Author: OMN AI

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group cohesion during periods of environmental or social stress, according to new research. Writing in Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers analysed reports across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas, finding the behaviour to be widespread. The study, led by scientists from Imperial College London, suggests such behaviour is more common in species living in harsh, dry environments with scarce resources and higher predation risks. It was also linked to longer lifespans, pronounced size differences between males and females, and complex social hierarchies, all…

Germany’s chancellor is doubling down on free trade ambitions, calling for the European Union to finalize a long-awaited agreement with India — just days after EU nations approved the controversial Mercosur pact. The push reflects Europe’s growing urgency to secure new economic partners as protectionism spreads worldwide. Merz Backs India Deal Amid Global Protectionism During a visit to India on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said EU leaders could sign a free trade agreement with New Delhi before the end of the month. He suggested European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa may travel…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time to reach the FA Cup fourth round, easing pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo with a first win since November. The tie underlined West Ham’s fragility, however, as Championship opposition pushed them deep into the contest and exposed ongoing concerns about form and organisation. The decisive moment came when January signing Taty Castellanos headed home the winner from a fine cross by Crysencio Summerville, who also scored West Ham’s opener with one of his best displays for the club. For a brief afternoon, the cup masked Premier League anxieties and…

Elon Musk said critics of X used the controversy to push for censorship. He spoke after anger over Grok, an AI chatbot on the platform. Users created sexualised images without consent. Campaigners said the tool caused serious harm. Musk dismissed the criticism as an attack on free expression. Ofcom opens urgent investigation Media regulator Ofcom said it launched a rapid assessment of X. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed full government backing. She said officials expected quick answers. Ofcom said it contacted X earlier this week. The regulator set a firm deadline for explanations. Lawmakers highlight gaps in safety law Senior…

Tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel are escalating rapidly, as reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US military intervention in Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing sharp warnings of retaliation, nationwide protests are entering their third week, and a sweeping internet blackout has left the world struggling to see what is happening inside the country. Iranian officials have made clear that any US attack would be met with direct retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US forces and Israel would be treated as “legitimate targets”…

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a comfortable 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic to reach the FA Cup fourth round. Despite the convincing performance, frustration among Chelsea supporters dominated the atmosphere, with chants aimed at the club’s owners continuing throughout the match. Rosenior, appointed after Enzo Maresca’s departure, rotated his squad ahead of upcoming fixtures but saw his side control possession and tempo. Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández sealed the result, while Charlton briefly threatened through Miles Leaburn. A lively cameo from teenage winger Estevão Willian underlined Chelsea’s talent, yet fan…

Governments are facing mounting pressure to confront a growing driver of the climate crisis: extreme wealth. Campaigners are calling for bans on high-polluting luxury goods and tougher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing that without targeting the biggest emitters, global climate targets will remain out of reach. New analysis from Oxfam highlights the scale of carbon inequality. The richest one per cent of the global population had already burned through their entire annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026. This marks the point where emissions exceed levels consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, a moment now referred to…

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, expected to run until 2031, represents a significant wage increase on the contract he signed in 2023 and reflects his importance to the team. Arsenal believe the agreement will take Saka’s earnings to around £300,000 a week, placing him among Europe’s elite players. The England international has been central to Arsenal’s recent success, helping them establish a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League while carefully managing his minutes following a minor hamstring…

The United States has intercepted another tanker as part of its crackdown on Venezuelan oil exports, marking the fifth vessel seized in recent weeks amid an expanding US naval presence in the Caribbean. Targeting the “Ghost Fleet” US Homeland Security Secretary Noem described the vessel, Olina, as part of a “ghost fleet” — tankers suspected of hiding their identities to transport embargoed oil. The tanker had departed Venezuela attempting to evade US forces before being intercepted. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels operating under false claims of nationality would be held accountable. Joint Military…

US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organisations. Many of the affected bodies focus on climate change and environmental protection. Almost half of the 66 organisations belong to the United Nations system. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which supports global climate cooperation. The decision also affects organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict management. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as ideological. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and promote hostile agendas. White House Says Withdrawals Serve National Interests Trump signed…