Author: News Desk

United Kingdom: The UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) will take full effect by 16th March 2025, requiring online platforms to assess whether their services expose users to illegal content or face hefty fines of up to 10 percent of their global turnover. Ofcom, the regulator overseeing the law, has published its final codes of practice, outlining how firms must manage illegal material on their platforms. New Requirements for Risk Assessments Online platforms are now required to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential harms related to an illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), coercive behaviour, and self-harm…

London: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Norway to launch a Green Energy Deal with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Støre, as part of a new Green Industrial Partnership. The visit includes a tour of a carbon capture and storage site, with both leaders planning to sign the deal in spring 2025. The partnership aims to enhance energy security, boost economic growth, and position the UK as a leader in carbon capture technology. Sir Keir highlighted its importance in reducing reliance on volatile energy markets and mitigating the influence of global events, such as the invasion of Ukraine. https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1868566790575669361…

Mayotte: Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, has left a trail of destruction and a death toll feared to reach hundreds or even thousands. French emergency teams are racing to restore basic services and deliver aid to the island, which lies between Madagascar and Mozambique. The storm struck with winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph), devastating communities and displacing thousands. Scenes of wreckage resemble a “nuclear apocalypse,” with makeshift homes destroyed, trees crashing into buildings, and hospitals flooded. French authorities have established an air bridge between Mayotte and Reunion Island to transport relief supplies,…

San Francisco: Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished and influential classical musicians, passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday, after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. The iconic tabla virtuoso died at a hospital in San Francisco, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement. Hussain was the face of tabla, the hand drums central to Indian classical music, and was widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation. With a career spanning over six decades, Hussain brought the art form to global prominence, defying musical boundaries and blending Indian classical traditions…

United States: Bitcoin has soared to a new record high, reaching over $106,000, marking a significant milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency. The surge extended a rally that saw Bitcoin’s value increase by more than 50 percent since Donald Trump’s victory in the election. Although the cryptocurrency briefly surpassed $106,000, it retreated to around $105,000 in early Monday trading in Asia. The rally comes as market sentiment shifts towards expectations of a more crypto-friendly approach under the incoming Trump administration. Many investors view the Trump White House as more favourable to cryptocurrencies compared to the policies of President Joe Biden’s…

Mayotte: France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte has been devastated by Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the region in nearly a century. With wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone made landfall, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. At least two deaths have been reported, with fears that the death toll may rise. French President Emmanuel Macron assured the people of Mayotte that France would stand by them, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau revealed that all makeshift homes on the islands had been destroyed. Retailleau described the storm’s impact as “exceptional” and warned of significant…

Barcelona: Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the global fashion brand Mango, tragically died in a caving accident on Saturday. The 71-year-old businessman fell down a ravine while exploring caves in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona. Reports indicate that Andic was hiking with his son and other family members at the time of the accident. The accident took place around 13:00 local time in an area known for its deep caves, including the Salnitre de Collbató caves. A large emergency response, including a helicopter and specialised mountain rescue unit, was mobilised, but Andic’s fall from a 150-meter ravine proved…

New York: ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit stemming from false claims made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a broadcast on 10 March 2024. Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump had been found “liable for rape,” a claim that was incorrect. The remarks occurred during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace, in which Stephanopoulos challenged her endorsement of Trump by falsely asserting that “judges and two separate juries” had found him liable for rape. The claims were repeated 10 times during the broadcast. In reality, a New York civil…

Devon & Cornwall: Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could soon be caught by an innovative AI camera, currently being tested in Devon and Cornwall. The cutting-edge Heads-Up system, developed by Acusensus, is designed to detect signs of impaired driving, including erratic road behaviour linked to alcohol or drug use. The camera, which can be quickly relocated to any road within the counties, captures data in real-time and alerts police further down the road, who can then stop the vehicle and perform roadside tests for alcohol or drugs. This unannounced technology catches drivers off-guard, making it more…

Seoul, South Korea: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been impeached by the National Assembly following his controversial attempt to impose martial law, a move that has plunged the country into political turmoil. The assembly voted 204 to 85 in favor of impeachment, with three members abstaining and eight votes declared invalid. This marks the second impeachment vote in just eight days. Outside the assembly, thousands of protesters erupted in applause, while the mood inside was somber. With the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from office, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is temporarily assuming the presidency. The Constitutional Court now…