A rare virus transmitted by rodents caused the death of the only African elephant in Delhi Zoo, India. The elephant, named Shankar, died on September 17, 2023, and tests later confirmed he had encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The virus can cause heart and brain problems in animals and there is no specific treatment available.
Key Facts
Shankar was a 29-year-old African elephant at Delhi Zoo.
He died on September 17, 2023, due to EMCV, a virus spread by rodents.
EMCV can cause severe heart and brain issues in animals and is often fatal.
The virus has infected animals in various countries since the 1970s.
Shankar was brought to India from Zimbabwe in 1998 as part of a diplomatic gift but lived alone for many years.
The virus was first identified in India in the 1960s, but Shankar's death is the first recorded EMCV fatality in Indian elephants.
Animal activists had sought Shankar's relocation to a sanctuary with other African elephants, but a 2021 court petition for his transfer was dismissed.
After Shankar's death, only one African elephant remains in India, living alone in Mysore Zoo, Karnataka.
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Several renowned authors, including John Irving and Salman Rushdie, have new books available. The books cover a range of topics and themes, such as personal stories, identity, and family dynamics.
Key Facts
John Irving released a book titled "Queen Esther", returning to themes from his earlier work "The Cider House Rules".
Irving's new book focuses on a Jewish orphan named Esther Nacht.
Salman Rushdie published a collection of stories called "The Eleventh Hour".
Rushdie's collection touches on themes like identity and revenge.
Kevin Moffett's debut novel, "Only Son", tells a generational story of a father-son relationship.
Oyinkan Braithwaite's second novel, "Cursed Daughters", explores themes of curses and generational trauma.
This week features a busy release schedule with many noteworthy books.
The books were highlighted in an NPR article discussing recent literary releases.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines, causing severe flooding and leading to at least two deaths. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and the storm is expected to move towards the South China Sea soon.
Key Facts
Typhoon Kalmaegi affected the central Philippines, causing major floods.
At least two people died because of the typhoon.
Hundreds of thousands of residents have been displaced.
The typhoon made landfall just before midnight on a Monday.
The storm is moving west at a speed of 25 km/h (16 mph).
Many people have taken refuge on rooftops to escape the floodwaters.
A previous earthquake in September left many living in temporary shelters, who were moved again for safety.
At least three to five more storms may hit the area before December ends.
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The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Egypt has opened to the public after two decades of construction and an estimated cost of $1 billion. It is located near the pyramids of Giza and features over 100,000 ancient artifacts, including items from King Tutankhamun's tomb and a statue of King Ramses II. The museum's design resembles a fourth pyramid on the Giza Plateau and offers views of the existing pyramids.
Key Facts
The Grand Egyptian Museum opened after about 20 years and cost approximately $1 billion.
It is situated 2 kilometers from the pyramids of Giza and 8 kilometers from Cairo.
The museum complex covers nearly 500,000 square meters.
Over 100,000 ancient artifacts are displayed from 30 Egyptian dynasties.
Major exhibits include King Ramses II's statue and King Tutankhamun's treasures.
The museum's design, by Irish firm Heneghan Peng, uses pyramid-inspired geometry.
Construction faced delays due to the 2011 Arab Spring and COVID-19 pandemic.
The museum also includes a conference center, a courtyard, and a conservation center.
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A dog named Chase has been in the Patty Baker Humane Society Naples shelter in Florida for over 700 days due to a medical condition causing seizures. Despite being friendly and popular with visitors, his condition has made potential adopters hesitant. The shelter staff are actively trying to find him a suitable home.
Key Facts
Chase is a dog at the Patty Baker Humane Society Naples in Florida.
He has been in the shelter for over 700 days since arriving in November 2023.
Chase has a medical condition that causes seizures, which is managed with medication.
His medical condition has led to hesitation among potential adopters.
Chase is friendly, popular with visitors, and enjoys outings with volunteers.
Shelter staff and volunteers are working hard to help Chase find a permanent home.
Videos shared on social media about Chase have received over 150,000 views.
The shelter believes Chase would do best as the only pet in an active and loving home.
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A global publisher, Pan Macmillan, apologized to author Kate Clanchy for a controversy surrounding her book from four years ago. The book, which won a prestigious award, faced criticism for language deemed racist and for its descriptions of children. The incident led to Clanchy parting ways with her long-time publisher.
Key Facts
Kate Clanchy is an author whose book "Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me" faced criticism for its language about children.
The book won the Orwell prize for political writing in 2020.
In 2021, Clanchy was accused of using racist, classist, and ableist language in the book.
Critics said the book focused too much on children's physical features.
Pan Macmillan, Clanchy's publisher, apologized for the incident.
Clanchy separated from Picador, a part of Pan Macmillan, in 2022.
Clanchy has denied the accusations of racism and has said the controversy caused her significant personal distress.
