Author: Trainee Reporter

Colombo: Sri Lanka is set to relax regulations on vehicle imports, marking a step toward economic healing after a severe crisis that led to the ousting of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Starting February 1, the government will allow imports of buses, trucks, and utility vehicles, with further facilitating expected in phases. However, many Sri Lankans remain eager for leaders to lift the ban on private cars, SUVs, and three-wheelers, which serve as crucial transport options. Despite the move, affordability remains a key concern. Vehicle prices have skyrocketed due to scarcity, a weak currency, and high import taxes, leaving many questioning…

Washington, D.C.: President Donald Trump has taken to the White House press room, addressing the nation following a deadly plane crash near Washington, D.C. While proposing condolences to victims and first responders, he quickly pivoted to a political attack, blaming diversity hiring agendas for alleged shortcomings in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Trump stated that, “We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas,” suggesting that engaging policies under the Biden and Obama administrations may have compromised safety standards. Despite admitting that the investigation was still ongoing, Trump and senior officials—including…

Washington DC: A regional American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members has crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The accident has triggered a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. Emergency responders, including helicopters from law enforcement agencies, are actively searching for survivors. Multiple bodies have been recovered from the river, and US Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities without providing specific numbers. The Army UH-60 helicopter, part of Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir, was on a training flight when the crash…

Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a legal settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, that will see the tech giant pay approximately $25 million. The settlement arises from a 2021 lawsuit Trump filed against Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the suspension of his accounts following the January 6 Capitol riots. Meta, which raised the final restrictions on Trump’s accounts in July 2024 ahead of the U.S. presidential election, will not admit wrongdoing as part of the agreement. The Wall Street Journal first documented the settlement. Under the terms of the deal, about $22…

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…