A senior UK civil servant, Cat Little, testified to Parliament about the vetting process that cleared Lord Mandelson for a UK ambassador role despite security concerns. The Prime Minister later dismissed Mandelson after new information on his links with Jeffrey Epstein emerged, sparking controversy and accusations of misleading Parliament.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson was given security clearance for the UK ambassador to the US role, despite concerns by vetting officials.
The Prime Minister fired Mandelson after discovering details about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Cat Little stated that the official vetting process was followed, with recommendations made by UK Security Vetting and decisions made by the Foreign Office.
Opposition parties claim Parliament was misled about how thorough the vetting was.
Cat Little said she saw no formal proof of pressure from Downing Street to speed up the vetting.
Documents about the vetting process were requested by Parliament but some information was withheld for confidentiality reasons.
Little received vetting documents in March but delayed informing the Prime Minister until April while seeking legal advice.
Sir Olly Robbins, formerly top civil servant at the Foreign Office, has been dismissed amid this controversy.
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Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, was splashed with red liquid by a protester while visiting Berlin. Police quickly arrested the person, and Pahlavi was taken away safely by security.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the former crown prince of Iran living in exile.
The incident happened during his visit to Berlin, Germany.
A protester threw red fluid at him, hitting his neck and shoulders.
The protest was related to Pahlavi’s position on the war in Iran.
Police detained the protester at the scene.
Security escorted Pahlavi away after the attack.
Video footage captured the moment of the incident.
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U.S. forces stopped and searched an Iran-linked oil tanker called M/T Majestic X in the Indian Ocean. This happened after Iran's forces seized two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, continuing a series of back-and-forth ship seizures between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. military boarded the stateless tanker M/T Majestic X transporting oil from Iran.
The ship was stopped in the Indian Ocean, far from the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier.
The two seized ships held 15 Filipino seafarers, all reported safe by the Philippine government.
Videos show U.S. forces boarding the tanker by helicopter and IRGC fighters boarding the seized cargo ships.
The U.S. says it will keep enforcing maritime laws to stop ships that support Iran.
Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire extended by President Trump.
Iran views the U.S. naval blockade as a breach of the ceasefire agreement.
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A commission investigating violence after Tanzania’s 2024 general election reports that 518 people died from unnatural causes during widespread protests. The commission did not assign blame but recommended further investigation, while opposition groups accused security forces of harsh crackdowns.
Key Facts
The commission reported 518 deaths following protests after the October 29 election.
490 of the dead were men, 21 were children, and 16 were security officers.
At least 197 deaths resulted from shotgun wounds.
Over 2,000 people were injured, including 120 security personnel.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the election with 98% of the vote, which opposition parties criticized as unfair.
The commission said the violence was planned and coordinated by trained individuals aiming to destabilize the country.
Opposition groups called the report a cover-up and accused the government of crimes.
Claims of mass graves were unproven, with some image manipulation noted by the commission.
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Prince Harry visited Ukraine and spoke about the importance of U.S. support in protecting Ukraine’s borders and sovereignty. He said America has a key role in keeping Ukraine safe, especially because Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons based on U.S. promises. His comments differ from President Trump’s approach, which aims to end the war quickly but has caused tension with Ukraine’s leaders.
Key Facts
Prince Harry visited Kyiv, Ukraine, to attend a security conference.
He emphasized the U.S. role in supporting Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum, which included promises from the U.S., Russia, and the U.K. to respect Ukraine’s borders.
Harry highlighted that U.S. support is a matter of global security, not charity.
President Trump has pushed for a fast end to the war in Ukraine, causing disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace have included pressure on Zelensky to accept terms Ukraine sees as unfair.
Tensions exist between Prince Harry’s comments supporting strong U.S. backing for Ukraine and Trump’s more cautious policy.
Harry described the war as a fight for democracy and criticized the breaking of security assurances to Ukraine.
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A jury was dismissed in the trial of Jamie Varley, a former teacher accused of abusing and killing his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey. The trial will restart with a new jury because of undisclosed reasons, and both Varley and his partner deny the charges.
Key Facts
Jamie Varley, 37, is charged with murdering Preston Davey and 25 other offenses related to sexual and physical abuse.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, Varley’s partner, is charged with causing or allowing Preston’s death and other offenses.
Preston was adopted by the couple in April 2023 after being in foster care since birth.
The child had suffered multiple injuries and abuse during the months he was with the defendants.
Preston was found unconscious on July 27, 2023, and died soon after arriving at the hospital.
The official cause of death may have been smothering or object insertion, not accidental drowning as Varley claimed.
The jury was dismissed by the judge for reasons that cannot be shared publicly.
