Author: Trainee Reporter

Ecuador: The government of Ecuador has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on imports from Colombia, raising the rate from 30 percent to 50 percent effective March 1, in a major escalation of a growing trade and security dispute between the neighbouring Andean nations. President Daniel Noboa has intensified pressure on his counterpart, Gustavo Petro, demanding stronger action on border security and narcotics trafficking. Noboa has argued that Colombia has not done enough to curb the flow of drugs and organised crime spilling across the roughly 586-kilometre shared border. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Ecuador has experienced a…

Cuba: The US Department of the Treasury has announced it will allow the resale of certain Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, a move aimed at easing the island’s deepening fuel shortages as regional leaders warn of a mounting humanitarian emergency. The Treasury said companies could seek licences to resell Venezuelan crude for commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba under a new favourable policy. However, the authorisation excludes any transactions involving Cuban military, intelligence services, or government institutions. Energy lifeline disrupted For more than two decades, Venezuela served as Cuba’s primary oil supplier through a barter arrangement, exchanging fuel for Cuban…

Australia: Qantas has unveiled the biggest shake-up in the history of its frequent flyer programme, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at encouraging members to climb and retain higher status tiers while discouraging defections to rival airline schemes. Announced during a period of strong financial performance, the changes will allow members to roll over a portion of unused status credits, the metric that determines tier levels, into the following membership year. Previously, unused credits were reset to zero annually, often forcing members to requalify from scratch. However, the overhaul also raises the number of status credits required to maintain elite tiers such…

Texas: Apple has announced plans to manufacture some of its Mac mini models in the United States for the first time, marking a significant step toward boosting domestic production under pressure from Donald Trump to reshore manufacturing. The tech giant said it will carry out a significant expansion of its facility in Houston, Texas, where it will produce Mac mini desktop computers as well as artificial intelligence servers. The move follows the company’s earlier pledge to increase US investment by $600 billion. Chief executive Tim Cook said the company is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing and proud…

Minas Gerais: At least 25 people have died after torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, authorities confirmed. Most of the fatalities were reported in Juiz de Fora, where 18 people lost their lives, while another seven deaths were recorded in the nearby city of Ubá. Emergency teams are continuing frantic searches for dozens still missing after homes and buildings collapsed overnight under the force of mudslides. Durante escala de viagem em Abu Dhabi, tomei conhecimento da situação das famílias da Zona da Mata Mineira após as fortes chuvas das últimas horas.…

Sydney: Australians could pay about $31 for a 60-minute high-speed rail journey between Newcastle and central Sydney under a landmark rail proposal expected to begin operations from 2039, according to a newly released government business case. The report, prepared by the High Speed Rail Authority, estimates the initial Newcastle–Sydney line would cost taxpayers $61.2 billion. A second phase extending the route to Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport would require an additional $32.4 billion and could open by 2043. The Australian Government said the total price tag of more than $93 billion includes stations, signalling systems and a domestic advanced…

Peru: At least 15 people, including seven children, were killed when a military helicopter conducting rescue operations with severe flooding crashed in southern Peru, authorities said. The Peruvian Air Force reported that the Mi-17 aircraft lost radio contact while flying over the hard-hit Arequipa region, where torrential rain has triggered flash floods, mudslides and widespread destruction. Rescue teams located the wreckage in the Chala district. Officials confirmed that all 11 passengers and four crew members on board died in the crash. Among the victims were seven children, including a three-year-old. Local media reported that some armed forces personnel had relatives…

Mexico: A surge of cartel-linked violence has gripped multiple regions of Mexico following the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, triggering roadblocks, arson attacks, and widespread security alerts. Authorities confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as ‘El Mencho’ and head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel died after being seriously wounded during a military operation in Tapalpa, located in the western state of Jalisco. The raid, carried out by Mexican special forces with intelligence support from the United States, also left four cartel members dead and three soldiers injured. Retaliatory violence spreads In the hours following the…

Assisi: St. Francis of Assisi, Italy’s patron saint and one of Christianity’s most revered figures, has gone on public display in the central Italian town of Assisi to commemorate 800 years since his death. Church and Italian officials said around 400,000 pilgrims and visitors from across the globe have reserved slots to view the saint’s remains, which are being exhibited at the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The public display will continue until March 22. The 13th-century skeleton has rarely been seen, having previously been shown to the public only once, for a single day…

Caracas: Venezuela has started freeing detainees after a newly enacted amnesty law triggered a wave of applications from people described as political prisoners, signalling a rare shift in the country’s hardline approach to dissent. Authorities say more than 1,500 individuals have already submitted requests for clemency since the legislation took effect earlier this week. National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez stated that courts are reviewing cases urgently, with initial releases already carried out in the capital, Caracas. Courts to decide case by case Officials clarified that the measure does not grant blanket freedom. Each detainee must file a formal request, after…