Author: News Desk

Washington DC: A major cyber-espionage campaign attributed to the Chinese hackers group “Salt Typhoon” has stolen metadata from telecom companies worldwide, including at least eight US providers. The campaign, which targeted senior US government officials and political figures, has raised concerns about the scale and scope of the breach. US officials confirmed that while no classified communications were compromised, the stolen metadata—such as call records—could expose sensitive details about individuals’ personal lives, relationships, and work. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger revealed that the hackers infiltrated telecom infrastructure in multiple countries, gaining access to large volumes of communications data. The…

Sinaloa, Mexico City: Mexico has announced its largest-ever Fentanyl seizure, intercepting more than a tonne of pills in the coastal state of Sinaloa. The operation, which involved two separate actions, led to the arrest of two men and the confiscation of firearms. In a statement, Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, said that, “In Sinaloa, the largest historical seizure of fentanyl was achieved,” and explained that “more than a tonne of fentanyl pills” were intercepted. This record seizure is part of Mexico’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, with rising pressure from the United States to…

Washington: In a groundbreaking study, scientists have uncovered the first direct evidence of the diet of ancient humans who roamed North America during the last Ice Age. The research reveals that mammoths were a primary food source for these early settlers, with a focus on megafauna, including mammoths, elk, and bison, making up nearly all of their diet. The breakthrough came through the analysis of chemical clues in the bones of an 18-month-old boy, found in southern Montana. The child, known as the Anzick Boy, was still nursing at the time of death, and the chemical signatures in his bones…

United Kingdom: A groundbreaking weight-loss injection, Mounjaro, will soon be available on the NHS in England, but a full rollout could take up to 12 years, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a weekly injection developed by Eli Lilly, is designed to curb appetite by making users feel fuller, leading to significant weight loss. Trials show patients can lose up to 20 percent of their body weight. Who will be Eligible? Starting in March, Mounjaro will be offered to patients with: A BMI over 35 At least one obesity-related condition, such as diabetes,…

Windhoek: Dr Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah, a prominent figure from the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), has been elected the first female president of Namibia following last week’s contentious election. According to the Electoral Commission, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured over 57 percent of the vote, with her closest challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnering 26 percent. However, the election process has been marred by accusations of electoral malpractice. Logistical issues and a three-day extension to polling in some areas led Itula to claim that his party would not recognise the results. Itula called for an investigation into…

Beijing: China has announced an export ban on critical semiconductor components, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States, escalating trade tensions just a day after Washington imposed new restrictions on Chinese chip firms. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce cited “national security” as the reason for the export curbs, which also tighten controls on graphite exports to the US by subjecting them to stricter end-use reviews. These measures are part of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to regulate critical mineral exports, with the latest restrictions exclusively targeting the American market. “China is strengthening export controls on relevant dual-use items to safeguard…

Dhaka/New Delhi: Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated dramatically following protests and counter-protests over the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, further straining relations between the neighbouring nations. The situation began deteriorating in August when former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India after being ousted in a public uprising. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in October intensified the unrest. Das, detained on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a saffron flag—a symbol associated with Hinduism—above the Bangladeshi national flag, has become a flashpoint. His supporters claim the accusations are false and part of a…

Seoul: The sudden declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has plunged the nation into its most significant political crisis in decades. The controversial move, announced during a live television address, was reversed just six hours later following an unprecedented standoff with parliament, which unanimously voted to block the decree. The fallout has been swift and severe, both domestically and internationally. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, scheduled for a summit with Yoon, postponed his visit, citing “recent developments.” The United States, a key ally, indefinitely delayed Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) meetings and related military exercises, signalling…

United Kingdom: The United Kingdom extends a warm welcome to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, as they embark on a state visit that combines grand ceremonial traditions with strategic diplomatic discussions. Set against the backdrop of the UK’s historic landmarks, the visit highlights the deepening ties between the two nations while navigating complex issues of human rights. The state visit began on Monday at Stansted Airport, with the Emir and Sheikha receiving official courtesies. On Tuesday, the royal family takes center stage, with King Charles III…

Miami, USA: Jaguar has revealed its new electric concept car, the Type 00, just two weeks after stirring online controversy with a teaser video. The unveiling sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some praising its design, while others criticized the launch. Many viewers had previously noted that the promotional video did not feature an actual car, though the company received praise for its bold approach. The British automaker, which is undergoing its biggest transformation, also introduced a new logo and launched a “social media tease” as part of its strategy to relaunch as an electric-only brand by…