Author: Trainee Reporter

Europe: The Euclid space telescope has captured a stunning Einstein ring, showcasing the extreme warping of space by a galaxy’s gravity. The image reveals NGC 6505, a nearby galaxy, encircled by a perfect ring of light—an effect induced by the gravitational lensing of a more distant galaxy sitting directly behind it. Prof. Stephen Serjeant, an astronomer at the Open University commented that, “This is a beautiful, extraordinary, thrilling, and lucky find in our first data. An Einstein ring as perfect as this is extremely rare.” Einstein rings, predicted by Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, form when light from a…

South Wales: Severe thunderstorms were swept across New South Wales and eastern Victoria, triggering flash flooding, destructive winds, and hail. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warned that extreme weather conditions would persist into next day. A major storm system moved through Sydney’s CBD around midday, bringing dark skies and torrential rain. By mid-afternoon, Observatory Hill had recorded 52.8mm of rain since 9am, while Horsley Park, 50km west of the city, registered 87.8mm. Between noon and 2pm, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) carried out 21 rescues for people trapped in floodwaters in Sydney’s metropolitan area. A spokesperson urged locals to…

New Delhi: In an era of rapid economic shifts and digital transformation, The Times Group’s, ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025 is set to ignite powerful conversations on the future of business and policy. This landmark gathering will bring together visionary leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the next phase of global growth. As the architect of India’s economic and global resurgence, Prime Minister Modi will deliver a keynote that will provide critical insights into India’s expanding global footprint, sustainable economic progress, and the role of collaboration in an interconnected world. As the architect of India’s economic resurgence, his words…

Washington, D.C.: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump have set a friendly tone during their first meeting at the White House, with Tokyo driving to sidestep the tariffs Trump has imposed on other allies—at least for now. During a joint press conference, the leaders emphasised unity against Chinese “aggression” and announced a breakthrough on a blocked deal affecting U.S. Steel. Trump confirmed that Japan’s Nippon Steel would fund U.S. Steel but would not move with a full acquisition after the deal was previously suspended by former President Joe Biden. While praising Ishiba’s leadership, Trump pushed Japan…

India: Votes are being tallied in India’s capital, Delhi, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to create a dramatic return after a 27-year hiatus. Exit polls predict a resounding victory for the BJP, forecasting over 35 seats in the 70-member legislative assembly, ensuring an absolute majority. Over 60 percent of eligible voters participated, according to the Election Commission. The Delhi election holds significant importance for both the BJP and the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as the capital is seen as a symbolic and strategic prize. The AAP has governed the city since 2013, with a focus on…

India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has dropped its benchmark interest rate for the first time in nearly five years, aiming to counter slowing economic growth in Asia’s third-largest economy. The central bank reduced its repo rate from 6.5 percent to 6.25 percent, a move widely anticipated by economists. The repo rate, which dictates the interest at which the RBI lends to commercial banks, plays a crucial role in shaping borrowing costs. The decision comes as India’s GDP growth is projected to slow to a four-year low of 6.7 percent. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank…

United States: The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced that transgender women and girls will no longer be permitted to compete in female college sports, aligning with a new federal directive issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, which restricts participation in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth, follows an executive order signed by Trump a day earlier, banning federal funding to educational institutions that permit transgender women to compete in female sports. In a statement, NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasised the significance of a clear, nationwide policy, rather than a “patchwork of conflicting state laws…

New Delhi: The Times Group ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025 will gather the world’s leading visionaries for two days of impactful conversations. Taking place on February 15-16, 2025, at the Taj Palace in New Delhi, the summit is poised to be a platform for intellectual exchange and progressive dialogue, motivating attendees to shape a future driven by resilience, growth, and innovation. Heralding its journey from 2015, The Times Group’s ETNow Global Business Summit has established itself as the pinnacle of strategic foresight, acclaimed as one of Asia’s foremost forums for reimagining the future of business and society. This distinguished…

Australia: Australia has passed some of the country’s strictest laws against hate crimes, with compulsory jail terms ranging from one to six years for offences such as displaying hate symbols or committing terror-related acts. The amendments were passed in parliament, in response to a recent wave in antisemitic violence, which has sparked heated public debate. The new laws create it a criminal offence to show hate symbols or execute a Nazi salute, with a minimum one-year prison sentence for those convicted. Other actions include a three-year sentence for financing terrorism and up to six years for committing or planning acts…

Bangladesh: Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh as demonstrators vandalised and put fire to the former family home of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with properties belonging to senior members of her Awami League party. The unrest was initiated by news that Hasina, who has been in exile in India since her removal last year, planned to address the nation via social media. The 77-year-old leader, once a pro-democracy figure, faced growing backlash over allegations of election rigging, corruption, and a brutal crackdown on dissent. Protesters utilised an excavator to destroy the house of Hasina’s late father, Sheikh Mujibur…