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Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84 due to health complications. Voters in the U.S. are participating in important elections, including races for mayor and governor. Additionally, there is increasing famine in Sudan, with many affected people in critical need of help.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President of the United States, died at 84 from complications related to pneumonia and heart and blood vessel diseases.
Several significant U.S. elections are occurring, including those for the mayor of New York City and governor positions in New Jersey and Virginia.
A special election in California may influence which political party controls Congress.
The Trump administration plans to restart the SNAP food assistance program, providing partial benefits due to limited funds.
In Sudan, about 375,000 people face famine, and the city of El Fasher is under attack by the Rapid Support Forces.
Approximately 70,000 people have fled the region around El Fasher, with many of them being women who have witnessed violence.
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Three elderly Austrian nuns left a retirement home to return to their old convent in Austria without permission. They felt unhappy in the retirement home and wanted to live in their former convent, where they had spent much of their lives. This move upset their church leadership, who are concerned about the publicity surrounding the nuns' actions.
Key Facts
Three elderly nuns, Sister Regina, Sister Bernadette, and Sister Rita, left a nursing home in Austria.
They returned to their old convent with the help of locals and a locksmith.
Church authorities had moved them to the retirement home two years ago due to the convent's closure.
The nuns wished to live in the convent, where they had long served.
The church leadership, particularly Provost Markus Grasl, disapproved of their return.
The nun's return attracted media attention and public support.
They have gained a social media following with an Instagram account reaching 70,000 followers.
Church officials believe their social media presence is inappropriate for their order.
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King Charles III has removed Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, from his royal titles due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows growing public and political pressure and aims to manage the ongoing scandal linked to Andrew's alleged misdeeds. However, experts suggest that the monarchy may continue to face challenges over this issue.
Key Facts
King Charles III stripped Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal titles.
This decision is part of efforts to handle the scandal tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew was accused of rape by Virginia Giuffre, who passed away in April.
Andrew settled a lawsuit with Giuffre for an undisclosed amount in 2022.
New emails raise questions about Andrew's past relationship with Epstein.
Andrew is losing his residence at Royal Lodge, where he had a favorable lease.
He will move to Sandringham Estate, with King Charles possibly funding his housing.
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Peru ended diplomatic relations with Mexico after Mexico gave asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who faces charges related to a coup attempt. Peru's Foreign Minister called the act unfriendly, while Mexico's foreign ministry said Peru's reaction was too strong. Chávez had been jailed but was released on bail and denies the charges.
Key Facts
Peru ended diplomatic ties with Mexico because Mexico granted asylum to Betssy Chávez.
Chávez is accused of being involved in a 2022 coup attempt and faces a potential 25-year jail sentence.
Mexico's ministry called Peru's decision to cut ties excessive.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was arrested in 2022 for trying to dissolve congress.
Castillo has been in custody, and prosecutors seek a 34-year sentence for him.
Peru and Mexico have had previous tensions, with Peru expelling the Mexican ambassador in 2022.
Peru's action follows ongoing political instability in the country, including the removal of Castillo's successor, Dina Boluarte, from office.
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Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President under President George W. Bush, passed away at 84 years old. His family announced that he died due to complications from pneumonia and heart and blood vessel diseases. Cheney had a long career in public service, including roles as White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Congressman, and Secretary of Defense.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney died at the age of 84.
The cause of death was complications from pneumonia and heart and vascular diseases.
Cheney served as the Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush.
He was also White House Chief of Staff, a U.S. Congressman from Wyoming, and Secretary of Defense.
Cheney had a long career dedicated to serving his country.
His family released a statement highlighting his life and contributions.
The news of his death is a recent development with more updates expected.
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Dick Cheney, who served as the U.S. vice president under President George W. Bush, has died at the age of 84. His family announced his death in a statement.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney was the vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009.
He served under President George W. Bush.
Cheney was 84 years old at the time of his death.
The announcement of his death came from his family.
Cheney played a significant role in U.S. politics, particularly during the Bush administration.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi hit central Philippines, causing severe flooding and resulting in at least two deaths. The storm has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and disrupted flights and sea travel in the region.
Key Facts
Typhoon Kalmaegi caused significant flooding in central Philippines.
At least two people died due to the storm.
Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes.
The storm had winds of 150 km/h (93 mph) and gusts up to 185 km/h.
Many areas, including Cebu and Leyte, experienced severe damage and flooding.
Over 160 flights in the region have been cancelled.
State weather agency PAGASA warned of dangerous storm surges over 3 meters high.
The storm is part of a series of severe weather events impacting the Philippines recently.
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Astronomers in the United States are tracking a rare comet named C/2025 K1 (ATLAS). This comet has a unique golden color and survived a close approach to the Sun. It can now be seen with a telescope from backyards.
Key Facts
The rare comet is named C/2025 K1 (ATLAS).
It was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in May 2025.
This comet is golden in color, which is unusual for comets.
The comet survived its closest approach to the Sun, called perihelion.
It can be seen using a telescope from the boundary between Virgo and Leo in the east before sunrise.
