RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—In a landmark moment for Gulf cooperation, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have finalized an agreement to construct a high-speed rail network linking their respective capitals, Riyadh and Doha. This unprecedented deal is hailed as a major outcome of the improved relations between the two powerful Gulf nations in recent years. The agreement was reached during a meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The project is set to revolutionize travel between the two cities, ushering in a new era of regional commerce, tourism, and…
Author: Web Desk
WASHINGTON, USA—The administration of US President Donald Trump has made a delicate decision, granting conditional permission to the American technology firm Nvidia to export its advanced, though less powerful, H200 Artificial Intelligence (AI) processors to China. The move is seen as a “middle ground” in the ongoing struggle to balance the preservation of American technological superiority with commercial interests. According to international news agencies, the authorization stipulates that the US government will levy a 25 percent fee on the sale of every chip exported. This decision follows an internal debate among US policymakers over whether to sell chips to capitalize…
LONDON, UK—The Metropolitan Police (Met Police) in London has launched a major crackdown against individuals involved in phone snatching and street robberies using high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters. The action is a direct response to the escalating use of these vehicles in crime, posing a significant threat to public safety in urban centers. According to figures released by the Met Police, over 2,500 e-bikes and e-scooters that were being used in criminal activities were seized last year. The severity of the crime wave is highlighted by the statistics: London reported 80,500 incidents of phone snatching in 2024 alone, a sharp increase…
JAKARTA, Indonesia—A horrific fire incident has struck the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, claiming the lives of at least 22 people and leaving several others injured after a blaze ripped through a seven-story building. The tragedy underscores persistent concerns over fire safety regulations and building infrastructure in the densely populated metropolis. According to Jakarta police, 22 fatalities have been confirmed following the containment of the fire. The building was reportedly used by an agricultural drone service company, which leads authorities to suspect a large presence of flammable materials and batteries on the premises. Initial police reports suggest that the fire was potentially…
CANBERRA, Australia—In a landmark move to safeguard children from the potential psychological and social harms of digital platforms, Australia has become the first country in the world to officially ban the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Media reports confirm that the new legislation has taken effect, meaning children under 16 across Australia are now prohibited from accessing popular platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The decision underscores a growing global concern over youth mental health, online safety, and data privacy in the digital age. The government has implemented severe financial penalties for platforms found to…
WASHINGTON, USA—US President Donald Trump has offered a controversial and significant assessment of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, publicly acknowledging that Russia holds the upper hand and that Ukraine has “lost a lot of its territory.” The statement is expected to reignite debate both domestically and among America’s international allies. In an interview with US media, President Trump detailed the intense animosity complicating a resolution to the war. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “hate each other fiercely,” making it incredibly difficult for the two leaders to agree on any peace settlement. President Trump…
LONDON—A Lithuanian man has been handed a rigorous sentence in the UK after being convicted of sexually harassing a female passenger during a long-haul international flight from New York to London. The judicial outcome sends a clear and strict message regarding passenger safety aboard aircraft. The incident occurred on January 8, 2025, during the seven-hour flight from Newark, New Jersey, to London’s Heathrow Airport. The 45-year-old defendant, Paulius Kriela Vicius, was found to have persistently harassed the female passenger, causing her continuous distress. Following her complaint, the victim was moved to another seat for her safety. According to British media…
FLORIDA, USA—A sweeping executive order issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday has ignited fierce controversy and alarm among American Muslims, civil rights organizations, and legal experts across the United States. The contentious order formally designates the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)—the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization—and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. This move comes exactly one month after Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a similar proclamation, which CAIR is already fighting in federal court. Governor DeSantis’s action significantly expands this legal and political battle. Breaking from his usual public announcements, the Governor…
ABU DHABI—The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced exceptionally stringent measures against illegal residency and employment within its borders, escalating its crackdown to safeguard its labor market and address potential threats to national security. The Emirate government has made it clear that harboring, employing, or providing accommodation to individuals residing illegally in the country constitutes a serious offense. Facilitators of such activities face severe penalties, with fines reaching up to 5 million Dirhams (approximately PKR 380 million). Penalties for providing housing or jobs to undocumented residents can include both hefty fines and jail time. Zero Tolerance for Visa and Document…
RAWALPINDI—The scheduled visiting hours at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi concluded today, resulting in the denial of meetings for PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and the sisters of the party’s founder with the incarcerated leadership. This restriction comes amid ongoing political controversy regarding the opposition’s access to their imprisoned leaders. Outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan, the sister of the PTI founder, voiced deep concern over the repeated obstacles placed in their path. She stated that permission to meet has been consistently denied for a considerable period, effectively violating their rights. Critically, Aleema Khan emphasized that her sister (the founder’s wife) had…
