Australia vows to rein in any H5N1 birdflu after confirming first case

Australia will do all it can to curb any spread of H5N1 bird flu, Prime Minister Anthony ​Albanese said on Saturday, as the first mainland infection was confirmed ‌in a seabird a day after being detected in a remote southwestern region.

Australia confirms first case of H5N1 bird flu as virus reaches every continent

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has for the first time been found in Australia, the country’s agriculture ministry confirmed. It means the highly contagious variant has now reached every continent.

EU prepares tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrids, Handelsblatt reports

The European Commission plans to impose countervailing duties on Chinese ​hybrid cars, Handelsblatt reported on Friday, ‌citing high-ranking EU officials and industry sources.

Italy cancels US visit after Trump says Meloni ‘Begged’ him for photo

Italy’s foreign minister has canceled a planned visit to the United States over comments President Donald Trump made about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this week.

’The last ride’: Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

’’I was honoured to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight,’’ Monica Crowley, the US chief of protocol, said on X.

US-Iran talks postponed as Vance pulls out of Switzerland trip

A new round of direct talks between the US and Iran have been postponed after Vice-President JD Vance delayed a planned trip to Switzerland.

Afghan government claims strikes on alleged ISIS targets inside Pakistan

Afghanistan’s government on Friday claimed it had carried out strikes against alleged ISIS-linked targets in Pakistan’s border regions.

China tests AI tools to extend heart care as doctor shortages bite worldwide

For many cardiac patients, risk does not end with surgery. It follows them home after discharge, when follow-up can be delayed and warning signs may be missed.

India’s thermal coal imports drop to 4-year low as green power rises

India’s thermal coal imports fell to a 4-year low in January-May due to higher local ​output and rising renewable energy generation, commodities consultancy BigMint said.

Ample world inventories may soften El Nino food supply shock

A super El Nino is likely to unsettle global weather and threaten food output in the coming months, but near record world inventories, expectations ​of near-normal conditions in some key producing regions and advanced planning could limit the fallout.

Thirty-five killed as gunmen attack Niger’s biggest airport

Thirty-five people have been killed after gunmen struck Niger’s largest airport on Thursday, officials say - the second attack in less than five months.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, become first team to reach World Cup knockouts

FIFA World Cup 2026 cohosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Switzerland says US-Iran talks planned for Friday are off

Talks that had been planned for ​Friday between the ‌United States and Iran at the Burgenstock mountaintop ​resort in Switzerland ​will not take place, ⁠according to a ​Swiss foreign ministry statement.

England blow up Croatia in smashing opener

Dark Horse England moving out for the first time in the 2026 World Cup produced two stunning goals in the second half to out-play Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, USA yesterday.

Indonesia to halt free meal scheme during holidays

Indonesia will suspend its free meal scheme during holiday periods, after mass protests in the capital condemned wasteful spending and demanded that the goverment address worsening economic conditions.

Andy Burnham’s election to parliament sets up bid to oust UK PM Starmer

Labour mayor Andy ​Burnham cleared a path to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential ‌local election in more than six decades.

Climate crisis exposes Pakistan’s weak preparedness, Report warns

As policymakers gather in Islamabad for the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference over May 6 and 7, the urgency of the climate challenge is undeniable. Yet beneath the speeches and symbolic gestures lies a harsher truth: Pakistan remains dangerously unprepared to cope with the consequences of climate change.

Pakistan’s narco economy thrives amid official neglect

In the crowded streets of Karachi in Pakistan, narcotics are no longer confined to hidden corners or criminal enclaves. They move through smartphone apps, courier-style delivery networks and organised supply chains that reach affluent neighbourhoods, university campuses and residential districts.

Ancient ’Robin Hood’ tree is dead, experts say

The Major Oak, one of the UK’s most iconic trees due to its vast age, size and links to the legend of Robin Hood, is believed by experts to have died.

Unquenchable Scottish thirst for World Cup beer pushes Boston bars to the limit

Bars in Boston are gearing up for a second tidal wave of drinking by Scotland’s Tartan Army of football fans who nearly drained some pubs of all their beer in the first ​weekend of their World Cup occupation of the city.

First tankers cross strait under Iran deal

Three Saudi-flagged supertankers carrying 6 million barrels of crude sailed through the Strait of Hormuz ​on Thursday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a deal with Iran to end the war that has disrupted global energy supplies.

China’s $300 billion pile of bad consumer debt threatens economy

As many as 100 million Chinese consumers are struggling to service their personal debt, fueling a largely hidden crisis that threatens Beijing’s efforts to revive the world’s second-largest economy.

UAE bans social media for children under the age of 15

The UAE Cabinet has issued a resolution regulating children’s access to social media platforms and sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years.

Telegram challenges India ban over exam paper leak fears

Telegram has taken the Indian government to court over its decision to temporarily ban the messaging platform days before millions of students retake a crucial medical entrance examination.

Russia offers India access to major rare earth deposit in Siberia – Reuters

Russia has offered India access to the Tomtor rare earth metals deposit in the republic of Sakha (Yakutia), one of the world’s largest undeveloped sources of rare earth elements, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the talks.

Fears that Chinese port investments make Spain and NATO ’vulnerable’

China’s expanding footprint in Spain’s ports is raising concerns in Brussels and among security experts, who warn that commercial infrastructure near key naval facilities could one day serve military or intelligence purposes.

Group planned to attack White House UFC event using snipers and drones, FBI says

The FBI thwarted a plot targeting Sunday’s UFC event at the White House and has arrested five men, the US justice department said on Tuesday.

World crude oil prices ease below $80

Global crude oil prices remained below the key US$80 per barrel mark on Wednesday, easing from recent highs as expectations of improved oil supply and easing geopolitical tensions weighed on the market.

Struggling Pizza Hut chain to be sold for $2.7bn

Yum! Brands is selling its struggling Pizza Hut chain in a deal worth $2.7bn (£2bn), the company has announced.

Chinese-linked hackers targeted U.S.,Canadian research facilities for a year, Google says

A Chinese-linked hacking group spent more than a year secretly stealing data from U.S. and Canadian academic, medical and military research institutions, before being ​detected, Google said on Monday.