The comet has a low carbon-to-hydroxide ion ratio compared to others.
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Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee plans to oppose all proposed changes to its 2026 budget, which includes increased spending, new taxes, and adjustments to existing taxes. The committee's budget has faced criticism for increasing spending without solving the deficit issue. A debate on the island's future tax policy is expected early next year.
Key Facts
Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee wants to keep the 2026 budget as it is without changes.
The budget plans include spending £12 million more, taxing vapes, and increasing duties higher than inflation.
There are proposals to halt any spending increases and to reduce petrol taxes.
P&R President Lindsay de Sausmarez supports raising income tax allowances by £600 to help with living costs.
Critics say the budget doesn't sufficiently address Guernsey's financial deficit.
Guernsey's deficit is expected to grow from £66 million to £77 million by 2026.
The Scrutiny Management Committee criticized the budget for spending more than the tax revenue.
A future debate on tax policy for the island is planned for early next year.
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A couple in Huntingdon, UK, sheltered six passengers who ran to their home after a knife attack on a train heading from Doncaster to London King's Cross. Anthony Williams was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder, following the incident. Emergency services took ten people to the hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop due to the attack.
Key Facts
A knife attack occurred on a train traveling from Doncaster to London King's Cross.
The incident led to the train making an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon.
Six passengers sought refuge at the home of Les and Jan Sears in Huntingdon.
One of the passengers had blood on her clothes, and another appeared highly upset.
Anthony Williams, age 32, was charged with 11 counts of attempted murder.
Williams also faced charges for possessing a weapon and assaulting a police officer.
Emergency services transported ten people to the hospital for treatment.
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The article discusses the lack of accountability for the killing of journalists, using the case of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American journalist, as an example. It explains that many governments do not hold each other accountable when journalists are targeted, leading to a high rate of unsolved cases. The article highlights a global pattern of impunity, where those responsible for killing journalists often go unpunished.
Key Facts
Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American journalist, was killed in May 2022 while reporting in the West Bank.
The U.S. investigation concluded that the bullet that killed her was likely fired by Israeli forces, but it was too damaged to be certain.
Internal disagreements within the U.S. investigation suggested some officials believed the shooting was intentional.
The case has drawn attention to a worldwide issue: many crimes against journalists remain unsolved and unpunished.
A UNESCO report revealed that 85% of killings of journalists are not brought to justice.
The article mentions other examples of impunity, such as the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and violence against journalists in countries like Mexico and Sudan.
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A small rescue dog named Toothless was briefly adopted but then returned to an animal shelter in India because of bad breath. Toothless, a 4-year-old toy Pomeranian, had previously survived severe abuse and required special care. The case gained widespread attention on social media, prompting many adoption inquiries.
Key Facts
A dog named Toothless was adopted from Mission Paws in India but returned after one hour due to bad breath.
Toothless is a 4-year-old toy Pomeranian that survived significant abuse and required special care.
His adopters focused on his breed and size but rejected him due to his mouth odor.
Singh, the co-founder of Mission Paws, shared Toothless' story online, which became widely popular.
Around 2.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in the first half of 2025, with shelter capacities still strained.
Many people expressed interest in adopting Toothless after the story spread on social media.
Toothless remains at a rehabilitation space where he is well-cared for and enjoys human company.
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The head of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has stated that they are open to discussing changes to human rights laws amid pressure from the UK and other countries. The Council oversees the European Court of Human Rights, which influences law in its 46 member states. There is ongoing debate in the UK and across Europe about how the convention should evolve, especially regarding migration issues.
Key Facts
Alain Berset is the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
The Council oversees the European Convention on Human Rights.
The UK and other countries are pushing for changes in human rights laws, mainly concerning migration.
The European Court of Human Rights affects laws in 46 countries but is not part of the European Union.
Discussions are ongoing amid the 75th anniversary of the convention.
Nine EU nations, led by Denmark and Italy, are also calling for changes to the convention.
The UK government considers changing how it interprets specific rights, like privacy and family life.
Berset warned that leaving the ECHR might isolate the UK internationally.
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President Donald Trump's administration is working on setting up an international force in the Gaza Strip to secure the area and promote peace. A proposed plan is being discussed at the United Nations, aiming to arrange this force for at least two years to help stabilize the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. has drafted a U.N. Security Council resolution for an international force in Gaza for at least two years.
The international force's roles would include securing borders, protecting civilians, and training a new Palestinian police force.
The draft resolution was described as "sensitive but unclassified."
The force is called an "enforcement force," not a peacekeeping force, and aims to demilitarize Gaza, a key demand from Israel.
The draft resolution is part of a peace agreement that involves exchanging hostages and prisoners.
Discussions must finalize the force's mandate before it is implemented.
The implementation of the force hinges on international agreement and the willingness of countries to provide troops.
The deal's early progress included the exchange of bodies and hostages between Israel and Palestinian factions.
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