Ottawa plans to spend $73 billion for defence in Budget 2025

In a surprising move, the Canadian federal government revealed in its annual budget that it will be reducing immigration targets for the coming years, raising concerns about the impact on the economy and communities.

Due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, the U.S. is experiencing increasing flight delays and cancellations, raising significant safety concerns. If the government shutdown continues, parts of the airspace may be forced to close.

France is facing significant challenges in passing its state budget, particularly with the health budget being a focal point of heated debates. This situation is critical as the government aims to implement savings while ensuring continued access to healthcare. Without a majority in the National Assembly, the executive is in a precarious position, risking failure to pass the budget before the year's end, which could have serious implications for public services and governance.

Sir Alan Bates has reached a multimillion-pound settlement with the government, marking a significant victory after a 20-year fight for justice related to the Post Office scandal. This settlement not only acknowledges the wrongs faced by Bates and others but also highlights the importance of accountability in public institutions. It serves as a reminder of the long struggle for justice and the need for reforms to prevent such injustices in the future.

The New Zealand government's decision to eliminate the requirement for schools to incorporate Māori culture into their curricula has sparked significant backlash. Critics argue that this move undermines Indigenous education and disregards the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi. This change matters because it raises concerns about the representation of Māori culture in education and the potential impact on future generations' understanding of New Zealand's history and diversity.

Human rights groups are raising alarms over the flow of weapons from the UAE to Sudan, suggesting that planes intended for humanitarian aid are instead transporting arms, potentially including Canadian-made weapons. This situation is concerning as it highlights the risks of military supplies undermining humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, and it calls for urgent action from Ottawa to prevent further escalation.

The government has announced that online pornography depicting choking will soon be illegal, as part of amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. This move is significant as it aims to protect individuals from harmful content and promote safer online environments. By criminalizing the possession and publication of such material, the government is taking a strong stance against the normalization of dangerous practices in adult content.

British Columbia's Premier David Eby announced that the province will delay launching advertisements against U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber until they are in alignment with the federal government. This decision came during a meeting focused on the future of the forestry sector, highlighting the importance of a united front in addressing trade issues that impact local industries.

Canada's Prime Minister is unveiling a federal budget aimed at attracting business investment and safeguarding sectors affected by the ongoing trade tensions with the Trump administration. This new spending plan is a proactive response to the challenges posed by US tariff shocks.

Ottawa is set to allocate $73 billion for defence in its 2025 budget. While the plan lacks detailed specifics, it showcases significant financial commitment and hints at the government's upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.

Bayern Munich continued their impressive season with a 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The match was marked by a red card for Luis Díaz, who scored both goals for Bayern, and an injury to Achraf Hakimi.

In Tanzania, there are serious concerns about the aftermath of the recent elections, with reports of over 1,000 people killed during a crackdown on protests. The opposition alleges that security forces are secretly disposing of bodies. Meanwhile, the U.S. is actively involved in ceasefire discussions in Sudan amid fears of a humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Additionally, a group of artists in Kenya is working to empower youth through the Wajukuu Art Project.

In the lead-up to the 2025 US elections, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stands firm against President Trump's derogatory remarks, asserting that he won't be intimidated. As voters in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California head to the polls, Mamdani's resilience highlights the ongoing political tensions.

The situation in Gaza remains dire as Palestinians face severe hunger despite a truce. The UN is urging for all crossings to be opened to facilitate the delivery of essential food and humanitarian aid, highlighting the urgent need for support in the region.