
Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday formally adopted by consensus the world's first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics.

British Science Minister Lord Vallance unveiled on Monday a more robust R&D criteria policy exploring innovation in areas as diverse as human health and cutting-edge computing, but particularly with a much-needed long-term certainty.

A Royal Marines General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has been appointed as the new First Sea Lord - the first time in centuries that a non-sailor has been in charge of the Royal Navy. Gen Sir Gwyn, who served as Vice-Chief of the Defense Staff from August 2022 to June 2024, was confirmed in the role by Defense Secretary John Healey.

Although former Bolivian President Evo Morales claimed to have registered his candidacy for the Aug. 17 elections, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) disqualified such an application because neither party under which he filed his papers (Evo Pueblo or Pan-Bol) had legal status.

Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein met Monday with Pope Leo XIV on his first official day as pontiff, discussing President Javier Milei's upcoming visit to the Vatican in the coming weeks.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Ministers Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and Mike Carney of Canada said in a joint statement Monday that Israel's military actions in Gaza were “egregious,” warning Tel Aviv of possible consequences in the form of concrete steps. The three NATO powers wanted the offensive to be halted and humanitarian aid restrictions to be eased.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced Monday the arrest of 38 suspects, including 17 foreigners, for planning to sabotage regional elections with explosive attacks targeting embassies, hospitals, police stations, and public figures from both the ruling Chavismo and opposition.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reducing its 2026-2027 budget from US$ 5.3 billion to US$ 4.2 billion to cope with the financial challenges stemming from US President Donald Trump's decision to pull his country out of the United Nations agency.

Brazil could resume chicken meat exports in 28 days if no new cases of avian influenza are reported, Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro told reporters Monday. He also pointed out that strict containment measures were in place following last week's outbreak.

The United States' Embassy in Asunción announced Monday that a reward of up to US$ 10 million was available to anyone supplying information on Hezbollah's financial networks in the Tri-Border (Paraguay-Brazil-Argentina) area.