Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry has been inaugurated as the tenth president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman, first African, and youngest person to hold the role. Her appointment has ignited pride in Zimbabwe and hope for broader global inclusion, particularly for Africa and the Middle East. Coventry has described the Olympics as a platform for inspiration and hope, while also vowing to lead on complex issues. One pressing concern is what to do about transgender athletes, especially after recent controversies. She has pledged to create a taskforce involving scientists and federations to revisit gender eligibility policies, prioritising fairness in the female category. Coventry’s first major decision was to pause the 2036 Games bidding process, signaling a desire for transparency and reform. Yet she faces challenges ahead, including rising global tensions and pressure to ensure the Olympic movement remains politically neutral while promoting unity. Her leadership will be tested by both internal reform and external geopolitical strife.
The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), published by Australia’s Institute of Economics and Peace, has ranked Iceland as the world’s most peaceful nation, while Russia and Ukraine occupy the lowest positions due to ongoing conflict. Assessing 163 countries using indicators such as societal safety, security, and militarisation, the report reveals global peacefulness has declined for the sixth consecutive year, falling by an average of 0.36%. The USA ranks 128th, trailing nations like Bangladesh and Honduras, and both it and Israel placed lowest in the militarisation domain. The report highlights growing geopolitical tensions, the breakdown of traditional alliances, and a record 59 active state-based conflicts - the most since World War II. Nonetheless, some positive trends emerged, including declining homicide rates and fewer violent demonstrations in parts of Central and North America. The rankings signal widespread concern for peace and security worldwide.
Tyler Blevins, famously known as 'Ninja’, one of the world’s top video game streamers, has opened up about a personal journey of faith. During a recent livestream, he shared that he and his wife Jess now attend church every Sunday and are growing in their relationship with God and Jesus. 'I’m just trying to be a better person’, he explained, responding to criticism of his gaming habits. Acknowledging past flaws such as a quick temper and moments of hypocrisy, Blevins says he’s striving to live more biblically and to genuinely walk the Christian path. He also has stepped away from toxic gaming environments and resisted the urge to retaliate against critics. Earlier this year, he made headlines for affirming his belief by declaring, 'Jesus is King’. Many fans have praised this transformation, with one calling his faith commitment 'the biggest streamer glow-up ever’. Blevins’ candid testimony highlights a growing trend of influencers boldly embracing and sharing their Christian faith.
YoungHoon Kim, the man officially recognised as having the highest IQ in the world - measured at an astonishing 276 - has boldly declared his Christian faith. A renowned expert in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Kim publicly proclaimed, 'Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life.' His statement, shared on social media, reflected not just heartfelt belief but also deep intellectual conviction: 'Christ is my logic’, he affirmed. Kim holds a theology degree from Yonsei University and describes theology as 'the ultimate discipline of all fields of study’. He has also articulated how science and faith converge, referencing theories from quantum physics and consciousness studies to argue that death may be a transition rather than an end. Despite his status as one of the world's most brilliant minds, Kim insists that science and faith are allies in the quest for truth. His desire is to use his global platform to point others to God, exemplifying a humble intellect submitted to Christ.
The UK’s newly released National Security Strategy warns that the nation must actively prepare for potential warfare on home soil. Citing escalating global instability, including threats from Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine, it calls for 'national resilience exercises' involving the public, businesses, and academia, aiming to build preparedness against cyberattacks, sabotage, and hostile actions from states like Russia, Iran, and China. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden stressed the need for Britain to be 'clear-eyed and hard-edged' in facing these threats, while Keir Starmer pledged to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Critics, such as Priti Patel, argue that the government lacks a detailed roadmap for defence spending targets. Nonetheless, the strategy invokes the wartime spirit of national unity and determination, urging a whole-of-society response to future challenges and affirming optimism grounded in the resilience of the British people.
Keir Starmer faces internal unrest over controversial welfare reforms, with up to 120 Labour MPs backing an amendment to block the legislation. The proposed bill would tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and limit sickness-related Universal Credit, changes critics say could harm thousands of vulnerable people. The Government insists the system is broken and must be reformed, aiming for royal assent by November to meet budget targets. Facing growing opposition, ministers are reportedly open to concessions, though details remain uncertain. Shadow ministers say the reforms should align with Labour values and protect the most vulnerable. Some officials suggest amendments may be considered later, while others expect the bill to pass narrowly without changes. With political pressure mounting and intense behind-the-scenes negotiations under way, the outcome may determine not only the fate of the reforms but also Starmer’s ability to hold his party together on sensitive social policy. Breaking news: the Government is set to do a U-turn on this policy. See
A major new poll suggests that Nigel Farage’s Reform party would win the most seats if a general election were held today—securing 271 seats. This would mark a dramatic political shift, as support for the two traditional parties has plummeted, with Labour and the Conservatives together polling at just 41%. Labour would drop to 178 seats, while the Tories would fall to fourth place with only 46. The Liberal Democrats would gain nine seats, reaching 81, while the SNP, Greens, and Plaid Cymru would also increase their presence. Despite Reform's lead, no party would hold a majority, meaning coalition negotiations would be inevitable. The results point to a fragmented electorate and growing voter dissatisfaction with the political status quo. Analysts see this as a watershed moment in British politics, reflecting deep-seated frustrations and a yearning for radical change.
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, has been found guilty of murdering 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin and three attempted murders during a horrific sword rampage in Hainault, north-east London. Suffering from a cannabis-induced psychosis, Monzo launched a twenty-minute spree in April 2024, beginning with driving his van into a pedestrian before attacking several victims with a 60cm samurai sword. Daniel, on his way to school, was brutally killed in what a witness described as a chilling act of 'delight’. Monzo also wounded two police officers and a couple in their home, where he demanded to know if they believed in God. Though he claimed memory loss and diminished responsibility, the court ruled that self-induced intoxication was no defence. The trial revealed Monzo’s disturbing online history, including far-right and conspiracy-related content. The jury also heard he had previously killed his pet cat before the attacks.