Author: News Desk

Vienna: For the first time in 20 years, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. This move follows increasing concerns over Iran’s lack of transparency regarding undeclared nuclear materials and activities. Of the IAEA board’s 35 member countries, 19 voted in favor of the resolution, backed by the US, UK, France, and Germany. The resolution asserts that Iran’s persistent failure to cooperate with the agency and its growing stockpile of enriched uranium raises serious doubts about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Uranium enriched to high…

Ahmedabad, India: In a tragic air disaster, 241 people were killed and one person survived when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, was carrying a total of 242 passengers and crew when it crashed into a medical college hostel located in a nearby residential area, during the lunch hour. The impact and resulting fire caused at least 50 injuries on the ground, with five additional deaths confirmed. Of the 230 passengers on board, 169 were Indian nationals, while the remaining 61 were foreign nationals,…

Geneva: Forced displacement has affected at least 123.2 million people worldwide, equivalent to one in every 67 individuals, according to a comprehensive report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This figure reflects a 7 million increase of about 6 percent since the end of 2023, extending a 13-year trend of rising global displacement due to conflict, persecution, and crises. UNHCR observed a slight decline in displacement numbers in the early part of 2025, estimating 122.1 million displaced individuals by the end of April. However, the overall trajectory remains upward, driven by intensifying violence and instability worldwide.…

Beijing: With its quirky grin and monster-like charm, Labubu has evolved from a niche collectible into a global pop culture phenomenon, captivating celebrities and fans alike. Recently human-sized Labubu doll was sold for a record 1.08 million yuan ($150,324 or £110,465) at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing this week, marking it as the most expensive toy of its kind ever sold, according to the auction house. The 131cm (4ft 4in) figurine drew significant attention as part of a special auction event solely dedicated to Labubu collectibles. Labubu dolls are quirky, monster-like characters created around ten years ago by Hong…

London: The United States and China have agreed in principle to a trade truce framework aimed at easing escalating tensions, following two days of intensive negotiations in London. The agreement is expected to pave the way for a resolution on disputes involving rare earth minerals and restrictions on critical technologies. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the tentative deal, once approved by President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, would address long-standing issues including China’s delays in rare earth exports and US restrictions on semiconductor technologies. https://twitter.com/howardlutnick/status/1932666920735592820 Trade truce framework set The talks followed a key phone conversation between the…

London: North-western Europe is experiencing severe dryness following an exceptionally dry spring, while May 2025 has been confirmed as the second warmest May ever recorded globally, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The situation has sparked concerns about impending water shortages and rising instances of crop failures unless substantial rainfall occurs over the summer. New data from Copernicus indicates that the average global surface air temperature in May 2025 was 15.79°C, which is 0.53°C above the 1991–2020 average for May, and 1.4°C higher than the estimated 1850–1900 pre-industrial average. This data point interrupts an unprecedented streak of 21…

Bristol: Children aged 5 to 15 will be able to enjoy free bus travel across the West of England during the upcoming school summer holidays, in a groundbreaking move benefiting approximately 150,000 young people. The initiative applies across the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) – which includes Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire, as well as North Somerset, and marks the first scheme of its kind in England outside London. The free travel offer will not require bus passes or prior registration and will run from 19 July to 5 September, coinciding with the school holiday…

New York: Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of CNN and HBO Max, has announced a major restructuring plan to divide itself into two separate entities by mid-2026. The move will see the US media giant separate its film and streaming business from its traditional cable television networks in response to changing viewer habits and market dynamics. The company’s streaming service HBO Max, which has achieved critical and commercial success with series such as Succession, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us, will become part of a newly formed company called Streaming & Studios. This new division will also…

London: The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has issued an urgent appeal for one million regular blood donors to maintain national supply levels and avert a potential ‘red alert’, a scenario in which blood shortages pose a serious threat to public health and safety. This warning follows a difficult year for blood supply management. In July, NHS officials had declared an ‘amber alert’ for O negative and O positive blood types after a cyberattack severely impacted hospitals across London. Since then, according to NHSBT, blood stocks have remained consistently low. Dr. Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHSBT, described the situation…

London: A new round of trade talks aimed at resolving the ongoing trade war between the United States and China is scheduled to take place in London. US President Donald Trump announced that a senior delegation from the US would meet with Chinese representatives, a plan Beijing confirmed over the weekend by revealing that Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend the talks. These announcements follow a recent phone conversation between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Trump described as a ‘very good talk’ resulting in a ‘very positive conclusion for both countries.’ Last month, the two largest economies in…