Author: News Desk

China: China has announced it will implement “countermeasures” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity following the United States’ approval of a $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan. The deal, which awaits Congressional approval, includes the delivery of advanced air defence missile systems battle-tested in Ukraine, as well as surface-to-air missile systems and radar. In a statement issued, China’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the arms sale and indicated it had lodged “solemn representations” with the US government. The ministry urged the US to immediately halt its military support to Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory, and…

Manila, Philippines: Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine) is wreaking havoc across the Philippines, becoming the deadliest and most destructive storm in the Southeast Asian archipelago so far this year, according to the government’s disaster-response agency. Rising fatalities are being reported as heavy rains and strong winds continue to impact communities. President Ferdinand Marcos stated that the unusually high amount of rainfall—some areas receiving up to two months’ worth in just 24 hours—overwhelmed flood control systems. President said that, “The water was just too much, we’re not finished with our rescue efforts yet.” More than 4.2 million people were in the path…

Tokyo: Japanese voters are heading to the polls for a snap election after a turbulent period for the ruling party marked by a series of scandals, widespread voter apathy, and historically low approval ratings. The election was called by Shigeru Ishiba just three days after he was chosen as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), even before his official swearing-in as prime minister. The decision came despite the LDP’s approval ratings falling below 20% earlier this year due to a political fundraising corruption scandal. Nevertheless, the LDP remains the leading contender against opposition parties, which have struggled…

Novi/Kalamazoo: In a notable push for voter support, Republican candidate Donald Trump reached out to Muslim voters in Michigan on Saturday, coinciding with a passionate endorsement of Kamala Harris from Michelle Obama at a separate Democratic rally. With Election Day approaching on November 5, both candidates are focusing on key demographics in this battleground state, particularly the Arab American and Muslim communities concerned about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as union workers apprehensive about the impact of electric vehicles on the auto industry. Speaking in Novi, a suburb of Detroit, Trump highlighted his recent meeting with local imams,…

Apia: Commonwealth leaders have selected Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, as the new Secretary-General of the 56-member association. The announcement came on the final day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa, attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Commonwealth, a political association with historical ties to the British Empire, confirmed Botchwey’s appointment. She will succeed Patricia Scotland, who has served in the role since 2016. Focus on History & Reparations King Charles acknowledged the Commonwealth’s “painful” past during his speech at the summit, emphasising the need to confront history to guide future…

Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed deep concern over reports of Israeli troops storming one of the last operational Northern Gaza Hospital. Ongoing hostilities in the region are also disrupting efforts to vaccinate against polio. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that, “Since this morning’s reports of a raid of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, we have lost touch with the personnel there. This development is deeply disturbing given the number of patients being served and people sheltering there.” Northern Gaza is experiencing intense military operations, leaving thousands of civilians without access to humanitarian aid and essential…

Rome/Washington: Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy democracies have reached a consensus to provide Ukraine with $50 billion in loans, funded by earnings from frozen Russian sovereign assets. The disbursements are expected to begin as early as December, signaling continued international support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The G7 statement, released during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, emphasised that the loans would be serviced and repaid through future extraordinary revenues generated from the immobilisation of Russian assets. “Our aim is to begin disbursing the funds by the end…

Washington: A cyber attack linked to China has prompted the FBI to launch an investigation into potential hacking activities, following reports that the phones of Donald Trump and JD Vance may have been compromised. The attack reportedly targeted cell phones used by the Republican presidential candidate and his running mate and also people affiliated with the Harris-Walz campaign were also targeted. A joint statement from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) indicated that the U.S. government is investigating unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by entities connected to the People’s Republic of China. The Agencies said…

Washington: The World Bank Group has initiated the rollout of its Gender Strategy 2030, presenting a series of actions and specific goals designed to enhance economic opportunities for women. Announced during a key event at the 2024 World Bank Group Annual Meetings, the targets will emphasize broadband access, social protection, and capital availability. These initiatives are part of the Gender Strategy’s focus on increasing and facilitating women’s involvement in the global economy. World Bank Group aims to; Enable 300 million more women to use broadband, unlocking essential services, financial services, education, and job opportunities. Support 250 million women with social protection programs, focusing especially…

Los Angeles, California: LA District Attorney George Gascón is recommending parole for Menendez brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Citing new evidence, including allegations of sexual abuse by their father, Gascón argues that Erik and Lyle Menendez should be re-sentenced after more than 30 years in prison. The case, which has captivated the public for decades and recently inspired a Netflix series, involved the brutal shooting of Kitty and Jose Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion. Gascón believes the Menendez brothers were victims of severe dysfunction and abuse at home, stating that while there is no excuse for…