Author: News Desk

United States: The United States Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken has offered his “unflagging support” to Niger’s ousted President Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, warning his captors that hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance could be at risk if democratic norms are not restored. “The US top diplomat told Mr. Bazoum that Washington would work to reestablish the constitutional order after the West African leader was toppled in a military coup,” the State Department noted. According to reports, Mr. Blinken also “praised Mr. Bazoum’s role in promoting security not only in Niger but in the wider West Africa region.” Mr.…

United States: The White House has announced a military aid package worth $345 million for Taiwan as part of its support for the self-ruled island that is claimed by China. “The package will include “defence articles,” military education, and training,” US President Mr. Joe Biden’s administration noted in a statement. The announcement did not provide details about the weapons or equipment that would be provided. According to reports citing unnamed officials, the supplies would include portable air defence systems, small arms munitions, and reconnaissance equipment. The move prompted an immediate response from Beijing, which has promised to “reunify” democratically ruled Taiwan…

United States: A new criminal charge has been filed against former US President Mr. Donald Trump for pressuring an employee to delete security footage at his Florida home. The new accusation includes three more charges in addition to the existing 37, bringing the total charges in this case to 40. The new charges are related to the intentional withholding of defence information and obstruction of justice. Mr. Trump has denied all the accusations and called the prosecutor “deranged.” The former President is already facing multiple cases. Mr. Carlos de Oliveira, a staff member at the former US president’s Mar-a-Lago estate,…

United States: A news study has found that the rate of Americans developing a rare meat allergy from tick bites is increasing and may have already impacted as many as 450,000 people. New data released by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a steep increase in cases of alpha-gal syndrome. The allergy can lead to a potentially life-threatening reaction to various kinds of meat or animal products. US scientists have linked alpha-gal to the saliva of the lone star tick. The tick is identified by the white spot on its back and is mostly found in the…

Singapore: Singapore has reportedly executed a 45-year-old woman who was found guilty of trafficking 30 grammes (1.06oz) of heroin in 2018. The execution is the first in almost 20 years, as per the officials. Ms. Saridewi Binte Djamani is the second drug convict executed this week. Singapore has some of the world’s toughest anti-drug laws, which it says are necessary to protect society, as per the statement. The law specifies that the death penalty will be imposed on anyone caught trafficking more than 500 grammes of cannabis or 15 grammes of heroin. Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said that Ms.…

United States: The United States President Mr. Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Ms. Giorgia Meloni have met at the White House, pledging to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation on challenges posed by China, immigration, abortion, and LGBTQ rights. Mr. Biden praised the Italian Prime Minister for her support of Ukraine as the White House downplayed differences over her hard-right government’s stances on China. According to Mr. Biden, the US and Italy were “standing strong” with Ukraine, and Ms. Meloni’s government had offered “very strong support” opposing Russian atrocities. “And I thank the Italian people. I want to thank…

Russia: The Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, told the African leaders at a summit that Moscow is making efforts to prevent a global food crisis. The President has also offered free grain to six African countries including Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and the Central African Republic. “Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis,” Mr. Putin stated. The summit was attended by nearly 50 African leaders…

United States: United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres has called for immediate radical action on climate change, stating that record-breaking July temperatures show Earth has entered into an “era of global boiling.” Speaking in New York, Mr. Guterres referred to the intense heat across the northern hemisphere as a “cruel summer.” “For the entire planet, it is a disaster,” the UN Secretary General stated, noting that “short of a mini-Ice Age over the next few days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board.” “Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning. The era of…

United States: Mattel, an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company, is doubling down on its plans to expand “outside the toy aisle” following the success of the Barbie movie. This announcement comes amid a 12 percent decline in sales for the three months to the end of June. According to reports, Mattel’s brands, including Barney, Hot Wheels, and Polly Pocket, are also set to feature in upcoming Hollywood films. “Barbie speaks to the potential of Mattel films,” Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ynon Kriez said in the company’s earnings presentation. “This is a milestone moment for Mattel and a showcase…

Niger: Leaders from the United States, France, and the United Nations have condemned the military takeover in the West African country of Niger. The President of Niger, Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, has been reportedly seized by troops from the presidential guard since early on 26th July 2023. The soldiers announced a coup on National TV, saying they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation’s borders. The military also claimed that they’d removed the President from power because of bad governance and the “deterioration of the security situation.” It was unclear where Mr. Bazoum was at the time…