Author: OMN AI

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group stability during periods of environmental or social stress, according to new research. Scientists analysed documented behaviour across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas, and found it to be widespread rather than exceptional. The study, led by researchers including Prof Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London, was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The analysis found such behaviour was more common in species living in harsher, drier environments with scarce resources and higher predation risk. It was also associated with longer lifespans, greater…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is taking a leading role in promoting free trade, backing both the recent Mercosur agreement and a potential EU-India trade deal. His comments come as Europe seeks to diversify its economic partners amid rising global protectionism. Merz Urges Quick EU-India Agreement Speaking in India on Monday, Merz said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa could sign a free trade deal with New Delhi by the end of the month. The remarks follow last week’s approval of the Mercosur agreement by EU member states, a pact Germany strongly supports to…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time to secure a rare moment of relief for manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Taken to extra time by spirited Championship opposition, West Ham finally prevailed thanks to a decisive header from new signing Taty Castellanos, offering Nuno his first win since early November. The result did little to disguise ongoing concerns, but it provided a temporary lift amid fears of relegation and supporter unrest. The match was played in a febrile atmosphere, with reduced ticket prices swelling the crowd and protests against the club’s ownership continuing throughout. West Ham struggled…

Elon Musk said critics of X exploited the controversy to push for censorship. He spoke after outrage over Grok, an AI chatbot on the platform. Users created sexualised images without consent. Campaigners said the tool caused serious harm. Musk rejected criticism and framed it as an attack on free expression. Ofcom launches urgent review Media regulator Ofcom said it opened a rapid assessment of X. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed full government backing. She said officials expected swift answers. Ofcom said it contacted X earlier this week. The regulator demanded explanations within a strict deadline. Lawmakers warn of gaps in…

Iran is facing one of its most intense periods of unrest in recent years. Nationwide protests have now entered their third week, a sweeping internet blackout has left the country largely cut off from the world, and Washington and Tel Aviv are reportedly discussing potential US military intervention — all amid growing threats of retaliation from Tehran. Tehran Issues Stark Warnings Amid US Signals Iranian officials have made it clear that any US strike would have severe consequences. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Sunday that US military installations and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” in the event…

Flu activity in China continues to decline, according to the latest report from health authorities. The China flu activity update shows that positive virus rates are dropping across both southern and northern provinces, signaling that transmission may be easing nationwide. Surveillance data indicate fewer flu outbreaks compared with recent weeks. Health officials say the downward trend suggests that seasonal influenza may be slowing, providing relief for hospitals and public health systems. Experts emphasize the importance of continued vigilance. While flu rates are declining, vaccination and preventive measures remain essential to prevent new cases and reduce complications. Authorities recommend that vulnerable…

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a convincing 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, but supporter anger towards the club’s owners overshadowed the result. Rosenior’s rotated side controlled the match and progressed comfortably to the fourth round, yet travelling fans continued protests against Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly. The new head coach, appointed after Enzo Maresca’s turbulent exit, rested key players ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Chelsea dominated possession and broke through when teenage defender Jorrel Hato scored just before half-time. Second-half goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu restored control after Charlton briefly pulled…

Governments are facing growing pressure to tackle the outsized impact of the world’s wealthiest on the climate. Campaigners are calling for bans on carbon-heavy luxury goods and higher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing that these steps are crucial to keeping global warming below 1.5°C. Oxfam’s latest research reveals a stark reality: the richest one per cent of people have already used up their annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026, a milestone dubbed “Pollutocrat Day.” Even more extreme, the top 0.01 per cent exhausted their yearly carbon allowance in only the first three days. Without urgent cuts, these…

Bukayo Saka has agreed a new five-year contract with Arsenal that will make him one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history. The deal, which runs until 2031, significantly improves on his current agreement and is expected to take his earnings to around £300,000 a week. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta prioritised securing Saka’s future after extending contracts for several other key players. The England international, a Hale End academy graduate, has been central to Arsenal’s title push this season under Mikel Arteta. His new contract underlines the club’s belief in his long-term importance as Arsenal look to sustain…

The United States has intercepted another tanker attempting to transport sanctioned Venezuelan oil, marking the fifth seizure in recent weeks amid an expanded naval presence in the Caribbean. Ghost Fleet Targeted US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the vessel, Olina, was part of a “ghost” fleet, ships that allegedly disguise their identities to carry embargoed oil. The tanker departed Venezuela and tried to evade US forces before being captured. Noem warned, “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” with the operation carried out by the US Coast Guard, according to report. Military Precision in Action US Southern Command confirmed…