Germany’s chancellor has thrown his weight behind a rapid expansion of the EU’s global trade network, saying a long-discussed free-trade deal with India could be signed within weeks. Speaking during an official visit to India on Monday, Friedrich Merz said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa may travel to New Delhi before the end of the month to finalise the agreement. Germany doubles down on free trade Merz’s comments come just days after most EU countries approved the controversial Mercosur trade deal with South American nations — an agreement Germany strongly supports as…
Author: OMN AI
West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time to reach the FA Cup fourth round. The 2-1 win offered rare relief for manager Nuno Espírito Santo, ending a 64-day wait for victory. Championship side QPR pushed West Ham deep into the contest, underlining the Premier League club’s ongoing struggles. The decisive moment came through new signing Taty Castellanos, who headed home the winner in extra time after an assist from Crysencio Summerville. Summerville also scored West Ham’s equaliser before the break, producing one of his stronger performances in claret and blue. QPR had earlier levelled through Richard…
Elon Musk said critics of X exploited the controversy to justify censorship. He spoke after outrage over Grok, an AI chatbot on the platform. Users created sexualised images without consent. Campaigners said the tool caused serious harm. Musk dismissed the criticism as an attack on free speech. Ofcom launches rapid investigation Media regulator Ofcom said it opened an urgent assessment of X. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed full government backing. She said officials expected quick answers. Ofcom contacted X earlier this week. The regulator set a strict deadline for explanations. MPs warn of safety law gaps Senior MPs said current…
Amid rising unrest inside Iran and growing international concern, reports suggest senior US and Israeli officials have discussed possible American intervention. Tehran has responded with stark warnings that any US military action would make US and Israeli forces “legitimate targets.” Meanwhile, Iran’s nationwide internet blackout entered its third day and the confirmed death toll from ongoing protests climbed to at least 116. Tehran’s Stark Warning as US Signals Support Iran’s parliament issued a blunt message to Washington and Tel Aviv this weekend. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, said if the United States carries out a military strike, both…
China has made significant progress in vaccine innovation and immunization efforts, marking important achievements for both domestic and global health. The China vaccine innovation progress includes breakthroughs in developing domestic HPV and Ebola vaccines. In addition to new vaccines, China has expanded access to pneumococcal and shingles vaccines. Health officials say these measures help protect vulnerable populations, reduce disease burden, and strengthen national immunization programs. Several Chinese vaccines have received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. This recognition confirms quality, safety, and effectiveness, enabling these vaccines to contribute to global vaccine supply and international public health initiatives. Experts note that China’s…
Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a comfortable 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, advancing to the fourth round. Despite the convincing performance, discontent among Chelsea supporters dominated the atmosphere, with chants aimed at the club’s owners continuing throughout the match. Liam Rosenior oversaw a controlled display from a rotated side, resting senior players while giving opportunities to fringe and young talents. Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández sealed the victory, while Estevão Willian impressed during a lively cameo. Charlton briefly threatened through Miles Leaburn after a defensive lapse,…
Governments are under mounting pressure to crack down on high-emission luxury consumption and impose heavier taxes on fossil fuel profits as they struggle to meet international climate commitments. Activists argue that without targeting extreme wealth and its carbon footprint, global climate goals will remain out of reach. New findings from Oxfam reveal just how unequal global emissions have become. The richest one per cent of the world’s population had already consumed their entire annual carbon budget only ten days into 2026. This milestone, known as “Pollutocrat Day,” marks the point where emissions exceed levels compatible with limiting global warming to…
Bukayo Saka has agreed a new five-year contract with Arsenal that will make him one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history. The deal, expected to run until 2031, is understood to be worth more than £15m a season, reflecting Saka’s growing importance to Arsenal’s success. The 24-year-old academy graduate had previously said he wanted to win trophies with the club and, despite being in no rush, has now committed his long-term future. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta prioritised securing Saka’s contract after extending deals for several key players last year. Manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly praised Saka’s influence…
The United States has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean, stepping up its campaign to stop sanctioned vessels from moving oil linked to Venezuela. The ship, named the Olina, is the fifth tanker taken in recent weeks as Washington tightens its naval blockade and expands enforcement operations in the region. Crackdown on the So-Called “Ghost Fleet” According to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Olina is part of a so-called ghost fleet, a term used to describe tankers that allegedly disguise their ownership, falsify nationality, or switch off tracking systems to evade sanctions. U.S. officials say the vessel…
US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to leave dozens of international organisations. Many of the affected groups focus on climate change and environmental protection. Almost half of the 66 organisations belong to the United Nations system. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which underpins global climate cooperation. The decision also impacts organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as ideological or globalist. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and promote ineffective or hostile agendas. White House Says Withdrawals Protect National…