Author: Web Desk

London: The Last Dinner Party has released From The Pyre, a powerful and immersive second album that continues the momentum of the band’s acclaimed debut, Prelude To Ecstasy. The record unfolds as a continuous cycle of sound, with the closing note of the final track blending seamlessly into the opening bars of the first. Guitarist Emily Roberts has noted that the connection between the songs was not intentional but reflects the band’s cohesive creative energy. Vocalist Abigail Morris has described the new record as an expression of artistic growth, highlighting the group’s determination to push boundaries in both musicianship and…

Sydney: Ariarne Titmus has announced retirement from swimming, family and career sources have confirmed. The four-time Australian Olympic gold medallist made the decision while reflecting on personal priorities following the Paris 2024 Olympics, stating that the timing feels right to step away from competitive sport. Ariarne Titmus paused after the Paris Games and identified aspects of life beyond swimming that have become more important, signalling a shift in focus away from athletic commitments. The Australian record-holder in the 200m freestyle concludes a career featuring 32 international medals, including eight Olympic honours. As a two-time Olympic champion in the 400m freestyle,…

Nairobi: Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India. Indian police have said that Odinga was walking with family members and a personal doctor when the veteran politician suddenly collapsed and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff declared death on arrival. In recent weeks, speculation about Odinga’s health has circulated, though close associates and relatives have dismissed claims suggesting a critical condition. Condolences have poured in from across the African continent, including from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other regional leaders. A defining figure in Kenya’s…

Washington: Trump Gaza ceasefire has played a decisive role in ending immediate hostilities and securing a hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. Donald Trump’s quick visits to Israel and Egypt have resulted in an agreement that brought temporary relief, though the deal is not a comprehensive peace settlement. The ceasefire and hostage exchange were facilitated by Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, but Trump’s insistence that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept previously rejected terms was crucial in finalising the deal. The next stage of Trump’s proposed 20-point plan involves filling gaps in the framework, including demilitarising and securing the Gaza Strip…

London: Cyber-attacks have risen by 50 percent in the United Kingdom over the past year, according to figures released by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The agency has revealed that a new nationally significant attack is now being handled more than every other day, marking the highest level of cyber threat activity in nine years. The NCSC, which operates under GCHQ, has stated that the surge is being driven mainly by ransomware attacks and the growing dependence on digital technology, which has expanded the number of vulnerable targets. Security officials and ministers have described the situation as a ‘call…

Seoul: The Trump Xi meeting in South Korea is still expected to take place in late October, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has confirmed, as both governments work to reduce tensions after fresh tariff threats and new export restrictions. The meeting is set to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit hosted by South Korea. Fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies had escalated last week after China expanded its export controls on rare earths. In response, Trump threatened to impose triple-digit tariffs on Chinese goods, triggering market volatility and heightening diplomatic strain. China’s Commerce…

Tokyo: The latest data from Japan’s health ministry has shown that births in Japan to foreign parents have reached an all-time high, marking a significant demographic shift. More than 22,000 children were born to non-Japanese couples in 2024, accounting for over 3 percent of all newborns. This contrasts with the continued decline in births among Japanese citizens, which fell to 686,173 last year. The data revealed that 22,878 foreign children, defined as those born to non-Japanese parents or an unmarried foreign mother, were registered last year, an increase of more than 3,000 from the previous year and nearly 50 percent…

Sydney: Google has stated that the Australian law on teen social media will be extremely difficult to enforce, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the government’s initiative to restrict under-16s from using platforms. Australia is set to become the first country to block social media access for people under 16 starting in December. Platforms will not be required to conduct direct age verification. Instead, companies are expected to rely on artificial intelligence and behavioural data to infer the age of users. During a parliamentary hearing on online safety rules, YouTube’s senior manager of government affairs in Australia, Rachel Lord, said…

Los Angeles: Diane Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most iconic and beloved actors, has died in California. The Oscar-winning star of Annie Hall and The Godfather is remembered by colleagues and fans around the world for originality, humour, and lasting impact on cinema. The news of Diane Keaton’s death has been confirmed by People magazine. According to a family spokesperson, the family has requested privacy during this time. The passing has come as a shock to the film industry and admirers, as there had been no public reports of illness or health issues in recent months. A source close to the…

Seoul: China has said it is ready to deepen its relationship with North Korea to enhance strategic cooperation in international and regional affairs, according to a report by North Korean state media KCNA. Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remark in a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in response to a message from Kim marking the anniversary of the foundation of China’s Communist Party. Xi stated that China and North Korea are ‘good neighbors and good friends,’ sharing mutual support and a common destiny. The letter said that the friendship between the two nations has continued to…