Author: News Desk

Stockholm: Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, has successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday. The launch, conducted by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, marks the company’s first move following its merger with OneWeb last year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 0513 GMT, carrying the Eutelsat satellites into orbit. The mission is particularly significant, as it represents the first OneWeb launch since the two companies merged in September 2022. “This is the first OneWeb launch of the satellites since the merger. We will be launching more satellites over…

Havana: The Cuban government has restored electricity to nearly 20 percent of the population after a catastrophic collapse of the national grid, which plunged millions into darkness twice within 24 hours. The unprecedented blackout compounds the struggles of the nation’s 10 million residents, who are already grappling with severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Lazaro Guerra, Cuba’s chief electricity official, stated that the grid operator was working diligently to restore power, but cautioned that the process would be slow. Rushing repairs could lead to further blackouts and a deterioration of service. As of Saturday evening, the capital, Havana, remained…

New York: The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to expand its arms embargo on Haiti due to serious concerns about the alarming levels of gang violence in the country. The embargo now covers all types of arms and ammunition in Haiti, which is grappling with numerous challenges. The resolution empowers the 193 UN member states to take “appropriate steps” to prevent the illegal trafficking and diversion of arms and related materials into Haiti. Additionally, it extends a travel ban and asset freeze on gang members and other criminals listed on the UN’s blacklist. Haiti has experienced years of instability,…

Washington DC: Donald Trump referred to US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan as “the most evil person” after the Judge unsealed over 1,800 pages of evidence in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election conspiracy case against him. Trump criticized the Judges’ decision to reject his request to delay the release of this evidence until after the upcoming vote, claiming it constituted “election interference.” The nearly 1,900 pages of documents compiled by Special Counsel Jack Smith were originally sealed to assist US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in determining which allegations could proceed to trial. This followed a Supreme Court ruling in July…

London: All eyes are on British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves as she readies her debut tax and spending plan, set to be unveiled on October 30. Central to her messaging is a familiar promise: this budget will prioritise the needs of “working people.” But as Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer repeatedly invoke the term, questions arise- who exactly counts as ‘working people’? Political Buzzword with History In recent weeks, Reeves and Starmer have leaned heavily on the phrase, aiming to assure voters that looming tax hikes will target the wealthy, not ordinary workers. Starmer alone mentioned ‘working people’ 16…

Menlo Park, CA: Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has reportedly terminated approximately 24 employees at its Los Angeles offices for misusing their $25 (£19) meal credits to purchase items like toothpaste, laundry detergent, and wine glasses. The tech giant, valued at £1.2 trillion and also the owner of the messaging service WhatsApp, allegedly dismissed these workers last week following an investigation that revealed they had been abusing the system, including taking food home when not present in the office. This included one unnamed worker on a $400,000 (£308,000) salary, who said they had used their meal credits…

Jerusalem/Cairo: In a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, Hezbollah has announced its transition to a new and escalating phase in its confrontation with Israel following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar, instrumental in the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the current Gaza war, was killed by Israeli forces during an operation in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised that the war will continue until all hostages taken by Hamas are returned. “Today, evil has been dealt a blow, but our task is not yet complete,” Netanyahu stated in a video message after confirming Sinwar’s death.…

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Liam Payne, former One Direction member, tragically passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Payne reportedly fell from the third floor of a hotel, shocking fans and leaving the members of One Direction “devastated.” Payne’s death has deeply affected his former bandmates and followers worldwide, marking a significant loss for the music community and his fanbase. Liam was one of five members of One Direction. In a statement signed by Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles they said that, “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.” The band’s statement…

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…