On the first anniversary of Pope Francis’s death, attention has turned to one of his final wishes: that his popemobile be converted into a mobile children’s clinic and sent to war-torn Gaza. A close confidant said the late pope wanted it as a humanitarian gesture, calling it a “symbol of hope” for children affected by […]
ENGLAND- The UK government plans to introduce a legal requirement banning smartphones in schools in England. Education minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said an amendment will be added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to make it a formal rule that schools must enforce phone-free policies. The Department for Education says this will legally back […]
PAKISTAN- Donald Trump says the ceasefire with Iran will be extended while negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, signaling that the US is still pursuing a diplomatic path. He also stated that the blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place until Iran submits what he described as a “unified proposal.” The status of the […]
MALAYSIA- The world’s biggest condom manufacturer, Karex, says it may increase prices by up to 30% or more if the Iran conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains. Chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said production costs have risen sharply due to pressure on raw materials, according to interviews with Reuters and Bloomberg. The Malaysia-based company […]
American R&B and neo-soul star Maxwell is set to return to South Africa in August for two highly anticipated live shows. The Grammy-winning singer will perform at SunBet Arena on 8 August, followed by a second show at GrandWest Grand Arena on 11 August, marking his fourth visit to the country. Known for his smooth […]
MADRID- Tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards in Madrid, following standout 2025 seasons that saw them finish as world number one in women’s and men’s tennis respectively. Alcaraz secured two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and US Open to reclaim […]
WEST AFRICA- Senegal and Sierra Leone leaders have called for stronger African-led peace initiatives to address conflicts on the continent. Speaking at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security, they stressed the importance of African nations taking primary responsibility in resolving their own security challenges. Held in Dakar, the forum marking a decade since […]
AUSTRALIA- Netball South Africa has taken a major step towards professionalising the sport by announcing an expanded group of 17 contracted national players, along with seven additional training partners. The move is aimed at strengthening a competitive and sustainable high-performance system. The contracted players, including captain Khanyisa Chawane, Elmeré van den Bergh, Shadine van der […]
RIYADH- LIV Golf says it is not losing its Saudi-backed funding, despite growing rumours that the league could be in financial trouble. Reports suggested that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has invested heavily in the breakaway golf tour, might be preparing to withdraw support, raising concerns about the future of the competition. However, […]
Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for commercial shipping during a ceasefire period linked to the wider regional truce involving Lebanon. Iran’s foreign minister said all vessel movements will follow coordinated routes set by the country’s maritime authorities, easing concerns over disruptions in the strategic waterway. The announcement comes after […]