Author: Desk Reporter

Kyiv: Russia has launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring seven others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The overnight assault caused widespread damage to residential buildings, offices, and public infrastructure, while emergency crews battled multiple fires across the city. Ukrainian officials said Russia fired around 40 ballistic and hypersonic missiles, including Iskander-M and Zircon missiles, during a five-hour attack. Air raid sirens sounded shortly after 1:30 a.m., followed by repeated explosions as air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles. A second wave of attacks was reported later…

London: China has criticised the United Kingdom’s decision to nationalise British Steel, warning that the move has ‘severely undermined’ the confidence of Chinese companies considering investments in the UK. The UK government officially took ownership of British Steel, describing the decision as necessary to protect national interests and secure the future of the country’s primary steelmaking industry. British Steel is the UK’s only producer of primary steel and supports around 2,700 jobs at its Scunthorpe steelworks, along with thousands more across the wider supply chain. British Steel was acquired in 2020 by Chinese steelmaker Jingye Group for £70 million (approximately…

Uganda: At least 21 people, including 20 schoolchildren and one adult, were killed after a school bus carrying pupils on a study trip crashed in eastern Uganda. The tragic accident occurred in the Kapchorwa district, marking one of the country’s deadliest road incidents involving children in recent years. According to local authorities, dozens of other passengers, including school staff, sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus suffered a mechanical failure before the driver lost control while descending Chekwatit Hill, a stretch of road known for multiple serious accidents. Police said…

Algiers: At least 11 people were killed and 19 others injured after a fire broke out at a foster care facility in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, according to the country’s Civil Protection Department. Firefighters continued battling the blaze into the morning, with emergency crews still working to extinguish the fire as of 06:50 local time (05:50 GMT). Authorities have not yet disclosed the ages or identities of those killed or injured. The Civil Protection Department said five residents with special needs were safely evacuated from the facility and transferred to a secure location during the emergency. The cause of the fire…

Washington: The US Department of Defence will begin mandatory testosterone deficiency screenings for active-duty and reserve military personnel aged 30 and older as part of annual health examinations, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced. In a video shared on X, Hegseth said the initiative is designed to ensure service members maintain optimal health and performance throughout their military careers. Describing the programme as a step toward improving long-term wellbeing, he said the goal is to help troops remain ‘strong, resilient and capable’ during service and after retirement. Under the new policy, military personnel aged 30 and above will automatically undergo…

Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will launch strikes on Iran’s bridges and power plants next week if Tehran refuses to return to the negotiating table, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries. Trump said Iran would face severe consequences if diplomatic efforts failed. Trump added that while energy infrastructure had not yet been targeted, it remained under consideration, stating that, “I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets.” The remarks came as the United States and Iran exchanged attacks for the fourth consecutive day, raising fears…

Brasília: Brazil’s Supreme Court has barred presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro from visiting his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, for 90 days after determining that the pair violated the conditions of the former leader’s house arrest. The ruling was issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes after Flavio Bolsonaro read a handwritten letter from his father during a livestream on social media. Under the terms of his house arrest, Jair Bolsonaro is prohibited from using social media directly or communicating with the public through third parties. The restriction will remain in effect until after the first round of Brazil’s presidential election on…

Bangkok: Thai authorities are investigating whether negligence and serious fire safety failures contributed to the devastating blaze that tore through a popular Bangkok bar, leaving at least 30 people dead and more than 70 others injured. Police say preliminary findings point to multiple safety violations, including locked emergency exits, inadequate evacuation signage, and the extensive use of highly flammable decorative materials that may have accelerated the spread of the fire. Investigators are also examining whether the venue complied with existing fire safety regulations. According to Police General Kittiratt Phanphet, the fire appears to have started near the stage after a…

England: More than 2,700 deaths across England and Wales have been linked to the unprecedented heatwaves that struck the United Kingdom in May and June, according to a new scientific study published. Researchers estimate that the extreme temperatures caused 550 heat-related deaths between May 21 and 29, followed by nearly 2,200 more fatalities between June 18 and 28. The study was conducted by researchers from Imperial College London, the UK Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Using weather observations, climate models and historical data on excess mortality during periods of extreme heat, the researchers assessed…

Switzerland: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that football’s governing body will examine the possibility of expanding the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, following what he described as the success of the newly expanded 48-team format at the 2026 tournament. Speaking to Swiss media outlet, Infantino said the proposal would be reviewed by FIFA’s relevant committees after the conclusion of the ongoing World Cup. Infantino remarked that, “That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup.” Infantino stressed that the FIFA World Cup should represent every…