Author: News Desk

Iran: Iran and Belgium have freed an aid worker and a diplomat imprisoned in each other’s countries, respectively, in a deal facilitated by Oman. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mr. Hossein Amirabdollahian noted that Iranian diplomat Mr. Assadollah Assadi was heading back home, while Belgium’s Prime Minister Mr. Alexander De Croo stated that worker Olivier Vandecasteele was also due to arrive in Belgium. Earlier, the Omani foreign ministry stated that the freed individuals were transported from Brussels and Tehran to its capital, Muscat, in preparation for their return to their respective countries. Mr. Amirabdollahian thanked Oman for its role in securing the…

Nepal: With the mountaineering community gearing up to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic conquest of Mount Everest, there is a mounting apprehension surrounding the escalating temperatures, accelerated melting of glaciers and snow, and the increasingly erratic and severe weather conditions on this towering peak. Since the achievement of New Zealander Mr. Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Mr. Tenzing Norgay, who successfully scaled the awe-inspiring 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit of Mount Everest on 29th May 1953, numerous adventurers have followed in their footsteps, with many triumphantly reaching the pinnacle while tragically, hundreds have met their demise during these perilous…

United States: Automotive giants Ford and Tesla have announced plans to grant Ford electric vehicle (EV) owners access to Tesla’s extensive EV charging network. The CEOs of both companies have confirmed this groundbreaking partnership, which aims to enhance the charging infrastructure and convenience for Ford EV owners. Starting next year, Ford electric vehicle (EV) owners in the United States will have the convenience of utilizing Tesla’s extensive network of 12,000 Supercharger stations through Ford’s mobile app. These stations, renowned for their rapid charging capabilities, will be easily accessible to Ford EV owners, enhancing their charging options and making electric vehicle…

Antarctica: A new study has indicated that the Southern Ocean overturning circulation, a significant deep ocean current with a vital role in Earth’s climate and oceanic processes, has decelerated by approximately 30 percent since the 1990s due to the melting of Antarctic ice. This phenomenon could have severe repercussions, such as rising sea levels, disrupted weather patterns, and diminished nutrient supply for marine ecosystems. The study, whose first author is Ms. Kathryn Gunn of the CSIRO and the University of Southampton, was published in the journal Nature Climate Change. “Changes in the overturning circulation are a big deal. It’s something that…

United States: In a groundbreaking development, scientists harnessing the power of artificial intelligence have successfully identified a new antibiotic with the remarkable ability to eliminate a deadly superbug. Through the convergence of advanced AI technology and scientific expertise, this discovery marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The newfound antibiotic offers a glimmer of hope in combatting the global health crisis posed by drug-resistant infections. The study was published in the prestigious science journal Nature Chemical Biology reveals that a collaborative team of scientists from McMaster University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Their pioneering…

United States: The United States has accused Russia’s Wagner Group of providing surface-to-air missiles to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one side in Sudan’s ongoing conflict that has displaced nearly 1.3 million people. The allegation against the mercenary group came as the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Wagner’s leader in Mali, accusing him of trying to obtain weapons for Russia’s war in Ukraine. “The surface-to-air missiles in Sudan have contributed to “a prolonged armed conflict that only results in further chaos in the region”, the Treasury noted in a statement. Since mid-April, hundreds of lives have been lost…

Switzerland: Member states of the World Health Organisation have voted to move a Moscow-based office of the WHO to Copenhagen, and urged Russia to stop attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Ukraine. At the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, 80 member states voted to request the WHO secretariat relocate the European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases to Denmark before the new year. Alongside Russia, eight member states voted against the draft decision, including North Korea, China, and Belarus. Fifty-two states abstained. A draft decision to relocate the Russian-based office was adopted on May 23…

Singapore: Singapore’s economy defied government warnings of a gloomy global outlook by posting a 0.4 percent expansion in the first quarter. While this performance surpassed expectations, it fell short of the previous quarter’s 2.1 percent growth. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Southeast Asian city-state managed to maintain a level of resilience, showcasing its ability to adapt to uncertain economic conditions. In its recent statement, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) cautioned about the emergence of increased “downside risks,” such as the possibility of rising interest rates and escalations in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, despite these concerns, the…

Syria: A new report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights has found that approximately 14 million Syrians are confronted with an immense obstacle preventing them from returning to their homes. This hurdle arises from laws enacted by the government that grant it the authority to seize land and property owned by Syrians. The report calls on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to draw attention to these laws as a major impediment to the repatriation of refugees. The report is groundbreaking in that it meticulously examines the extensive array of laws passed by President Mr. Bashar al-Assad’s government both…

United States: The United States and Microsoft have disclosed that critical US infrastructure networks have fallen prey to state-sponsored Chinese hackers. This alarming revelation raises concerns not only within the United States but also globally, as experts warn about the potential occurrence of similar espionage attacks worldwide. Microsoft has drawn attention to the targeting of critical US infrastructure by Chinese state-sponsored hackers, with Guam, a crucial US territory housing a vital military outpost, specifically highlighted. However, Microsoft’s warning also indicates the detection of “malicious” activities occurring beyond Guam, raising alarm bells about potential breaches elsewhere in the United States. According…