Author: Fathima T K

Seoul: The South Korea heatwave has intensified, forcing residents into airports for shelter and prompting authorities to deploy drones for warnings. The authorities mobilised emergency responses as temperatures surged to a record 42.5C in southern regions. The heatwave resulted in at least 23 deaths linked to heat-related illnesses. Nearly 2,500 people visited the emergency rooms since mid-May due to heat stress and related conditions. Local governments took immediate steps to reduce heat exposure. Trucks were deployed in parks, markets and bus stops to distribute chilled bottled water. In Yangsan, record temperatures were recorded, sprinkler trucks cooled roads by spraying water…

Washington: The US President Donald Trump signed an executive order setting a 15 percent tariff on polysilicon imports, targeting a key chip material amid ongoing trade tensions with China. The policy aimed to protect domestic manufacturers facing rising competition from China’s expanding chip sector. The material plays a central role in semiconductors and solar panels, making it vital for both commercial and strategic industries. The order also included incentives to support increased production within the United States. The Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that the move disrupted trade relations and signalled that countermeasures would follow to protect Chinese companies. The…

Indonesia: The salt production in Indonesia surged during an El Nino drought, boosting coastal farmers and lifting production levels with favourable conditions in salt fields. Salt farmers across West Java capitalised on extended dry conditions that accelerated seawater evaporation in shallow coastal ponds. The method relies heavily on sunlight and minimal rainfall. It performed strongly as drought conditions persisted across much of the archipelago. The Indonesian weather agency indicated that the El Niño pattern intensified. Hotter and drier weather spread across more than half of Indonesia’s seasonal zones by July. The dry season is expected to peak in August. The…

Southampton: The scientists in the United Kingdom have tested a new approach allowing vaccines to be stored at room temperature, with early trials showing promise to reduce global waste and improve immunisation access. Current systems rely on strict refrigeration from production to delivery. This process, known as the cold chain, which causes major challenges in remote regions and conflict zones. Research by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has examined a modified tetanus diphtheria vaccine developed by Stablepharma. The vaccine was converted into a dry powder and stored for one year at room temperature before being rehydrated…

Gaza: The goods flow back into Gaza markets, but the affordability crisis persists as high prices and limited incomes continue to prevent residents from purchasing basic food items. Some goods reappears in local markets after months of shortages linked to Israel’s blockade and ongoing war. Availability has improved in recent weeks. However, access remains restricted for many families due to high costs and reduced purchasing power. Prices continue to rise as supply chains remain strained. Costs linked to transport and limited entry routes have pushed market rates higher. At the same time, many households have exhausted savings. Employment opportunities have…

London: Summer sandals risks are under scrutiny as experts warn that popular footwear choices may place strain on feet without proper support. Flip-flops remain a go-to option during hot weather due to comfort and ease. A new trend featuring kitten heels offers a more stylish variation. Fashion expert Angela Baidoo stated that the design allows easy wear and removal while maintaining a modest heel height. Despite growing popularity, concerns around foot health persist. Baidoo explained that traditional flip-flops lack proper arch and joint support. Many consumers now seek customised options with improved structure. These upgraded designs aim to balance comfort…

California: Apple removed Telegram from the App Store after a user shared illegal content, leading to immediate action and raising concerns about content moderation standards. The messaging platform was briefly removed from Apple’s App Store across global markets after Apple flagged the issue. Telegram stated that the violation related to a single user who shared prohibited material involving child exploitation. The application returned to the platform on the same day after corrective steps. Telegram, with more than 1 billion monthly active users, stated that a strict zero-tolerance policy remains in place for such content. The company reported blocking nearly 338,000…

Washington: Spokane wildfires have destroyed more than 700 buildings and forced 64,000 people to evacuate as flames continue to spread across the region. The wildfires have burned for a third day on the outskirts of Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city. The cluster of three blazes ranks as the top firefighting priority across the United States. Fire activity remains intense across the drought-hit Pacific Northwest where multiple large wildfires continue to burn. The Spokane-area fires scorched more than 8,000 acres since erupting on August 2 along the northern edge of the city. Spokane, with a population of about 230,000, lies west of…

London: The East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) plans to reduce services and jobs as rising demand for care adds pressure on already strained support system. ELFT proposes savings of £24.97 million ($31.8 million) to meet financial requirements set by NHS England. The plan includes wide-ranging service changes and workforce reductions. ELFT outlines a ‘redesign’ affecting at least 10 core services. These include child and adolescent mental health care, talking therapies and addiction support. Crisis care for adults and several community programmes also face impact. Services supporting ethnic minority groups and low-income communities are part of the proposed changes. The…

Singapore: Oil prices have fallen sharply as hopes of an Iran deal improved the global outlook, while the Japanese yen has surged after coordinated intervention by the United States and Japan. South Korea’s KOSPI index fell 3.6 percent after a turbulent July that saw a steep 22 percent drop. The uneven performance reflected uncertainty despite improving geopolitical sentiment. Currency markets reacted swiftly to the developments, reflecting heightened volatility and investor sensitivity. The Japanese yen strengthened more than 1 percent to 155.39 against the US dollar in a sudden move that alerted traders. Authorities later confirmed coordinated action to stabilise the…