Author: Trainee Reporter

Vatican: The Vatican has issued an official decree confirming that the Virgin Mary cannot be referred to as ‘co-redeemer’ or ‘co-redemptrix,’ stating clearly that Jesus Christ alone redeemed humanity through his death on the cross. Approved by Pope Leo, the decree from the Vatican’s doctrinal office comes in response to increasing claims of exaggerated Marian devotion often amplified through social media, ranging from alleged apparitions and weeping statues to self-styled prophets. Jesus alone redeems The document emphasises that while Mary holds an unparalleled place in the Christian faith as the mother of Jesus and played a pivotal role in God’s…

London: Several LED face mask adverts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for making unapproved claims that the devices can treat medical skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. The surge in popularity of at-home beauty devices, fuelled by social media influencers and online reviews, has prompted increasing scrutiny from regulators. While LED therapy is believed to stimulate skin cells and improve appearance, only devices registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are legally allowed to make medical claims. Unproven claims and regulatory action The ASA used artificial intelligence to detect adverts that might…

Visayas: Typhoon Kalmaegi has battered central parts of the Philippines, causing severe flooding, landslides and widespread displacement. At least two people have been confirmed dead, according to the national disaster agency and local media. The storm made landfall just before midnight, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds across the Visayas, southern Luzon and northern Mindanao. Kalmaegi was moving westward over the islands of Cebu, Negros and Panay with sustained winds of 150km/h (93mph) and gusts reaching up to 185km/h. Streets turned into rivers in several areas of Cebu province, where videos posted on social media showed cars floating and residents…

China: Starbucks has announced it will sell a 60 percent stake in its China operations to investment firm Boyu Capital in a deal worth $4 billion (£3.04 billion). The coffee giant will retain a 40 percent share in the business and continue to own the Starbucks brand in China. The agreement values Starbucks’ retail operations in the country at $13 billion and is expected to be completed next year. China is Starbucks’ second-largest market after the United States. The company first entered the country in 1999 and now operates around 8,000 stores. Despite its strong presence, Starbucks has struggled in…

Mazar-e-Sharif: At least 20 people have been confirmed dead and more than 320 injured after a powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, local authorities have confirmed. Officials fear the death toll is likely to rise as rescue operations continue. The 6.3-magnitude quake, recorded at around 01:00 local time (20:30 GMT), struck near Mazar-e-Sharif—one of Afghanistan’s largest cities with a population of over 500,000. According to the US Geological Survey, the tremor originated at a depth of 28 km and was issued an orange alert, indicating a high likelihood of significant casualties. Impact on Mazar-e-Sharif and surrounding areas Sharafat Zaman Amar, spokesperson…

Navi Mumbai: India has scripted history in Navi Mumbai as they clinched their maiden Women’s World Cup title with a dominant 52-run victory over South Africa in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium. In front of a passionate, sold-out crowd of 45,000, the match began two hours late due to rain, but the atmosphere remained electric as the full 50 overs per side unfolded in an unforgettable contest. Batting first, India set a formidable total of 298/7. Opener Shafali Verma delivered a brilliant 87 off 78 balls, while Deepti Sharma anchored the innings with a composed 58. Their…

Kfarsir: An Israeli air strike has killed at least four people in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s Ministry of Public Health, further straining an already fragile truce with Hezbollah that has held for nearly a year. The attack took place in the town of Kfarsir in the Nabatieh district. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that three others were wounded when a guided missile struck a vehicle at approximately 2:15pm local time (16:15 GMT), state-run Lebanon News Agency reported. Rising strain on ceasefire deal The strike came a day after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of escalating military operations…

Sonora: An explosion at a Waldo’s supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora, has left at least 23 people dead, including children, and injured at least 11 others, according to local authorities. The incident occurred as families across Mexico were marking the Day of the Dead. The front of the supermarket was left charred by fire, windows blown out, and nearby businesses shut their doors to prevent the flames from spreading. Este es un día triste para Sonora, especialmente para las familias que perdieron a un ser querido en el centro de Hermosillo. Me sumo con respeto…

Australia: A breakthrough from Australian researchers could transform how homes handle extreme heat. Scientists at the University of Sydney have developed innovative roof coatings that can cool surfaces by up to 6°C below the surrounding air temperature while harvesting water from the atmosphere, a dual benefit that could reduce indoor heat and provide an alternative water source. The study describes a porous, paintable film that reflects 96 percent of incoming solar radiation and emits heat efficiently into outer space, a process known as passive radiative cooling. When tested for six months on the Sydney Nanoscience Hub’s roof, the coating paired…

Kuala Lumpur: India and the United States have signed a landmark 10-year framework agreement to expand defence cooperation, setting the stage for deeper strategic alignment and military collaboration between the two nations. The pact was announced following a meeting between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement seeks to improve coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation while promoting regional stability and deterrence. According to officials, the framework will serve as a guiding document for the entire spectrum of India-US defence ties, including policy coordination, joint exercises, and defence technology transfers. Rajnath…