Author: Trainee Reporter

United States: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla’s self-driving software systems, affecting approximately 2.4 million vehicles across multiple models manufactured between 2016 and 2024. This preliminary evaluation could pave the way for a potential recall if the agency finds significant safety cases related to the “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software. The NHTSA’s investigation follows statements of four crashes involving Tesla’s FSD feature, with conditions of reduced roadway visibility due to fog and sun glare cited in the incidents. Among these cases, one tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, while another led to injuries. The agency’s…

Cuba: Cuba is grappling with a nationwide blackout after its immense power plant, Antonio Guiteras in Matanzas, went offline on 18th October, affecting power to the island’s 10 million locals. The energy ministry ensured the collapse of the national grid at around 11:00 local time (15:00 GMT) and cautioned that the timeline for restoring electricity remains uncertain. The country has had steady months of lengthy blackouts, exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure and fuel shortages. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero declared an “energy emergency”, mentioning the fuel crisis as the main contributor to the ongoing power failures. The government has since shut down…

United States: Netflix is revising its pricing strategy, beginning to raise subscription costs in select countries as subscriber growth begins to slow following its crackdown on password sharing. Netflix has announced that, “it is working to improve our monetisation by refining our plans and pricing” with recent additions already implemented in Japan and parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Starting this week, subscribers in Italy and Spain will also notice price hikes. This development comes as Netflix reported the addition of 5.1 million subscribers in the three months ending September, its smallest growth in over a year. As…

Kenya: Kenyan senators have voted to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office in a dramatic turn of events, despite his absence at the impeachment trial due to reported chest pains. Gachagua, popularly known as “Riggy G,” had been prepared to testify in the Senate but failed to appear after being hospitalised at The Karen Hospital. His lawyer requested a postponement, citing Gachagua’s health condition, but the Senate insisted on the trial. The defence team walked out after the denial to delay proceedings, indicating the Senate’s decision to proceed without further delay. Gachagua’s absence did not prevent the Senate from…

France: Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is looking forward to continuing his football career after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lowered his doping ban from four years to 18 months. The 31-year-old player, who was provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Organisation in September 2023 due to a positive test for DHEA, a prohibited substance, voiced his determination to return to the pitch. Pogba shared his excitement about rejoining Juventus in March 2025. Pogba stated that, “I only have one desire, to play football. The reality is that I am a Juve player, and I am training to play…

United States: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has adopted a new ‘click to cancel’ rule, set to take effect in about six months. This regulation strives to make subscription sign-ups and cancellations equally easy, convincing businesses to streamline cancellation procedures. Retailers, gyms, and other subscription-based services will also be instructed to obtain customer approval before renewing memberships or converting free trials into paid subscriptions. FTC Chair Lina Khan underlined that the rule is planned to prevent companies from creating barriers that make it difficult for clients to withdraw services. Khan stated that, “Too often, businesses make people jump through…

India: At least ten flights in India have been affected by hoax bomb threats over the past 48 hours, causing significant uncertainties and diversions. Singapore’s Air Force dispatched two fighter jets to accompany an Air India Express plane away from populated areas following a bomb threat. This incident came shortly after an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was forced to land at a Canadian airport as a preventive measure. While hoax bomb threats are not uncommon in India, the sudden increase in incidents has increased concerns among officials. In addition to Air India, flights from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and…

Georgia: Georgia has reported an early voting record on the first day of the U.S. elections, stressing strong voter engagement in the key battleground state. As of 4 PM ET on October 15th, more than 251,000 voters had cast their ballots in person, far exceeding the previous record of 133,000 set in 2020. This year’s election features a high-stakes race for the White House, with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris facing off against Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump. Georgia, with its 16 electoral votes, is regarded as one of the critical swing states that could decide the outcome…

Chicago: Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya has set a new women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, clocking in at an astonishing 2:09:56—almost two minutes quicker than the previous record. Chepngetich decisively pulled ahead of her opponents by the halfway point, enjoying vigorous support from the crowd as she claimed her third Chicago Marathon title. The 30-year-old athlete shattered the previous record of 2:11:53, set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in Berlin last year. Following Chepngetich across the finish line was Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who finished in 2:17:32, with Kenyan Irine Cheptai taking third place at 2:17:51. Chepngetich exclaimed after her…

Israel: A drone strike targeting an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) base in northern Israel has killed four soldiers and more than 60 others injured. The attack happened at a military base near Binyamina, about 33 km south of Haifa. According to the IDF, seven soldiers were severely wounded in the strike, which Hezbollah has asserted responsibility for. The Lebanese militant group noted that the attack was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group said it used a “swarm of drones” to target a training camp belonging to the IDF’s Golani Brigade. The…