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Two powerful earthquakes – with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 – sent residents running into the streets as buildings shook and collapsedVenezuela earthquake: powerful back-to-back quakes collapse buildings in capital CaracasBack-to-back powerful earthquakes hammered Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas.The US Geological Survey said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168km (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13km (8 miles). Continue reading...

• India is hosting a major sports championship at the Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, featuring competitors from 17 nations including China, Japan, and Australia. • The Indian squad, consisting of national champions and Asian Games medallists, aims to repeat previous successes where the seniors team and pair Puja Batra and Asha Sharma won gold. • India faces significant competition from Hong Kong, the defending men's team champions, and Indonesia, the defending women's and mixed team champions.

• The European Film Academy has announced a new group of emerging members for 2026, including filmmakers such as Lukas Dhont from Belgium and Zofia Kujawska from Poland. • New members represent a diverse range of nations, including Armenia, France, Germany, Greenland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, and the UK. • These appointments are significant as members are eligible to register and vote for the annual European Film Awards, helping determine the nominations and winners.

• The European Film Academy has released the list of new members for 2026, featuring a diverse group of industry professionals from Norway. • New inductees include director Joachim Trier, director Håvard Bustnes, and various producers, editors, and actors such as Hege Hauff Hvattum and Janne Hjeltnes. • This expansion of membership strengthens the Academy's representation of European cinematic talent ahead of the 34th European Film Awards in Berlin.

Varley presented himself in court as a doting dad to Preston Davey but prosecution said he used adopted boy as a sexual ‘plaything’‘They were an ordinary couple,” said one neighbour. Their baby “was happy, he was smiley, he was beautiful,” said a friend. There were nobig concerns about the teacher and the sales manager who were doing what thousands do every year – adopting a child.In reality, Jamie Varley and his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, were child abusers and Varley murdered the baby boy they adopted, Preston Davey, when he was 13 months old. Continue reading...

• Former Scotland international footballer Lou Macari and radio presenter George Bowie were among the Scots recognized in the King's Birthday Honours list. • The honors celebrate a diverse group of individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve society and contribute to their communities. • These awards highlight the achievements of public figures and unsung heroes across Scotland, acknowledging their long-term dedication and service.

Arrest of Min Zin, who writes about Myanmar and Chinese foreign policy, comes just month after Trump visit to BeijingChina has arrested a US scholar who writes about Myanmar and Chinese foreign policy on suspicion of spying.Min Zin was suspected of “engaging in espionage activities that endanger China’s national security,” China’s ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, said on Friday. Continue reading...

• DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has pledged stronger government support for Filipino workers to combat rising domestic and global labor market risks. • The initiative comes as the Philippines faces economic challenges while maintaining an unemployment rate of 5%. • This move is critical to protecting local livelihoods and ensuring job stability amidst volatile global economic conditions.

• UK academics, including a professor of Philosophy in Sport, warn that the U.S. government may use the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a political distraction. • The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be hosted across cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. • Experts argue that the global visibility of the world's most-watched sporting event could be exploited to divert public attention from controversial domestic policies.

Civil rights scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw warns Birmingham City University’s decision part of extremist campaign that has ‘travelled across Atlantic’A leading US civil rights scholar has urged Birmingham City University (BCU) to reverse its decision to close its black studies course, comparing it with the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion in the US.Kimberlé Crenshaw, a professor of law at the University of California, Los Angeles and Columbia University, expressed “profound concern” about plans to withdraw the MA in black studies and global justice, just months after the course was launched. Continue reading...

Sydney Morning Herald removes piece by Cath Ellis, despite Western Sydney University saying her use of AI was ‘appropriate’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA top Sydney academic used AI to write an opinion piece that urged students to “do the work” and not cut corners by using such technology, with the Sydney Morning Herald removing the “unacceptable” piece from its website.Western Sydney University’s pro-vice chancellor for quality and integrity, Prof Cath Ellis, had an opinion piece published in the Sydney Morning Herald last month, in response to an article from academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Continue reading...

• The 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards were held in Tokyo to honor the year's most impactful anime titles. • My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON took home the top prize for Anime of the Year, with significant wins also awarded to Demon Slayer, Gachiakuta, and DAN DA DAN. • The event featured celebrity presenters and musical performances, utilizing multi-language livestreams to expand the awards' global reach and fan engagement.

• Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited (APE) is expanding its casino tourism services across Asia to revitalize the gaming and entertainment markets in Macau and Hong Kong. • APE has partnered with Germany-based CountR GmbH to implement "smart CountR" casino payment technology, moving beyond the supply of traditional gaming equipment. • This strategic shift aims to accelerate resort growth by integrating modern digital payment solutions to enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency.

• The US Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold the authority of the Preventive Services Task Force to recommend which healthcare services must be covered with no cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act. • The ruling affirms that the independent medical body retains power to determine preventive care coverage standards for millions of Americans with ACA insurance plans. • The decision impacts ongoing healthcare policy debates as seventy-five national medical organizations simultaneously urged the Senate to adopt Medicare physician payment provisions in the budget reconciliation package.

