Author: Trainee Reporter

Singapore City: Singapore has introduced new school discipline guidelines allowing caning for male students involved in serious bullying, including cyberbullying, as a measure of last resort. The policy, discussed in parliament, permits up to three strokes of the cane for male students in upper primary levels and above. Education Minister Desmond Lee said the punishment would only be used when other corrective measures fail, and the misconduct is deemed severe. Desmond Lee stressed that strict protocols would govern its use, including approval by the school principal and administration by authorised staff. Lee remarked that, “Caning will be considered only if…

Liuyang: A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan Province has left 26 people dead and 61 others injured, according to state media reports. The blast occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks plant in Liuyang, a major hub for the country’s fireworks industry. Authorities confirmed that rescue operations have now concluded, following an extensive emergency response involving more than 1,500 personnel. Teams deployed search dogs, drones, and robots to locate survivors, successfully rescuing seven individuals trapped under debris. The explosion was so severe that officials evacuated residents within a 3km radius of the factory. Nearby buildings sustained damage, with…

Fujairah: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the recent attack on the UAE’s Fujairah region, which left three Indian nationals injured, calling the targeting of civilians and infrastructure ‘unacceptable.’ In a statement shared on X, Modi reiterated India’s solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and emphasised the need for peaceful conflict resolution. Modi stressed that ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains critical for regional stability and global energy security. The response comes after a drone strike triggered a fire at a key oil facility in Fujairah, amid escalating tensions in West Asia. UAE…

Popayán: A tragic accident during a public show in Popayán has left three people dead and at least 38 others injured after a monster truck ploughed into a crowd. According to authorities in the Cauca region, the incident is believed to have been caused by brake failure, leading the driver to lose control of the vehicle during the show. Footage circulating online shows the truck crashing through a safety barrier before veering into spectators, triggering panic as people scrambled to escape. The vehicle eventually came to a halt after colliding with an electricity pole. Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting dozens…

Miami: Italian teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli has delivered a commanding performance to win the Miami Grand Prix for Mercedes, securing his third consecutive victory from pole position and further cementing his place in Formula One history. At just 19 years old, Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead the championship. Kimi Antonelli also set a new benchmark as the first driver to claim his first three career wins from pole and the first in five editions of the Miami race to win from the front row. The race, held at the Hard Rock Stadium circuit, saw Antonelli edge out…

Recife: Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding and landslides across northeastern Brazil, leaving multiple people dead and forcing thousands from their homes in the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba. In Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, authorities confirmed at least two fatalities after floodwaters and landslides struck several areas. Two more deaths were reported in nearby Olinda, as relentless rainfall overwhelmed infrastructure and inundated low-lying neighbourhoods. Officials said around 1,500 residents have been displaced in Pernambuco alone, with emergency services working to assist those affected. In neighbouring Paraíba, the situation has also been difficult. The state capital João Pessoa, and the…

London: The UK government is preparing to give airlines greater flexibility to cancel flights weeks in advance without losing valuable airport slots, as concerns grow over potential jet fuel shortages this summer. New contingency measures aim to help carriers avoid last-minute disruptions by allowing them to adjust schedules proactively. The move comes with warnings that ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict and disruptions in key supply routes could impact fuel availability across Europe. Government plans ahead to ease disruption Under the proposed plan, airlines will be permitted to temporarily return unused take-off and landing slots while retaining the right…

London: The United States Embassy in London has issued a security alert advising American citizens in the United Kingdom to exercise heightened caution after the country raised its national threat level to ‘severe’. In a statement released, the embassy urged US nationals to remain vigilant in public spaces and avoid crowded areas such as schools, churches, tourist sites, and major transportation hubs. It also recommended varying travel routes and schedules to reduce predictability and maintain a low profile. The warning follows a decision by MI5, which confirmed that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre had elevated the threat level from ‘substantial’…

Louisiana: A federal appeals court in the United States has issued a ruling that significantly limits access to the abortion pill Mifepristone, reinstating requirements for in-person dispensing and curbing telemedicine distribution. The decision, delivered by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, temporarily blocks a 2023 regulation by the Food and Drug Administration that allowed healthcare providers to prescribe and mail abortion pills without requiring an in-person consultation. Ruling tightens access in restrictive states The move is expected to particularly impact states where abortion is banned or heavily restricted, limiting access to medication abortion, currently the most common method of…

Caracas: The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years has landed in Caracas, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of ties between the two countries after years of diplomatic and aviation restrictions. Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, departed Miami slightly ahead of schedule and arrived in the Venezuelan capital after a journey of roughly three hours. The service is set to operate daily, with plans to introduce a second flight from May 21. The resumption ends a suspension imposed in 2019 over security concerns, which had…