World News News

OTM 2026 will host the global travel industry in Mumbai, reflecting India's accelerated outbound market growth. Numerous countries, including emerging and established destinations, are participating to engage with Indian travelers. The event features extensive B2B meetings and forums to foster business outcomes and discuss industry trends, highlighting India's strategic importance in global tourism.

Beer prices in South Africa are rising faster than spirits, making it less accessible. By December 2025, beer inflation reached 5.2% while spirits saw a 2.7% increase. This shift means the traditionally affordable lager is becoming a relative luxury, potentially forcing consumers to choose spirits for budget-friendly socialising. Regional price spikes, like 11.2% in North West, exacerbate this trend.

Chinese lending to African nations significantly decreased in 2024, falling to $2.1 billion. This marks the first annual drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift indicates China's move towards more selective, strategic projects and a potential increase in lending denominated in the Chinese yuan. Boston University data revealed this trend.

A mother in South Korea rescued her three young children from a burning apartment by climbing down the building's exterior wall. Trapped by smoke and flames on the fifth floor, she descended from the unit above. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. The mother and children suffered minor smoke inhalation.

A commuter train derailed near Barcelona after a containment wall collapsed onto the tracks due to heavy rain. One person died, and at least 15 were injured. This incident follows a fatal high-speed train crash in southern Spain just two days prior, raising concerns about rail safety.

Wildfires in central and southern Chile have caused at least 15 deaths, destroying thousands of hectares and homes amid a heatwave. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions to coordinate military aid. Firefighters face challenges due to high temperatures and strong winds.

Eight European nations condemned US President Trump's threatened tariffs on countries opposing his Greenland ambitions, warning of a "dangerous downward spiral" for transatlantic relations. The joint statement, a forceful rebuke, signaled a potential shift from diplomacy to pushback against US actions that allies deem a threat to sovereignty and security. The move risks fracturing NATO partnerships.

Fourteen individuals were arrested following a protest at the Iranian embassy in London. One protester removed a flag from a terrace. Charges include violent disorder, assault, criminal damage, and trespass. Four people were hospitalized, with police reporting minor injuries to officers and missiles thrown. The demonstration occurred amid anti-government protests in Iran.

Iran's state has brutally suppressed protests, leading to widespread trauma and division within the opposition. Propaganda efforts aim to discredit demonstrators, while the government's violent response has dispelled hopes of reform. The opposition faces challenges in organizing a unified strategy, with internal disagreements and debates over leadership and foreign intervention persisting.

Europe faces a crisis as the US proposes annexing Greenland, a move that could destabilize NATO. While Europe relies on US security, some leaders believe it's time to assert sovereignty. European nations are strengthening Greenland's defenses, potentially undermining US annexation arguments. The situation highlights Europe's diplomatic challenge in balancing its dependence on the US with the need to protect its own territory and rights.

Africa CDC has partnered with Informa Markets to expand the Africa CDC International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) and other public health events. This collaboration aims to strengthen planning, delivery, and sustainability of CPHIA, leveraging Informa Markets' event management expertise with Africa CDC's leadership. The partnership reinforces continental ownership of public health priorities and enhances the conference's global reach and impact.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with Donald Trump, presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize. Trump expressed doubts about Machado's leadership and praised the interim Venezuelan government, with which the US has secured an energy deal. Machado hopes Trump will support Venezuela's transition to democracy, but the US has not provided a clear timetable for such a change.

European cinema is gaining prominence with bold, political films challenging audiences, while a Swedish song topped charts but was disqualified due to AI elements. The Bayeux Tapestry faces preservation risks, and Japanese artisans struggle to maintain lacquer art after disasters. Meanwhile, a fire devastated a Seoul shanty town, and former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol received a prison sentence.

Anti-government protests in Iran appear to have subsided, with reports of unrest diminishing amid a communication blackout. Estimated death tolls range from at least 3,000 to over 5,000. A hardline cleric called for executions of detained demonstrators and threatened US President Trump, who stated Iran halted executions of over 800 individuals.

A Zimbabwean man was fatally stabbed in his vehicle in Limpopo. Police arrested two suspects for the murder. Community members apprehended and assaulted one suspect before police arrival. Authorities are investigating the motive and have opened cases for murder and assault. Police urge the public to refrain from vigilantism.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with Mark Carney and Marco Rubio, will serve on a "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza's reconstruction. Chaired by Donald Trump, the board is part of a UN-backed American plan to demilitarize and rebuild the war-torn enclave. Members will have defined roles for stabilization and long-term success.

Malaysia launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign to showcase its rich cultural diversity, culinary delights, and vibrant festivals. The year-long initiative features over 300 events, highlighting the nation's multicultural heritage and aiming to attract global travelers. The campaign also emphasizes improved tourism infrastructure and sustainable eco-tourism initiatives, positioning Malaysia as a key destination in Southeast Asia.

The Trump administration has announced members of its "Board of Peace" for Gaza, tasked with temporary governance and reconstruction. The founding Executive Board, chaired by the US president, includes Sir Tony Blair, Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel. Their portfolios aim to stabilize Gaza, though specific responsibilities are unclear.

Protests are planned across Denmark and Greenland against US President Trump's interest in acquiring the Arctic island. Demonstrations aim to express respect for Greenland's democracy and human rights. Organizers highlight a unified message of self-determination and opposition to external control. Large crowds are anticipated, reflecting strong local sentiment against such proposals.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised air operators to avoid Iranian airspace due to a high risk of misidentification and potential danger from Iranian defense systems. EASA cited heightened alerts for Iranian forces amid ongoing tensions and possible US military action. The agency also cautioned airlines to plan for contingency measures for flights in neighboring countries with US military bases, due to the risk of retaliatory actions.