Author: Trainee Reporter

Pyongyang: A suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile has been fired into the sea off the eastern coast of North Korea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea confirmed that they detected the launch emanating from Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. They said that, “We have stepped up monitoring and are closely sharing relevant information with the US and Japan.” Tokyo affirmed the liftoff of a ballistic missile by North Korea. The coastguard urged ships to be attentive and inform any fallen objects without approaching them. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vilified the launch and stated that North Korea frequently launched ballistic…

Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, has recently declared his intention to take swift action to halt Al Jazeera’s operations in the country. This comes after the Israeli parliament passed a new law that grants senior ministers the power to shut down foreign news networks that are perceived as a security threat. After the legislation was approved, the Prime Minister noted in a post on X, that, “Al Jazeera will no longer be broadcast from Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channel’s activity.” There was a long-standing effort by Netanyahu to…

United States: Liberty Media, the owner of Formula One (F1), has agreed to purchase MotoGP for approximately €4.2 billion ($4.5 billion) from Dorna, the Spain-based owner. According to a statement released by MotoGP, Liberty Media will acquire an ‘approximately 86 percent’ stake in the company. The investment in Formula One and MotoGP by Liberty is anticipated to be finalised by the end of 2024, provided that all the necessary clearances and approvals from competition and foreign acquisition law authorities in different locations are obtained. It’s worth noting that Liberty won’t be the first firm to possess both of these motorsport franchises.…

United Kingdom: The Philippines and the UK have agreed to deepen their cooperation in addressing climate change and biodiversity issues at the fourth ‘UK-Philippines Climate and Environment Dialogue.’ The conference brought together the British Embassy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Several key government agencies were involved in the discussion, which focused on setting priorities for the upcoming year. The conversation highlighted the need for better coordination platforms that can help share experience and technology, streamline priorities, and improve the scalability of environmental initiatives. To support this effort, the UK has pledged to assist the Energy Transition Council,…

China: Xiaomi, a leading Chinese smartphone maker, has said that its first electric vehicle (EV) may take up to six to seven months to deliver. The company notified customers of this delay days after their EV, the SU7 Max’s launch. There were reports on Chinese social media indicating that the company is disclosing to buyers that the SU7 Max could take up to 27 weeks to deliver. The company earlier announced that it received 88,898 pre-orders within 24 hours of beginning to take orders. The third largest seller of smartphones in the world is entering the biggest car market in…

Iran: Human Rights Watch (HRW), a New York-based NGO, has alleged that Iran’s persecution of its Baha’i minority is labelled as a ‘crime against humanity.’ The NGO noted in a statement that Iran’s biggest non-Muslim minority encountered a ‘spectrum of abuses’ since the Islamic rebellion of 1979. HRW suggested that the claim fits within the purview of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The organisation cited that persecution of Baha’is included arbitrary arrests, confiscation of property, and restrictions on schooling and employment possibilities. “The cumulative impact of authorities’ decades-long systematic repression is an intentional and severe deprivation of Baha’is’ fundamental rights and…

Seoul: Yoon Suk-yeol, President of South Korea, has announced that there will be no change in plans to increase medical school admissions. The President blamed the physicians for creating a cartel and emphasised that the proposed addition of 2,000 medical school places is the bare minimum required. In a speech to the nation, Yoon stated that this move was necessary to improve the country’s healthcare system. “The number 2,000 is not a random figure we came up with. We have thoroughly reviewed relevant statistics and research and reviewed present and future medical situations,” Yoon stated. He went on to explain…

United Kingdom: King Charles III has made his first major public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer. He greeted well-wishers and shook hands with people after the Easter Day service in Windsor. Queen Camilla accompanied the King, but the Prince and Princess of Wales did not attend as Catherine is still undergoing cancer treatment. Despite the cancer diagnosis, the King resumed work, but all his meetings so far taken place in private. The 75-year-old King astonished the waiting masses, who hailed him as he welcomed them outside St George’s Chapel after the service. The British King addressed the people and remarked…

Vatican: Pope Francis has once again urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli captives. The Pope’s plea came during his address on Easter Day, the most significant day in the Christian calendar. The Pope conducted a mass in a crowded St. Peter’s Square and later delivered his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (to the city and the world) blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. “I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development that affects how individuals perceive and interact with others. It can lead to difficulties in social interaction and communication. However, each individual’s experience of this condition is unique. Many children with this developmental disability suffer from various learning and language development issues, as well as social communication challenges. They may require intensive therapy to overcome these difficulties and develop important life skills. While some individuals may struggle with severe symptoms and may never learn to speak or make eye contact, others can lead relatively normal lives with less support…