Author: Solomon Alaka

FAO warns of ‘silent crisis’ as land degradation threatens billions

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The finding comes in the latest State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), released on Monday in Rome. “The report delivers a clear message: land degradation is not just an environmental issue – it impacts agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods and food security,” the UN agency said. Human activity driving degradation Land is the core of agrifood systems, supporting […]

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Famine tightens grip on Sudan, with civilians trapped and aid blocked

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According to the latest IPC food security report, more than 21 million people across Sudan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity – the largest such crisis in the world. Famine takes root The analysis found that famine conditions are ongoing in El Fasher, North Darfur, and in Kadugli, South Kordofan, where families are […]

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Fresh push to fight toxic mercury pollution underway

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Mercury is a toxic metal that can harm the brain, lungs, kidneys and immune system. It is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. Mercury pollution often results from industrial activities, including small-scale gold mining, and can travel long distances through air and water. The citizens of Minamata in Japan suffered for decades from mercury […]

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As global crises deepen, leaders in Doha urge shift from promises to action

Solomon AlakaLeave a Comment on As global crises deepen, leaders in Doha urge shift from promises to action

The discussions took place at the Doha Solutions Forum for Social Development and the first leaders’ meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, held on the margins of the Second World Summit for Social Development. Learn from each other Opening the Solutions Forum, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said the […]

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EU releases €21.5 million in new aid as crises deepen in Venezuela and Haiti, and in response to Hurricane Melissa

Solomon AlakaLeave a Comment on EU releases €21.5 million in new aid as crises deepen in Venezuela and Haiti, and in response to Hurricane Melissa

The EU is releasing €21.5 million in humanitarian aid as Venezuela and Haiti face worsening humanitarian crises and as the Caribbean reels from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The funding will help partners provide essential assistance such as food, healthcare, protection and emergency relief to those most in need. Up to €14.5 million will […]

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Indonesia Receives First A400M Atlas Transport Aircraft

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Indonesia has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft, marking a major milestone in the country’s defence modernisation programme and strengthening its strategic airlift capabilities. Delivery Ceremony in Jakarta On 3 November 2025, Airbus Defence and Space delivered the first A400M Atlas to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) at a […]

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Novartis to Acquire Avidity Biosciences in $12bn Deal

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Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has agreed to acquire U.S.-based Avidity Biosciences in a $12 billion all-cash deal, strengthening its late-stage neuroscience pipeline and expanding its presence in RNA-based therapeutics. Strategic Expansion into RNA Therapeutics On 26 October 2025, Novartis AG announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, a California-based biotech […]

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Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Mass Stabbing on London-Bound Train

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British prosecutors have charged a 32-year-old man with ten counts of attempted murder after a mass stabbing on a London-bound train left multiple passengers injured on Saturday evening. The attack has been described as one of the most serious incidents on the UK rail network in recent years. The Incident On Saturday, 1 November 2025, […]

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World News in Brief: Funding cuts curb development, human rights in Belarus update, Ebola and mpox in Africa

Solomon AlakaLeave a Comment on World News in Brief: Funding cuts curb development, human rights in Belarus update, Ebola and mpox in Africa

Speaking in Geneva, she said the world was facing “declining respect for human rights and multilateralism”, with conflicts, debt, and shrinking development assistance threatening to reverse hard-won gains. The 38-member economic cooperation organization, OECD, projects a nine to 17 per cent fall in aid next year, and up to 25 per cent for the least-developed […]

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UK Launches £9bn Overhaul of Military Housing

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The UK government has unveiled a £9 billion plan to modernise and rebuild tens of thousands of military homes, marking the most significant overhaul of armed forces accommodation in more than half a century. The initiative responds to long-standing complaints from service personnel and their families about unsafe and inadequate housing. Largest Renewal in 50 […]

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