News

What to expect as leaders convene at the G7 Summit

Published

4 years ago

June 11, 2021

Ahead of the G7 summit in England, US President Joe Biden is leading a movement to push developing countries away from China’s grip.

Offering substantial infrastructure initiatives, and millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses, experts believe the power play could potentially outweigh Beijing’s.

It comes as Biden and British PM Boris Johnson sat down for their first meeting in Cornwall.

The leaders were promoting a new “partnership” and announced the financing of several major infrastructure projects in emerging markets.

Although there was no direct mention of China, the initiatives proposed do have significant similarities to pledges previously made by Beijing.

These pledges include China’s belt and road initiative and the country’s vaccine distribution program.

As G7 member nations prepare to convene, it is expected that leaders will continue to assert the moral and economic standards of the west.

G7 summit or meeting concept. Row from flags of members of G7 group of seven and list of countries, 3d illustration

Vaccine Donation

During the summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects the Group of Seven to agree on a decision to donate one billion coronavirus vaccine doses to poorer nations.

It comes as the United States donates 500 million Pfizer shots to COVAX to battle the pandemic and strengthen the rollout around the world.

Some campaign groups condemned the plan as a drop in the ocean, with Oxfam estimating that nearly 4 billion people will depend on COVAX for vaccines, the programme that distributes COVID-19 shots to low and middle income countries.

We will only end the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone has access to vaccines.

Five reasons why we're calling on wealthy countries to #DonateDosesNow. https://t.co/TpzEtztwzU
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) June 10, 2021

The pandemic has claimed the lives of around 4 million people and ripped through the global economy. Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

News

Yom Kippur synagogue attack in Manchester leaves two dead

Synagogue attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur kills two; suspect shot dead by police in terror incident

Published

2 hours ago

October 3, 2025

Ahron Young

Synagogue attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur kills two; suspect shot dead by police in terror incident

In Short:
– Two people were killed when a man drove into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard during Yom Kippur.
– The suspect, wearing an explosive-like vest, was shot dead by police; two further arrests followed.

Two people were killed on Thursday when a man drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard outside a synagogue during Yom Kippur ceremonies, UK police confirmed.

This was a vile terrorist attack that attacked Jews, because they are Jews.

Antisemitism is a hatred that is rising, once again. Britain must defeat it, once again.

To every Jewish person in this country: I promise that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the… pic.twitter.com/DAd9OaGNMc

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2025

The suspect, reportedly wearing a vest resembling an explosive device, was shot dead by police after they responded to the incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Northern England.

British authorities declared the attack a terrorist incident. The police suggested they were aware of the attacker’s identity but could not verify it at that moment. Following the attack, two additional arrests were made.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, having interrupted his participation in a European summit to address the situation, pledged enhanced security measures for Jewish communities, noting rising antisemitism in the UK since the conflict escalation following Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel.

We are deeply concerned by reports of a violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester today. We unequivocally condemn this act of violence. pic.twitter.com/niGBdI4heB

— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) October 2, 2025

Starmer expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, acknowledging their fears and confirming his commitment to counteract rising hatred.

Injured Victims

As the situation unfolded, three other individuals remained in serious condition.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as police evacuated vulnerable individuals from the synagogue, where many attendees were in traditional dress.

The prompt actions of security staff and law enforcement were credited with preventing further harm. King Charles expressed his deep shock and sorrow regarding the incident.

Leaders

Cyber security shifts redefine critical infrastructure in APAC

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats

Published

19 hours ago

October 2, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.

In Short:
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.

The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.

Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.

Increased Visibility

Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.

Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.