A new jury will be chosen to continue the trial next Monday.
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The U.S. military seized an oil tanker, the Majestic X, that was linked to smuggling Iranian oil. This happened after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards took control of two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade, increasing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. seized the oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Majestic X is flagged in Guyana and was previously sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards captured two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz the day before.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway where about 20% of the world’s oil is traded.
President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran but kept a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The ongoing conflict has severely reduced oil exports through the strait.
Oil prices have risen sharply, with Brent crude oil passing $100 per barrel.
The conflict has also increased the cost of gas, food, and other goods worldwide.
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Sandy Davidson, a three-year-old boy, disappeared in April 1976 while chasing the family dog near his grandparents' home in Irvine, Scotland. Despite police searches and ongoing efforts, he has never been found, and his sister Donna recently appealed for new information on the 50th anniversary of his disappearance.
Key Facts
Sandy was playing in his grandparents' garden when the family dog ran out into the street.
Sandy chased after the dog and vanished; he has not been seen since April 23, 1976.
Several theories exist, including Sandy falling into a nearby river or being taken by a man delivering leaflets.
A witness claimed Sandy was last seen holding an adult man's hand and appearing happy.
A DNA test in 2013 ruled out one person who was suspected to be Sandy.
Police Scotland released an age-progressed image showing how Sandy might look at age 53.
Donna Davidson, Sandy’s sister, continues to seek answers and calls for anyone with information to come forward.
Police encourage people to share even small details that might help solve the case.
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Iran has shared a video showing its forces taking control of two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says this action is in response to the U.S. seizing two vessels earlier in the week.
Key Facts
Iran released a video showing the seizure of two container ships.
The ships were taken in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transport.
Iran claims the seizures are retaliation for U.S. actions.
The U.S. recently captured two vessels, prompting this response from Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
No information was provided about the ships' owners or crews.
This event increases tensions between Iran and the United States.
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Cat Little, a senior civil servant, gave evidence about the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy to a government committee. She revealed new details about government handling of Mandelson’s security clearance and noted missing records of key decisions.
Key Facts
Olly Robbins, a former senior official, refused to share a summary explaining why Mandelson was initially denied vetting clearance with Cat Little.
The Foreign Office started talks about whether Mandelson, as a House of Lords member, needed full security vetting.
No official paper record was found showing Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved Mandelson’s appointment.
Four days after Mandelson was dismissed, the Foreign Office asked for documents related to his security vetting.
The vetting summary document is about 10 pages long, suggesting it contains detailed information.
Cat Little had to request the vetting summary directly from UK Security Vetting due to resistance from the Foreign Office.
The government used a “humble address” motion in Parliament to gather documents related to the case.
A debate existed within the government over the need for Mandelson’s vetting, described as a “policy conversation.”
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. The court found there is evidence linking Duterte to thousands of killings during his time as mayor and president.
Key Facts
Rodrigo Duterte faces trial at the ICC for crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder.
Charges are connected to a campaign against drugs that led to thousands of deaths.
The campaign was described as a widespread and systematic attack on civilians.
Duterte denies the charges and his lawyers say he is too old and unwell to stand trial.
The ICC rejected the defence’s claim that the court has no jurisdiction over the case.
The prosecution says Duterte had full control and authorized the killings while in office.
Estimated deaths linked to the drug campaign range up to 30,000 according to ICC sources.
Some victims' family members and human rights groups welcomed the decision to proceed with the trial.
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Iran showed military activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global shipping. Despite this, the White House said a ceasefire agreement remains active.
Key Facts
Video appeared showing Iranian operations targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for worldwide oil and trade shipments.
The White House confirmed that a ceasefire is still in place despite Iran’s actions.
The Pentagon announced Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his position.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region involving Iran’s military presence.
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Millions of people in West Bengal, India, are voting in a close state election. Over 9 million names have been removed from the voter list, with many of those removed being Muslim voters in important areas.
Key Facts
West Bengal is holding a state election with a large number of voters.
More than 9 million names were taken off the voter list before the election.
The removal happened quickly in a short time period.
Muslim voters in key districts were affected more than others by these removals.
This situation has raised concerns about fair voter inclusion in the election.
The election is closely watched due to its political importance in the region.
The voter list revision led to some people feeling excluded from voting.
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Scientists studied comet 3I/Atlas, an object from outside our solar system that passed near Earth in 2025. They found it likely came from a very cold and isolated part of our galaxy and may be up to 11 billion years old, much older than the Sun.
Key Facts
Comet 3I/Atlas is the third confirmed interstellar visitor to our solar system.
It could be as old as 11 billion years, more than twice the age of the Sun.
