India is losing sunlight
India is facing a quiet but alarming environmental shift: it is literally losing sunlight. Over the past three decades, scientists have recorded a nationwide decline in sunshine hours, with clouds and air pollution jointly dimming the skies. Aerosols from vehicle emissions, crop burning, and industrial growth scatter sunlight and change cloud behaviour, blocking more solar radiation. According to recent studies, aerosols have reduced sunlight reaching the ground by about 13%, while clouds contribute an additional 31–44% loss. The impact extends far beyond gloomy days: it threatens agriculture, health, and India’s booming solar energy sector. Pollution already cuts solar power output by up to 41%, costing hundreds of millions in lost energy each year. Cleaner air could unlock enormous renewable potential and protect crop yields vital for millions. The Earth’s surface has gradually been receiving more sunlight since the 1980s, a process known as global brightening, but India risks running on fumes instead of full power, beneath a shroud of smog.
Venezuela closes embassy in Norway following the Nobel Peace Prize award
Venezuela has announced it will close its embassies in Norway and Australia, days after opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The move, confirmed by Norway’s foreign ministry, came without explanation but follows years of diplomatic tension between Nicolás Maduro’s government and Western nations. Norway expressed regret at the decision, emphasising that the Nobel committee operates independently of its government. Machado, who remains in hiding, received the Peace Prize for her “extraordinary examples of civilian courage’. She dedicated the award to Donald Trump and the ‘suffering people of Venezuela’. Barred from last year’s disputed election, she remains a powerful symbol of resistance to Maduro’s rule. The closures underscore Venezuela’s shifting alliances amid growing isolation from democratic nations. For the White House’s reaction to the Peace Prize award, see
Mexico: deaths and devastation after torrential rains
At least 64 people have died and 65 remain missing after torrential rains and floods devastated five Mexican states. The deluge, triggered by remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond, caused rivers to burst their banks and unleashed deadly landslides which wiped out entire communities. President Claudia Sheinbaum said that around 100,000 homes were damaged, and some had ‘practically disappeared’. She added that there had not been any meteorological signs ‘which could have indicated that the rain was going to be of this magnitude’. Thousands of soldiers and emergency responders have been deployed to deliver food, water, and medical aid, while power crews are working to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands affected. Officials said the rainfall, exceeding 280mm in some areas, was impossible to predict at such magnitude. As survivors search for missing loved ones, grief and exhaustion hang over devastated regions.
France: boom in baptisms and Bible sales
An unexpected spiritual revival is unfolding in France, where more than 10,000 adults are set to be baptised in 2025 - a 45% increase in one year. This surge, accompanied by record youth participation in pilgrimages and a marked rise in Bible sales, is reshaping the French Catholic landscape. Journalist Antoine Pasquier has investigated why young people are turning to faith in a secular society still recovering from scandal and decline. His research reveals that Scripture, not social media, plays the central role in conversions, as many seekers first encounter Christ through personal reading of the Bible. Influenced by the visible faith of Muslim peers, many young converts desire to express their beliefs openly and live with greater spiritual depth. Pasquier calls for the French Church to become a ‘catechumenal Church’ - one renewed through evangelisation, personal conversion, and openness to the Holy Spirit.
Why a Christian singer will no longer attend awards shows
Christian singer and songwriter Forrest Frank has announced he will no longer attend awards shows, including the Dove Awards and Grammys, saying he already holds 'the greatest award of all time' — salvation in Christ. In a video on TikTok, Frank explained his conviction that he should not receive trophies for something created 'from Jesus and for Jesus.' He said he wrestled with this decision last year and has now chosen 'a stance of nonparticipation’, preferring to model humility rather than seek recognition. Frank clarified that he is not refusing to shine as a light in dark places but to avoid stages that glorify human achievement. Though nominated in several top categories, he declared that his real prize is having his 'name written in the Book of Life’. His statement challenges Christian artists to reconsider the tension between cultural acclaim and eternal reward, reminding believers that earthly fame will fade, but the name of Jesus endures for ever.
