South Korea’s ex-defense minister attempts suicide; police raid presidential office

When her 5-week-old daughter stopped breathing due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the author endured a harrowing ordeal in the ICU, where the baby was treated for RSV-induced apnea and bronchiolitis. Struggling with breastfeeding and a dwindling milk supply, she turned to off-label medications to boost lactation, despite the controversy surrounding their use. The author's unwavering determination to do anything necessary to ensure her baby's recovery shines through in this poignant account. Full Article

The Premium Bonds winning numbers are announced monthly, with 24 million participants and over £127bn saved in the government-backed scheme. Savers have a chance to win cash prizes ranging from £25 to £1 million, with a 22,000-to-one odds of winning for every £1 invested. The next draw is on Monday 3 February, with results released the following day, offering a risk-free investment option with a 4% 'interest rate' when factoring in all winnings, although most...

India's Defence Budget for 2025-26 increases by 9.53% to ₹6.81 lakh crore, with a focus on pensions, salaries, and modernisation. Despite the rise in capital outlay, experts believe it may not be sufficient for new acquisitions amid regional tensions. The budget emphasizes domestic procurement, R&D, and border infrastructure to enhance self-reliance and defence capabilities in a challenging geopolitical environment. Full Article

A teenage girl died after being bitten by a shark while swimming at Woorim Beach in Bribie Island, Queensland. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries to her upper body and passed away shortly after 5 pm. Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner, and on average, there are 20 shark incidents nationwide each year, according to the Australian Shark-Incident Database. Full Article

Your donation to The Independent supports their investigative journalism on topics like reproductive rights and Big Tech, providing balanced reporting accessible to all Americans. Keir Starmer's upcoming meeting with EU leaders will focus on defense and security post-Brexit, with pressure to reach agreements on issues like fishing and a youth mobility scheme. European allies are expected to maintain sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine amid escalating tensions. Full Article

North Korea criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio for calling it a "rogue state", stating his remarks won't benefit U.S. interests. The country's refusal to negotiate on its weapons programs, despite Trump's desire for talks, was highlighted in the statement. North Korea's recent weapons testing and confrontational rhetoric indicate a continued defiance towards U.S. pressure. Full Article