Scientists observed the comet using telescopes including the Hubble Space Telescope and the ALMA observatory in Chile.
The comet passed close to Mars in October 2025 and made its closest approach to Earth in December 2025.
High levels of deuterium (heavy hydrogen) in its water suggest it formed in a very cold environment before any star formed there.
The comet’s nucleus measures between 440 meters and 5.6 kilometers wide.
It is traveling away from the solar system at about 137,000 mph (220,000 kph).
The comet’s exact birthplace in the Milky Way is still unknown.
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Lebanon and Israel are continuing direct talks in Washington to discuss extending a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and planning future negotiations. The talks aim to stop violence, address border issues, and promote peace after a recent conflict that caused many deaths and displacement.
Key Facts
Lebanon and Israel held their first direct talks in 30 years and are now beginning a second session in Washington.
The talks focus on extending a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which started on April 4, 2026.
Lebanon wants the ceasefire extended and an end to Israeli demolitions in villages occupied after the recent war.
Future negotiations may cover stopping Israeli attacks, withdrawing Israeli troops, releasing Lebanese prisoners, and border security.
Israel controls a buffer zone up to 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon to stop rocket attacks.
Hezbollah opposes the talks and says it will not follow any agreements made.
The recent war resulted in about 2,300 deaths in Lebanon and displaced over 1 million people.
Israeli officials say Hezbollah is the main obstacle to peace and call for Lebanon to disarm the group.
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President Donald Trump has used naval blockades to pressure countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and now Iran. However, Iran is a different challenge because it controls a key oil shipping route, making the blockade impactful on the global economy and requiring a bigger military effort far from U.S. shores.
Key Facts
President Trump has applied naval blockades to Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran to force their governments to meet U.S. demands.
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route where about 20% of the world’s oil passes.
The blockade against Iran has hurt its economy but Iran still manages to move some of its oil through the region.
Iran has rejected U.S. demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and has fired on ships recently.
The blockade has contributed to higher gas prices globally and increased costs of food and other goods.
Iran poses a greater military threat compared to Venezuela or Cuba, requiring a long-term U.S. military presence far from home.
Past blockades on Venezuela and Cuba showed mixed results, with Venezuela’s case involving a military raid and Cuba suffering severe economic decline.
Experts say the situation with Iran is more complex and involves higher risks for the global economy and U.S. politics, especially before upcoming elections.
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Scotland will hold elections on May 7, 2026, to fill all 129 seats in its Parliament. The BBC has created a guide that explains the main political parties’ policies to help voters decide who to support.
Key Facts
The Scottish Parliament has 129 seats up for election in 2026.
The election date is May 7, 2026.
The BBC made a guide summarizing party policies on important issues for voters.
The guide is based on what voters say matters most, found through polls of over 2,000 people in Scotland.
Some issues in the guide cover topics controlled mainly by the UK Parliament, like defense and immigration.
The parties included must run candidates in enough areas to qualify for the guide.
Parties are listed by how well they did in the last 2021 election and their current support levels.
Voters can use a BBC tool to find which candidates are running in their area.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to murder. He will face trial over allegations tied to his "war on drugs," which led to the deaths of many people in the Philippines.
Key Facts
The ICC confirmed three counts of murder as crimes against humanity against Duterte.
Duterte is accused of being involved in the killing of 76 people and attempting to kill two others.
Prosecutors say Duterte created and supported death squads to kill suspected drug offenders from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte denies the charges and says police were only told to use lethal force in self-defense.
His defense lawyer argues the prosecution used selective examples and that Duterte did not call for violence.
There is uncertainty about whether Duterte will attend the trial, as his defense claims he is mentally unfit.
Estimates of deaths during Duterte’s term range from 6,000 (official police figure) to 30,000 (from human rights groups).
Human rights organizations say the ICC trial is an important step toward justice for victims of these killings.
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A group of over 50 Indian physicists specializing in string theory expressed support for academics and civilians in Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon. They condemned attacks on universities and other civilian places during ongoing conflicts involving Israel and the United States.
Key Facts
The statement was signed by leading Indian physicists, including Ashoke Sen and Spenta Wadia.
The group named several attacked universities in Iran and Lebanon, such as Sharif University of Technology and Lebanese University.
The physicists described these attacks as part of a larger assault causing many deaths and displacing millions.
They said almost all universities and schools in Gaza have been destroyed in the conflict.
The statement labeled the actions as crimes against humanity and warned of long-term damage to education and research in these areas.
Violence continues despite fragile ceasefires, with attacks killing civilians in Lebanon and Gaza.
Iranian officials accused the U.S. of blocking peace talks by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
India is recognized as a global leader in the scientific field of string theory.
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