Author: Trainee Reporter

Brazil: Global coffee prices have surged to historic levels, leaving coffee drinkers bracing for potential price hikes in the new year. Arabica beans, which dominate global production, skyrocketed to $3.44 per pound—their highest record price—marking an 80 percent increase this year. Robusta beans also reached new highs in September. The dramatic price surge comes as coffee traders forecast shrinking supplies. Brazil and Vietnam, the world’s top two coffee producers, have suffered intense weather, including severe droughts and heavy rains. Major coffee brands like Nestle, Lavazza, and JDE Peet are considering passing on higher costs to consumers in early 2025. Industry…

New Zealand: New Zealand has announced plans to end greyhound racing, citing an “unacceptably high” rate of wounds despite recent efforts to enhance animal welfare in the industry. The government will phase out the sport over the next 20 months, authorising time for the rehoming of nearly 2,900 racing dogs and helping industry workers transition to new careers. Racing Minister Winston Peters defined the move as necessary to protect racing dogs, stating that, “the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high” despite reforms. Winston Peters emphasised that the decision, while difficult, prioritises animal welfare. The government presented a bill…

United States: Shares in US chocolate maker Hershey have surged by over 10 per cent following reports that Mondelez International, the parent company of UK-based Cadbury, has expressed interest in acquiring the firm. A potential merger could form a snack food powerhouse with annual sales nearing $50 billion (£39.2 billion). Both companies denied commenting on the speculation, which noted that the talks are still in the introductory stages and may not result in a deal. Any agreement would demand the approval of the Hershey Trust Company, which holds voting control over the business and has previously blocked takeover attempts, including…

New York: An alarming new report has revealed that nearly a third of the land area larger than India has shifted from humid to dryland conditions in just the past three decades, particularly impacting agriculture and water resources. Drylands now account for 40 per cent of Earth’s land area, excluding Antarctica, with 75 per cent of the world’s land experiencing worsening aridity since 1990. The changes are likely to be permanent, according to the study by the UN Science Policy Interface, a body of scientists convened by the United Nations. The economic toll of increasing aridity is already being felt.…

Europe: A new report from campaign group Transport and Environment (T&E) has ranked Eurostar as Europe’s worst rail operator, with Germany’s Deutsche Bahn scoring poorly for trustworthiness. The analysis, which evaluated 27 European operators on ticket prices, punctuality, and refund policies, revealed that only 11 companies achieved punctuality rates above 80 per cent. Trains emit less carbon than planes or cars, but many travellers are inhibited by high costs and inconsistent service. Eurostar, which operates routes such as London to Paris and Brussels, was criticised for charging nearly double the European average price per kilometre on comparable routes. Meanwhile, Deutsche…

Ghana: Ghanaians have headed to the polls in a critical Presidential and Parliamentary election dominated by concerns over a debt crisis, high inflation, and rising living costs. Close to 19 million registered voters are choosing a new president as well as members of parliament for 275 constituencies across the country. The presidential race sees Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) facing off against former President John Mahama, attempting a political comeback with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Bawumia’s potential victory would make him Ghana’s first Muslim leader, while Mahama hopes to unseat the ruling party…

Melbourne: Political and religious leaders have strongly condemned the arson strike on the Adass Israel synagogue attack in Melbourne, which left two of its three buildings gutted after alleged intruders broke in and set it on fire. Two congregants inside the synagogue at the time were evacuated, with one supporting minor injuries. The attack has flashed an international war of words, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the Australian government of contributing to growing antisemitism by supporting a recent UN resolution urging Israel to end its occupation of Gaza and other Palestinian territories. Netanyahu wrote on social media, stating…

United Kingdom: Scientists at the University of Cambridge and the Early Cancer Institute have developed a groundbreaking urine test that may detect the first signs of lung cancer, proposing new hope for early diagnosis. The innovative test works by identifying “zombie” cell proteins—specific markers released by damaged cells in lung tissue that stimulate cancer development. These cells, also known as senescent cells, stay alive but lose their ability to grow and divide, causing damage to their surroundings and paving the way for cancer. The test affects injecting a sensor that interacts with these zombie cell proteins, releasing a blend detectable…

United States: President Joe Biden is considering issuing pre-emptive pardons to notable critics of President-elect Donald Trump, as concerns grow over potential revenge from Trump’s incoming administration. Biden has discussed the prospect with senior White House aides, though no specific names have been formally suggested. The move would aim to shield individuals who opposed Trump during his previous term, including figures involved in the impeachment efforts and the investigation of the 2021 Capitol riots. US media reports suggest potential recipients include Dr. Anthony Fauci, who criticised Trump’s COVID-19 response, and California Senator-elect Adam Schiff, who led the first impeachment case.…

Colombia: Colombia’s Finance Minister, Ricardo Bonilla has stepped down following allegations of corruption linked to the country’s disaster relief agency. In a major shake-up within President Gustavo Petro’s administration, Bonilla, who announced his resignation, denied all charges, maintaining his innocence in the face of accusations involving fund diversion and vote-buying within Congress. Bonilla stated that, “I leave with my head held high,” adding that his legal defence rests on truth and transparency. Despite accepting his resignation, President Petro defended Bonilla, calling him a determined economist and criticising what he described as the pervasive corruption in Colombian politics. Bonilla’s resignation follows…