Author: News Desk

Nicaragua: The human rights organisation Amnesty International has warned that the Nicaraguan government is deepening repression in the Central American state. In a recently released report, the organisation stated that the government of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo has engaged in abuses such as arbitrary detention, torture, and stripping dissidents of citizenship. “We’ve shown the continuum of repression to which Nicaraguan society has been subjected and the different patterns of human rights violations inflicted on people who dare to raise their voices,” Mr. Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, stated in a news release. The Ortega…

Japan: The foreign ministers of the G7 have pledged to adopt sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war and criticised China for its actions in the Taiwan Strait, demanding Beijing “act as a responsible member of the international community.” The comments marked the conclusion of a three-day meeting in the Japanese resort town of Karuizawa. The G7 communique further criticised North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile program and expressed concern over the violence in Sudan and Myanmar. In addition, the countries called on the Taliban to reverse its ban on women working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the United…

Mumbai, India: In a move that highlights Apple’s growing interest in the Indian market, the tech giant opened its first-ever retail store in the country. This marks a significant milestone for Apple, as it seeks to tap into India’s vast consumer base and establish itself as a key player in the region’s burgeoning tech industry. With India increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to China for manufacturing and sales, the opening of this store is likely to be closely watched by industry observers and consumers alike. As employees cheered, Apple’s CEO Mr. Tim Cook personally unlocked the doors to greet…

Ukraine: Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to the military headquarters in the eastern regions of Ukraine, which have been partially occupied by Russia, marking his second visit to the area in just two months. The visit is likely to further escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have been locked in a long-standing conflict. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. According to the Kremlin, President Mr. Putin participated in a military command meeting in the southern Kherson region, where he was briefed by commanders of the airborne forces and the “Dnieper” army…

Unites States: The United States Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken has stated that a US diplomatic convoy came under fire in Sudan, but nobody was hurt. “I can confirm that yesterday we had an American diplomatic convoy that was fired on. All of our people are safe and unharmed. This action was reckless, it was irresponsible, and it was, of course, unsafe,” Mr. Blinken told reporters in Japan after G7 talks. US State Department spokesman John Kirby stated that there were currently no plans to evacuate US personnel, despite ongoing security concerns and the closure of Khartoum’s airport, but…

South Korea: K-pop sensation BTS is set to bid farewell to another member as J-Hope gears up to begin his mandatory military service in South Korea. Local media outlets report that he is scheduled to start his duties, becoming the second BTS member to go on hiatus and serve his country. The news comes over a year after the group announced their break, leaving fans to anticipate how the group dynamic will change during their absence. K-pop septet BTS has taken the world by storm with their explosive success in selling out stadiums and topping charts, becoming a cultural phenomenon…

United States: The former United States President Mr. Donald Trump’s rape trial will begin next week as scheduled after US judge Lewis A Kaplan rejected a request for a one-month delay, noting the former president cannot make public statements to promote pre-trial publicity. Mr. Kaplan, who is a federal judge in Manhattan, remarked that the civil trial on claims against Mr. Trump brought by the columnist Ms. Jean Carroll will begin as scheduled on April 25. Mr. Trump denies the rape or knowing Carroll. Mr. Kaplan rejected arguments by Mr. Trump’s attorney Mr. Joe Tacopina that the former president’s recent…

Myanmar: Myanmar’s military has announced plans to release 3,113 prisoners, including 98 foreigners, as part of marking the country’s traditional New Year. The statement by the military did not specify whether those imprisoned for opposing its power grab in February 2021 would be freed. The military has jailed thousands of opponents and pro-democracy activists since it seized power and brutally put down protests, including by killing some 3,240 civilians. Lieutenant General Aung Lin Dwe, a spokesman for the military, commented that the amnesty is a “celebration of Myanmar’s New Year to bring joy for the people and address humanitarian concerns.”…

Japan: Sega, a division of Sega Sammy Holdings in Tokyo, has agreed to acquire Angry Birds maker Rovio Entertainment for $776.2 million as the consolidation in gaming continues. Sega announced that it plans to make a tender offer to acquire the Finnish company through the Sega Europe subsidiary, and it has entered into a definitive agreement with Rovio. According to the company, the deal will enable a global expansion of its consumer business through the boost that Rovio will give to its mobile gaming capabilities. Through the deal, Sega aims to acquire all of Rovio’s outstanding shares and options at…

Russia: Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin has met with China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu, discussing Beijing’s strengthening engagement with Moscow. The move is part of its foreign policy and an attempt to diminish the influence of the United States and other Western democracies. Mr. Putin and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu met with General Li Shangfu less than a month after Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping held a three-day state visit to Moscow. During the meeting, Mr. Putin praised the general development of Russia-China relations. “We are also working actively through the military departments, regularly exchanging information that is useful…