Author: News Desk

United States: A recent survey has found that the drug epidemic has surged to unprecedented levels in the United States. The newly released poll by KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) sheds light on the extensive toll inflicted by substance use on families across the nation. More than a quarter of adults surveyed stated that they or a member of their family has been addicted to prescription painkillers or other illegal opioids, and nearly 1 in 10 adults has had a family member die of a drug overdose. According to reports, nearly 110,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2022. Alcohol…

Kenya: Kenya’s energy regulator announces the reinstatement of a minor subsidy aimed at stabilising retail fuel prices for the upcoming 30 days. This marks a change in government policy following a public outcry regarding the high cost of living. President Mr. William Ruto eliminated fuel and maize flour subsidies in September 2023. The president stated a preference for subsidising production over consumption. The intention behind this action was also to reduce government expenditure as the administration endeavours to manage debt repayments that have led to the government refuting market speculations of a potential default. However, the reductions in subsidies and…

United States: Tesla has launched the latest versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV, which will be available cheaper in the US. The automaker giant aims to increase sales growth by offering shorter driving ranges. The new models’ standard range is between $78,490 and $88,490. It is 10 percent lower than the previous lowest-priced models and is available for delivery between September and October 2023. The new Model S provides a driving range of up to 320 miles (515 KM), which is less than the basic and performance “plaid” versions, offering up to 405 miles and 396…

China: China has announced that it will suspend the release of youth unemployment figures as its central bank cuts a key interest rate to boost flagging growth. In June 2023, China’s jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in urban areas hit a record high of more than 20 percent. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated that it would no longer release age group-specific unemployment data starting this month, citing the need to “further improve and optimise labour force survey statistics”. “Starting in August, the release of urban unemployment rates for youth and other age groups across the country will…

Japan: Japan’s economy reportedly grew faster than expected in the three months to the end of June as the country’s car exports rebounded and tourists flooded back. But the economists warned that it wouldn’t last. In the recent period, the third-largest global economy experienced a 6 percent annualised increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is roughly double the growth rate predicted by economists and represents the largest increase in nearly three years. The value of the yen’s fall caused Japanese-made goods to become cheaper for consumers around the world. It helped marketers increase the growth of exports. Japan’s…

United States: A new study has found that women who struggle with their mental health have an almost 50 percent higher risk of preterm births. The research, published in the Lancet Psychiatry, analysed data from more than 2 million pregnancies in England and found that about one in 10 women who had used mental health services had a preterm birth. The study further found a clear link between the severity of previous mental health difficulties and adverse outcomes at birth. It showed that women who had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital were almost twice as likely to have a…

France: Brazilian footballer Neymar will sign a two-year deal with Saudi club Al Hilal. The French football club Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal have reached an agreement for the transfer of the international footballer. The deal is worth approximately $98.4 million, with additional payments possible based on certain conditions. The 31-year-old player is undergoing a medical ahead of joining. PSG signed Neymar for a record $254 million in 2017 from Barcelona. According to the report, the new PSG coach, Luis Enrique, is not considering Neymar as a key player. The Brazilian forward has played 173 times for PSG and contributed…

North Korea: According to state media, North Korean leader Mr. Kim Jong Un recently visited important munitions factories. The leader examined a tactical missile production plant and commanded a significant increase in the production of missiles, rocket-launcher shells, and other weaponry. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has cited that Mr. Kim visited factories producing tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, armoured vehicles, and artillery shells. The inspections are the latest in a string of visits by Mr. Kim to defence facilities, where he has highlighted the mass production of weapons. At the same time, US officials have stated that…

NIger: Niger’s military Junta has said it will prosecute the country’s democratically elected President Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, for treason. This comes after a group of senior Islamic scholars stated that the nation’s coup leaders were open to diplomacy to resolve their standoff with West Africa’s regional bloc. The military has allegedly charged Mr. Bazoum with “high treason and undermining the internal and external security” of the country. The 63-year-old politician and his family have been at the president’s official residence in Niamey since the coup on 26th July 2023. Many officials expressed their concern over the health of Mr. Bazoum following…

Taiwan: Taiwan’s Vice President Mr. William Lai has declared that the self-governed island will not back down in the face of authoritarian threats. The statement comes after China pledged to take “forceful and resolute measures” following Mr. Lai’s stopover in the United States. The Taiwanese Vice President made the comments during a lunch with his supporters in New York City. Mr. Lai, who is also the frontrunner to be Taiwan’s next president in the January elections, is in the US on a transit stop on his way to Paraguay for the inauguration of its new president. Paraguay is one of…