Author: Trainee Reporter

Albany: New York City (NYC) has reported 18 deaths linked to a prolonged period of extreme cold, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. Since late January, the city has endured a cold snap that included 13 consecutive days with temperatures at or below 0°C (32°F), one of the longest stretches of sub-zero weather the city has experienced in six decades. Over the weekend, another person lost their life on the streets of our city, Mamdani said, adding that, “Each life lost is a tragedy, and we will continue to hold their families in our thoughts.” While temperatures are expected to rise slightly…

Dhaka: Bangladesh is set to hold what many describe as its first truly competitive general election in more than a decade, marking a dramatic political shift following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. For years under Hasina’s rule, opposition parties had little visibility during elections, often boycotting the polls or facing widespread arrests of senior leaders. This time, however, the Awami League is banned from contesting, and the political landscape has been transformed ahead of vote. Many young activists who played a central role in the 2024 uprising that removed Hasina from power say the February…

United States: Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX is shifting its primary focus toward building a ‘self-growing city’ on the Moon, a goal he believes could be achieved in less than a decade. In a post on his social media platform X, Musk said the company still intends to pursue its long-standing ambition of establishing a city on Mars within five to seven years. However, he noted that the overriding priority is securing the future of civilisation, and the Moon is faster. For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we…

Dhaka: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the death of a patient in Bangladesh after contracting the Nipah virus, while stressing that the risk of international spread remains low. In a statement issued, the WHO said the patient was admitted to hospital on January 28, where throat swabs and blood samples were collected. Laboratory tests confirmed Nipah virus infection the following day. Bangladesh’s International Health Regulations National Focal Point formally notified the WHO of the case on February 3, 2026. The patient, a woman aged between 40 and 50 from Naogaon district in the Rajshahi Division, began experiencing fever…

Italy: The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have begun following a vibrant opening ceremony staged across four locations in Italy, led by Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium. Additional segments took place in Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo, showcasing a bold, multi-city concept that organisers said symbolised unity and cooperation. Despite early concerns over logistics, the ceremony unfolded seamlessly. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina, while renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli delivered a powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma as the Olympic torch entered San Siro. The athletes’ parade concluded with a rapturous reception for the host nation, Italy,…

Meghalaya: At least 18 miners have died and one remains critically injured following an explosion at an illegally operated coal mine in India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya, police confirmed. Rescue operations are ongoing amid fears that more workers may still be trapped underground. The blast occurred around 11:00 local time (05:30 GMT) in the East Jaintia Hills district, approximately 72km from the state capital Shillong. According to Meghalaya Police Superintendent Vikash Kumar, the explosion took place inside the mine and is suspected to have been caused by dynamite used during mining operations. Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident…

Ottawa: Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a new strategy aimed at strengthening Canada’s auto industry and accelerating its transition to electric vehicles, as the sector grapples with the impact of steep US tariffs. The measures are part of Canada’s broader effort to reduce its dependence on the United States with President Donald Trump’s push to reshore car manufacturing and impose higher trade barriers. Carney’s plan includes fresh financial incentives for automakers to invest and manufacture vehicles in Canada, alongside the reintroduction of purchase rebates for electric vehicles. The announcement comes as Canada’s auto sector faces mounting pressure following the…

Panama City: Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has rejected warnings from China that the Central American nation would pay a ‘heavy price’ after a Hong Kong-based company lost its concession to operate two key ports on the Panama Canal. In a post on social media, Mulino said he strongly opposed the Chinese government’s remarks, stressing that Panama respects the rule of law and the independence of its judiciary. His comments came after Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that a contract allowing Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to manage two canal ports was unconstitutional. Mulino emphasised that the court’s decision was made independently…

Washington: The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), a United Nations health agency, has issued a fresh warning over a sharp increase in measles cases across the Americas, urging countries to strengthen vaccination drives and disease surveillance to prevent further spread. In an epidemiological alert released, PAHO said the growing number of infections in recent months signals a serious public health risk that requires immediate and coordinated action from member states. Pan American Health Organisation remarked that, “The sharp increase in measles cases in the Americas Region during 2025 and early 2026 is a warning sign that requires immediate and coordinated…

Madrid: Spain has planned to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, becoming the latest European country to push for tougher online safety regulations for minors. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government would act decisively to shield young people from what he described as the ‘digital Wild West’. Sánchez stated that, “We will protect them,” warning that social media platforms expose children to addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation and violence. Social media has become a failed state. If we want to protect our children there is only one…