Author: Web Desk

Texas: SpaceX has launched the latest version of its Starship rocket in a major test flight that marked another milestone for the company’s ambitious space exploration programme. The uncrewed Starship V3 lifted off from Texas after an earlier launch attempt was delayed due to a technical issue involving the launch tower. Standing around 124 metres tall, Starship V3 is currently the largest and most powerful rocket system ever built. The mission successfully reached space and deployed 20 dummy satellites before beginning its planned return journey toward Earth. After re-entry, the rocket splashed down in the Indian Ocean, where it exploded…

Geneva: The World Health Organization has raised the Ebola outbreak risk level in DR Congo from ‘high’ to ‘very high’ as infections and suspected deaths continue to rise across the country’s eastern regions. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the situation remains especially concerning at the national level, while the wider regional risk across Africa is considered high. The current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. According to WHO figures, the outbreak has been linked to around 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths so far. Health officials confirmed that…

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said the United States will send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, days after the Pentagon unexpectedly cancelled a previously planned troop deployment to the country. Trump announced the decision on social media, describing the move as a reflection of the close relationship between Washington and Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The US president did not clarify whether the new deployment replaces the cancelled plan involving 4,000 troops or forms part of a separate military operation. The announcement comes as the White House continues reviewing America’s military presence across Europe under Trump’s “America First” foreign…

Washington: US authorities have announced stricter entry rules for travelers arriving from Ebola-affected regions in Central Africa amid growing concern over the worsening outbreak. The new measures require Americans and lawful permanent residents who have recently been in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan to enter the United States only through Washington Dulles International Airport. The policy was introduced as health officials attempt to prevent the spread of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has already been linked to rising deaths and hundreds of suspected infections. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Customs and Border…

Kinshasa: The UK government has pledged up to £20m in support to help contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda. The funding will be used to support frontline healthcare workers, strengthen infection prevention systems and improve monitoring efforts as authorities attempt to control the spread of the virus. The announcement comes as Congolese health officials reported nearly 600 suspected Ebola cases and 139 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak. Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said the international community must act quickly to prevent further loss of life and reduce the risk of wider regional…

Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) says it could take up to nine months before a vaccine becomes available for the current outbreak of Ebola affecting parts of Central Africa. WHO officials said researchers are currently developing two possible vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, but neither candidate has yet completed clinical trials. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of infections and deaths linked to the outbreak is expected to rise further as health authorities continue identifying new cases. According to the organisation, there have been around 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths connected to the…

Singapore: Singapore’s government has called on financial institutions to use artificial intelligence to create stronger career opportunities and improve productivity instead of relying solely on automation to reduce staffing costs. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the country must continue embracing AI technology to remain globally competitive while ensuring workers are prepared for changing job demands. Speaking at the DBS Leaders Dialogue event in Singapore, Gan said slowing down AI adoption would ultimately damage both economic growth and employment opportunities in the long term. His remarks came shortly after Standard Chartered announced plans to cut more than 7,000 jobs…

Bangkok: Thailand has approved plans to shorten visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, as authorities tighten immigration and security regulations. The move reverses a policy introduced in 2024 that allowed visitors from dozens of countries to stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days in an effort to boost tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the new system, many travellers will now need to apply for a visa if they wish to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days. Thai officials said the revised policy was necessary due to…

Washington: Global oil prices rose sharply on May 18 after Donald Trump issued fresh warnings to Iran amid stalled negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed more than 1.7% during Asian trading, while US crude prices also recorded strong gains as investors reacted to the renewed geopolitical uncertainty. The latest rise in prices comes as tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors. Iran has effectively restricted shipping through the waterway following US and Israeli military actions that began earlier this…

Abu Dhabi: Authorities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia reported separate drone-related incidents on May 17 as regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict continued despite a ceasefire remaining formally in place. In the UAE, officials confirmed that a drone strike caused a fire at an external electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the fire and secure the surrounding area. Officials stated that no injuries were reported and that there was no impact on radiological safety levels at the nuclear…