Daily SumUp

Robert Francis Prevost: the moderate, good humoured first American popeRobert Francis Prevost – who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV – may not be the Latin American Jesuit wildcard that his predecessor, Pope Francis, was, but his election is similarly historic.In the figure of the 69-year-old former head of the Augustinian order, the Roman Catholic church has its very first US leader.Until Thursday evening, the idea of the fisherman’s ring being slipped on to a North American hand was seen as a fairly distant possibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Vice President JD Vance said that while the Trump administration was worried about an escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan, the United States would not get involved in a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours as it was “fundamentally none of our business". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• India reports attacks: Indian officials said Pakistan fired missiles and drones at military sites in India and Indian-administered Kashmir as tensions have ratcheted up between the longtime rivals.• Pakistan’s claims: Pakistan denied the attacks, but earlier said it killed 40 to 50 Indian soldiers along the de facto border in Kashmir and downed over two dozen Indian drones. Meanwhile, India confirmed it has targeted air defense systems in Pakistan.• Death toll rises: A Pakistani military official said at least 31 civilians were killed Wednesday. On the Indian side of the de facto border that divides Kashmir, cross-border Pakistani shelling has killed at least 16 people, according to India’s defense ministry.• Tourist massacre: The conflict’s escalation comes after militants killed more than two dozen civilians, mostly tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. India accused Pakistan of being involved, which it has denied. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A top Chinese-made Pakistani fighter shot down at least two Indian military aircraft on Wednesday, two US officials told Reuters, marking a major milestone for Beijing’s advanced fighter jet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

India-Pakistan tensions high amid fears of Pakistani retaliation... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First American pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the first US-born pontiff and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Leo made his first remarks as pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in front of tens of thousands of onlookers, calling for peace and paying tribute to the late Pope Francis.• About the new pope: Leo, a 69-year-old from Chicago, is a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and served as a bishop in Peru. He most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments. He is expected to build on Pope Francis’ reforms.• Global reaction: The pope’s election prompted an outpouring of congratulations from world leaders, who expressed eagerness to work with the pontiff on global issues. US President Donald Trump called the historic selection a great honor for the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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China's defense industry has seen substantial growth, particularly in recent years, with several firms achieving significant revenue increases. This growth is driven by factors like the modernization of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), new production lines, and the development of advanced military technologies. However, some challenges remain, including reliance on imported technologies and the impact of economic factors.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major escalation: India and Pakistan are on the brink of a wider conflict after India launched strikes on both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India said it targeted “terrorist infrastructure” in the wake of a tourist massacre in India-controlled Kashmir last month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mexico is actively engaging with the US and Canada through initiatives like the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other trade collaborations. These efforts aim to strengthen economic ties, address shared challenges like border security and supply chain issues, and promote cooperation across the North American region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukrainian drone attacks overnight forced the delay or cancellation of at least 350 flights in Russia, affecting some 60,000 passengers in Moscow and other Russian cities, a Russian tourism body said Wednesday.On the evening of May 6, “the airports suspended the arrival and departure of aircraft due to the danger of a drone attack” said the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR). “This affected at least 350 flights and the plans of at least 60,000 passengers.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fighter jet crashes in Finland, pilot ejects to safety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barred from leaving or making any contact with the outside world, the leaders of the church will vote until they select the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.Volume Muted Icon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China on Wednesday said it is ready to play a constructive role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan following recent hostilities, urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to act with restraint and prioritize regional stability.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, addressing a regular press briefing, stated, “China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable,” in reference to Indian strikes that have triggered a sharp response from Islamabad.He reiterated China’s concern over the escalation and called on both parties to avoid actions that could further complicate the situation. “India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbors. They are both China’s neighbors as well,” Lin said, emphasizing Beijing’s stake in South Asian peace and security.