Author: Trainee Reporter

Beijing: The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has themed ‘Global Services, Shared Prosperity’, kicked off with fanfare in Beijing, introducing global participants and setting the stage for new trade and cooperation opportunities. This year’s fair has drawn a significant turnout, with participants from 85 countries and international organizations, as well as over 450 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. The highlight is on China’s dedication to working with the global community to monitor on new opportunities in an increasingly globalized economy. Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has evolved into a premier platform for global…

United States: Former president Donald Trump declared that he will not engage in any further debates leading up to the 2024 election. In a post on his social media platform, Trump aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris, mocking her for not accepting debate offers from major networks. Trump firmly commented that, “She was a no-show at the Fox Debate, and refused to do so.” During a rally in Tucson, Arizona, Trump restated his stance to a cheering crowd. Trump claimed that, “We’ve done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no further third debate.” Vice President Kamala…

Gaza: According to a statement from the UN, Israeli strike on Gaza school has killed six UNRWA staff members. The al-Jaouni school in Nuseirat refugee camp was being used as protection for thousands of displaced Palestinians. As per the report of Gaza’s Civil Defence agency, 18 people were killed in total during the strike, including women and children, while 18 others were wounded. Israel’s military said the airstrike targeted a Hamas command centre operating from the school and highlighted that precautions were taken to reduce harm to civilians. In contrast, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, calling it a…

California: The Bridge Fire, the largest wildfire ranging in California, continues to create havoc across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. According to Cal Fire’s latest update, the fire had consumed 50,258 acres, with no containment in sight. Over 2,500 structures remain under pressure, while the fire’s cause is still under examination. Authorities reported the blaze exhibited extreme fire behaviour spreading by an additional 13,000 acres on the north and east fronts. In the Wrightwood area, at least 13 structures were shattered, with further damage to power infrastructure. Both Mountain High West and East Ski Resorts were impacted, and 20…

United States: The firing debate between US Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, which saw betting markets lean in praise of Harris, have caused investors to quickly adjust their market master plans. The political clash, which offered little new spotlight on economic policies but shaped public perceptions, triggered remarkable market movements. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group plunged 13 percent, reflecting growing uncertainty about Trump’s 2024 election chances. Other Trump-linked assets, including Bitcoin and cryptocurrency stocks, also declined. Meanwhile, solar stocks, perceived to benefit from a Harris success, saw significant gains, with the Invesco Solar ETF…

Iraq: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Iraq for his first official state visit, marking a significant moment in his presidency as he points to strengthening bilateral relations with a key neighbour amid escalating Western sanctions. Elected in July, Pezeshkian is regarded as a modest figure within Iran’s political landscape. Upon their arrival in Baghdad, President Pezeshkian was received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani. The visit plans to sign a series of agreements in account of discussions surrounding the ongoing Gaza conflict, Iran’s growing involvement with regional armed groups, and the broader political landscape in the Middle…

Australia: The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has announced Rachael Gunn the World No. 1 ranking female breakdancer. Despite a polarizing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics that earned her a score of zero, Raygun achieved this milestone. In response to the backlash, the WDSF issued a statement defending its ranking methodology, objecting to addressing issues of how athletes are evaluated. The sport’s governing body clarified that the rankings are based on athletes’ top four performances over the past 12 months, with Olympic events and qualifiers excluded from consideration. Gunn, 37, has defended her position as Australia’s top B-girl, despite her…

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The highly forecast debate has held between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, and saw the candidates engage in a 90-minute exchange, involved with personal attacks and pinpointed critiques. Here are five major takeaways: Tirade on Immigration Trump finds it difficult to stay in talks and continuously returns to immigration throughout the discussion, Trump’s responses were mixed up, jumping from one concern to another. He continuously returned back to immigration, despite the moderators’ focus on other subjects. At one instance, he falsely affirmed that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating pets, a comment dismissed by…

Dublin, Ireland:  The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ordered tech giant Apple to pay €13bn ($14bn/£11bn) in unpaid taxes to the Irish government. The ruling comes after years of legal disputes between the European Commission, Ireland, and Apple, surrounding allegations that the country initiated illegal tax merits to the company. The European Commission first accused Ireland of offering Apple unfair tax deals eight years ago, a move that has now been confirmed by the ECJ.  According to the court, Ireland granted Apple unlawful state aid, requiring the country to recover the unpaid taxes. Despite years of legal issues, including…

Khan Younis, Gaza: Hamas-run Civil Defence authority has claimed that 40 people were killed and over 60 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza. Al-Mawasi area,the west area of Khan Younis, where displaced civilians serve as refugees were targeted by Israeli strikes. Local residents and Hamas officials narrated that three airstrikes created deep craters in the sand, burying more than 20 tents housing refugees. The Israeli defense confirmed an air operation in the targeted area, stating that the area was a Hamas operations center embedded within the civilian infrastructure. An IDF spokesperson commented that,…