Editorial

Environment

What Do Satellite Images Reveal About the Oil Spills Near Iran and Oman?

New satellite images show two separate oil spills spreading through waters near Iran and Oman. Scientists say both events are damaging fragile coastal ecosystems already strained by regional conflict. Researchers at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) studied satellite pictures taken between August 7 and August 10. They wanted to measure how far the oil had spread near two locations: the islands of Qeshm and Hengam off southern Iran, and the Hallaniyat Islands off the coast of Dhofar in southern Oman. The results are troubling. Near Oman, the slick covered roughly 300 square kilometres on August...
Lead_Story

Five Hijackings Since April: Somali Pirates Send a Chilling Warning to Shipping

Asanga Divulweva -
MOGADISHU, August 19, 2026 — The waters around Somalia have become a piracy hot spot once again after the armed pirates attacked and took control of the Lutuf, a general cargo ship registered under the Cameroonian flag, and this incident has cast serious doubts on the stability of the maritime environment in the region. The incident took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, at around 11:36 UTC, when eight pirates...
Healthcare

Want to Age Better? Your Gut Health May Hold a Clue

Senuri Vithanage -
A new study suggests that a mix of gut-friendly probiotics and plant nutrients may help the body age more slowly. Researchers from the University of Bedfordshire took part in the work. The findings point to a diet-based approach. It could help people stay stronger and healthier for longer. The study appears in the Journal of Ageing and Longevity. It was a double-blind trial, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers...
Commonwealth Diaspora

Indian scientist stuns physics world with the prestigious Dirac Medal! What are his contributions to physics?

Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ India has another reason to celebrate as theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been named one of the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal for his contributions to statistical mechanics. The honour recognises his work in understanding how simple interactions can lead to complex behaviour in large systems. Dhar is among four physicists receiving this year’s medal from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The...
Business & Trade

Canada braces for 50% U.S. tariffs, with negotiators still far apart

Roshan Abayasekara -
Canada braces to face a new round of 50% U.S. tariffs this week. Businesses said it may cause job losses in some already struggling sectors. It may also complicate broader negotiations over the future of North America’s free trade agreement (FTA). Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump invoked Section 338 of a Depression-era U.S. law. It’s known as the Tariff Act of 1930. It’s to impose duties commencing on Wednesday,...
Aviation

After Reshaping Air India, Campbell Wilson Returns Home to Help Steer Air New Zealand

Asanga Divulweva -
AUCKLAND, August 19, 2026 — Campbell Wilson is embarking on a new journey in his aviation career, moving from the flight deck of an airline to the boardroom of the national carrier of his home country. For Wilson, this new role is a remarkable return to New Zealand after over 30 years of an international aviation career. His CV includes Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Air India – companies that are...
Science & Tech

How Honeybee-Inspired Decision Making Could Help Robot Swarms Outsmart Faulty Data and Cyberattacks

S De Silva -
Science & Technology (Commonwealth Union) – The inspiration from nature in real world applications is not new. From the self-cleaning ability of the lotus leaf to the bird wings inspiring planes and other flying machines.   An international team of researchers, led by computer scientist Andreagiovanni Reina at the University of Konstanz, has discovered that a simple decision-making strategy borrowed from nature can help robot swarms rapidly achieve agreement — even...