Author: News Desk

Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Brussels, pitching a bold “victory plan” to European Union leaders and NATO defence ministers. Zelensky’s blueprint aims to secure a formal NATO membership invitation and an expanded military support package, critical to bolstering Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion. However, Zelensky’s plan includes requests that have divided Ukraine’s allies- particularly the NATO invitation and authorisation to use Western weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory. Rallying Support Zelensky presented the five-point plan to Ukraine’s parliament stressing the urgency of action as Russian advances in the east escalate. With power shortages expected this winter…

Yemen: The US has conducted what it described as “precision strikes” using B-2 bombers against five weapons storage locations in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi group. The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin told US forces – including long-range bombers – targeted underground facilities housing weapons components that were being used to attack civilian and military ships in the region. Austin said that the strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis demonstrated the ability of the US to target facilities that its adversaries sought “to keep out of reach.” Since November of last year, the Houthis have conducted attacks on…

United Kingdom: The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has initiated an emergency fundraising appeal to support people affected by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The DEC, which unites 15 leading UK charities including Oxfam, the British Red Cross, and ActionAid, emphasised the overwhelming need for humanitarian aid. The Middle East Humanitarian Appeal seeks to assist displaced families in Gaza, Lebanon, and the surrounding regions with food, shelter, and medical care. The UK government will match public donations up to £10 million ($12 million), doubling the impact of contributions. Escalating Crisis The conflicts, which intensified after the surprise assault by Hamas…

Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused the Indian government of instigating violence within Canada, further intensifying tensions over claims that New Delhi has been targeting Sikh separatists based in the country. During an inquiry on foreign interference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of violating Canada’s sovereignty by targeting Sikh dissidents, citing “ever clearer indications” of such actions. Trudeau condemned India’s moves as a “horrific mistake.” Trudeau’s remarks followed the expulsion of top diplomats from both countries, a result of tensions sparked by the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver in June 2023. Later…

Seoul: The United States, South Korea, and Japan have announced the formation of a new multinational team to monitor sanctions enforcement against North Korea, following disruptions to UN oversight by Russia and China. The new Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team will take over the responsibilities of the UN panel of experts, whose mandate expired in March when Russia blocked its renewal, and China abstained from voting. For the past 15 years, this panel has played a key role in ensuring compliance with sanctions designed to curb North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes. At a joint press conference in Seoul, US Deputy…

Beirut: Israel airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeted the area for the first time in nearly a week. This action followed a brief pause in strikes on the capital, which had seen daily bombardments and numerous evacuation orders. The last significant strike on Beirut occurred on October 10, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and 117 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The Israeli military (IDF) stated that the recent strikes aimed at Hezbollah weapons stored in an underground facility. Concurrently, 50 rockets were launched toward the northern Israeli town of Safed​. In Lebanon, local authorities reported…

London: The world stands on the cusp of a new electrical era as fossil fuel demand is projected to peak by the end of this decade. This will potentially redirect surplus oil and gas supplies into green energy investments, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its annual report released on Wednesday. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted a significant level of uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions, particularly in oil and gas-producing regions such as the Middle East and Russia. Additionally, the 2024 elections in countries that account for half of global energy demand may further complicate the landscape.…

Sydney: Australia has revealed plans to ban ‘dynamic pricing’ of tickets for concerts and sporting occasions following uproar over the cost of high-profile events. Australia’s centre-left government said that it would outlaw a range of “tricky tactics” used by businesses, including the practice of raising ticket prices as demand increases. The proposed reforms by the Labor Party government will also address issues like “subscription traps” that complicate service cancellations, hidden fees or those that accumulate gradually, and manipulative online tactics that suggest products are only available for a limited time​. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the measures would…

Pyongyang: North Korea has detonated roads connecting South Korea following its irrational plan to completely separate the two countries. Once seen as symbols of inter-Korean cooperation, the destruction of the roads is seen as a move to cement its animosity toward the South, which it considers as a “primary foe.” The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said to Yonhap News Agency that, “The North Korean military conducted detonations, assumed to be aimed at cutting off the Gyeongui and Donghae roads, at around noon and is carrying out additional activities using heavy equipment.” The JCS also added that the South’s military…

United Kingdom: Doctors are celebrating a revolutionary new treatment for cervical cancer that reduces the risk of death by 40 percent, marking the most significant advance in managing the disease in 25 years. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organisation. In the UK alone, the disease affects 3,200 women and claims 800 lives each year, with many patients in their 30s. Despite improvements in care, the cancer recurs in 30 percent of cases, highlighting the need for more effective treatments. The…