Author: Web Desk

Manila : Philippines quake has resulted in 69 deaths and over 150 injuries after a 6.9-magnitude tremor struck the central region late September 30 night. The epicentre was located off the coast near Bogo city in northern Cebu province, which lies within a densely populated area. Hospitals in Bogo have been overwhelmed following the Philippines quake, with officials reporting that emergency services are stretched as the government coordinates relief and rescue operations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has assured affected residents of swift assistance, with cabinet secretaries actively directing support on the ground. San Remigio, another town severely affected by the…

Sydney: Australia sunscreen scandal has grown after regulators have warned about multiple sunscreen products that may not provide the protection levels advertised. A total of 18 items have been pulled from retail shelves in the country, which has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally. The issue surfaced after analysis by a consumer advocacy group in June found that several premium sunscreens did not match their stated protection. One high-profile product, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen, was marketed with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 50+ but testing revealed an SPF of only 4, leading to a voluntary recall…

Washington: YouTube settlement with Trump has concluded a high-profile lawsuit over the suspension of his channel in 2021, marking another multimillion-dollar payout from a major technology company. The platform, owned by Google, has paid $24.5 million (£20.3 million) to settle the case, which was dismissed following the agreement. Trump had alleged that YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai had exercised excessive power over public discourse by removing his channel, while YouTube maintained that the suspension was based on policy violations against incitement of violence. The settlement follows other agreements reached this year between Trump and social media firms. Meta, the…

Washington: Trump and Netanyahu have agreed on a Gaza peace plan aimed at ending hostilities and laying foundations for long-term stability. The plan calls for an immediate cessation of military operations, with Hamas releasing 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of over two dozen deceased hostages within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of detained Gazans. The proposal demands that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza, while leaving the door open for an eventual Palestinian state. It includes a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces and the destruction of Hamas tunnels and weapons production facilities. Full…

Parafita: Spain has experienced unprecedented wildfires in recent summers, with Galicia emerging as the epicentre of destruction. Hotter, drier conditions have fuelled the spread of blazes, prompting experts and residents to stress the urgent need for improved forest management in Spain. During the peak of a record heatwave in August, wildfires swept through southern Galicia, killing four people, threatening towns and cities, and burning 330,000 hectares of land ,an area twice the size of London. The devastation has highlighted the vulnerability of Spain’s vast forest cover, which extends across 18.6 million hectares, the third-largest in Europe after Sweden and Finland.…

Liverpool: Britain has considered introducing stricter rules for migrants seeking permanent residency by requiring applicants to demonstrate their contribution to society. The proposed changes have been outlined by Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood, who will address the Labour Party conference on September 29. At present, most migrants are eligible to apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain’ after five years of residency, granting them the right to settle permanently in the country. However, the government has considered adjustments to the residency rules. According to extracts of Mahmood’s speech, the new approach could require applicants to provide evidence of paying social security contributions,…

Washington: Congressional Democrats have released new files from the Jeffrey Epstein Estate that include the names of Elon Musk and Prince Andrew. The documents appear to show that Musk was invited to Epstein’s island in December 2014. Records also show Prince Andrew listed as a passenger on a flight from New Jersey to Florida in May 2000. The files, part of the third batch of documents produced by Epstein’s estate, contain phone message logs, flight manifests, financial ledgers, and daily schedules. Additional prominent figures named include internet entrepreneur Peter Thiel and former US President Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon. One…

Washington: Donald Trump has called on Microsoft to terminate Lisa Monaco, who serves as the company’s global affairs president, citing concerns about US national security. Monaco, who worked in the administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, began the role at Microsoft in July to oversee the firm’s global government engagements. Monaco had coordinated the Justice Department’s response to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Security clearances were revoked in February, and Trump stated that the US government has also banned Monaco from federal properties due to ‘Monaco’s many wrongful acts.’ The demand comes one day…

London: A potential Starmer leadership challenge has been played down after speculation emerged from within the Labour Party. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that maintaining economic stability remains the government’s top priority, despite suggestions from Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham that encouragement has been given to contest the leadership. Burnham has argued that Starmer lacks a comprehensive plan to address Britain’s current difficulties. The mayor has set out an alternative agenda centred on higher taxes for the wealthy and significant nationalisations, stressing that Britain should not be reliant on bond markets. The vision outlined presents a more left-leaning alternative…

London: The introduction of a compulsory digital ID has been confirmed as part of Britain’s efforts to deter illegal immigration. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the move will make it more difficult to work unlawfully in the country while enhancing border security. Polling has shown that immigration remains a top concern for voters, increasing pressure on the government to prevent migrants from entering Britain illegally, particularly via small boat crossings from France. Critics of the plan, however, argue that it may fail to deter illegal employment and could infringe on civil liberties. The compulsory digital ID is intended…