Author: Trainee Reporter

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…

Sharjah: India and Australia has set to face off in a crucial Group A clash of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, on October 13, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. Defending champions Australia can secure their spot in the semifinals with a win, continuing their hunt for a record-extending seventh title. The match is scheduled for 6 PM local time (14:00 GMT). Australia currently tops the group with six points from three consecutive wins. Their dominant performances, including a nine-wicket victory against Pakistan, have given them a significant net run rate advantage. Even a loss today…

United States: Vice President Kamala Harris has released her medical records, ensuring she is in “excellent health” and fit to perform as president. Following the revelation, Harris indicted her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, of lacking clarity in not releasing his health records, further doubting his fitness for office. In a statement, Harris said that, “He doesn’t desire the American people to notice whether or not he’s fit to become president.” Trump’s team reacted without disclosing his medical history, quoting his doctor, who conveyed the former president as being in “perfect and excellent health.” The exchange arrives after the White House…

Beijing: China has retrieved its first reusable and returnable test satellite, Shijian-19, honouring a significant achievement in its space exploration endeavours. The satellite landed at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia at 10:39 a.m. Beijing Time on 11th October, as confirmed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The CNSA revealed that all returnable freight including advancements in plant and microorganism breeding, autonomous control, new technology validation, and space science experiments were retrieved without incident. Shijian-19 was launched on September 27 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. During its mission, the satellite achieved several technological breakthroughs,…

Aurora, Colorado: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for migrants who kill U.S. citizens or law enforcement officers, at an Aurora rally. The night Aurora rally was observed by Trump’s repeated claims about an “invasion” of immigrants, as he promised mass deportation if elected in 2024. Trump declared that, “November 5, 2024, will be liberation day in America.” Trump framed his likely second term as a fight against what he calls an “occupied America.” He sketched a harsh immigration policy, vowing to “close the border” and conduct the “largest deportation operation in U.S. history.” Trump’s…

Washington: U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have a crucial 30-minute phone call, memorialising their first communication since August. The discussions centred around Israel’s planned counterattack following Iran’s missile strike, heightening concerns of a broader conflict in the region. The White House characterised the conversation as “direct” and “productive,” with Biden and Netanyahu agreeing to maintain “close contact” in the days ahead. Vice President Kamala Harris also experienced the call, underscoring the administration’s attention in Middle Eastern affairs. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant pointed that any retaliatory action against Iran would be “deadly, precise, and above…

Taiwan: Taiwan’s President William Lai has reaffirmed the island’s self-governing status, emphasising his commitment to resisting any attempts at annexation by China. On Taiwan’s National Day speech, Lai stated that, he would support Taiwan’s sovereignty while aspiring to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait. In a thinly veiled reference to China’s territorial claims over Taiwan, Lai stated that, “We will support the commitment to oppose annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty.” Lai emphasised the importance of maintaining “the status quo of peace and stability” between Taiwan and China, while representing a willingness to collaborate with Beijing on pressing global issues…