News

Time to panic? UK calls for urgent meeting of G7 health ministers

Published

4 years ago

November 29, 2021

The UK has officially called an urgent meeting of G7 health ministers amid growing concerns about the Omicron covid variant

This follows a further 13 cases detected in people in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam in passengers arriving on two flights from South Africa.

The 13 new cases are among 61 people who also tested positive for the virus as tighter restrictions come into force in the Netherlands amid concerns for this new strain and skyrocketing case numbers across Europe.

Throughout the Netherlands, hospitality and cultural venues will be forced to close early and there will be limits on home gatherings.

Omicron was first reported to the World Health Organisation by South Africa with early evidence suggesting a higher risk of re-infection.

The WHO has labeled the new strain as “a variant of concern”

The Dutch health minister has made an urgent request for people who have recently returned from South Africa to get tested for Covid “as soon as possible”.

Cases of the mutation have now been reported in a number of countries right around the world, including the UK, Germany and Italy.

The Netherlands is one of a number of countries to have imposed travel restrictions on some countries in southern Africa, whilst Israel has banned entry to all non-residents for two weeks.

Meanwhile, British Prime minister Boris Johnson says his government is watching the situation closely, but his nation’s borders will remain open.

News

AUKUS praised as a win-win for international security

AUKUS envoy affirms Australia’s key role in security cooperation, highlighting nuclear submarine capabilities amid US defense partnership.

Published

20 hours ago

July 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

AUKUS envoy affirms Australia’s key role in security cooperation, highlighting nuclear submarine capabilities amid US defense partnership.

The UK’s top AUKUS envoy is in Australia, calling the trilateral pact a win-win for international security and defence cooperation.

The visit shines a light on Australia’s strategic role in the alliance, particularly its commitment to building nuclear submarine capabilities.

This moment marks a key test of the Australia–US defence partnership, as both nations prepare for long-term strategic coordination.

#AUKUS #DefenceNews #AustraliaUSAlliance #NuclearSubmarines #TickerNews

News

Trump pivots West Africa talks to trade

Trump hosts West African leaders at the White House to discuss security, migration, and trade, seeking acceptance of deported migrants.

Published

21 hours ago

July 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump hosts West African leaders at the White House to discuss security, migration, and trade, seeking acceptance of deported migrants.

President Donald Trump has hosted leaders from five West African nations at the White House, with discussions centred on security, migration, and trade.

The US is asking these nations to accept deported migrants, particularly where their home countries have refused re-entry.

#Trump #WestAfrica #MigrationPolicy #USAfricaRelations #TickerNews

News

Air India crash investigation focuses on fuel switches

Preliminary Air India crash report to focus on fuel switches after deadly June incident; 241 fatalities reported.

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2025

Ahron Young

Preliminary Air India crash report to focus on fuel switches after deadly June incident; 241 fatalities reported.

In Short:
A report on the June Air India jetliner crash, which killed 241 on board and 29 on the ground, is imminent, focusing on fuel control switches and multiple contributing factors. The investigation is led by India’s authority, facing scrutiny over information access, while the government plans to enhance civil aviation safety and improve Air India’s reputation.

A preliminary report on the Air India jetliner crash in June is expected soon. The crash resulted in 241 deaths out of the 242 on board, in addition to at least 29 fatalities on the ground.

Investigators are focusing on the plane’s fuel control switches following an analysis of flight data recorders. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost altitude shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India. Family members continue to mourn victims, highlighting the tragedy’s impact.

Investigations have found no immediate concerns regarding mechanical failure, and airlines have not been advised to change 787 operations. The focus on fuel switches relates to their role in engine power.

Specific actions

However, details about specific actions being investigated remain unclear.

Experts indicate fuel switches cannot be moved accidently, and any shutdown would instantly affect engine power. Reports suggest that multiple factors likely contributed to the crash. The Indian investigation authority, under international rules, leads the probe but has faced scrutiny over information accessibility, taking weeks to retrieve flight data.

The Indian government has only held one press conference regarding the incident. Recently, U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization was granted observer status in the investigation. The event poses challenges for the Tata Group in revamping Air India’s reputation.