Author: OMN AI

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is expected to be softened, according to a senior European parliamentarian, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party, said the European Commission is preparing to move away from a full ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would face a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale. The proposed shift follows lobbying from Germany, Italy and much of the…

Scientists have recorded northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a behavior never documented before. Drone footage, underwater video, and acoustic tags showed dolphins racing ahead as “scouts,” locating large Chinook salmon and leading the whales toward them. The orcas then made the kill at the surface, while the dolphins scavenged scraps. Remarkably, the whales showed no aggression, even though they usually guard fresh prey. Recordings captured alternating echolocation clicks from both species, suggesting they may even be listening to each other’s sonar during deep dives to widen their search range. Researchers…

As part of ongoing appropriations talks, a new budget framework includes measures to protect Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace subsidies. The continuing resolution framework guarantees a Senate vote, reinforcing bipartisan attention to maintaining affordable healthcare. The proposal aims to ensure millions of Americans can continue receiving financial assistance for their health insurance premiums. Lawmakers emphasize that extending these subsidies is critical to preventing coverage gaps and rising healthcare costs. Supporters highlight that ACA subsidies help lower-income and middle-class families afford healthcare, including essential medical services, prescriptions, and preventive care. By securing financial assistance, the framework reduces the risk of Americans…

A Cambridge University study has placed humans 7th out of 35 mammal species on a monogamy scale, suggesting we belong among the more monogamous mammals. The ranking was based on genetic data measuring how often siblings share both parents. Humans showed 66% full siblings, compared with 72% in beavers, who ranked higher. Meerkats followed behind at 60%, while mountain gorillas and chimpanzees scored extremely low. Researchers note that monogamy varies widely across human societies, but overall we behave more like pair-bonding animals than our closest relatives. Scientists believe human monogamy may have evolved alongside paternal care, even though social and…

Officials highlighted fake websites, political ads in Moldova’s recent election, and fabricated videos attacking Ukraine’s president to show how these operations aim to erode public backing.The UK announced sanctions on Russian media and influence outlets after the foreign minister warned that Western nations must intensify efforts against information warfare from hostile states.Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed sanctions on the Telegram channel Rybar, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise, which Estonian intelligence identifies as linked to Russia’s GRU.She also imposed penalties on two China-based companies for conducting…

A new form of mpox has been identified in England after a recently returned traveller from Asia tested positive for the virus. Genome sequencing revealed the infection to be a recombinant variant, containing genetic material from two circulating strains — the more severe clade 1 and the milder clade 2, which triggered the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the finding was not unexpected, as both strains are still present worldwide, but added that the new variant is under close investigation. Officials stressed that while most infections remain mild, people in higher-risk groups are encouraged to…

Australia Enforces New Age RestrictionAustralia has introduced a strict regulation barring anyone under 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms. The law makes companies responsible for compliance, with heavy fines for violations. Officials say the measure is designed to protect young people from harmful content and mental health challenges, though experts question how effective age verification will be and whether teenagers might migrate to unregulated online spaces. Europe Develops Its Own Rules for MinorsAcross Europe, governments are also tightening rules around youth access to digital platforms. The European Parliament has recommended a minimum age of 16, while individual…

China drives a powerful export surge that threatens Europe’s economy, and Goldman Sachs warns of GDP losses in Germany, Italy, France, and Spain as competition intensifies and EU policies falter.European economies face growing strain as Beijing renews its push for an export-focused recovery.Goldman Sachs issues sharp warnings in several reports and cuts its European growth forecasts as China accelerates its export drive.Giovanni Pierdomenico states that increased Chinese goods supply exposes the euro area to heavy risks and expands the bilateral goods trade deficit while challenging Europe’s weakened global competitiveness.He predicts that stronger Chinese export pressure will reduce euro area GDP…

Crystal Palace continued their impressive rise under Oliver Glasner as Marc Guéhi scored a dramatic late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Fulham, sending Palace up to fourth in the Premier League table. Fulham had fought back after Eddie Nketiah gave Palace the lead, with Harry Wilson equalising through a superb outside-of-the-boot finish. Fulham pushed for more and hit the woodwork through Calvin Bassey, but struggled to break down Palace’s organised defence and paid for it late. With the match drifting toward a draw, Guéhi met a near-post corner and powered in a decisive header to silence Craven Cottage…

Far from Nepal’s crowded Himalayan trails lies the Terai, a lush lowland region bordering India. Known as the homeland of the Tharu people, it offers wildlife-rich national parks, sweeping farmland and the sacred birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Kathmandu and Everest, the Terai remains largely undiscovered by international travellers — but its growing community homestay network is changing that. In the village of Bhada, visitors stay with local families through the Community Homestay Network, an initiative that supports rural households while offering authentic cultural experiences. During one such stay, host Shyam Chaudhary welcomed guests into her…