Record UK Drug Deaths Expose Urgent Need for Policy Reform: Richard Branson

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed that 2023 saw the highest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in England and Wales, continuing a grim upward trend. The surge is linked in part to nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids as potent as fentanyl — or stronger. Researchers at King’s College London caution that […]

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Mayors gather in Brussels to showcase how local climate leadership is securing Europe’s future

The European Parliament became the scene of an important gathering on Thursday, 16 October, with hundreds of mayors, local councillors and regional leaders coming from across Europe to reiterate their ongoing committment to the EU’s resilient and climate-neutral future.  Opened by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament,  Ursula von der Leyen, President of the […]

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UN condemns Madagascar military takeover, urges return to constitutional order

“The Secretary-General condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the return to constitutional order and the rule of law,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement on Thursday. He added that the UN stood ready to support national efforts “towards the attainment of that goal,” in collaboration with regional partners […]

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Fire and Clashes Erupt as Cameroon Awaits Election Results

YAOUNDÉ, Oct. 17 — Tensions flared in Cameroon after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in the October 12 presidential election, defying official procedures and prompting clashes with security forces. Supporters of Tchiroma took to the streets in Douala and Garoua, where police used tear gas to disperse crowds. A ruling party office was […]

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UN rights chief underlines need for a permanent ceasefire and accountability in Gaza

In presenting his annual report to the Third Committee of the General Assembly, Volker Türk highlighted that surveys consistently show that people worldwide overwhelmingly support the values that underpin human rights, namely dignity, equality and justice. He urged the international community to “build on this energy, at a time when disquiet, disenfranchisement, disillusionment, and disarray […]

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President Trump Announced Measures to Reduce Cost of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The Administration Targets IVF Affordability On 16 October 2025, President Trump unveiled new policies designed to lower the cost of fertility treatments and improve access for American families. Speaking from the Oval Office, he declared: “We want to make it easier for all couples to have babies, raise children, and start the families they’ve always […]

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Natural Disasters Cost China $30.5bn in First Nine Months of 2025

Scale of the Losses According to official figures, disasters between January and September inflicted 217.5 billion yuan (approximately $30.5 billion) in damages. Nearly 55 million people were affected nationwide, with widespread destruction to agriculture, housing, and transport infrastructure. The most severe impacts came from floods and heavy rainfall, particularly during the summer months, which overwhelmed […]

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Germany’s SHS Group Secured €1.7 b ($1.8 b) in Financing for Landmark Power4Steel Green Steel Project

Financing Secured for Industrial Transformation The SHS–Stahl-Holding-Saar Group, together with subsidiaries Dillinger and Saarstahl, confirmed on 16 October 2025 that it has completed financing for Power4Steel, one of Europe’s largest industrial decarbonization initiatives. The €1.7 billion package was arranged through a consortium of leading national and international banks, supported by export credit agencies in Austria […]

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Ireland Awarded €7 million for New European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Biodiversity Project

€7 Million for Coastal Biodiversity On 16 October 2025, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD, alongside Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, announced funding for the Arable Coast Environment (ACE) EIP. The project, led by SECAD Partnership CLG, will focus on improving habitats for wildlife along […]

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Minister Butler Opens €5m Specialist Eating Disorder Hub in Dublin

A New Hub for Specialist Care The Riverside House Community Eating Disorder Services will serve as the central hub for specialist treatment in Dublin South and Wicklow, providing integrated care for adults, children, and adolescents. Delivered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in partnership with St John of God Mental Health Services, the facility is […]

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