“China opposes all forms of terrorism and urges both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” he added. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US and Chinese officials are set to start talks this week to try to deescalate a trade war between the world's two biggest economies.Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend the talks in Switzerland from 9 to 12 May, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer will represent Washington at the meeting, their offices announced.Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has imposed new import taxes on Chinese goods of up to 145%. Beijing has hit back with levies on some goods from the US of 125%.But global trade experts have told the BBC that they expect negotiations to take several months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Under the plans, imports of all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas to European Union member states will be banned by the end of 2027... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OpenAI has abandoned a plan to put its artificial-intelligence business under the control of a for-profit entity—a shift that looks likely to create a headache in its relationship with Microsoft, a major backer.OpenAI is currently structured as a nonprofit company with a board that oversees its for-profit business. The company had intended to become a more conventional profit-seeking company, while retaining some public-benefit and nonprofit objectives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The day Germany's new leader entered office will now forever be remembered for a very public failure.Friedrich Merz's initial, shock defeat - in his bid to become chancellor - sparked hours of chaotic uncertainty.A man who'd been working to project strength and purpose instead became mired in political intrigue and division.Merz may have won on the second try, but today's messy path to power raises serious questions about the future government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ELEMENTAL POWERS Teams up with GOOGLE... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian and Belarus says there trade deals are immune to global turmoil.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has cancelled his three-nation tour to Europe amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, official sources said on Wednesday.Modi was scheduled to travel to Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands from May 13 to 17.The prime minister was scheduled to visit Norway to attend the Nordic Summit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Donald Trump plans to announce on his trip to Saudi Arabia next week that the US will refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia, two US officials said on Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What we know about India's strike on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, scientists are raising questions about the current capabilities of AI, particularly regarding its ability to make new scientific discoveries and its potential for achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). While AI excels in specific tasks like data analysis and pattern recognition, concerns exist about its ability to make creative connections, understand complex concepts, and develop true human-like intelligence.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Donald Trump plans to announce while on his trip to Saudi Arabia next week that the United States will now refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia, according to two U.S. officials.Arab nations have pushed for a change to the geographic name of the body of water off the southern coast of Iran, while Iran has maintained its historic ties to the gulf.The two U.S. officials spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter. The White House and National Security Council did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.The Persian Gulf has been widely known by that name since the 16th century, although usage of “Gulf of Arabia” and “Arabian Gulf” is dominant in many countries in the Middle East. The government of Iran — formerly Persia — threatened to sue Google in 2012 over the company’s decision not to label the body of water at all on its maps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration announced Monday it will offer immigrants in the U.S. illegally free airline tickets and a $1,000 incentive if they sign up for self-deportation and return to their home countries voluntarily. The Department of Homeland Security said it has helped some migrants obtain flight tickets, so they can return to their native countries in the next two weeks. A migrant has already returned to Honduras using the self-deportation program to book a flight out of Chicago, the department added.Those interested in participating in the self-deportation initiative are being instructed to use a government smartphone app now known as CBP Home — which the Biden administration previously used to allow certain migrants to enter the U.S. legally — to tell officials they plan to leave the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A survivor told the authorities that 18 people were aboard. Search and rescue efforts were suspended Monday morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pope Francis' legacy as a leader known for his humility, compassion, and focus on social justice will continue to inspire and influence the Catholic Church and the world. His papacy saw a renewed emphasis on caring for the poor and marginalized, as well as efforts to address scandals within the church.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While targeted interventions are showing progress in some areas, South Africa continues to grapple with the scourge of rhino poaching, with 103 rhinos killed across the country in the first three months of 2025.This alarming figure was revealed by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, who described the losses as “a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife.”According to statistics released by the Department, between January and March 2025, most of the 103 rhinos poached were killed within national parks managed by SANParks. KwaZulu-Natal recorded 16 cases, followed by Limpopo with 10, Free State with 5, North West with 4, and Mpumalanga with 3.However, no poaching was reported in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape or Gauteng. