Author: Web Desk

Accra: Ghana’s parliament has approved a controversial bill that would significantly expand restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and advocacy groups. The legislation criminalises identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer and introduces penalties of up to three years in prison. It also includes provisions requiring citizens to report alleged violations to authorities, a measure critics say could encourage surveillance and discrimination. Supporters of the bill argue it is designed to protect what they describe as Ghana’s traditional family values and cultural norms. Lawmakers backing the legislation say the new measures strengthen existing laws…

Jackson: A Kentucky school district has secured approximately $27 million in settlements from major social media companies after accusing them of contributing to a growing student mental health crisis. The settlement involves several of the world’s largest technology companies, including Meta Platforms, Snap Inc., Alphabet Inc. and ByteDance. Court records show Meta paid the largest amount, contributing $9 million, while Snap and ByteDance each paid $8 million. Alphabet agreed to pay approximately $2 million. The lawsuit was filed by Breathitt County School District in Kentucky, which argued that social media platforms were intentionally designed to keep young users engaged for…

Kinshasa: The head of the World Health Organization has arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the country battles one of its most serious Ebola outbreaks in recent years. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak can still be brought under control despite the growing number of infections and deaths being reported across eastern parts of the country. Tedros landed in Kinshasa before travelling to Ituri Province, the centre of the outbreak, where health authorities and aid organisations are struggling to contain the spread of the virus. Speaking after his arrival, he stressed that international cooperation and…

New Delhi: Delhi is once again grappling with extreme summer temperatures, with parts of the city recording highs of around 45C. While the intense heat has forced many residents indoors, millions of workers continue to spend long hours outdoors as they struggle to earn a living. The heatwave has highlighted the challenges faced by India’s vast informal workforce, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of total employment. Street vendors, construction workers, delivery personnel, drivers and other daily wage earners often have little choice but to remain outside despite dangerous weather conditions. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such extreme temperatures…

Pyongyang: North Korea has announced the successful testing of artificial intelligence-guided missile systems in what state media described as a major advancement in the country’s military technology. According to the Korean Central News Agency, leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launches and expressed satisfaction with the results of the tests. The weapons trials reportedly included multiple systems, including a nuclear-capable cruise missile and battlefield ballistic missiles equipped with specialised warheads. North Korean media claimed the missiles and launch systems had been upgraded to better match the requirements of modern warfare through the use of advanced automated technologies and precision…

Washington: NASA has announced the next major phase of its programme aimed at building a permanent base on the Moon as the United States intensifies its competition with China in the new space race. The space agency revealed plans involving robotic landers, hopping drones and lunar vehicles designed to prepare the Moon’s surface for future human missions. Several private companies, including Blue Origin, have been selected to develop key technologies and spacecraft for the project. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is expected to build a lunar lander called Endurance capable of precise autonomous landings. Other firms including Astrobotic and…

Kinshasa: The number of suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo has surged past 900 as authorities struggle to contain the outbreak in conflict-affected eastern provinces. Congolese officials said the outbreak remains concentrated mainly in Ituri Province, where healthcare systems are already under severe strain because of ongoing violence and displacement. Authorities reported 904 suspected cases, a sharp increase from earlier figures released by health officials. Confusion also emerged over the reported death toll after government figures appeared inconsistent, with separate regional data suggesting a significantly higher number of suspected deaths than officially announced. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain…

Singapore: Global energy markets reacted positively on May 25 after hopes increased that a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran could ease tensions in the Gulf region. Oil prices recorded sharp declines following comments from Donald Trump suggesting that a deal with Tehran had been “largely negotiated”. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell by more than five percent during Asian trading, while US crude prices also dropped significantly. The decline came as investors anticipated a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Around one-fifth of the world’s…

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated”, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough after months of conflict and instability in the Gulf region. Trump said the proposed agreement would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The US president did not reveal specific details of the deal but said final aspects were still being discussed and an official announcement would be made soon. The Strait of Hormuz has faced severe disruption since military tensions escalated earlier this year following US and Israeli…

Oslo: Barcelona secured their fourth Women’s Champions League title after defeating Lyon 4-0 in a dominant final performance in Oslo. After a tightly contested first half, the Spanish side took full control of the match after the break with clinical finishing and attacking intensity. Lyon started strongly and even had an early goal ruled out following a VAR review for offside. The French club controlled much of the possession during the opening stages and repeatedly tested Barcelona’s defence. However, Barcelona gradually grew into the match and found the breakthrough in the 55th minute through Polish striker Ewa Pajor. Pajor finished…