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South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, securing only 40.18% of the vote in a historic election that reshapes the nation's political landscape. This unprecedented outcome forces the party into complex coalition negotiations with opposition groups to form a government, highlighting voter dissatisfaction over persistent issues like unemployment and corruption.
French President Emmanuel Macron dramatically dissolved parliament on June 9, 2024, calling snap legislative elections for June 30 and July 7 after his centrist party was decisively beaten by the far-right National Rally in European polls. This high-stakes decision plunges France into profound political uncertainty, potentially paving the way for the far-right to gain significant national power and reshape the country's future.
The United Nations has issued a dire warning of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, as aid deliveries have drastically decreased and become "significantly more restrictive" since early May, particularly following the closure of the Rafah crossing. This alarming reduction in vital supplies is pushing hundreds of thousands closer to famine, prompting urgent international calls for unimpeded access and a sustained ceasefire to prevent widespread starvation.
G7 leaders have reached a landmark agreement to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan, significantly bolstering its defense and reconstruction efforts against Russian aggression. This innovative financing mechanism will utilize profits generated from frozen Russian sovereign assets, a move vehemently condemned by Moscow, which warns of retaliatory measures.
Defying widespread exit polls, India's ruling BJP failed to secure an outright majority in the recent general election, compelling Prime Minister Narendra Modi to form a coalition government after a decade of single-party dominance. This unexpected outcome means Modi will lead a third term with reduced legislative power, ushering in an era where regional allies hold significant sway in India's political landscape.
A second human case of H5N1 bird flu, linked to infected dairy cattle, has been confirmed in the U.S., sparking renewed concerns about the virus's spread. This Michigan farm worker experienced mild respiratory symptoms and has since recovered, prompting health officials to emphasize protective measures as they closely monitor the virus's circulation in livestock.
In a major legal blow, a federal appeals court unanimously ruled on February 6 that Donald Trump cannot claim presidential immunity from prosecution for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack. This pivotal decision clears the way for his criminal trial to proceed, though his legal team is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, potentially delaying the proceedings closer to the 2024 election.
European Union leaders unanimously approved a crucial €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine, overcoming Hungary's initial veto after intense negotiations. This vital funding, known as the Ukraine Facility, will support Kyiv's economy and government services for four years, signaling strong European unity and ensuring Ukraine's continued resilience against Russian aggression.
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld access to mifepristone, a widely used abortion pill, by rejecting a major challenge to the FDA's regulations. This pivotal decision ensures the medication remains available nationwide, as the justices ruled that anti-abortion plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to sue.
Houthi rebels are relentlessly attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, forcing major shipping companies to reroute around Africa and causing significant delays and soaring costs for global supply chains. Despite international defensive efforts, these politically motivated attacks persist, escalating regional tensions and threatening consumers worldwide with higher prices and potential shortages.
Oxford physicists have achieved a groundbreaking first, directly observing carbon-neutrino interactions using the SNO+ detector deep underground. This pivotal discovery, where solar neutrinos transformed carbon atoms into nitrogen, offers unprecedented insights into the universe's fundamental workings and opens new frontiers in nuclear and particle physics.
Streaming giant Netflix has announced a monumental $72 billion agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, including HBO Max and its iconic studios, marking one of the largest mergers in entertainment history. This strategic move aims to combine vast content libraries and reshape global content creation, though it faces significant regulatory scrutiny and debate over market competition.