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OpenAI's trajectory seems to be marked by rapid expansion and significant financial investments, but also by challenges in maintaining its original mission and facing concerns about its sustainability and potential for misuse. They are exploring new models like Strawberry, which can be used for deceptive purposes. Additionally, there are questions about their reliance on external resources like power grids and GPU availability to scale their operations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump says he will hit movies made in foreign countries with 100% tariffs, as he ramps up trade disputes with nations around the world. Trump said he was authorising the US Department of Commerce and Trade Representative to start the process to impose the levy because America's movie industry was dying "a very fast death". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and avoid a military confrontation that could spin out of control.       In a press encounter in New York on India-Pakistan tension, he said the raw feelings after the terror attack in Pahalgam are understandable, BUT those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.The UN Secretary General said tension between the two countries is at the highest in years, but now is the time for stepping back from the brink of war.       Emphasizing that a military solution is no solution, the UN Secretary General offered his good offices to both India and Pakistan in the service of peace.          He said the United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UN's top court has dismissed Sudan's case against the UAE accusing the Gulf state of complicity in genocide.Sudan alleged the UAE supported the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudanese civil war, in which tens of thousands of people have died, forced millions from their homes and left many facing famine.The UAE categorically denied the accusations, branding the case "political theatre" and "a cynical publicity stunt".The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that the case could not proceed because the UAE had opted out Article 9 of the Genocide Convention, which means that it cannot be sued by other states over genocide allegations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Temu has said it will stop selling goods imported from China in the US directly to customers from its platform.The online marketplace said sales would now be handled by "locally based sellers", with orders fulfilled from within the country.The move comes as a duty-free rule for low-value packages is closed.Temu, and rival Chinese retail giant Shein, had previously relied on the so-called "de minimis" exemption to sell and ship low-value items directly to the US without having to pay duties or import taxes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Berkshire Hathaway  board voted unanimously on Sunday to make Greg Abel president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2026, and for Warren Buffett, 94, to remain as chairman, the company said.Buffett shocked Berkshire shareholders and Abel by announcing in the final minutes of the company’s annual shareholder meeting Saturday that he would be asking the board to replace him as CEO at year-end with the current vice chairman of noninsurance operations for Berkshire.Buffett, who is both chairman and CEO, did not make it clear at the time whether this would mean he would relinquish the chairman title as well, although he did say he would be hanging around to help where he could. Buffett did make clear that the final word on company operations and capital deployment would be with Abel, 62, when this transition takes place.However, with Buffett staying as chairman, shareholders may be comforted that the “Oracle of Omaha” will remain to help Abel with any big acquisition opportunities that may arise in possible volatile markets ahead as the conglomerate Buffett took over in 1965 sits on more than $347 billion in cash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has resigned and his Social Democrat party is to leave the government after a right-wing nationalist candidate won the first round of the presidential election.George Simion, a eurosceptic who has promised to put Romania first, won 40.9% of Sunday's vote and is expected to win a run-off vote on 18 May.He will face liberal Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, who narrowly defeated the Social Democrat (PSD) candidate.Sunday's result plunged Romania - an EU state on Nato's eastern flank - into further political turmoil. Ciolacu told colleagues that as their coalition had failed to meet its objective and "has no legitimacy", they should pull out of the government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lithuania said Monday that it will spend 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) over the next decade to fortify its border with Russia and Belarus, with the bulk of the funding earmarked for anti-tank mines.Lithuania, which shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad region and northwestern Belarus, has raised concerns, along with fellow Baltic states Latvia and Estonia, that they could become future targets if Russia шы victorious in its war against Ukraine.All three Baltic countries have stepped up defense efforts since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, including boosting border security amid what they describe as a Kremlin-backed influx of migrants.Lithuania’s Defense Ministry said the new spending would “block and slow down the actions of hostile states,” adding that around 800 million euros of the total would go toward anti-tank mines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel's Prime Minister has approved plans to seize the whole of Gaza and remain there for an "unspecified length of time".  Benjamin Netanyahu says IDF forces will not launch raids and then abandon territory, "but the opposite". