters using simple materials, and her work has become popular with the local community.
Key Facts
The model of Claudia Winkleman was inspired by the TV series "The Traitors."
Sharon Kulesa started making these models during the coronavirus pandemic.
Her past models have included Queen Elizabeth II and Ed Sheeran.
The models are made from mannequins, stuffed tights, and heads crafted from newspaper, kitchen foil, and masking tape.
Kulesa uses second-hand materials from charity shops and websites like Vinted.
The community enjoys the models, with many locals reacting positively on social media.
Kulesa is considering creating a model of Winnie-the-Pooh for its 100th anniversary.
Spain plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 migrants living without documentation. This decision is different from the stricter immigration policies in other countries like the United States, Denmark, Germany, and Austria. The move aims to help fill workforce gaps and support Spain's aging population.
Key Facts
Spain plans to give legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants.
This decision breaks from strict immigration policies in other Western countries.
Migrants will be able to work in any job and any region in Spain.
Spain’s plan aims to fill job shortages and help balance an aging population affecting pensions and welfare.
The Spanish government hopes regularizing migrants will benefit society and boost contributions to taxes and social security.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez supports migration for economic reasons.
Migrant organizations and NGOs find Spain's policy a positive contrast to anti-migrant sentiment elsewhere.
In Yemen, Mehdi Galeb Nasr's family struggles with severe food shortages. Nasr, nearly blind, used to sell ice cream but now collects plastic bottles for a living. The International Rescue Committee warns that over half of Yemen's population faces worsening hunger in early 2026.
Key Facts
Mehdi Galeb Nasr was an ice cream vendor in Sanaa, Yemen, until he lost his vision in one eye.
Now, he collects plastic bottles to earn a small income, assisted by his family to prevent him from getting lost.
Yemen is experiencing significant food shortages, with projections showing over 18 million people facing hunger by early 2026.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system reported that an additional million people could face life-threatening hunger soon.
Yemen has been embroiled in ongoing conflict, including recent tensions involving Saudi Arabia and UAE-backed groups.
Years of conflict have disrupted lives, restricting access to basic services and worsening the food crisis.
Economic challenges such as unpaid salaries, inflation, and international sanctions have compounded the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
In recent months, Saudi-backed forces have mostly regained control of areas previously taken by Yemeni separatist groups backed by UAE forces.
The Indian government has asked quick delivery companies to stop promising 10-minute deliveries after incidents of dangerous working conditions and accidents involving delivery riders. Despite this, high competition among companies still pressures workers to deliver goods quickly, often risking their safety.
Key Facts
The Indian government requested companies to stop guaranteeing "10-minute deliveries" in January.
Delivery riders face dangers like road accidents, extreme heat, and toxic air.
Companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Amazon provide quick delivery services in India.
Riders often work under pressure due to a rating system that affects their income.
Ankush, a delivery rider, died in a traffic accident while trying to deliver within the 10-minute target on his first day at work.
The promise of speedy deliveries appeals to India’s large middle class, who rely on these services.
Delivery platforms use "dark stores" for stocking items to make quick deliveries possible.
Despite changes, riders still feel pressured to deliver orders as fast as possible.
A plane crash in India has resulted in the death of Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state. The crash occurred when the plane attempted to land in Baramati, resulting in the deaths of four others, including staff and crew members.
Key Facts
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, died in a plane crash.
The flight originated from Mumbai and crashed while landing in Baramati.
The crash also killed two of Pawar's staff members and two crew members.
The Indian aviation authority, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, reported the incident.
Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, India, died in a plane crash along with four others. The crash happened at the airport in Baramati, where the plane was headed, after taking off from Mumbai. The cause of the crash is not yet known.
Key Facts
Ajit Pawar was the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, a state in India.
Pawar and four other people died in a plane crash.
The crash took place at the airport in Baramati, Maharashtra.
The plane took off from Mumbai, India.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed yet.
Two of Pawar's staff members and two crew members also died in the crash.
