Migrant Boat Capsizes in Central Mediterranean, Leaving One Dead and Dozens Missing

A migrant boat carrying approximately 35 people from Libya capsized in the central Mediterranean, leaving one confirmed dead and at least two dozen missing, according to UNICEF officials. The incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting the perilous crossing to Europe. LAMPEDUSA, Italy — October 19, 2025 — A small fiberglass boat carrying […]

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OpenAI Launches First African AI Academy at UNILAG

OpenAI, the U.S.-based artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, has selected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the site of its first AI academy in Africa. The announcement was made during UNILAG’s 2025 International Week, themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa.” The initiative is designed to nurture African talent, expand access to […]

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Talks on net zero shipping framework shelved as nations fail to reach consensus

The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) decided to adjourn its extraordinary session convened this week in London and reconvene in a year’s time. Nations meanwhile are expected to continue consultations to bridge differences over the framework, which seeks to align the shipping sector with the global goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The […]

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Haiti is under a UN arms embargo: So why are 500,000 illegal weapons in circulation?

Haiti is facing an acute security crisis as rival gangs fight for control of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas while terrorizing local communities through extortion, sexual violence, kidnap for ransom and murder. UN Member States agreed to impose an arms embargo on Haiti in 2022 – so  what has gone wrong? Here are five […]

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President Trump Hosts Zelenskiy Amid Kyiv’s Push for Missiles and Planned Putin Summit

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, seeking approval for the transfer of long-range Tomahawk missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. The meeting came just one day after Trump announced he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, a […]

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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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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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Afghan quake aftermath: Children facing heightened risk from disease

The severe risk of disease outbreak comes after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit a remote eastern area of Afghanistan on 31 August near the Pakistan border, destroying water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. “The earthquake has flattened homes and taken too many lives, and now threatens to take even more through disease,” warned Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s […]

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