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hundreds of opposition protesters dressed in red and black have condemned a decision by Ghana's president to suspend the country's chief justice, and are demanding that she be reinstated with immediate effect.They accuse President John Mahama of violating the constitution by failing to follow due process, and say he is interfering in the independence of the judiciary.Gertrude Torkornoo was removed from her post last week pending investigations into her conduct - the first time a chief justice has been suspended in Ghana's history.Action was taken after the president said three people had sent petitions to him containing undisclosed allegations against Chief Justice Torkornoo.Monday's demonstration in Accra was led by the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who were in power when Chief Justice Torkornoo was appointed by then-president Nana Akufo-Addo two years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former housing official who worked under President George H. W. Bush has made an astonishing claim that the U.S. government spent years funneling money into the creation of a secret underground “city” where the rich and powerful can shelter in the event of a “near-extinction event.”Catherine Austin Fitts, who served as the assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Housing between 1989 and 1990, made the shocking allegations during an appearance on former Fox News host Tucker Carlson‘s podcast, although there is no concrete evidence to support her claims.Fitts, 74, who is originally from Philadelphia, cited research by Michigan State University economist Mark Skidmore, who released a report in 2017 stating that he and a team of scholars had uncovered $21 trillion in “unauthorized spending in the departments of Defense and Housing and Urban Development for the years 1998-2015.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cardinals hold their tenth General Congregation to prepare for the upcoming conclave, and continue their discussions on the state of the Church and their hopes for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The area where Elon Musk's SpaceX company operates on the southern tip of Texas is to officially become a city called Starbase.Residents approved incorporating a patch of land as the new municipality in an election on Saturday.Most of the 283 eligible voters are SpaceX employees. Results published online by Cameron County show 212 votes in favour versus six opposed. Billionaire Musk wrote "Starbase, Texas is now a real city!" on his social media platform X.The new city covers about 1.6 sq miles (3.9 sq km) that was sparsely populated before SpaceX began buying land in the area in 2012. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addressed a press conference for nearly 15 hours, his office said on Sunday, claiming it broke a previous record held by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lady Gaga’s historic concert at Copacabana Beach on May 3 is officially the highest attended concert of all time by a female artist, according to Rio’s City Hall. With an estimated 2.1 million fans attending Gaga’s MAYHEM show, the show also becomes the biggest show for any artist this century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Japan and China are accusing each other of violating the airspace around the Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands that Beijing also claims.Japan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that it has protested to Beijing after a Chinese helicopter that took off from one of China's four coast guard boats had entered Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku island, violating the Japanese airspace around them for about 15 minutes on Saturday.In response to the airspace intrusion, Japan's Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets, the Defense Ministry said.China routinely sends coast guard vessels and aircraft into waters and airspace surrounding the islands, which China calls the Diaoyu, to harass Japanese vessels in the area and force Japan to scramble jets in response. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least 57 Palestinians have died from starvation since October 2023 due to Israel’s ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip, the Government Media Office in the enclave announced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister of Yemen ’s internationally recognized government said Saturday he was resigning due to political struggles, underscoring the fragility of an alliance fighting Houthi rebels in the Arab world’s most impoverished country.Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak announced the decision in a post on social media, attaching a resignation letter directed to Rashad al-Alimi, head of the ruling presidential council. The internationally recognized government is based in the southern city of Aden.Bin Mubarak, named prime minister in February 2024, said he was resigning because he was unable to take “necessary decisions to reform the state institution, and execute the necessary Cabinet reshuffle.”Within hours of the announcement, the presidential council named Finance Minister Salem Saleh Bin Braik as prime minister, according to the state-run SABA news agency. The council also named Bin Mubarak as an advisor to the ruling body, without addressing his claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world's oldest person, 116-year-old Brazilian nun, dies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mr Buffett said he will recommend to Berkshire Hathaway’s board that Greg Abel should become chief executive at the end of the year.“I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” Mr Buffett said.Mr Abel has been Mr Buffett’s designated successor for years, and he already manages all of Berkshire’s noninsurance businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The White House posted an AI-generated photo of President Donald Trump depicted as the pope on Friday, days after he joked that he'd "like to be pope."The image — which first appeared on Trump's Truth Social account — comes as cardinals are set to begin conclave on May 7 to elect the next pope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.