Author: Trainee Reporter

Australia: Two Iranian women footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have publicly expressed gratitude to the Australian Government after being granted humanitarian visas, describing the move as a chance to rebuild their lives and careers in safety. In their first public statement since arriving in Australia, the duo said the support and compassion extended to them had restored hope for a secure future. They specifically acknowledged Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for facilitating their protection. They remarked that, “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government… for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this…

Northern Mariana Islands: Residents across the Northern Mariana Islands are bracing for prolonged disruption after Super Typhoon Sinlaku tore through the Pacific territory, leaving widespread damage and crippling essential services. Officials warn that some of the hardest-hit areas could remain without electricity and water for weeks, as recovery efforts struggle to begin with the scale of destruction. The storm slammed into the islands, bringing violent winds and relentless rainfall that overturned vehicles, toppled utility poles, and ripped roofs from homes. The situation is particularly difficult on Saipan, the largest island in the US territory, where the only hospital experienced significant…

Turkey: At least eight students and one teacher have been killed, with several others injured, following a tragic school shooting in southern Turkey, according to Interior Minister Mustafa Cifci. The attack took place at Ayser Calik Secondary School in the Kahramanmaras region. Officials confirmed that 13 people were wounded, six of whom remain in critical condition. Authorities said the 14-year-old attacker was also killed during the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and an investigation has been launched. The incident comes just a day after another shooting at a high school in southern Turkey, where 16 people were…

Cyprus: Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov has delivered a commanding performance to win the Candidates Tournament, sealing victory with a round to spare after drawing with Dutch rival Anish Giri. The 20-year-old remained unbeaten throughout the tournament in Cyprus, registering six wins and seven draws to reach 9.5 points, two clear of Giri, who finished second on 7.5. Sindarov’s dominant run marks one of the most convincing performances in the event’s history and secures him a place in the upcoming World Championship match against India’s Gukesh Dommaraju. Sindarov’s triumph was effectively confirmed after Giri missed a crucial opportunity in the previous…

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged deeper strategic coordination between Beijing and Moscow during a high-level meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing. The talks took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi emphasised the need for both nations to firmly defend their legitimate interests and strengthen unity among Global South countries, according to Chinese state media. Growing geopolitical strain Xi described China-Russia relations as a source of stability and certainty in a rapidly changing and uncertain global environment. His remarks come as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy and food…

Ghana: The Ghana national football team have appointed veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior men’s national team, just weeks before the start of the World Cup. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment stating that Queiroz will immediately take charge of preparations for the tournament. GFA stated that, “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars.” The 73-year-old tactician steps into the role following the departure of Otto Addo, who left the position 72…

Washington: The United States has announced a major defence cooperation partnership with Indonesia, signalling a deepening of military and strategic ties between the two nations amid evolving regional dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth hosted Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon, where the agreement was formally signed. Hegseth described the partnership as a significant step in strengthening bilateral security cooperation, noting it would enhance deterrence and reinforce shared commitments to peace and stability in the region. Hegseth remarked that, “This partnership signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship… bolsters regional deterrence, and…

Mumbai: India is mourning the loss of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai, following a heart attack. The two-time Grammy nominee, whose extraordinary career spanned nearly eight decades, leaves behind a legacy that shaped the sound of Indian cinema across generations. Bhosle had been admitted to a Mumbai hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. Her last rites are scheduled to take place at Shivaji Park with full state honours, as the nation bids farewell to one of its most iconic voices. Tributes pour in from across India and beyond An outpouring…

Augusta: Rory McIlroy has delivered a dramatic comeback to win the 90th edition of The Masters Tournament, securing back-to-back victories at Augusta National Golf Club and joining an elite group of golfing legends. With the win, McIlroy stands alongside icons Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only players in history to successfully defend their Masters title. The Northern Irishman carded a one-under-par 71 in the final round to finish at 12-under 276, edging past Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke. Reflecting on his achievement, McIlroy said his long-awaited breakthrough at Augusta had paved the way for continued…

Islamabad: High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran have ended without an agreement after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, highlighting persistent divisions over nuclear commitments and regional security. JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Tehran had refused to accept Washington’s terms. Speaking to reporters before departing Pakistan, he stressed that the lack of agreement was bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States. Vance reiterated that the US is seeking a ‘fundamental commitment’ from Iran to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons. Vance emphasised the need for clear assurances that…