Author: Trainee Reporter

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is holding snap parliamentary elections, just over seven weeks after electing a new president, following a turbulent period marked by economic hardship and political upheaval. Over 8,800 candidates from 49 political parties and 284 independent groups are competing for 225 parliamentary seats, with the election taking place with a low-key campaign. Voting began at 07:00 local time(01:30 GMT) and will continue until 16:00(10.30 GMT). Results are expected to be announced on the 15th of November after the vote count begins in the evening. While 196 seats will be directly elected, the remaining seats will be administered…

London: On World Diabetes Day, observed annually on 14th November, global health experts rally to bring awareness to the growing diabetes epidemic affecting millions. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” focuses on facilitating access to equitable, affordable, and quality care for everyone diagnosed with diabetes worldwide, emphasising the need for collective and individual actions to combat the disease. Diabetes: A growing global challenge A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that more than 800 million adults are currently living with diabetes globally, nearly double previous assessments.The research conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the World Health Organisation (WHO)…

Palau: Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. has reaffirmed his pro-US stance after securing a second term in office. The island nation’s electoral committee authorised Whipps’ re-election victory, with the incumbent winning 5,626 votes, defeating his opponent Tommy Remengesau, who garnered 4,103 votes in the November 5 election. Whipps, who has been a vocal criticiser of China, wasted no time in reiterating his troubles over Beijing’s growing presence in the Pacific. In a statement following the announcement, the president accused China of constantly violating Palau’s maritime borders, citing the presence of Chinese research vessels in the nation’s waters without permission. He…

Germany: Volkswagen Group(VW) and Rivian have announced a $5.8 billion joint venture, an expanded EV partnership that marks a critical alliance for both companies in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Volkswagen has increased its investment from an initial $5 billion, providing a vital funding boost to Rivian as it gears up to unleash its more affordable R2 SUV model next year. Shares of Rivian spiked by over 9% in after-hours trading after news of the collaboration was released. The partnership will involve both companies sharing key technologies in a bid to lessen development costs and speed up innovations, especially as…

China: A car drove into a crowd of people outside the Zhuhai Stadium in China, leaving over 20 individuals injured, police reported. The 62-year-old driver, pinpointed only by his surname Fan, was detained following the incident, which unfolded in an area currently under heavy security due to a major airshow in the city. The injured included many who were using a designated walking path around the stadium for exercise. According to an eyewitness, Mr. Chen, the incident occurred as six groups of people assembled at the stadium for their regular walk. Mr. Chen’s group had finished their third lap around…

California: The Genetic Testing Giant 23andMe is cutting 200 jobs, representing 40% of its workforce, as it embarks a massive restructuring effort to stay afloat. Once a leader in the ancestry and genetic testing space, the company has encountered financial and reputational setbacks, including a 70% drop in share value this year and a major data breach concerning millions of users. The layoffs come with additional differences, as 23andMe will also halt its development of therapies, which the company may now sell or license to other firms. One-time restructuring costs of $12 million are expected, though the company expects these…

Haiti: Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille has been dismissed by the country’s ruling council, less than six months after taking office. The decision, made by eight of the nine members of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), sees businessman and former Senate candidate Alix Didier Fils-Aime replace Conille as prime minister. Conille, who was designated in June, had been charged with steering Haiti through its ongoing security crisis, worsened by gang violence, and overseeing the country’s first presidential elections since 2016. However, his removal has introduced serious concerns. Conille, described the ousting as illegal, stating that it was taken outside of Haiti’s…

India: India has expressed confidence in its power to navigate relations with a Trump’s 2nd term, as Donald Trump leads back to office following a current election victory. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar remarked that while many nations are anxious about Trump’s return, India does not share that matter, citing strong tactful ties and mutual respect built over the years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump appreciated a warm relationship during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021, despite a tariff dispute that strained trade relations. The Trump administration’s improved tariffs on Indian goods had impacted businesses on both sides…

Florida: Three NASA astronauts were hospitalised in Florida after their return from the International Space Station (ISS), assuring the public that they were in satisfactory health following their medical test. The astronauts, Michael Barrett, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps, communicated their adventures during a press conference at NASA’s headquarters in Houston. Barrett, the pilot of the crew that splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on October 25 after spending seven months in space, acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding their return. However, Barrett refrained from providing specific details, citing medical privacy laws. Barrett stated that, “Space flight is still something…

United States: Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has remarked that Democrats could have seen more powerful results in U.S. elections if President Joe Biden had withdrawn from the race earlier. Reflecting on the recent election losses that saw Democrats renouncing the White House and potentially both chambers of Congress, Pelosi pointed out Biden’s late exit stymied the party’s chances. Nancy Pelosi stated that, “Had the president gotten out shortly, there may have been other candidates in the race,” referencing Biden’s departure in July after a tough debate against Donald Trump. With Biden’s swift endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, she debated,…