Author: staff
The WHO typically only declares a public health emergency of international concern — one rung below pandemic in its alert system — after consulting with an expert committee. In this case, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the call himself, citing the “extraordinary” situation and how little was known for sure about the true spread of the virus. “The event requires international coordination and cooperation to understand the extent of the outbreak, to coordinate surveillance, prevention and response efforts, to scale up and strengthen operations and ensure ability to implement control measures,” a statement from the WHO said. The alert comes…
China’s commerce ministry said on Saturday that Beijing and Washington had struck a preliminary agreement to reduce some tariffs, and also confirmed agricultural and aircraft deals reached during U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing. The ministry’s statement came the day after Trump concluded a state visit to China for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump had indicated on Friday that tariffs were not discussed in his meetings with Xi. In a statement posted on its website Saturday, the commerce ministry in Beijing said the two sides had agreed to establish a trade council and an investment council. The trade council will seek…
Published on 17/05/2026 – 9:00 GMT+2 For a generation raised on Pacific Rim, Gundam, Alien and Transformers, the fantasy has never really left the imagination: being able to climb into a giant mechanical robot suit and walk away in it. This week, that fantasy stopped being fiction. Unitree Robotics – the Chinese company that has quickly become one of the world’s most prolific robot manufacturers – unveiled the GD01, which is being billed as the world’s first production-ready manned transformable mecha. It’s roughly 2.8 metres tall and lets a human pilot climb up and operate it from an open cockpit…
Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday, securing Bulgaria’s first-ever victory in the competition with her energetic dance anthem “Bangaranga.” Dara triumphed over 24 other finalists during the grand final, impressing both national juries and viewers with a high-energy performance and tightly choreographed routine. Israeli singer Noam Bettan finished in second place, while Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third. Although not considered among the pre-contest favourites, Dara gained momentum throughout Eurovision week. The final, hosted in Austria after last year’s Austrian victory, once again drew millions of viewers across Europe and beyond.
By Liam Gilliver & Agata Todorow & Tokunbo Salako Published on 16/05/2026 – 19:05 GMT+2•Updated 17/05/2026 – 1:53 GMT+2 Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision song contest with singer Dara’s party anthem “Bangaranga.” Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final in the Austrian capital Vienna. The song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine was a massive hit with both viewers and national juries. But until the final public vote was announced it appeared as if Israel was set to win the contest. It’s Bulgaria’s first-ever Eurovision victory. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third with the provocatively titled rock song “Choke Me.” Australian star…
Tensions over Israel’s participation in the contest flared up earlier in the week, when artist Noam Bettan performed pop-ballad “Michelle” to audible boos and chants during the semifinal. Four audience members had to be removed for “disruptive behavior,” according to organizers. It was Bulgaria’s first victory in the competition, having debuted in 2005. Bulgaria was returning in 2026 after a four-year break from the contest due to financial constraints at the public broadcaster. Bulgaria’s booming dance anthem was a high-energy crowd pleaser in Vienna, but wasn’t originally tipped to win, up against more favored entries from Finland or Australia. The…
Austria witnessed renewed protests over Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, as several hundred demonstrators gathered near Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle hours before the 2026 grand final. Protest organisers and speakers addressed supporters in a nearby square before marchers carrying Palestinian flags and banners moved towards the arena, which was secured by police barriers and patrols. The demonstration reflected continuing tensions surrounding the competition, now facing a third consecutive year of controversy linked to the war in Gaza and wider regional instability. Austrian authorities kept streets around the venue open while closely monitoring the march through the capital.…
Published on 16/05/2026 – 20:19 GMT+2 Several people were injured after a car ploughed into pedestrians in the city centre of Modena, in northern Italy. Eight people were injured, four of them critically, Mayor Massimo Mezzetti told Italian TV. He said a woman pinned against a shop window may require the amputation of both legs. Of the critically injured, two people have been transferred to the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna and two to the hospital in Modena. The driver was identified as a 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, living in the province of Modena, with no previous convictions. He…
Around 4,000 police officers were deployed across London on Saturday as tens of thousands of demonstrators took part in two major rallies held simultaneously in the British capital during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Supporters of far-right activist Tommy Robinson gathered in central London for a “Unite the Kingdom” march under heavy security, while a separate pro-Palestinian demonstration marked Nakba Day, commemorating the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948. Police said they expected around 50,000 people to attend the nationalist rally and about 30,000 to join the pro-Palestinian march. Officers used drones, mounted…
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest officially begins in a few hours with the fun and festivities expected to be more camp and controversial than ever before as it once again becomes a stage for pomp, pageantry and politics. What was born as a festival to unite Europe after the World War II has become a battleground for countries using its spotlight to make a stand on political agendas. The 70th edition of the song contest being held in Vienna will already go down in history as perhaps the most divisive competition after months of protest over Israel’s…