Author: Trainee Reporter

United States: President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced a significant initiative to lessen the size of the U.S. government by offering buyout packages to federal workers. In an email sent to millions of workers, Trump’s team offered an opportunity for employees to leave their positions through a “deferred resignation programme” by 6 February. Those who choose to take the offer will receive a severance package equivalent to eight months’ salary. The programme is expected to see up to 10 percent of federal workers, or approximately 200,000 of the more than two million federal employees, take the buyout offer. Senior officials…

United States: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, expressing a desire to see a “bidding war” for the prevalent social media app. In response to reporters’ questions about the tech giant’s involvement, Trump stated that, “I would say yes,” adding that multiple organisations have shown great interest in purchasing the app. This move persists with the pressure Trump and former President Joe Biden have exerted on TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations due to national security concerns. Despite the Biden Administration’s efforts to ban TikTok, Trump recently marked…

United States: Melania Trump’s new Official Portrait has released after her husband Donald Trump’s swearing-in as president for his second term, offers a remarkable depiction of the former first lady. Captured in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House, the black-and-white image portrays Mrs. Trump in a sharp, dark business suit paired with a crisp white shirt, her hands resting on a gleaming reflective table. The Washington Monument overlooks in the background, adding to the portrait’s symbolic weight. Belgian photographer Regine Mahaux, a long-time collaborator of the Trump family for over two decades, was chosen to shoot the portrait.…

United Kingdom: The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is calling for tougher rules on the online sale of weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, as a boom in demand is expected this year. Representing independent community pharmacies, the NPA has urged the General Pharmaceutical Council to require more thorough consultations with patients before dispensing these high-risk medications online. According to the NPA, the current guidelines permit medicines to be supplied without proper consultation or access to a patient’s medical history, posing consequential safety risks. Nick Kaye, chair of the NPA, emphasised that while weight-loss injections can be effective in tackling obesity,…

United States: US President Donald Trump has announced 25 percent tariffs on all goods imported from Colombia after its president, Gustavo Petro, barred two US military planes from taking deported migrants from landing in the country. Trump further cautioned that these tariffs would increase to 50 percent within a week if Colombia does not comply with US demands. Colombian President Petro responded defiantly, imposing reciprocal 25 percent tariffs on US imports and criticising Trump’s handling of migrants. Petro emphasised his commitment to ensuring deportees return “with dignity and respect” and even delivered his presidential plane for their transportation. US officials…

United States: The United States saw a dramatic 29 percent surge in military equipment sales in 2024, reaching an all-time high of $318.7 billion, according to figures released by the US State Department. The record-breaking total includes $18.8 billion worth of jet fighter sales to Israel, a deal that has sparked controversy amid allegations of genocide in Gaza. Direct sales by US companies climbed to $200.8 billion in fiscal 2024, up from $157.5 billion the previous year. Meanwhile, arms sales facilitated through the US government reached $117.9 billion, compared to $80.9 billion in 2023. The State Department characterised arms transfers…

United States: The US State Department has issued an immediate suspension of all foreign assistance and paused any new foreign aid allocations, according to an internal memo obtained by officials and US embassies abroad. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order, signed, initiating a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance while a comprehensive review is conducted. The United States, the largest global foreign aid donor, spent $68 billion on international assistance in 2023. The State Department’s directive is poised to impact a wide collection of programmes, including development and military aid. According to the memo, exceptions to the halt…

Japan: The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has increased its short-term policy rate to “around 0.5 percent,” marking its highest level in 17 years. The move comes in reaction to accelerating consumer price increases, with December’s core inflation climbing 3 percent compared to the same period last year—the fastest pace in 16 months. This decision follows data revealing heightened inflation and is aimed at providing the BOJ with more flexibility for future rate cuts if economic conditions require it. The central bank had last raised rates in July, a surprise move at the time that started global stock market turmoil. Governor…

Australia: Australian police are investigating the vandalism of a Captain James Cook statue in Sydney. The statue was covered in red paint and impaired just days before the Australia Day weekend. This marks the second time in a year that the monument has been targeted. The statue, located in the Randwick suburb, had its hand, face, and nose damaged in the attack. Councillor Carolyn Martin condemned the act during an interview, calling it “a disservice to the community and reconciliation efforts.” First unveiled in 1874, the statue underwent repairs in 2023 after a similar incident when it was vandalised with…

Nepal: The cost of climbing Mount Everest will rise sharply, as Nepal increases permit fees for the first time in almost ten years. The fee during the peak climbing season of April to May will jump from $11,000 to $15,000, marking a 36 percent hike. Climbers venturing outside the peak season will also encounter higher costs. Permits will now be $7,500 from September to November and $3,750 from December to February. These revised rates will come into effect from September that reflect a similar 36 percent increase. Income from mountaineering permits is a significant contributor to Nepal’s economy, with trekking…