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Experts warn of pandemic disaster unless we understand COVID origin
Leading US infectious disease experts say we could face “Covid-26” and “Covid-32”
Scott Gottlieb from Pfizer Inc. warns if we want to avoid possible covid-26 and Covid-32 pandemics, cooperation from China is crucial.
This comes amid growing speculation that coronavirus may have leaked from a lab in Wuhan way back in November 2019.
Photographer: Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images
“There’s going to be Covid-26 and Covid-32 unless we fully understand the origins of Covid-19”
Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital CENTRE for Vaccine Development
Peter Hotez from the Texas Centre for Vaccine Development also says scientists should be allowed to conduct an investigation in China.
He says a team should study COVID’s origins in the Hubei province for six months to a year. He added the team should include scientists, epidemiologists, virologists and bat ecologists.
However, Chinese officials say the inquiry is evidence of “stigmatisation, political manipulation and blame-shifting”
New coronavirus strain that spreads more easily than others
This comes as authorities in Vietnam recently detected a new coronavirus variant.
Experts think the strain may be a hybrid from India and the United Kingdom.
The Vietnamese health minister said scientists found the new variant after examining the genetic makeup of the virus.
Lab tests also suggest the new strain might spread more easily than other versions of the virus.
Investigations into COVID’s origns
Last week, US President Joe Biden announced that his administration would be conducting an independent investigation into Covid-19.
Biden asked the country’s intelligence organisations to “redouble their efforts” and establish a definitive conclusion within 90 days.
He said: “the U-S will keep working with like-minded partners around the world to press China to participate in a full, transparent, evidence-based international investigation”.
News
Trump signals possible action on Iran nuclear threat
Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.
Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.
President Donald Trump laid out a strong warning to Iran during his State of the Union address. He labelled Tehran as the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism and signalled that the U.S. might take action if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.
Trump emphasised that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, along with its backing of militant groups, pose serious threats to regional stability.
This comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear developments and the stalled diplomatic efforts to curb them.
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News
Qantas announces 8,500 jobs and frequent flyer changes
Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion
Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion
– Qantas reported a $1.46 billion half-year profit, planning to create 8,500 jobs by 2030.
– Frequent Flyer program changes include earning status credits on the ground and rolling over excess credits.
The Qantas Group reported a record half-year profit of $1.46 billion for the first half of the 2026 financial year, an increase of $71 million compared to the previous period. The airline plans to create 8,500 jobs by 2030 and re-establish a cabin crew base in Singapore, along with new initiatives for frequent flyers.Statutory profit after tax rose to $925 million, allowing shareholders to receive a fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share.
The current underlying profit surpasses the record set in 2023 under former CEO Alan Joyce. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson highlighted a commitment to customer, employee, and shareholder satisfaction while emphasizing ongoing investments in fleet renewal.
As Qantas adds new aircraft to its fleet, it anticipates the creation of jobs, including 3,500 additional cabin crew and 1,000 pilots.
A new Jetstar cabin crew base will open in Perth later this year, generating 90 roles, while Singapore is expected to accommodate 400 cabin crew members.
Qantas CEo Vanessa Hudson.
Frequent Flyer Changes
Qantas will implement significant changes to its Frequent Flyer program. Members can now earn status credits on the ground through credit cards and program partners.
They will also have the option to rollover up to 50% of excess status credits from one year to the next.
Hudson stated the overhaul aims to enhance flexibility and recognition for members amid a changing loyalty landscape.
News
Markets shrug as Trump tariffs take effect
Investors remain calm amid Trump’s 15% tariffs, focusing on future policy uncertainty and inflation risks instead.
Investors remain calm amid Trump’s 15% tariffs, focusing on future policy uncertainty and inflation risks instead.
Investors are largely unfazed as U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs officially come into effect. The administration has introduced a blanket 15 percent levy on imports, initially set at 10 percent under temporary regulations, but markets have responded with little drama. Analysts suggest traders have grown accustomed to tariff announcements, limiting any immediate shock to equities.
While the headline policy shift is significant, experts argue the real concern lies elsewhere. Ongoing uncertainty around global trade policy and the potential for further measures is keeping investors cautious. Rather than reacting to the current rate, markets appear more focused on what could come next.
Inflation pressures also remain firmly on the radar, as higher import costs could feed into consumer prices over time. For now, however, the broader market landscape looks largely unchanged, with investors taking a wait-and-see approach.
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