Author: News Desk

Bristol: The Met Office has issued amber wind warnings for most of the UK, signaling a serious threat from Storm Isha expected tonight. This rare alert highlights the potential “danger to life” in certain areas. Storm Isha, the ninth since September, could bring winds up to 80mph, leading to power cuts, road and bridge closures, and disruptions in rail and bus services. Two amber warnings, effective from Sunday 6pm to Monday morning, cover central, eastern, and western England, along with all of Wales, sparing only London and parts of the South East. The Met Office warns of significant power cuts,…

Ukraine: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Russian troops have installed mines at a nuclear station in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast, an area under occupation. This action, directly contradicting IAEA safety standards, has raised global concerns, particularly from IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. In response to the escalating situation, the United States has advised Kyiv to adopt a ‘more conservative approach’ towards the Russian invasion, instead of initiating new ground offensives to reclaim territory. A Western official involved in Ukraine policy suggested that both sides are unlikely to make significant operational breakthroughs in 2024. They recommended an…

Manama: Off the coast of Bahrain, in a startling incident, two British Royal Navy mine-hunter vessels (British Warships), HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Bangor, collided in Bahrain Harbour last Friday. The Royal Navy has confirmed the incident, reassuring that no injuries were reported despite the collision’s severity. Social media captured the event, showing HMS Chiddingfold backing into the docked HMS Bangor, resulting in a loud crash and visible rocking of the latter ship. Although the footage was dramatic, officials reported no personnel injuries, though both ships sustained damage. The Royal Navy, known for its high safety standards and strict training protocols,…

London: Applications are now open for the 2024 Youth Business International (YBI) BootCamp, to be held in London, UK, from 17-21 June. This five-day event offers young entrepreneurs a platform to learn from experts in impact entrepreneurship, collaborate with global peers, and compete for the Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The Bootcamp is free and includes all expenses. Participants will engage in transformational learning, networking, and skill-building in areas such as leadership and pitching. It’s an opportunity to form lasting relationships with business leaders and peers. YBI will cover the cost of flights, visas, accommodation, and catering for…

Belarus: A new military doctrine adopted by Belarus would be the first step towards the country’s nationwide nuclear weapons deployment if it’s approved. “The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of the Republic of Belarus is considered an important measure of the preventive deterrence for potential adversaries from unleashing armed aggression against the Republic of Belarus,” Belarusian Defense Minister Mr. Viktor Khrenin said. According to him, Belarus was compelled to implement the measure. To outline the course of action “in the event of armed aggression” against Belarus’ allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Union…

Pakistan: Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement to ease tension in the two countries following a phone call between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, and the Foreign Minister of Iran, Mr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The two countries’ ties were unstable after the exchange of missile and drone attacks this week. “The two foreign ministers agreed that working-level cooperation and close coordination on counterterrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened. They also agreed to de-escalate the situation. The return of ambassadors of the two countries to their respective capitals was also discussed,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said…

South Africa: The South African government is challenging an auction of South African anti-apartheid activist and politician Mr. Nelson Mandela’s belongings. The auction, which will be held on February 22, comes after a deal between New York-based auctioneers Guernsey’s and Mr. Mandela’s family. The South African government said the items are of historical significance and should be preserved in the country. The Ministry of Culture in South Africa stated it has filed an appeal to halt “the unpermitted export” of the artifacts. After spending 27 years in jail for his anti-apartheid struggle against white minority rule in South Africa, Mr.…

Pakistan: Top military and civilian leaders in Pakistan are set to review national security measures in light of the ongoing standoff with Iran. The missile strikes between the two neighbours have stoked fears of additional instability in the region. The meeting was called by acting Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday, one day after the nuclear-armed country attacked the bases of armed groups in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran, killing at least nine people. Following Iran’s airstrikes against the militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan’s southwest border province of Balochistan, which claimed two lives, Pakistan launched a retaliatory strike.…

North Korea: North Korea has claimed that it tested an “underwater nuclear weapons system.” The US, South Korea, and Japan are conducting drills this week. According to state media, the test of its purportedly nuclear-armed underwater drones was conducted off its east coast. Although the North has previously claimed to have tested its “Haeil-5-23” system, the weapons have never been independently confirmed. Allies and South Korea have not yet responded to the most recent provocation. However, it coincides with the North’s recent escalation of military activity, which includes its launch of a brand-new intermediate-range ballistic missile powered by solid fuel.…

United States: US President, Mr. Joe Biden, has vowed to keep hitting the Houthis in Yemen as he admits military action against the rebel group has not stopped attacks on commercial shipping. On Thursday, following the US’s fifth round of strikes against targets in Yemeni regions under Houthi control, Biden delivered his remarks. Two anti-ship missiles that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) determined posed an “imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region” were destroyed, the command said in a statement. When reporters asked whether the strikes against the rebel group were having an effect, Mr.…