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Asia Tightens Airport Screening as Nipah Virus Concerns Rise

  Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, amid reports of a Nipah outbreak. Airports across Asia are stepping up health surveillance as several countries respond to renewed concerns over the Nipah virus following confirmed cases in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential for human‑to‑human transmission, has prompted authorities to reintroduce precautionary screening measures to limit cross‑border spread. Health officials in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented temperature checks, health declarations, and targeted monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions. While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the severity of the virus has led governments to act swiftly. Nipah virus infections are rare but dangerous, with symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respir...

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Ursula von der Leyen Secures Second Term as European Commission President

 

In a decisive vote, Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected for a second five-year term as President of the European Commission. The European Parliament’s decision ensures continuity in leadership for the European Union’s executive branch during a period marked by significant challenges and transformations.

Von der Leyen, who hails from the centre-right European People’s Party, secured 401 votes in a secret ballot, surpassing the required 361 votes. Her re-election was supported by the three main pro-EU groups: the European People’s Party, the Socialists, and the liberals of Renew Europe.

In her acceptance speech, von der Leyen emphasized her commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the EU, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, climate change, and migration. She pledged to strengthen the EU’s economy, enhance its police and border agencies, and pursue policies that balance environmental sustainability with the needs of farmers.

Von der Leyen’s leadership has been pivotal in navigating the EU through crises and her re-election is seen as a vote of confidence in her ability to continue steering the bloc towards stability and progress.


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