Author: Trainee Reporter

Moscow: Russia’s Nordwind Airlines has launched direct monthly Moscow-Pyongyang flights, marking a significant step in the deepening ties between the two nations. The inaugural Moscow-to-Pyongyang flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, landed in the North Korean capital approximately eight hours later. According to Russia’s transport ministry, the new air route will initially operate once a month, with the first return flight from Pyongyang scheduled. The service is seen as a milestone in bilateral relations, with Russian Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin stating that, “For the first time in more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, we are launching direct flights between…

Haridwar: At least six people have lost their lives and nearly 35 others were injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, after a high-voltage electric wire reportedly fell on a crowded temple path. The tragic incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered at the popular hilltop shrine during a busy pilgrimage period. Local police said the falling wire triggered panic among worshippers, causing a desperate rush to escape. Ritesh Saha, a local police official stated that, “The sight of the wire falling caused immediate panic, and a desperate scramble to escape led to the stampede.”…

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that Australia has no immediate plans to recognise a Palestinian state, despite mounting pressure from within the Labour Party to act on the government’s long-standing commitment. Albanese stressed that further steps were necessary before such a move could be considered as part of a credible two-state solution. Albanese also condemned Israel for what he described as a breach of international law by blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning that the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu is losing support globally. Albanese highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, referencing widely circulated images of…

New South Wales: A New South Wales (NSW) politician, Gareth Ward has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, in a landmark case that has shocked Australia’s political community. Gareth Ward, an independent MP and former minister, was found guilty by a jury of one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault. The verdict followed a nine-week trial in the NSW District Court and three days of jury deliberations. The incidents took place between 2013 and 2015, with both victims—aged 18 and 24 at the time, saying they were assaulted at Ward’s home after meeting him…

Norfolk: King Charles has met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, shortly after a landmark free trade deal was signed between the United Kingdom and India. The United Kingdom and India have signed a landmark free trade agreement aimed at boosting exports, reducing tariffs, and strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. The deal was formally signed at Chequers by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The agreement, three years in the making, marks the UK’s most significant post-Brexit trade achievement. Once fully implemented, it is expected to inject $6.47 billion…

Canberra: Australia has lifted its remaining restrictions on American beef imports, marking a significant shift in trade policy following a 20-year ban. The move ends a barrier that had drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump and had become a flashpoint in bilateral trade tensions. Beef imports from the US were originally banned in 2003 after an outbreak of mad cow disease. Although the technical ban was lifted in 2019, practical restrictions remained due to concerns over cattle from Mexico and Canada, which share a supply chain with the US. US authorities welcomed the change, calling it a major…

Russia: A passenger plane carrying 49 people has crashed in Russia’s remote Far East region near the Chinese border, according to local authorities. The Angara Airlines flight, en route to the town of Tynda in the Amur region, disappeared from radar and lost contact with air traffic control shortly before it was due to land. Emergency officials reported that aerial reconnaissance located the wreckage of the An-24 aircraft about 15km from Tynda airport on a forested mountainside. Initial observations confirmed no survivors at the scene, but authorities said the search would continue on foot with hopes of locating possible survivors.…

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced a raft of measures to ease the financial burden on citizens with mounting pressure over rising living costs and growing public discontent. Anwar said the government would distribute a one-off cash aid of 100 ringgit (approximately $24) to all adult citizens, benefiting more than 22 million Malaysians. The handout will be redeemable at over 4,000 participating outlets nationwide from August 31 to December 31. As part of the broader relief package, the price of subsidised RON95 petrol will be reduced from 2.05 ringgit to 1.99 ringgit per litre. In addition, planned…

Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will impose a 19 percent tariff on imports from the Philippines, following a meeting at the White House. The move, which Trump described as part of a broader agreement, also includes the removal of duties on American goods by the Philippines and new military cooperation between the two nations. Trump stated that, “It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal.” The Philippines has yet to confirm the deal publicly, and the country’s embassy in Washington, DC, has not issued a statement. The proposed tariff surpasses…

Gaza: The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned attacks on its facilities and staff in central Gaza, stating that its operations in the war-torn enclave have been crippled by Israel’s ongoing ground offensive in Deir al-Balah. The UN agency said its staff residence in Deir al-Balah was struck three times, with air strikes triggering fires and significant damage. WHO officials reported that women and children were forced to flee on foot with active conflict, while male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and screened at gunpoint by Israeli forces. Two WHO employees and two relatives…