Author: Trainee Reporter

Albania: Albania has announced a one-year TikTok ban in response to the killing of a teenager last month, flashing concerns over social media’s impact on children. Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed the decision, framing it as part of wider efforts to ensure safety in schools. Edi Rama stated that, “For one year, we’ll be completely shutting it down for everyone. There will be no TikTok in Albania.” The move comes after the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old schoolboy in November, reportedly following a social media-fuelled dispute with a fellow student. TikTok has since called for “urgent clarity” from Albanian authorities,…

United States: Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump, has withdrawn her name from consideration for US Senate. Lara Trump has announced she will not desire to replace outgoing Florida Senator Marco Rubio, designated for secretary of state. In a post on X, Trump said she made the decision “after an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many.” She expressed her approval for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who will appoint a successor to Rubio’s seat, which is set to expire in 2026. Trump stated that, “I could not have been more honoured to serve as RNC…

Malaysia: The Malaysian government has agreed to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared a decade ago, in one of the most puzzling aviation mysteries. The flight, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, and despite extensive efforts, its devastation has never been found. Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the Cabinet has agreed in principle a $70 million deal with U.S.-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity to continue the search. Under the “no find, no fee” agreement, Ocean Infinity will only receive payment if the wreckage…

France: French President Emmanuel Macron was met with strong protests from locals during his visit to the cyclone hit Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean. The President arrived, five days after Cyclone Chido devastated the islands, leaving thousands without access to water and electricity. During his visit, Macron encountered boos and calls to resign from locals who are requesting more aid. One woman at Mamoudzou hospital reportedly said that, “Nobody feels safe here. People are battling over water.” Macron responded, saying that, “I’m not the cyclone. I’m not responsible,” as tensions flared over the slow rate of relief efforts. Cyclone Chido,…

United States: Two Malaysian men, held at the United States military prison in Guantanamo Bay for 18 years, have been returned to Malaysia. Malaysia’s Inspector General of Police, Razarudin Husain, confirmed that Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep arrived in the country, “in good and healthy condition” and were joyfully reunited with their families. The two men had pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2002 Bali bombing, which killed over 200 people. Following their return, they will experience a “comprehensive rehabilitation” process and an assessment before reintegration into society. Husain remarked that, “Everyone deserves a second…

United States: The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear legal arguments from TikTok and its parent company ByteDance as they fight to avoid a nationwide ban or forced sale in the United States. The case, set for January 10, comes just nine days before the ban takes effect. The Biden administration has pushed for the ban, mentioning national security concerns over TikTok’s alleged ties to the Chinese government—claims that TikTok and ByteDance have repeatedly denied. Earlier in December, a federal appeals court supported the legislation enabling the ban, calling it “the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress…

Japan: Honda and Nissan have held preliminary discussions about a potential merger as they face mounting challenges in the electric vehicle, EV market, especially from Chinese manufacturers. The global carmakers race with strengthening competition and a rapid shift from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles. In response to queries, both firms issued identical statements, emphasising their commitment to exploring future collaborations, stating that “As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various chances for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths.” However, they abstained from confirming the merger talks, noting that the matter had not been officially…

Canada: Canada has announced an ambitious plan to strengthen border security along its US border, pledging $900 million (C$1.3 billion) to fight the flow of irregular migrants and illegal drugs while preserving the free movement of goods and people. The announcement comes after US President-elect Donald Trump warned of a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods unless border security is tightened. Economists have warned that such tariffs could have a severe impact on Canada’s economy. Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc outlined the plan, highlighting its focus on protecting Canada’s interests while addressing US concerns. LeBlanc stated that, “This…

Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has fallen into turmoil with the sudden resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Her departure, denoted by a damning resignation letter, has left the nation grappling with uncertainty as questions about Trudeau’s political future grow louder. Freeland, a long-time ally of Trudeau, accused him of prioritising “costly political gimmicks” over handling the looming economic threat posed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff proposals. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods unless significant border security standards are implemented by January, a move that could ruin Canada’s economy. As the…

United States: US President-elect Donald Trump is meeting TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, as the social media giant fights to prevent a ban in the United States. Under a law passed earlier this year, TikTok will encounter a nationwide ban unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, before January 19. The app’s legal team has proposed an emergency application to the US Supreme Court requesting a delay to the ban’s enforcement. The US government claims that ByteDance’s alleged ties to the Chinese state pose national security risks—an accusation TikTok and its…