COVID DEATH
Why scientists call PJ.2.1 a ‘jump’ variant: The COVID strain that arrived with dozens of mutations at once and spreads by gripping your cells more tightly
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, named PJ.2.1, was detected in Canada and has spread globally. It has over 25 mutations in its spike protein, which enhance its binding to human cells. Researchers are observing its spread in countries like the US, Spain, and Australia among others. Currently, there is no evidence linking PJ.2.1 to increased severity of illness or hospitalization.
Joe Biden, in White House memoir, says Trump should carry the weight of Jan. 6 riots 'to his grave'
Joe Biden’s memoir sharply criticizes Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Biden argues that Trump's actions have significantly harmed American institutions and societal coherence. During his presidency, Biden faced multiple challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability. He reflects on a unique meeting with Trump that raised concerns about Trump's approach to governance.
Rich countries benefitted more from COVID-19 vaccine's return on investment than poor ones: Study
COVID-19 vaccines generated economic benefits worth USD 60 to USD 809 for every dollar invested in their development and distribution, a global study of 173 countries has found. However, high-income countries gained more due to earlier access and faster rollouts, while delayed vaccine availability limited benefits in poorer nations.
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Florida Learjet plane crash cut their love story short: They met at a hostel in Peru, fell in love and opened a hotel in Caribbean. Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr's story
Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr met at a hostel in Peru in 2019, fell in love and eventually built a life together on Honduras' island of Roatán, where they opened a boutique hotel in 2023. The couple, who shared a passion for travel and adventure, were among nine people killed in a Florida Learjet crash while travelling to the Bahamas. Their journey from a chance meeting to building a Caribbean hospitality business has been remembered by friends, family and hotel staff.
US midterms 2026 big wins and upsets: Amy Acton stuns Vivek Ramaswamy; Annie Andrews topples Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline
Democrats made significant gains in the 2026 US midterm elections, winning key races in Ohio, Texas, and South Carolina. Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio, while James Talarico secured the Senate seat in Texas. Annie Andrews' victory in South Carolina ended years of Republican dominance in the state. Additionally, Democrats flipped a Senate seat in North Carolina and held on in Georgia.
His grandfather died of pancreatic cancer: This Hyderabad startup founder is using AI to develop a personalised cancer vaccines
Hyderabad-based biotech startup PopVax, founded by Soham Sankaran, is developing AI-powered personalised cancer vaccines using mRNA technology. Inspired partly by his family's experience with pancreatic cancer, he aims to help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells using treatments designed around individual patients' tumour genetics.
Patrick Stewart, best known for Captain Picard in Star Trek, turned Shakespeare into a daily ritual during lockdown; how his wife's idea became a viral project
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in March 2020, he began recording himself reciting Shakespeare's sonnets. The idea during a walk with his wife, Sunny Ozell. Stewart began reciting a Shakespeare sonnet aloud when Sunny noticed what he was doing. She asked him to repeat the lines and then recorded it. After watching it, she suggested sharing it online. The video surprisingly got a positive response.
Social Security COLA 3.6% vs 3.4% wage growth: will retirees gain more buying power than workers earning wages in 2027, and is inflation eating the raise?
Social Security benefits are set to increase by 3.6% in 2027, but will retirees actually feel richer? The answer depends on how quickly everyday expenses rise. Workers face a different test, as salary increases may fall behind inflation. For both groups, higher income will offer real relief only if it keeps pace with rising living costs.
'Ebola is like Covid pandemic': African CDC chief says no country in the world is safe now
In light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, Dr. Jean Kaseya from the Africa CDC underscores the urgent need for global readiness. With over 10,000 confirmed cases and nearly 5,000 fatalities reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation is grave. Neighboring nations such as Uganda and Kenya are also facing linked cases, and the absence of effective vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus presents significant challenges for containment.
Utah mink farm bird flu outbreak raises fears of a pandemic deadlier than Covid as the virus killed 80% of a mink herd: Can it spread to humans?