Sarah Mullally to become 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
The King has approved the appointment of the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury - the first woman ever to hold the post in over 1,400 years. Formerly England’s Chief Nursing Officer and a cancer nurse, Bishop Sarah has long described her vocation as 'an opportunity to reflect the love of God.' Ordained in 2001, she has served as Bishop of Crediton and later as Bishop of London, leading with compassion and inclusivity. In her statement, Bishop Sarah said she accepts this call 'in a spirit of service to God and others’, seeking to help the Church 'grow in confidence in the Gospel' and bring hope and healing through Christ’s love. Church leaders across the Anglican Communion have welcomed her appointment, commending her courage, integrity, and commitment to unity: however, GAFCON leaders have reacted with sorrow (see). Her installation at Canterbury Cathedral is scheduled for March 2026, following a ‘confirmation of election’ service at St Paul’s Cathedral in January.
Synagogue terrorist told police he killed ‘in name of IS’
Police have confirmed that Jihad al-Shamie, 35, phoned 999 claiming allegiance to IS moments after launching his deadly car and knife attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester. Shamie drove into worshippers before stabbing several people, killing two men - Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz - who tried to stop him entering the synagogue. Wearing a fake suicide vest and armed with two knives, he was shot dead by police. Investigators say no evidence links him to organised terror networks, describing him as a possible 'lone wolf’. The swift actions of security staff, worshippers, and armed officers prevented greater loss of life. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now examining whether police gunfire contributed to Daulby’s death or other injuries. Shamie, a Syrian-born British resident on bail for alleged rape, had a history of abusive relationships and disturbing radical views. The community remains in shock, mourning the victims while praising the courage of those who confronted the attacker and protected the congregation.
Young children taking knives to school, BBC finds
A BBC investigation has revealed that even very young children are taking knives into UK schools. Police recorded cases involving a four-year-old in Kent and a six-year-old in the West Midlands carrying a flick knife and threatening another pupil. In 2024, there were 1,304 knife-related incidents in schools and sixth-form colleges across England and Wales - 10% involving primary-age children. Though total offences have slightly declined, serious attacks have increased. Some schools, especially in high-risk areas such as the West Midlands, are now installing permanent 'knife arches' and handheld detectors. The mother of 15-year-old Sheffield pupil Harvey Willgoose, who was fatally stabbed at school earlier this year, is urging the government to fund metal detectors nationwide, saying, 'Kids are going to school frightened’. Police data shows most offenders are teenage boys, often carrying blades for self-protection. Educators and youth mentors warn that fear, broken families, and lack of community support are fuelling this crisis and are calling for deeper emotional education and stronger pastoral care.
Met will root out corrupt police after 'ghastly' BBC exposé, says chief
Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has vowed to use counter-terrorism-style investigation techniques to root out racism and corruption following a 'ghastly' BBC Panorama exposé of officers at Charing Cross police station. The undercover documentary revealed serving officers making racist, misogynistic and anti-Muslim remarks, boasting of excessive force, and dismissing rape allegations. Nine serving officers, a former officer, and a detention officer are under investigation for gross misconduct. Sir Mark described the revelations as 'reprehensible' and compared corrupt officers to tumours which must be cut out. He said AI tools would help detect misconduct by analysing phones and behaviour patterns, adding that nearly 1,500 staff have already been removed in the Met’s 'biggest anti-corruption clear-out in history’. Leadership and staffing changes have already been made, with further disciplinary action expected. While Sir Mark rejected claims of institutional racism, critics insist deep systemic reform is still needed to restore trust in policing across London.
‘Abject failure’ as UK homeless deaths rise
New figures reveal that at least 1,611 homeless people, including 11 children, died in the UK in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. The Museum of Homelessness, which compiles annual data from coroners, councils, and memorials, warns that the true number is probably higher. 44% of deaths were linked to drug or alcohol misuse. Most occurred in England (1,142), followed by Northern Ireland (211), Scotland (168), and Wales (90). Many victims were living in temporary accommodation such as hostels or bed-and-breakfasts rather than on the streets. Homelessness minister Alison McGovern called the figures an 'abject failure that cannot be tolerated’, pledging to expand safe housing and support services. The charity’s director, Matthew Turtle, said the data shows how homeless people continue to be 'deeply failed' and urged urgent government action. With over 131,000 households now in temporary housing, campaigners say sustained investment, care, and community support are vital to prevent further needless deaths.