Global health risk from Coronavirus remains high

Global health risk from Coronavirus remains high

The World Health Organisation warned on Friday that the global public health risks from COVID-19 remain high. While the virus continues to circulate worldwide, only a few countries are closely monitoring infections, according to the WHO’s Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove.

January 15, 2024 22

Science & Technology

AI to hit 40% of jobs and worsen inequality

Almost 40% of jobs around the world could be affected by the rise of artificial intelligence, a trend that is likely to deepen inequality, according to the International Monetary Fund. In a Sunday blog post, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva called for governments to establish social safety nets and offer retraining programs to counter the impact of AI. CNN reports that Georgieva said the effects were expected to be felt more […]

January 15, 2024 25

Business / Economics

Wealth of top 5 billionaires doubles as global poverty rises

The fortunes of the world's five richest individuals have doubled to $869 billion since 2020, while five billion people face increased poverty. Oxfam reports that billionaires now control 70% of the world's biggest companies, prompting the anti-poverty agency to urge governments to break up monopolies, impose wealth taxes, and explore alternative ownership models like employee ownership. The findings coincide with the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

January 15, 2024 17

World

U.S. shoots down Houthi missile

The United States has shot down a missile fired by Houthi rebels at one of its warships in the Red Sea. On Monday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is telling MPs about his decision to join air strikes with Washington. Former UK national security adviser and ambassador to the UN Mark Lyall-Grant says it's a difficult balance. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has called on all parties involved in […]

January 15, 2024 25

Business / Economics

Amidst Ongoing Global Crises, Gates Foundation announces largest annual budget ever: $8.6 Billion in 2024 to save and improve lives

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced its largest annual budget to date as it works toward the goal of a healthier, more prosperous world for all. With global health budgets in decline overall, a portion of the additional funding will go toward advancing global health innovations that will save and improve the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people, including newborn babies and pregnant mothers […]

January 15, 2024 12

World

Rahul Gandhi launches second pan-India march ahead of elections

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has launched another pan-India march, this one beginning from the riot-hit state of Manipur, where he accused Prime Minister Modi of letting down the people of the region. More than 180 people have been killed in the violence that first started there in May last year. Mr Gandhi plans to cover more than 6000 kilometers over 66 days spanning the breadth of the country from […]

January 15, 2024 21

World

Iowa prepares for first-in-the-nation vote

It's decision time in the United States with the Iowa Caucus just hours away. Republican voters in the midwest state are the first-in-the-nation to have their say on which candidate they want representing the party to challenge President Joe Biden in November's election. Recent polling suggests a landslide victory for former president Donald Trump in Monday night's vote. Nick Harper is at a caucus venue in Des Moines, Iowa.

January 15, 2024 30

Opinion Pieces

More than 4 billion people are eligible to vote in an election in 2024. Is this democracy’s biggest test?

Shutterstock Nicholas Reece, The University of Melbourne 2024 is going to be democracy’s biggest year ever. In a remarkable milestone in human history, over four billion people – more than half of the world’s population across more than 40 countries – will go to the polls. National elections will be held in the United States, India, Indonesia, Russia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Mexico, and South Africa to name […]

January 15, 2024 7

World

UN wants $4.2 billion for Ukraine aid in 2024

By Robin MILLARD Geneva, Jan 15, 2024 (AFP) - The United Nations said Monday it will need $4.2 billion to provide humanitarian aid in Ukraine in 2024, and to help millions of refugees who have fled the war-torn country. While the Gaza war has dominated headlines in recent months, Russia's war in Ukraine is set to enter its third year in February. The UN hopes to reach 8.5 million […]

January 15, 2024 4