Author: News Desk

Tehran, Iran: The Iranian government has announced plans to open a clinic aimed at treating women who defy the country’s mandatory hijab laws, which require women to cover their heads in public. Mehri Talebi Darestani, head of the Women and Family Department of Tehran’s Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, revealed that the “hijab removal treatment clinic” would offer “scientific and psychological treatment” for women who do not comply with the law. This move has sparked outrage among Iranian women and human rights organizations and the news has fueled protests among the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement and female student…

New Delhi: Delhi has ordered all primary schools to switch to online classes due to worsening pollution, with the smog so dense that it obscured the Taj Mahal, located over 100 miles away. The city, home to more than 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted during winter, with air quality so poor it’s estimated to shorten life expectancy by up to seven years. Despite various government initiatives, the pollution crisis remains unresolved and continues to disrupt daily life. Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi announced on social media that all primary schools would be moving to online classes…

New York: New York City is poised to become the first US city to implement a congestion charge, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing that pricing for vehicles entering certain parts of Manhattan will begin on January 5, 2025. The plan aims to “unclog our streets, reduce pollution, and improve public transit for millions of New Yorkers,” Hochul stated. The congestion pricing programme, which had been delayed in June following backlash from commuters and businesses, will now feature lower fees than originally proposed. I’m glad to hear that so many Republicans in Washington want to join us in putting more money…

United States: A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a dramatic resurgence of measles worldwide, with an estimated 10.3 million cases recorded in 2023, marking a 20 percent rise compared to 2022. The report attributes this increase to declining vaccine coverage, warning of widespread health risks if immunisation efforts are not enhanced. “Measles infections are rising globally, endangering lives and health. The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access,” stated CDC Director Mandy Cohen.…

Jerusalem: Israeli authorities have forcibly displaced Palestinian people in Gaza to an extent that amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch on Thursday. The report, which adds to a growing body of evidence from aid groups and international organisations, paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The rights organisation found that the forced displacement of Palestinians has been widespread and systematic, constituting part of a state policy. “The evidence shows that forced displacement has been systematic, and such acts constitute crimes against humanity,” the report…

London, UK: Apple is facing a legal claim accusing it of locking 40 million British customers into its iCloud service and charging “exorbitant prices.” The consumer group Which? has launched the legal action, which could result in a £3bn payout, or around £70 per customer, if successful. Apple denies the accusation, stating that iCloud is not mandatory and that users can choose from various third-party alternatives. It also insists that it makes data transfer easy for users. This case is part of a growing trend of class actions against Big Tech companies, including Facebook, Google, Steam, and UK mobile providers,…

London: King Charles of Britain will celebrate his 76th birthday on Thursday, officially opening two food distribution hubs as part of his ongoing initiative to reduce food waste and aid hunger relief efforts. The hubs are a key element of the “Coronation Food Project,” a campaign launched by the King last year aimed at addressing the issue of food waste and bridging the gap between surplus food and those in need. The monarch, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, will visit one of the hubs in south London, where a “surplus food festival” will be held, showcasing meals made from…

Solomon Islands, Southwest Pacific Ocean: Scientists have discovered the largest known coral in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Unlike a coral reef, this massive coral structure is a single organism formed by countless tiny, interconnected creatures. Estimated to be over 300 years old, it surpasses the size of a blue whale, according to the research team. The coral was found by Manu San Felix, a videographer on a National Geographic expedition exploring the effects of climate change on remote Pacific regions. San Felix initially mistook the location for a shipwreck but, upon closer inspection with his son and diving partner, Inigo,…

Bali: Three major Australian airlines- Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have cancelled flights to and from Bali due to a volcanic eruption that has created hazardous ash clouds over the region. The cancellations, which began on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, have left numerous passengers stranded. The disruption follows the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Sunday, which sent an ash plume soaring 9 kilometres into the atmosphere. The eruption occurred in East Nusa Tenggara province, approximately 500 kilometres from Bali, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives and forcing the evacuation of over 15,000 residents from the vicinity…

London, UK: British author Samantha Harvey has won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel ‘Orbital’, the first space-themed book to claim the prestigious award. Set aboard the International Space Station, ‘Orbital’ offers a unique perspective on the world. It has become the biggest-selling book on the shortlist in the UK, even surpassing the sales of the past three Booker-winning books combined before the announcement. Harvey, who became the first woman to win the prize since 2019, was awarded £50,000 at the ceremony held at London’s Old Billingsgate. Harvey dedicated her win to those who advocate for the Earth and…