Author: Trainee Reporter

China: SpaceX Starship rocket test has faced a setback as the upper stage was lost minutes after launch from Boca Chica, Texas. The mission was the company’s seventh test of the colossal spacecraft, which aims to revolutionise space exploration. Officials reported that the Starship upper stage experienced a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” during its ascent. Despite the mishap, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to its launchpad as planned, drawing cheers from ground control teams. SpaceX stated that, “Success comes from what we learn,” highlighting the importance of data assembled from the test. Elon Musk also confirmed fears of an oxygen/fuel…

United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the sale of Zyn nicotine pouches, enabling them as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes. The decision allows ten Zyn flavours, including mint, coffee, cinnamon, and menthol, to remain on the market. Manufactured by tobacco giant Philip Morris, Zyn pouches have been available to U.S. adults for over a decade while the FDA conducted a formal review. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco products, Zyn pouches hold no actual tobacco. Instead, they deliver nicotine through a pouch between the gum and lip, similar to approaches like nicotine patches or gum.…

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has undergone emergency surgery after being stabbed during an attempted burglary at his Mumbai residence early Thursday morning. The actor is currently out of danger and in recovery, his team confirmed. Mumbai police reported that an unknown intruder entered Khan’s upscale home in the city after midnight. A scuffle followed, during which the actor sustained multiple injuries. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam said that the investigation is underway, with teams started to apprehend the assailant. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital, where Khan was admitted, delivered an update on his condition. Dr. Nitin Dange stated…

United States: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on the use of red dye 3, a synthetic food colouring commonly used to give products a bright, cherry-red hue. The decision comes after examinations linked the additive to cancer in male laboratory rats, triggering a compulsory ban under US law. The dye, also known as Red No. 3 or erythrosine, has been widely utilised in candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, frosting, and certain medications. Manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye from food products and until January 2028 for pharmaceuticals. The ban also extends…

United States: The Biden administration has announced plans to remove Cuba from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list as part of a deal to secure the release of 553 prisoners detained on the island. The decision, confirmed by the White House, marks a modification in US-Cuba relations and is expected to have considerable economic and diplomatic implications. Cuba, in response, welcomed the move as a “step in the right direction” while admitting its limited scope. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the decision would end specific coercive measures that have severely impacted Cuba’s economy and population. The prisoners…

United States: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to reduce its global workforce by approximately 5 percent, to about 3,600 employees. The decision, announced in a memo from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, aims to expedite performance-based job cuts as the company schedules for what Zuckerberg described as an “intense year.” The layoffs, predicted to impact employees worldwide, will begin with U.S.-based workers understanding their status by February 10. Employees outside the U.S. will be announced later, though specific regional details have not been disclosed. Affected employees are pledged “generous severance,” according to Zuckerberg’s memo. Meta currently…

Spain: Spain is set to raise a controversial tax of up to 100 percent on properties purchased by non-residents from outside the EU, including those from the UK. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez explained the move as “unprecedented” and necessary to address the country’s housing crisis. Speaking at an economic forum in Madrid, Sanchez said the measure is aimed at tackling a growing trend of foreign investors buying homes in Spain exclusively for profit. Sanchez stated that, “The West faces a decisive challenge: To not become a society divided into two classes, the rich landlords and poor tenants.” According to Sanchez,…

Greenland: Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has announced that the territory is open to supporting its collaboration with the United States on defence and resource exploration. The statement comes as President-elect Donald Trump reignites his interest in Greenland, including controversial remarks about taking command of the territory through military or economic means. Egede emphasised Greenland’s autonomy during a press conference in Copenhagen, arguing that decisions regarding the territory’s land and resources rest solely with its government. While Greenland is “not for sale,” Egede said he stays committed to fostering trade and cooperation with global partners, including the US. As a…

South Korea: Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to receive a 3 percent pay rise, increasing his annual earnings to $179,000 (262.6 million won; £147,000), the government has confirmed. The raise comes despite Yoon’s impeachment for declaring martial law under controversial circumstances, flashing outrage and intensifying political turmoil in the country. Yoon, who has been suspended since December, remains in office while awaiting the Constitutional Court’s final decision on his impeachment. During this time, he has fought attempts by investigators to arrest him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The salary growth has drawn sharp…

Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to return two captured North Korean soldiers to their home country in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia. Zelensky stated that, “For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available,” emphasising that those willing to support for peace by sharing the truth about the war would be given an opportunity to do so. The two soldiers, reportedly captured on January 9, are currently receiving medical care in Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The men, who speak only Korean, are being…