Author: Trainee Reporter

United States: The US government has threatened to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, escalating its standoff with the Ivy League institution over alleged antisemitism on campus. The echoing demands from President Donald Trump, have pressed Harvard to overhaul its hiring, admissions, and teaching policies measures it claims are necessary to combat antisemitism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of threatening national security and ‘bending the knee to antisemitism,’ in remarks delivered. She also called for detailed records on foreign students allegedly involved in ‘illegal and violent’ actions. International students make up over 27 percent of Harvard’s…

United Kingdom: Cambridge scientists have revealed what could be the most compelling evidence yet that life may exist on a distant planet orbiting another star. The team has witnessed potential signs of biological molecules in the atmosphere of K2-18b, a world located 700 trillion miles away. Using the advanced capabilities of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), researchers found chemical signatures in the planet’s atmosphere that may reveal the presence of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) molecules that on Earth, are only produced by simple lifeforms like marine plankton and bacteria. Lead researcher Professor Nikku Madhusudhan from the…

United Kingdom: The UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the term ‘woman’ in the 2010 Equality Act refers to biological sex, siding with campaign group For Women Scotland in a landmark judgment with far-reaching implications across Britain. The decision brings an end to a prolonged legal battle over the interpretation of sex-based rights and protections, particularly how they apply in single-sex spaces such as hospital wards, prisons, and refuges. Judges said the ruling does not diminish the rights of transgender individuals, who remain protected under the Equality Act through the characteristic of gender reassignment. Delivering the court’s opinion, Deputy…

United States: Former US President Joe Biden has delivered a sharp critique of the Trump administration’s welfare cuts, accusing the government of imposing ‘breathtaking’ damage to Social Security in his first public speech since leaving office. Speaking at a disability rights event in Chicago, Biden refrained from naming Donald Trump directly but condemned actions taken under the new administration, which he said had taken a hatchet to the Social Security system — a vital programme supporting over 67 million Americans. Biden stated that, “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much harm and so much destruction.…

United States: The United States is hopeful it can strike a great trade deal with the United Kingdom, according to Vice President JD Vance, who praised the cultural and economic ties between the two nations. The remarks come just weeks after President Donald Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on imports, rattling global markets and fueling fears of an economic slowdown. The administration has since eased several of those measures, reducing the general import tariff to 10 percent and lifting charges on electronics like smartphones and laptops. A steep 145 percent duty on Chinese goods was also rolled back. While the UK…

Singapore: Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3, marking the first electoral test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who assumed office in 2024. The nine-day election campaign is expected to focus on the rising cost of living, housing challenges, job opportunities, and healthcare needs, as the country grapples with an ageing population. The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) is foreseen to retain power, continuing its dominance since Singapore gained self-rule in 1959. In the 2020 general election, the PAP secured 83 of the 93 seats, with the opposition Workers’ Party winning a historic 10 seats, the largest opposition…

Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and witness the human toll of the war before agreeing to any peace deal with Russia. Zelenskyy stated that, “Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead.” The attack, which also injured 117, has drawn global condemnation. Trump described the strike as a ‘horrible thing’ while Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said it constituted a ‘serious war crime’. There has been no official response from Moscow, though reports suggest Russian…

China: Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a strong call against trade wars, saying they bring ‘no winners, as he embarks on a high-profile tour of Southeast Asia. His remarks come at a time of escalating trade tensions between China and the United States. Xi emphasised the importance of multilateral cooperation and an open global economy. Xi stated that, “Trade wars and tariff wars yield no winners, and protectionism offers no solutions,” urging nations to uphold the multilateral trading system and safeguard the stability of global supply chains. The Chinese leader also highlighted China’s continued role as a key engine…

Greece: An explosion occurred in central Athens, near the offices of Hellenic Train, the Greek railway company, has caused alarm but no reported injuries. CCTV footage captured the moment the blast tore through a backpack reportedly left outside the office building. Police confirmed that anonymous warning calls were made to local media ahead of the incident, which took place near Leoforos Andrea Siggrou — one of the capital’s most dynamic thoroughfares. Authorities have classified the event as a ‘criminal act’ that endangered public safety. Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras strongly condemned the attack. Christos Staikouras stated that, “This is a…

United States: Donald Trump has undergone his annual medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, a routine check-up that could offer the public its first exhaustive look at the president’s health in years. Trump stated that, “I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done.” The exact duration of the exam remains unclear, but Trump spent more than five hours at the facility before leaving on Air Force One for a weekend trip to Florida. While White House officials say a detailed report will be shared, questions linger over how much information…