A global education survey has revealed an “unprecedented” decline in academic progress in many countries. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey, published on Tuesday, is the first such study since the COVID-19 pandemic and showed the historic setbacks suffered by students. The average international mathematics score fell by 15 points since the 2018 … Read more
The ongoing explosion in public activism in the United States and the world for a ceasefire in Gaza and equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians is a battleground as important as the military face-off over Gaza in this century-old conflict. It reveals the eroding efficacy of traditional pro-Israel propaganda in the face of more visible and explicitly apartheid … Read more
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness a global issue and they’ve initiated an international commission to address the issue worldwide. The WHO reportedly launched the Commission on Social Connection “to address loneliness as a pressing health threat, promote social connection as a priority and accelerate the scaling up of solutions in countries of … Read more
Critics warn of consequences of Washington’s staunch backing of Israel’s war on Gaza. The unwavering United States support for Israel’s all-out assault on Palestinians in Gaza is shifting global perceptions. Several analysts and Arab leaders have warned that Washington risks severe reputational damage in the region if it continues to back Israel – whose forces … Read more
Carlos Moedas on making Portugal’s capital an entrepreneurship centre amid a national political crisis. Lisbon, famed for its golden sunsets and cobbled streets, stands rich in history and resilience. It has weathered earthquakes and political and economic turmoil, cultivating a strong spirit. Currently, the city navigates issues like gentrification, a housing crisis and climate threats. … Read more
A week into Israel’s war on Gaza, 800 eminent scholars and practitioners of law sounded the alarm about an imminent genocide in the territory. What made this warning both powerful and chilling was that so many legal experts came to this sombre conclusion together. It is not a claim that can be made easily. Since that letter … Read more
In wide-ranging discussion, Chinese and German leaders agree two countries’ relations are improving in several areas. Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have held talks over video at a time when the European Union is trying to reduce its dependence on the world’s second-largest economy. “China regards Europe as a comprehensive strategic … Read more
Speaking at security forum in Beijing, defence minister warns of growing risk of confrontation between nuclear-armed countries. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has accused the United States of fuelling geopolitical tensions to uphold its “global dominance by any means” and warned of the growing risk of confrontation between nuclear-armed countries. Addressing the Xiangshan Forum, China’s … Read more
Companies ranging from airlines to banks have shut operations in Israel, asking their employees to work from home. Global companies with a presence in Israel have suspended operations or asked employees to work from home as the country wages war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Below are some of the steps being taken by … Read more
Global oil prices have spiked since fighting erupted between Israel and Hamas amid speculation about how the conflict could affect energy production in the Middle East. On Monday, global benchmark Brent Crude rose 4.2 percent to $88.15 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 4.3 percent to $86.38 per barrel. While neither Israel … Read more