Author: News Desk

United Kingdom: A recent study conducted along the southern coast of England has uncovered alarming levels of potentially harmful chemicals, including recreational drugs and antidepressants, in water pollution. Scientists involved in the research have expressed concerns about the negative impact of human drugs on marine life. The researchers have presented evidence showing that estrogen found in the water can cause biological changes that feminize male fish. The study was coordinated by the Clean Harbour Partnership (CHP), an organization co-founded by Ms. Bianca Carr. Ms. Carr emphasized the need to move beyond discussing general water contamination issues and focus on the…

Russia: Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin announced that Ukrainian troops have initiated a long-anticipated counteroffensive in Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties as they attempt to break through Moscow’s defense lines. Speaking in Sochi during a meeting with leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union, Mr. Putin stated that the offensive was underway, citing the deployment of strategic reserves by the Ukrainian army. However, the Russian President emphasized that Ukrainian forces had not achieved their objectives in any combat zone, highlighting the substantial losses they were suffering without providing specific details. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington, DC-based…

United States: The United States has accused the Iranian government of helping Russia build a drone manufacturing plant near Moscow in an escalation of their defence cooperation. In a statement, White House National Security Council spokesman Mr. John Kirby cited US intelligence findings that indicated Iran had provided material support for the plant, which could be operational by early next year. US officials also double-downed on claims that Iran has sent hundreds of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to Russia for use in Ukraine, where a full-scale invasion was launched in 2022. “Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent…

United States: Scientists are advocating for a large-scale clinical trial to investigate the potential benefits of taurine supplementation, a substance commonly found in energy drinks. A new study has revealed that taurine supplementation could slow down the ageing process and promote healthier lives. Researchers observed a significant decline in taurine levels with age, but when they replenished these levels to more youthful amounts, the health of mice and monkeys improved, and the lifespans of mice even extended. While it remains uncertain if humans would experience similar benefits or if high doses of taurine are safe, scientists believe the existing evidence…

Philippines: Forcible evacuations are underway near the Mayon Volcano in the Philippines as authorities warn of a possible violent eruption within weeks or even days. Mayon Volcano, known for its picturesque conical shape, is one of the country’s most active volcanoes. The area within a 6-kilometer radius of the crater is considered off-limits due to the potential hazards of volcanic emissions, lava flows, and rockfalls. However, many impoverished villagers have settled in this danger zone over the years, making the evacuation process challenging. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to provide aid to the displaced residents and assured them that…

Sudan: Sudan has formally informed the United Nations that it has designated Volker Perthes, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sudan and head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission, Sudan (UNITAMS), as “persona non grata.” The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on 8th June 2023 declaring Mr. Perthes’s status. At the time, Mr. Perthes was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, engaging in diplomatic talks, according to the UN mission’s Twitter feed. Last month, Sudanese army chief Mr. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reportedly sent a letter to UN chief Antonio Guterres requesting the replacement of Mr. Perthes,…

Luxembourg: The European Union (EU) has agreed to radical reforms of its migration and asylum laws, including charges of €20,000 (£17,200) per head for member countries that refuse to host refugees. After almost 12 hours of intense negotiations in Luxembourg and years of fighting, interior ministers struck a deal on what they described as a “historical” new approach to what one politician described as an often “toxic topic.” Ms. Maria Malmer Stenergard, who was part of the Swedish lead negotiating team, stated that “I didn’t really believe I would be sitting here saying this. But we have adopted general approaches…

United States: Former US President Donald Trump has been charged with multiple offenses related to the handling of classified documents following his departure from the White House. The charges, which include unauthorized retention of classified files, are the second indictment against Mr. Trump and the first federal indictment of a former president in US history. Although the charges have not been publicly released, legal experts suggest that they will not impede Mr. Trump’s potential campaign for the presidency in 2024. In a statement on Truth Social, Mr. Trump proclaimed his innocence and revealed that he had been summoned to appear…

United States: United Kingdom Prime Minister Mr. Rishi Sunak and US President Mr. Joe Biden have jointly announced a transatlantic cooperation agreement, solidifying the UK’s position within the US administration’s economic sphere and signalling a renewed alliance following the challenges posed by Brexit. The deal, known as the “Atlantic Declaration,” was unveiled during a press conference at the White House. Mr. Sunak emphasised that the strengthened ties between the two countries aim to enhance economic security, primarily in response to the threats posed by China and Russia. The Prime Minister highlighted the willingness of these countries to exploit openness, engage…

United States: A new study found that exposure to toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of low birth weight, obesity, and high body mass index (BMI) in children. The study, which tracked 1,400 children, found that those aged two to five had higher BMIs and a higher incidence of obesity if their mothers were exposed to PFAS during pregnancy. This effect is similar to the impact of prenatal exposure to tobacco. “Something similar is going on with PFAS,” Mr. Joe Braun, a Brown University researcher and study co-author, stated. PFAS, which are found…