Prof Abbas Rajabifard of the University of Melbourne says he was listed as a co-author of research with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator in recent peace talks, without his knowledgeGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA University of Melbourne academic has denied collaborating on research with the speaker of Iran’s parliament – who has been leading Tehran’s peace negotiations with the US – saying he was named as an author on a journal article without his knowledge.On Monday Guardian Australia revealed that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator, had built extensive ties to Australia over the past decade, including links to a University of Melbourne engineering research centre. Continue reading...

• Emmy Award-winning host Conan O'Brien will return to host the 99th Oscars broadcast, reuniting with executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan for the major awards ceremony. • O'Brien brings his extensive experience in late-night television and comedy to the prestigious Hollywood event, continuing his tradition of hosting major award shows. • The selection of O'Brien signals the Academy's confidence in maintaining strong viewership and engaging presentation for the global entertainment audience.

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s authority to recommend no-cost preventive services under the Affordable Care Act. • The decision overturned a district judge’s injunction that had blocked the administration from enforcing grant flow restorations related to the task force. • The ruling preserves mandates for insurers to cover recommended screenings and vaccines without patient cost-sharing, impacting millions of Americans.

• Alpaca, a brokerage API platform, named Rohit Mulani as President of Southeast Asia and David Grant as CEO of Alpaca Singapore. • The leadership additions aim to accelerate growth in the region's fintech and trading sectors. • This move strengthens Alpaca's presence amid rising demand for embedded trading solutions in ASEAN markets.

• Insurance giant Cigna announced it will exit the Affordable Care Act individual market in 2027, impacting 369,000 members amid reports of millions dropping Obamacare coverage due to higher long-term costs. • State officials and industry analysts note surging premiums are driving enrollment declines, exacerbating access issues for remaining policyholders. • Cigna reported a $1.65 billion profit while making the exit, highlighting tensions between profitability and marketplace sustainability.

• NTT launched Scale Academy as part of its enterprise AI and security initiatives during the two-week period beginning April 13, 2026. • The academy program targets organizations seeking to develop internal capabilities around artificial intelligence adoption and implementation. • The initiative reflects growing enterprise demand for structured training programs to build AI competency across workforce and organizational functions.

David Brat represented Virginia in the House of Representatives for two termsThe White House has nominated David Brat, a former Republican member of the US House of Representatives, to be the next ambassador to Australia.Brat represented Virginia in Congress and served two terms before he was defeated by a Democrat in 2018 in a close race. He is currently a vice-president of business relations at Virginia’s Liberty University. Continue reading...

• The United States announced Friday a temporary suspension of certain oil-sector sanctions against Venezuela pending the outcome of renewed diplomatic negotiations scheduled to begin Monday in Mexico City, marking the first high-level talks in 18 months. • State Department officials stated the measure aimed to create "negotiating space" for discussions on political prisoners, election transparency, and humanitarian access, with hopes of establishing a pathway toward normalized relations. • Venezuela's government welcomed the development but demanded complete lifting of financial sanctions, which have contributed to severe shortages of food and medicine affecting 28 million citizens, according to UN estimates.

Data shows the market is at its tightest ever with rents going up in most capitals. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGood morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it will be Nick Visser with the main action.Mark Butler told the ABC last night that the Albanese government’s sweeping changes to the national disability insurance scheme are expected to save the federal budget $35bn over four years. More coming up. Continue reading...

• California Democrats are urging swift action to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by former Rep. Eric Swalwell following his resignation. • Party leaders emphasize the need for a special election to maintain Democratic representation in the competitive district. • The vacancy heightens midterm stakes, with Republicans eyeing gains in the state amid shifting voter dynamics.

So-called Dreamers – undocumented immigrants who arrived as children – were allowed to stay in US under Obama-era programFrom January through September 2025, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 174 people that were renewing their protections from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) program, the head of the agency has said in a letter reviewed by the Guardian.The letter, written by ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, and sent to the Illinois congressional representative Delia Ramirez, also confirmed that a total of 270 Daca recipients were arrested during that same timeframe, or over the first nine months of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Continue reading...

• The Academy announced Oprah Winfrey will host the 79th Academy Awards ceremony on March 27, 2027, marking her first time hosting the Oscars in 16 years. • Winfrey previously hosted the 2011 Academy Awards and has become one of the most celebrated hosts in Oscar history, winning praise for her humor and audience engagement. • The 2027 ceremony promises a reimagined format with emphasis on celebrating filmmaking achievements and engaging younger demographics through digital integration.

Current and ex-officials at the CDC warn Americans’ health security in danger under RFK Jr’s directionFourteen months after Robert F Kennedy Jr was sworn in as US health secretary, the country’s prime public health agency over which he presides is in a state of disarray.Eighty per cent of the top director positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stand vacant, with no permanent leader to drive policies affecting the health of millions of Americans. No one is in place to coordinate the agency’s day-to-day work fighting infectious disease, combatting heart conditions or screening for cancer. Continue reading...

• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released shortlists for 10 categories on April 16, narrowing 300+ films to 15 each for the 99th Oscars ceremony on March 7, 2027. • Standouts include 'Dune: Part Two' with 8 nods and 'Wicked' securing spots in song and score, per The Hollywood Reporter analysis. • Industry insiders predict 'Anora' leading Best Picture contenders with 92% odds from Gold Derby, impacting awards season campaigns worth millions.