WHO: Despite smoking decline, tobacco still hooks one in five adults worldwide

That’s according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest report on tobacco use published on Monday which analyses smoking trends from 2010 to 2024 and concludes the epidemic is far from over. Tobacco use has fallen from 26.2 per cent in 2010 to 19.5 per cent last year – and the UN health agency predicts that […]

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Darfur: ICC convicts Janjaweed leader of war crimes and crimes against humanity

The landmark judgment, delivered on Monday in The Hague after a lengthy trial, found him guilty on 27 counts for his role in attacks against the Fur, Masalit and other non-Arab communities between August 2003 and March 2004 in West Darfur. The crimes included murder, rape, persecution, torture and attacks on civilians in the towns […]

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Typhoon Matmo Forces Mass Evacuations in Southern China

Beijing, 6 October 2025 — Authorities in China have evacuated more than 347,000 people from coastal provinces as Typhoon Matmo strengthened before making landfall on Sunday, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption. Evacuations and Precautions The National Meteorological Center reported maximum sustained winds of 151 km/h (94 mph) as the storm approached the […]

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Calls grow louder for more age-inclusive societies

“Every older person has the right to age with dignity security and access to opportunities that enrich their lives,” said one of the key organisers of the International Day of Older Persons, Arjanita Elezaj. “These are not privileges, they are human rights,” she told a meeting at UN Headquarters to commemorate the day, where key […]

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France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Resigns After Just Two Weeks in Office

Paris, 6 October 2025 — In a stunning political development, Sébastien Lecornu resigned as Prime Minister of France on Monday, just one day after announcing his cabinet and only two weeks into his tenure. Sudden Departure Lecornu’s resignation was confirmed by the Élysée Palace, citing “personal and political reasons” amid growing speculation over internal disagreements […]

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European Day of Languages – open your heart and mind!

  Join in the fun on Friday 26 September when the EU celebrates the richness of its languages and cultures through the European Day of Languages. From special events and games to language cafés and hands-on activities, there is something for everyone. This year’s theme is Languages open hearts and minds!, reflecting that learning languages harnesses […]

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Ukraine: ‘This war needs to end,’ Türk tells UN Human Rights Council

The full-scale Russian invasion of the country began in February 2022 and “this year has seen intense attacks along the frontline, and massive airstrikes, largely in populated areas,” he told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. “In some towns in frontline communities, nearly all the housing has been damaged or destroyed.”  Furthermore, on 6 September, […]

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One Million Children to Pray the Rosary for Peace on October 7

Dublin, 6 October 2025 — On Tuesday, October 7, more than one million children worldwide will unite in prayer as part of the annual “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” campaign, organized by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The initiative, now in its 20th year, seeks to promote global peace through the collective […]

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The Church of England has appointed Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in its 1,400-year history.

Sarah Mullally Named First Female Archbishop of Canterbury in Historic Appointment London, 4 October 2025 — In a landmark decision, the Church of England has named Dame Sarah Mullally, currently the Bishop of London, as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to hold the role since its founding in 597 AD. […]

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