A bird flu outbreak has been spreading for over two months at a Utah mink farm. Federal and state officials have not culled the infected animals nor imposed a formal quarantine. Experts express concern about the potential mutation of the virus to infect humans. No federal rules currently exist for vaccinating or culling infected mink in the US.
Obama, in Midwest, assails 'cruelty' and indecency from Trump and his allies in the midterm campaign
Barack Obama campaigned for Democratic candidates in Ohio and Michigan ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, criticising Donald Trump and Republican allies over campaign tactics, living costs and governance. He defended Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as Democrats seek to mobilise voters in key battleground states.
Giant 'heat storms' are scorching the Earth. This is the story of the biggest one on record
Heat storms have increased dramatically, causing severe global consequences including excess deaths and environmental catastrophes. Recent heat storms have been identified as a new classification, representing larger and more persistent heat events. The intensity of these heat storms has worsened due to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Associated weather patterns have significantly disrupted ecosystems and agriculture worldwide.
Dolly Parton started a foundation in 1995 to help young children read. Donated nearly 325 million books across the US, UK, and Canada; her father's inability inspired her
Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, left behind a significant philanthropic legacy. The Imagination Library, launched in 1995, has gifted over 325 million books to young children. This initiative started from her own father's literacy challenges and aimed to improve access to books. Furthermore, Parton contributed to healthcare and disaster relief, reflecting her commitment to service. Her work continues to influence children's literacy and community support.
World Health Organization informs countries to improve efforts to prevent lead exposure
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges countries to expand their efforts to prevent lead exposure, especially to children who are vulnerable to its toxic effects. Lead exposure is estimated to contribute more than 3.5 million preventable deaths globally every year. The health body pointed out that 3.5 microgrammes can be associated with reduced intelligence, behavioural disorders and learning difficulties in children.
Roland Mesnier: Born in France, moved to the US after marriage and child birth, served as the White House chef for five presidents and his famous gingerbreads
Roland Mesnier served as the White House executive pastry chef for 27 years. HE prepared intricate desserts for formal events with an significance on guest backgrounds and cultures. He published several cookbooks sharing his culinary experiences and taught pastry students after leaving the White House.
Rihanna turned personal grief into a philanthropic mission in 2012. Today, 14 years later, her foundation has channelled over $100 million into charity
In memory of her grandmother, Rihanna established the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012, catalyzing a wave of generosity. With over $100 million in grants, the foundation champions vital causes like healthcare, education, and women's empowerment. Following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, its focus on disaster preparedness illustrates a profound commitment to fostering resilient communities and addressing future challenges.
WHO says Russia confirms death at research lab, no plague case registered
The World Health Organization said it has not identified the cause of pneumonia that killed a Russian laboratory worker in Siberia on October 2. Tests for high-threat pathogens were negative, contacts remain symptom-free and no linked cases have emerged. Russia quarantined around 200 people following the death, which triggered public health concerns.
Second plague case in Siberia? Russia responds after WHO presses Moscow for answers over 28-year-old researcher’s death
Russia has rejected claims of a second pneumonic plague case after the death of laboratory worker Darya Shipilova. The World Health Organization sought clarification regarding her death and reports of another employee falling ill. Shipilova worked at a Siberian research institute and passed away from pneumonia of unknown origin. Russian authorities confirmed no connection between her death and pneumonic plague pathogens.
Russia Plague Explained: What do we know so far about the institute lab worker’s death?
A laboratory worker at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died after developing an unidentified form of pneumonia, triggering precautionary quarantine measures and social media speculation. Authorities have said there is no evidence she died of plague or that anyone she contacted was infected, while tests have so far found no plague cases linked to her.
How Russia and the world are responding to possible case of pneumonic plague after lab worker dies
The World Health Organisation has confirmed that Russian authorities reported no cases of plague in Siberia. A laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute recently died from pneumonia. Investigations revealed she had a typical acute respiratory viral infection and not pneumonic plague. Russian officials have completed contact tracing and concluded that the epidemiological situation remains stable. US officials are advising Russia to share more information about the ongoing investigation.
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