Author: Andrew Rogers

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be weakened, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to provoke strong opposition from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a total ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would need to meet a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain…

Scientists have documented orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins hunting together off British Columbia — the first evidence of cooperative foraging between the two species. Northern resident killer whales, which rely almost entirely on Chinook salmon, were observed following dolphins that acted like “scouts.” The dolphins chased salmon ahead of them, allowing the whales to catch the fish. In return, the dolphins fed on leftovers when the whales tore the salmon apart at the surface. Researchers used drones, underwater video and acoustic tags to track the animals and found no signs of aggression. Instead, the whales consistently positioned themselves behind the…

A new Cambridge University study ranking mammals by monogamy has placed humans 7th out of 35 species, showing we are far more monogamous than most animals — though not as faithful as beavers, who placed ahead with a higher rate of full siblings. Humans recorded 66% full siblings, compared with 72% in beavers and 60% in meerkats. At the bottom were chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas, reflecting much more promiscuous mating systems. Researchers analysed genetic data from human and animal populations to compare how often offspring share both parents. While human societies vary widely, the study suggests our species evolved…

The draft 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released by Congress includes a key provision granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. It also allows the Secretary of the Interior to place tribal land in trust, providing a framework for long-term support and development. Federal recognition would formally acknowledge the Lumbee Tribe as a sovereign nation. This status opens access to federal funding, healthcare programs, educational grants, and economic development initiatives. The tribe has sought recognition for decades, and its inclusion in the NDAA represents a major milestone. The land-trust authority allows the Secretary of the Interior…

Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved mpox strain in a person who recently returned from Asia. Genome testing showed the virus is a recombinant form, combining features of two circulating mpox types:• Clade 1 – historically linked to more severe illness• Clade 2 – responsible for the 2022 global outbreak, usually milder The UK Health Security Agency says the discovery is not unexpected, as both clades are still spreading in different parts of the world. Experts are now analysing whether this new variant spreads more easily or causes more serious disease. Mpox is related to smallpox and…

Crystal Palace climbed to fourth in the Premier League after a dramatic late winner from Marc Guéhi sealed a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. In a tight match where chances came at both ends, Guéhi rose to meet a near-post corner in the final minutes, stunning Fulham and sending Palace fans into celebration. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring with a clean finish on his first league start of the season after excellent build-up play involving Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell. Fulham responded brilliantly through Harry Wilson, who lashed in a superb outside-of-the-boot strike following a slick one-two with…

A high-level U.S. visit to India is set to enhance engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, offering new opportunities for trade, technology, and economic collaboration. Officials describe the visit as a strategic step to strengthen partnerships and advance shared interests. The visit will include meetings between senior U.S. diplomats and Indian government leaders. Discussions are expected to cover a range of issues, from trade agreements and investment initiatives to technology partnerships and security cooperation. U.S. officials emphasize that the engagement seeks to create mutually beneficial economic opportunities. By expanding trade and technology collaboration, the visit could support U.S. industries and foster…

Far from Nepal’s famous Himalayan trekking routes lies the lesser-known Terai lowlands, home to dense wildlife, national parks, sacred Buddhist sites and the indigenous Tharu people. Travelers who venture south discover a warmer, slower Nepal – rice fields instead of snow peaks, buffalo-skin drums instead of prayer wheels – and a culture that prizes hospitality so deeply that locals say, “the guest is god.” One such welcome awaited a visitor staying through the Community Homestay Network, which connects travelers with local families and channels tourism income directly into rural communities. In the village of Bhada, host Shyam Chaudhary invited her…

Max Verstappen will start from pole for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, setting up a three-way title showdown with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris, who lines up second, still holds the championship advantage with a 12-point lead over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri. A third-place finish or better guarantees him the title, while Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium. Piastri needs victory and for Norris to finish sixth or lower. Verstappen delivered a rapid 1:22.207 to take pole by two tenths, continuing his late-season surge. Norris and Piastri were close behind,…

The U.S. travel industry continues to grow while reducing its environmental impact. A new report shows that the sector has improved its environmental performance while recovering from recent challenges. Annual GDP growth reached about 1.8 percent between 2019 and 2024. At the same time, greenhouse-gas emissions fell by 1.7 percent. This indicates that travel and tourism in the United States can expand without adding significant environmental costs. The trend is especially positive for travelers who seek eco-friendly destinations and sustainable travel options. Many tourists are now considering the environmental impact of their trips. Airlines, hotels, and travel operators have started…