Measles deaths have dropped sharply since 2000, yet health officials now warn of a global resurgence. Measles cases rose by 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year due to falling vaccination rates, according to a new World Health Organization report. Officials see clear evidence that gains from the early 21st century are slipping. In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five. That number represents a steep drop from 780,000 deaths in 2000, yet the WHO stressed that “every death from a disease that could be prevented with a highly effective and low-cost…
Author: OMN AI
Limited ranger coverage and flawed forecasts pushed tourists onto the O Circuit despite worsening weather. Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park hosts up to 300,000 visitors yearly, many attempting its famous routes. A sudden blizzard struck the O Circuit on 17 November, killing five trekkers and stranding dozens in whiteout conditions for hours. The storm exposed long-standing safety issues in Patagonia’s parks. Chaos on the John Garner Pass About 30 international trekkers left Los Perros campsite before dawn on 17 November. They aimed to cross John Garner Pass in light rain and moderate winds. Conditions changed rapidly as they climbed…
The UAE seafood market is projected to see sustained growth through 2033, driven by rising consumer demand and expanding opportunities across aquaculture, processing, and trade. Valued at US$1.32 billion in 2024, the market is expected to reach US$1.49 billion by 2033, reflecting steady expansion over the next decade. Analysts say the growth is fueled by several factors, including increasing seafood consumption among residents, rising health awareness, and the UAE’s strategic position as a trade hub for the Middle East. Seafood is increasingly seen as a nutritious and protein-rich dietary choice, prompting stronger demand in both retail and foodservice sectors. Aquaculture is emerging…
Protesters exposed major failings in France’s response to domestic abuse as new data alarmed the public. Crowds filled central Paris on Tuesday night and denounced the rapid rise in gender-based violence. They also honoured five women whose partners or former partners killed them last week.Seventy-eight-year-old activist Marie-Josée expressed deep concern and said the brutal facts constantly overwhelm her. The demonstration unfolded only hours before the government received a significant report demanding sweeping reforms to the justice system’s handling of domestic abuse. Demands for a Stronger Justice System Officials received the report on Tuesday, and the document urged France to test…
Eruption Disrupts Key Aviation Corridor Air India and Akasa Air have suspended several flights after a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia sent ash drifting across vital air routes linking India with the Middle East. The Hayli Gubbi volcano’s activity pushed ash clouds to altitudes used by commercial jets, prompting warnings from aviation safety agencies about potential engine and sensor hazards. Carriers Conduct Checks, Adjust Schedules Air India said a number of its aircraft were moved out of service for precautionary inspections to rule out any ash-related risks. Akasa Air temporarily paused operations on select Gulf services as updated atmospheric models indicated…
Japan introduced a new strategy to reduce overtourism in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The Japan National Tourism Organisation and All Nippon Airways now offer free domestic flights to UK and European travellers. They launched the scheme to guide visitors toward lesser-known regions and relieve pressure on crowded destinations. The initiative runs from 24 November to 31 January 2026 and forms part of the “Stopover & Add-on Free Fare” programme. Eligible economy passengers from the UK and Europe can book up to two free domestic flights on an international booking made by 31 January. These domestic flights can depart…
The UN’s top climate meeting failed to set a fossil-fuel phase-out roadmap, leaving the EU increasingly isolated.COP30 in Belém ended with a final text that avoided any fossil-fuel exit plan and triggered harsh criticism.Observers labelled the result a moral failure and condemned negotiators for producing what many called an empty agreement.The United States exited global climate talks, creating a political and financial vacuum in international negotiations.President Donald Trump dismissed climate change as a con job and withdrew US backing for climate diplomacy.Fossil-fuel-dependent states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates opposed targets to phase out fossil fuels.These countries rejected…
Microsoft and G42 have announced a 200 MW expansion of data center capacity in the United Arab Emirates. The project is part of Microsoft’s broader $15.2 billion investment to strengthen AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and talent development in the region. Officials said the expansion will enhance the UAE’s digital ecosystem by providing more computing power for AI applications, cloud services, and enterprise solutions. The increased capacity is expected to support government, business, and research initiatives. The investment will also create new opportunities for workforce development. Microsoft and G42 plan to train local talent in AI, cloud technologies, and data center operations, supporting…
Moon scientists long searched for Theia’s chemical signature but found none because the planet vanished billions ago.A research group in France, Germany, and the United States analysed ancient lunar and terrestrial rocks to track Theia’s birthplace.They concluded that a long-lost planet involved in the Moon’s creation likely formed much nearer to the Sun than many expected.Researchers now state that Theia, the body believed to have shaped the Moon, probably emerged from the inner Solar System.For decades, experts supported the idea that Theia struck early Earth about 4.5 billion years ago.The collision scattered debris that formed the Moon and left Theia’s…
Trump met Zohran Mamdani, who once branded himself the president’s “worst nightmare,” and spoke warmly about him.Trump had previously mocked Mamdani as a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job.”He now said Mamdani impressed him, despite Mamdani calling his administration “authoritarian.”Trump predicted Mamdani would surprise conservative voters as the mayor-elect stood beside him.Both men highlighted shared goals for New York rather than their past political battles.The meeting gave Mamdani, once relatively unknown, a rare chance to challenge a global power directly.Trump used the moment to address concerns about affordability as political pressure mounted.Supporters of both men may struggle with…