Author: Web Desk

London: A groundbreaking blood test developed through the world’s largest study of bloodstream compounds has created new possibilities for identifying diseases more than a decade before symptoms appear. Researchers have said that the findings have supported the development of simple pinprick tests that capture key metabolic changes linked to early disease processes. The research has followed extensive work by the UK Biobank, which has measured nearly 250 proteins, sugars, fats and other metabolites from blood samples collected from 500,000 volunteers. These detailed molecular profiles offer insight into each participant’s physiology, and when paired with medical histories and mortality data, they…

Kyiv: A high-level delegation from the United States has reached Ukraine to begin a series of discussions aimed at assessing the situation on the ground and exploring pathways to end the war with Russia. The US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is leading the team, and the group has been expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv following his return from Turkey. Reports have surfaced indicating that the United States and Russia may have prepared a new peace plan proposing major concessions from Ukraine, although neither Washington nor Moscow has confirmed such proposals. Earlier on November 19, officials in Ternopil…

Tokyo: A major fire has devastated more than 170 buildings in the Saganoseki district of Oita city, causing widespread destruction in one of Japan’s largest urban blazes in almost fifty years. The incident has also led to the death of one individual, while another resident has been hospitalised with mild burns. Authorities have said that the fire has started on November 18 evening and has rapidly spread through the coastal district overlooking a well-known fishing harbour. Strong winds have carried the flames across residential areas, nearby forested slopes, and even to an uninhabited island located more than one kilometre offshore.…

London: Roblox has implemented extensive new age-based controls as part of a global effort to strengthen protections for younger users. The platform, which attracts more than 80 million daily players with about 40 percent under the age of 13, has faced increasing scrutiny over exposure to inappropriate content and contact with adults. Mandatory age checks for Roblox chat features have been introduced, beginning in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands in December, followed by a wider rollout in January. The update has aimed to reduce interactions between children and unrelated adults, responding to investigations and lawsuits in several US states…

Beijing: Chinese travellers have cancelled an estimated 500,000 flights to Japan amid escalating tensions linked to Japan’s position on Taiwan and the subsequent diplomatic reaction from Beijing. Airlines, travel agencies, film distributors and cultural bodies have all been drawn into the fallout as disruptions expand across multiple sectors. Several Chinese airlines, including the three largest state carriers, have offered free cancellations for all Japan-bound passengers. Air travel analyst Hanming Li said departure data has indicated that about 500,000 bookings have been withdrawn between November 15 and 17. Reports have added that Sichuan Airlines has halted all Chengdu–Sapporo flights from January…

Hollywood: Tom Cruise has received the first-ever Oscar, marking a major milestone in a decades-long film career. The 63-year-old actor was honoured with an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in Hollywood, alongside singer-philanthropist Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas. Tom Cruise stated that making films “is not what I do, it is who I am,” highlighting a lifelong passion for cinema in an acceptance speech that celebrated both the art and the people behind it. The speech paid tribute to filmmakers, cast, and crew across a 45-year career, emphasising the unifying power of movies to…

Washington: Donald Trump has urged the immediate release of all files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, stating that full transparency is necessary as the House prepares to vote on whether to make the documents public. The renewed push has drawn national attention, with lawmakers reporting increased interest from the public regarding long-standing questions about the case. The House is expected to review a proposal that would compel federal agencies to publish all non-classified materials related to Epstein, including investigative records and communications involving government departments. Supporters of the release argue that public access to these files could help restore…

Washington: US flights have been placed back on track for normal operations after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the end of limits introduced during the prolonged government shutdown. The aviation authority has stated that airlines can resume regular schedules from 6am Eastern Time on November 17, signalling a return to stability across major airports. The FAA has introduced the earlier restrictions at 40 key airports to maintain safety as staffing shortages emerged during the shutdown. Reports of fatigue among air traffic controllers and a rise in absences had prompted the authority to order cuts in flight numbers. These measures…

London: Conor Benn has returned to the ring with a decisive and controlled performance that has strengthened momentum for one of British boxing’s most anticipated matchups. The win has positioned the welterweight contender more firmly on the path toward a potential blockbuster rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. The bout displayed improved discipline, sharper footwork and greater tactical patience from Conor Benn, signaling renewed confidence after a lengthy period of controversy and setbacks. Trainers and analysts noted a more balanced approach, with calculated pressure instead of the aggressive rushes seen in earlier stages of Benn’s career. Immediate reactions from the boxing…

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia has become the latest East African country to confirm cases of the Marburg virus, with nine infections detected in the Omo region, an area that shares a border with South Sudan. The World Health Organization has stated that the strain identified in Ethiopia matches strains previously detected in other East African nations, prompting an urgent response to limit further spread. A technical mission from the World Health Organization has already been deployed to Ethiopia to strengthen surveillance and guide local authorities on outbreak control measures. Health teams have been tracing contacts, assessing affected communities and expanding awareness…