BBC World
Second hantavirus case confirmed after deaths on cruise ship
A second hantavirus case has been confirmed following deaths aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where a Dutch couple and a German national have lost their lives. Hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal rodent-borne illness, raises serious concerns when cases cluster in a shared environment. Health authorities will likely face pressure to investigate the source of exposure and assess risk to other passengers and crew.
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SCMP
China unveils new naval defence systems as drones change nature of war at sea
China has successfully tested a new naval anti-drone air defence system in the Bohai Sea, marking a significant step in its efforts to counter the growing threat unmanned aerial vehicles pose to surface warships. The development reflects a broader global shift in naval doctrine, as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have exposed the vulnerability of conventional warships to drone attacks. Beijing's move signals that major powers are racing to adapt their fleets before drone warfare reshapes the balance of power at sea.
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SCMP
Drones shatter months of relative calm in Sudan’s capital as international airport targeted
Drone strikes on Khartoum's international airport have broken an extended period of relative calm in Sudan's capital, with the country's armed forces pointing the finger at the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia. The attacks mark a sharp escalation in a civil war now entering its third year, with Sudan repeatedly accusing the UAE of backing the rival Rapid Support Forces. Neither nation has responded to the allegations.
Read article →Straits Times
IMF chief Georgieva warns of ‘much worse outcome’ if Middle East war drags into 2027
Global economic stability faces mounting pressure as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva cautioned that a prolonged Middle East conflict extending into 2027 could trigger severe economic consequences. The warning signals a stark shift in the fund's outlook, with inflationary pressures now too significant to offset with incremental policy adjustments. The IMF's message is clear: the longer the conflict endures, the narrower the window becomes for a manageable economic recovery.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Can central banks curb inflation as energy costs rise?
Central banks are holding interest rates steady even as surging energy costs threaten to reignite inflation, putting their credibility on the line. The energy shock poses a direct challenge to months of carefully managed monetary policy, forcing policymakers to balance growth concerns against the risk of prices climbing again. How they respond in the coming weeks could define the next phase of the global inflation fight.
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