Author: Trainee Reporter

United States: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that 483 cases of measles have been reported across 20 US jurisdictions so far this year, with Texas experiencing the largest outbreak. Nationwide, 70 individuals have required hospitalisation due to the highly contagious virus. This marks a significant increase compared to the 285 cases recorded for the entire year of 2024. The CDC stated that 97 percent of those infected this year were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, with 75 percent of cases affecting individuals under the age of 19. Texas remains the hardest-hit state,…

Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that a new US proposal regarding access to Ukraine’s critical minerals greatly differs from an earlier draft presented by Washington. At a press briefing, Zelenskyy stated that the revised proposal, formally submitted to his office, will be carefully reviewed and compared with prior versions discussed between Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and US officials. Zelenskyy stated that, “The framework has been changed. Let us study this framework, and then we can talk.” The Ukrainian leader also clarified that Kyiv does not recognise previously approved US military aid as loans that require repayment. He…

India: Indian conglomerate Adani has resumed full power supply to Bangladesh, four months after halving the feed due to unpaid dues. The restoration follows assurances from Bangladesh that outstanding payments would be addressed. Adani Power supplies 1,600 MW of electricity from its coal-powered plant in Jharkhand under a 25-year agreement signed in 2017. The company had reduced supply on October 31 after Bangladesh, struggling with an economic crisis, failed to clear overdue payments. Rezaul Karim, chairman of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), confirmed that payments to Adani are now being made regularly. Reports indicate that outstanding dues, which had…

London: King Charles III was briefly hospitalised after experiencing temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The 76-year-old monarch was discharged the same day and returned to Clarence House, where he continued working on state affairs. However, on medical advice, he has cancelled his planned engagements in Birmingham. The King had been scheduled for a busy day in the city, attending four events. A palace spokesperson expressed his disappointment over the cancellation, stating that he hopes to reschedule the visit soon and has extended his apologies to those involved in the planning. While the palace…

United States: Donald Trump has indicated he may lower tariffs on China as part of a deal to facilitate the sale of TikTok by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The move highlights the former president’s prioritization of resolving TikTok’s ownership amid ongoing national security concerns. Trump stated that, “With respect to TikTok, and China is going to have to play a role in that, possibly in the form of an approval, maybe, and I think they’ll do that. Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done.” ByteDance faces a 5 April deadline to…

Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of import tariffs, imposing a 25 percent tax on foreign cars and car parts in a move that could escalate global trade disputes. The tariffs are set to take effect on April 2 for imported vehicles, with additional duties on parts expected in May or later. Trump claims the measure will boost domestic car manufacturing and create jobs, saying it will lead to “tremendous growth” in the industry. However, analysts warn that the decision may disrupt supply chains, increase vehicle prices, and strain relationships with key trade partners. The…

South Korea: At least 18 people have died and others have been injured as devastating wildfires continue to sweep through South Korea’s southeast region, authorities confirmed. More than 23,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as the blazes spread rapidly, fueled by strong, dry winds. Acting President Han Duck-soo described the crisis as “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history.” Officials say the majority of those who perished were in their 60s and 70s. Among the destruction is the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong city, which was reduced to ashes despite efforts to rescue cultural…

Saudi Arabia: Russia and Ukraine have agreed to eliminate the use of force in the Black Sea following parallel negotiations with US officials in Saudi Arabia. However, the Kremlin has stated that a maritime ceasefire will only take effect if sanctions on Russian agricultural exports are lifted. The White House is currently reviewing Russia’s conditions, with US President Donald Trump confirming that the Kremlin has proposed several terms, including access to international financial systems and reduced maritime insurance costs. While Moscow claims Washington has agreed to concessions, Trump has stopped short of confirming any sanctions relief. Both nations have also…

Tokyo: A Tokyo court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church, stripping it of its tax-exempt status following allegations of financial exploitation. The decision comes after intensified scrutiny of the religious group in the wake of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination in 2022. Authorities launched an investigation after Abe’s alleged killer claimed he targeted the leader due to his ties with the church, which he blamed for his family’s financial ruin. The probe indicated that the church pressured followers into making large donations and purchasing costly religious items under the guise of spiritual well-being. Japan’s education and culture…

China: Shenzhen-based electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has reported annual revenue for 2024 that surpasses Tesla, solidifying its dominance in the global market. The company’s revenue surged 29 percent to $107 billion (777 billion yuan; £83 billion), outpacing Tesla’s $97.7 billion. BYD’s growth has been fueled by strong sales of its hybrid models, which continue to gain traction with evolving consumer preferences. While both automakers sold a comparable number of fully electric vehicles—BYD at 1.76 million and Tesla at 1.79 million—BYD’s total vehicle sales, including hybrids, reached a record 4.3 million units. In a direct challenge to Tesla’s dominance, BYD…