Visuals from the crash site show the plane wreckage in smoke and flames.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the crash on social media.
President Donald Trump has proposed a "Board of Peace" for rebuilding Gaza, but many European countries are hesitant or have declined to join. The board is seen by some as potentially undermining the United Nations, even as it forms part of Trump's broader foreign policy efforts. Hungary and Bulgaria are the only European Union countries that have agreed to participate, while others like France have refused.
Key Facts
President Trump launched a "Board of Peace" to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza.
Hungary and Bulgaria are the only EU countries that accepted the invitation to join the board.
France declined, citing concerns over the board's potential to challenge the United Nations' principles.
Denmark was not invited due to past diplomatic tensions over Greenland.
Trump signed the board's charter at the World Economic Forum in January.
The board is seen by some as a possible attempt to do the UN's job, which has caused concern.
Trump invited Russia, despite its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Board members are expected to contribute $1 billion each, without details on how funds will be used.
The Doomsday Clock, a symbol showing how close humanity is to catastrophe, has been set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026. This is the closest it has been since the clock started in 1947. Scientists cite increased global threats, such as nuclear tensions, inadequate climate action, and new dangers from artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
The Doomsday Clock now stands at 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, the closest in its history.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sets the clock each year to indicate global threats.
The organization cites worsening international cooperation on nuclear weapons, climate change, and biotechnology as concerns.
New threats from artificial intelligence were also mentioned as a reason for moving the clock closer to midnight.
The Bulletin highlighted 2025 conflicts, including Russia's war on Ukraine, India-Pakistan clashes, and US-Israel actions in Iran.
The organization criticized national and international responses to climate change as insufficient.
Renewable and nuclear energy surpassed 40% of global electricity generation in 2024.
The Doomsday Clock has shifted over the years, reflecting changes in global security and environmental risks.
The Iranian foreign minister stated that Iran has not requested talks with the U.S. and called for the U.S. to stop making war threats. This comes after President Trump claimed Iran was ready to make a deal to prevent U.S. strikes.
Key Facts
Iran's foreign minister is Abbas Araghchi.
Araghchi said Iran has not asked for negotiations with the U.S.
President Trump stated that Iran is ready to make a deal.
U.S. warships have moved into the region, described by President Trump as an "armada."
Araghchi noted ongoing contact with friendly intermediaries but no decision to negotiate.
Araghchi called for diplomacy without military threats or excessive demands.
Negotiations should be based on mutual respect and interests, according to Araghchi.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for Michigan, Alaska, and New York. These states could see up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds that may cause difficult travel and reduced visibility. The National Weather Service has issued these warnings to prepare people for potential blizzard conditions.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service predicts up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds in some areas, leading to possible blizzard conditions.
Michigan could see up to 9 inches of snow, affecting places like Luce and Alger Counties, with travel issues expected.
Alaska's eastern range and parts of the Susitna Valley could experience up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds, potentially causing travel disruptions.
New York, including Onondaga County, might receive 3-6 inches of snow, impacting areas like Baldwinsville.
Strong winds and heavy snow are expected to create low visibility, making travel very difficult in affected regions.
Visibility in some areas could drop to less than a quarter of a mile due to blowing snow.
A viral post on a platform called Threads sparked a debate about behavior on planes. A passenger shared a photo of a woman sitting with her feet on the seat during a flight in India, which led to divided opinions on appropriate conduct in public spaces.
Key Facts
The incident took place on a short internal flight in India from Chennai to Bangalore.
The viral post originated from a user named Maria Mammen on Threads.
The post showed a woman with her bare feet on the airplane seat while on her phone.
The post received over 4,500 likes and sparked various comments on plane etiquette.
Some comments criticized the woman's behavior as lacking civic sense.
Others defended the woman's actions, stating she was within her own space.
Booking.com etiquette guidelines advise against removing shoes during a flight for safety reasons.
Etiquette recommendations also include greeting crew, minimizing noise, and sharing armrests.
