ChEeKiChErUb

We know that awful things happen around the world each day — and with numbers and statistics that move up and down like waves on a sea, it can be hard to keep your chin up and continue smiling. That’s why kindness matters so much. 

It was inimitable American novelist Kurt Vonnegut who once said, “A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved." When we challenge you each day to get out and perform random acts of kindness, it’s our way of encouraging you to show your love for your fellow human beings, no matter their station, and no matter what is happening around the globe.

And when you send us photos and videos, you share with us your triumphs and your dedication to change things for the better. We can’t predict the future, but we can believe in it.

Thank you for supporting your communities and for allowing us to witness the great outpouring of love that comes with it. 

The Eiffel tower’s lights were briefly switched off on Thursday night in tribute to the 12 people killed in an attack on the offices of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris. Photo: Jacques Demarthon/AFP/Getty Images

Huge crowds have gathered in Paris to march in show of defiance and unity after the terrorist attacks that left 17 dead last week. The march has just begun with rapturous applause, led by world leaders. (Photo: Peter Dejong/AP)

The Scottish nurse who contracted Ebola while volunteering in west Africa has arrived in London for specialist treatment after being transferred by military aircraft from hospital in Glasgow.

The patient, who has not yet been named, is in a stable condition and is being treated in the high-level isolation unit at the Royal Free hospital in north London. 

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister and previously Scottish health secretary, said: “The risk to other people as a result of this Ebola case is deemed to be extremely low”. Rolling report »

AirAsia Indonesia confirmed on Tuesday that debris from flight QZ8501 had been located in the Karimata Strait off Indonesia. A search and rescue operation is underway and several bodies have already been recovered.

From the statement:

cliff house by modscape suspended above the australian ocean image © modscape

Oscar Pistorius verdict: judge says athlete not guilty of murder

Judge Thokozile Masipa says Pistorius “clearly negligent” over death of Reeva Steenkamp and will deliver ruling on culpable homicide on Friday. Get the latest »