Daily Glint (#23)

⁠New Variant NB.1.8.1 Detected in the U.S.

A new and highly transmissible COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, first identified in China, has been detected in multiple U.S. states, including California, Ohio, and New York. While the variant does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains, its rapid spread has prompted concerns about increased hospitalizations. Symptoms resemble those of the Omicron variant, such as sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, and fever. The U.S. government is adjusting vaccine policies, focusing booster recommendations on seniors and high-risk groups, and no longer advising routine vaccination for healthy children and pregnant women.

Mark Carney Becomes Canada’s 24th Prime Minister

Mark Carney has been sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister, making history as the first to hold the office without prior elected experience. His initial actions include ending the consumer carbon tax, signalling a shift in the country’s environmental policy.

WMO Warns of Imminent Breach of 1.5°C Warming Threshold

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports a 70% chance that the average global temperature between 2025 and 2029 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This marks a significant increase from previous forecasts and raises concerns about intensified extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts. The Arctic is expected to warm 3.5 times faster than the global average, while regions like the Amazon face heightened drought risks. Despite these alarming projections, the WMO emphasizes that urgent reductions in fossil fuel emissions can still avert catastrophic warming.

South Korea Dismantles Major Dark Web Drug Network

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has reported that over 60 Chinese military aircraft have breached Taiwan’s air defense zone, with many crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait — a symbolic boundary that has long served as a buffer between China and Taiwan. This marked incursion is one of the most significant displays of military aggression from China in recent months, escalating tensions between the two sides. Taiwan’s government has condemned the provocative actions, which are seen as a direct challenge to Taiwan’s sovereignty and a continuation of Beijing’s pressure campaign.

This week’s inner light : Melanie Perkins

Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, has transformed the design landscape by making graphic design accessible to all. Her journey from a university student in Perth to leading a global tech company is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to inclusivity.

While studying at the University of Western Australia, Perkins observed the challenges students faced with complex design software. This insight led her to envision a more user-friendly design platform. Collaborating with her partner, Cliff Obrecht, she launched Fusion Books, an online tool for creating school yearbooks. This venture laid the groundwork for Canva, aiming to democratize design for everyone.
Melanie Perkins didn’t wait for the world to change—she designed it.

As a student , she noticed how hard it was for people to use complicated design tools. Instead of complaining, she created her own: first Fusion Books, then Canva—a design platform now used by millions in over 190 countries.

Getting investors to believe in her wasn’t easy. She faced over 100 rejections. But she didn’t stop. She called each “a lesson in disguise.” That perseverance turned Canva into a billion-dollar unicorn.

Her leadership is rooted in kindness, clarity, and creativity. She believes success isn’t about being the loudest in the room—but about solving real problems for real people.

Her advice? Start small. Stay stubborn. And never let “no” stop you.

Today, Melanie isn’t just a CEO—she’s a symbol of what happens when vision meets grit.

Daily Inspiration

Happy Reading!!