DR Congo reshuffles cabinet amid eastern security crisis
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced a cabinet reshuffle as the country grapples with worsening violence in its eastern region. Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama said the new line-up, unveiled Friday, aims to ensure efficiency, credibility and regional balance.
The 54-member cabinet, only slightly smaller than the previous one, retains Judith Suminwa Tuluka as prime minister and includes opposition leader Adolphe Muzito as vice prime minister for the budget, according to Xinhua.
President Felix Tshisekedi had pledged earlier this year to form a “government of national unity” to help contain the decades-long conflict in the east, driven by ethnic tensions, militias and rebel groups such as the M23.
US Air force denies early retirement to some transgender service members
The US Air Force is blocking early retirement for transgender members with 15 to 18 years of service, forcing them out without retirement benefits, according to a recent memo. Those affected must either resign or be discharged with a lump-sum payment, according to BBC.
This move is part of the Trump administration’s transgender military ban, which critics say is unfair and discriminatory. Early retirement remains available for those with 18 to 20 years of service, but full benefits require 20 years.
Over 4,000 transgender troops serve in the military despite legal challenges and changing policies, BBC reported.
OpenAI launches GPT-5 with boosted enterprise skills
OpenAI has rolled out GPT-5, its most advanced AI model yet, now available to 700m ChatGPT users. CEO Sam Altman says it delivers “PhD-level” expertise in coding, writing, health, and finance, with a standout feature that can instantly build software from text prompts, according to BBC.
The launch comes as tech giants pour billions into AI infrastructure. Early reviewers say GPT-5 handles coding and complex problems well, though the jump from GPT-4 is smaller than past upgrades. It can’t learn on its own but uses extra computing power to think through tougher questions, aiming to make AI more capable and widely accessible.
Japan issues heavy rain emergency in Kagoshima
Japan’s weather agency has issued its highest-level heavy rain warning for Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture after record downpours triggered fears of landslides, flooding, and overflowing rivers, according to Xinhua.
Kirishima recorded 107.5 mm of rain in one hour early Friday, with a 12-hour total of over 480 mm — nearly double its August average.
Torrential rain is forecast to continue across Kyushu through Sunday, with up to 200 mm expected in southern areas and 120 mm in the north. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert as dangerous conditions may already be present, Xinhua reported.
